‘Welcome Back, Kotter’: 8 Things You Didn’t Know (Or Have Forgotten)

While only lasting four seasons from 1975-79, ABC’s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter was one of TV’s biggest hits of the decade. Seasons 1 and 2 were the series’ strongest, when John Travolta’s Vinnie Barbarino was still a key part of the storylines surrounding teacher Gabe Kotter (Gabe Kaplan) and his class of remedial students, affectionately nicknamed the “Sweathogs.” Travolta — who not only became a breakout star on this series but also saw his big-screen career skyrocket at the same time, thanks to his roles in Carrie (1976), Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978) — started appearing less during the show’s third and fourth seasons before leaving it entirely. Kaplan also became less of a factor during those seasons due to creative differences, and the ratings were affected accordingly. At its height, during its second season, Welcome Back, Kotter ranked No. 13; by the end, it had plummeted to No. 78.