In an exclusive reveal to Variety, Disney Entertainment Television unveiled a sprawling, nostalgia-packed celebration for The Golden Girls’ 40th anniversary, blending retro charm with modern merchandising. From limited-edition wines to cheesecake-scented candles, the campaign—kicking off on July 30 with “Golden Girls Day”—honors the beloved sitcom’s enduring legacy with a mix of whimsy and reverence.
For the first time, the estate of Andrew Gold has granted permission to use lyrics from his iconic theme song, Thank You for Being a Friend, on officially licensed products. This opens the door for collaborations with brands like Furbish Studio, which will release a commemorative pillow, and Yogurtland, which debuts a cheesecake-flavored yogurt in honor of National Cheesecake Day. “This celebration crosses lifestyle, food, fashion, and entertainment,” said Erin Weir, Disney Entertainment Television’s EVP of marketing, “reminding us all why The Golden Girls continues to resonate four decades later.”
The nostalgia doesn’t stop at edible treats. Brooklyn’s Zero Waste Daniel will transform its flagship store into a Golden Girls-inspired “dreamscape” for a limited-edition capsule collection, while Nocking Point Wines crafts four character-themed bottles—a bold red for Dorothy, a rosé for Rose, a crisp sauvignon blanc for Blanche, and a sassy red blend for Sophia. Later this year, Brickcraft will release a Golden Girls brick-building set, and Candier will roll out cheesecake-scented candles with cheeky quotes like I’ll Get the Cheesecake!
Disney is also leaning into its own platforms for the festivities. Fisher-Price’s Little People Collector line will reenact classic Golden Girls moments in a short-form digital series, debuting on July 30 across social media. ABC News is producing a one-hour anniversary special featuring creator Susan Harris, producer Tony Thomas, and other behind-the-scenes voices, reflecting on how the show redefined portrayals of women over 50.
The celebration builds on recent fan events, including a script reading at the ATX TV Festival and a Golden Girls-themed “Lanai Closet” pop-up at Disney+. With over 1 billion streaming hours on Hulu and Disney+, the show’s appeal remains as strong as ever—proving that, even 40 years later, friendship, cheesecake, and a well-timed zinger never go out of style.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.