Growing Pains was the epitome of a family-friendly sitcom. The series first aired back in 1985 and continued on for seven seasons into 1992. Growing Pains was the launching pad for actors like Kirk Cameron, Joanna Kerns, Tracey Gold, Alan Thicke and even Leonardo DiCaprio! It’s been 25 years since the series ended, so here’s a look back at 10 things you didn’t know about the series!
10. Potential Seaver Romance
When Growing Pains first started and lead actors Joanna Kerns and Alan Thicke were cast as married couple, Maggie and Jason Seaver, they were both divorcing or recently divorced from their significant other. After working closely together they naturally formed a relationship and would often flirt with one another on set. According to Thicke, they both toyed with the idea of dating off-screen, but ultimately decided it would be a disaster for their working relationship if it didn’t work out. “We made the very intelligent decision that the show might last longer than a relationship would,” said Thicke.
(c)Warner Bros. Television/courtesy Everett Collection