Welcome Back, Kotter

Welcome Back, Kotter is a classic ABC sitcom starring Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, a street-smart jokester who returns to the high school he graduated from to teach a class of misfits and flunkies everyone calls the Sweathogs. When Mr. Kotter attended James Buchanan High, he was a founding member of the Sweathogs, who got their name because of the always-too-warm, top-floor classroom where the remedial classes were held. As a grown man, Mr. Kotter realizes the dangers these underachievers face, and he decides to teach them the way he wishes someone had taught him at that age. The Sweathogs are an unruly bunch. Vinnie Barbarino, played by John Travolta, is the leader of the Sweathogs. He's handsome and headstrong, good with women and quick to fight. Arnold Horshack, played by Ron Palillo, is the resident class clown. Freddie Percy Washington is athletic and musical, a basketball star who doesn't take school seriously. Juan Epstein (Robert Hegyes) is the Sweathogs' tough guy, always ready for a scuffle. Welcome Back, Kotter is a classic tale of underdog champions and the effect a good teacher can have on a gang of young hoodlums. MORE