The Paley Center Salutes the Best of Will & Grace

"The Paley Center Salutes the Best of Will & Grace" is an extraordinary one-hour television event that aired in 2017 as an exceptional tribute to one of NBC's definitive comedy series, "Will & Grace". With its significant influence on sitcom culture, "Will & Grace" garnered unwavering fans, critical acclaim, and numerous awards during its original eight-season run from 1998-2006. This special program was aired just before the much-anticipated return of the beloved series for its ninth season, with much of the original cast and crew, including director James Burrows and creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.

"The Paley Center Salutes the Best of Will & Grace" is a tantalizing prelude for long-time fans, as well as an excellent introduction for first-time viewers of the sitcom. It offers an exclusive glimpse into the show's legacy and features an insightful selection of unforgettable moments from its original run. It is a significant part of NBC's tradition of celebrating legendary TV series, including others like "Friends" and "The West Wing".

The show's superb cast is well represented by Eric McCormack (Will Truman), Debra Messing (Grace Adler), Megan Mullally (Karen Walker), and Sean Hayes (Jack McFarland), all of whom fondly contribute to this tribute. They contribute their memories, experiences, and reflections, which will certainly resonate with fans across the globe. Their on-screen chemistry, which was such a remarkable part of "Will & Grace", deeply informs this tribute, adding dynamic richness to the special. Legendary director James Burrows, who directed every episode of “Will & Grace,” and creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick also provide their insights, enhancing viewers' appreciation of the show's creative processes and the factors that contributed to its success.

The special insightfully explores how the sitcom came to be, beginning with its inception on a cocktail napkin, the casting process that brought together one of the most loved ensemble cast in television, and the cultural impact it had throughout its original run. It explores why "Will & Grace" is heralded as a groundbreaking sitcom that was one of the first of its kind to feature gay lead characters. Herein lies the real treasure of "The Paley Center Salutes the Best of Will & Grace"; it's not just a well-curated selection of clips or a trip down memory lane; it's a crash course on what made (and continues to make) "Will & Grace" such a touchstone in television history.

The special also offers a few teases of 'Will & Grace's' return, featuring some behind-the-scenes making of the revival season that will whet the audience's appetite and leave them yearning to see their favorite characters back in action.

From inception stories, casting tales, iconic moments to the show's cultural impact, and the road to its return, "The Paley Center Salutes the Best of Will & Grace" encapsulates the zeitgeist of the original run and the fervor of its revival. It dives into the humor, the heart, and the influence of the series, making it an essential watch for die-hard fans, those that love classic sitcoms, and people interested in television history.

"The Paley Center Salutes the Best of Will & Grace" is a celebration of a television miracle – a sitcom that has returned to prime time after an 11-year hiatus. It's also a love letter to a show that has been groundbreaking in many aspects and remained timeless in its humor and charm. An invitation for everyone to appreciate and revisit the magic of "Will & Grace", this special combines nostalgic storytelling, insider glimpses, and a celebration of a genuinely significant moment in television history.

In conclusion, "The Paley Center Salutes the Best of Will & Grace" is more than just a tribute to one of television's best-loved sitcoms; it's a beacon of celebration, appreciation, and anticipation illuminated with laughter, joy, and a whole lot of heart. Don't miss out on the opportunity to delve into this delightful forefront of television history!