In 2025 this show celebrated its 40th anniversary, sadly without its 4 main stars, the last of whom passed away in 2021 at age 99
The Final Jeopardy clue for Thursday, September 17, 2026, appeared in the category “TV Anniversaries” and read: “In 2025 this show celebrated its 40th anniversary, sadly without its 4 main stars, the last of whom passed away in 2021 at age 99.” The clue points to one of the most enduring sitcoms of the 1980s, a series built around four older women sharing a home in Miami.
What Is The Golden Girls?
The correct response is The Golden Girls. The NBC sitcom premiered in 1985, which made 2025 its 40th anniversary.
The other major clue is the reference to the four principal stars. Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty and Betty White all died before the anniversary. White was the last surviving member of the central cast and died in 2021 at the age of 99.
The Four Main Stars
Bea Arthur played Dorothy Zbornak, the sharp-witted teacher whose dry humor often grounded the group. Rue McClanahan portrayed Blanche Devereaux, the confident and flirtatious owner of the Miami home where the women lived.
Estelle Getty played Dorothy’s mother, Sophia Petrillo, known for her blunt observations and stories that often began with “Picture it.” Betty White completed the quartet as Rose Nylund, whose cheerful nature and bizarre stories about her hometown of St. Olaf became a defining part of the show.
Betty White as the Last Surviving Star
Betty White was the final surviving member of the main cast. She died on December 31, 2021, only weeks before what would have been her 100th birthday.
Her death closed the chapter on the original quartet. By the time the series reached its 40th anniversary in 2025, none of the four women whose chemistry defined the show were alive to participate in the milestone.
The Show’s Original Run
The Golden Girls debuted on NBC in September 1985 and ran for seven seasons, ending in 1992. The series centered on friendship, aging, family, relationships and independence, subjects that television comedies had not always addressed through older female leads.
The show became a major success during its original run and won numerous awards. Its ensemble format was crucial, with each of the four characters given a distinct personality while still functioning as a believable group of friends.
Why the Series Remained Popular
The show continued to attract new audiences through syndication and streaming long after its original run ended. Its humor and focus on friendship allowed it to remain accessible across generations.
It also became notable for addressing subjects including health, sexuality, grief, discrimination and aging while maintaining the structure of a traditional sitcom. That combination helped give the series a lasting place in American television history.
Why This Final Jeopardy Clue Works
This clue works because the anniversary year provides the first path to the answer. A television show that premiered in 1985 would naturally reach its 40th anniversary in 2025.
The reference to four main stars provides the decisive confirmation. The Golden Girls was defined by Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty and Betty White, and White’s death in 2021 at age 99 makes the clue fit the series exactly.