Fans nationwide celebrate a significant anniversary of ‘The Golden Girls’

Happy 40th anniversary to “The Golden Girls.”

The cherished comedy featuring Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty premiered on September 14, 1985. Its theme song, “Thank You For Being A Friend,” remains one of the most memorable TV themes to date. Throughout its seven-season journey, the series garnered 11 Emmy Awards and is among only four sitcoms in which each principal actor received at least one Emmy.

The show is thanking the fans for being a friend with lots of specials, merch and experiences to mark this special occasion.

ABC News is set to unveil the behind-the-scenes story of “The Golden Girls” through a one-hour special that will include discussions with series creator Susan Harris, producer Tony Thomas, and numerous original writers and producers. This special will also honor the four leading actresses. The specific title and broadcast date are forthcoming.

At San Diego Comic-Con, an exclusive figurine box set with all four main characters was released to celebrate the show.

Fisher-Price is introducing a brief content series titled “Little People Collector Mini Adventures” utilizing the Fisher-Price Little People Collector The Golden Girls: Late Night Cheesecake set. The episodes are scheduled to premiere on July 30 across the official social media platforms for “The Golden Girls,” as well as those of Mattel and Fisher-Price.

On July 30 (National Cheesecake Day), Yogurtland will introduce a limited-edition cheesecake (the Golden Girls’ favorite dessert) flavored yogurt called “Thank You For Being Cheesecake.” It’ll be available across the country until August 17.

Furbish Studio, known for its needlepoint pillows featuring witty sayings, is launching a limited-edition “Thank You for Being a Friend” pillow. See the company’s site for more information.

Candier is introducing two limited-edition candle scents: “I’ll get the Cheesecake!” and the “Thank You for Being a Friend,” starting Sept. 14.

Brooklyn-based fashion brand Zero Waste Daniel is releasing a limited-edition capsule collection inspired by “The Golden Girls,” celebrating the enduring legacy of Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sophia. It’ll be available online and in their Brooklyn store from July 31 to August 17.

Nocking Point Wines will launch a wine assortment with four distinct bottles of wine: a full-bodied red for strong-willed Dorothy Zbornak, rosé in honor of spacey Rose Nylund, a sauvignon Blanc befitting flirtatious Blanche Devereaux, and a red blend perfect for the wise-cracking Sophia Petrillo. They’ll be available beginning August. 17.

And Brickcraft will debut a limited-edition “The Golden Girls” brick-building set in November.

All episodes of “The Golden Girls” are streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Hulu and this ABC station.