8 facts about Grace and Frankie you may not know

Netflix’s longest-running series, Grace and Frankie, will be taking its bow on April 29, and fans are dreading the day. The comedy series has had a great run, and I’m pretty sure that fans will be very pleased with how everything comes to a close.

While Grace and Frankie received mixed reviews from critics when it first premiered in May 2015, critics began to change their tune as the seasons went on. No one could deny how funny this original series is. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin’s comedic timing is top-level, and their chemistry is off the charts.

As we quickly approach the release date for the final episodes, we’ve begun to look at some fun facts about the show. Some of these facts you’ll be surprised to learn, and we’re so excited to share them with you!

1. Grace and Frankie has had many well-known guest stars

If you’ve watched the comedy series from the very beginning, you’d know that the guest star list is simply legendary. The show has seen guest appearances from widely known actors such as Lisa Kudrow, Estelle Parsons, Dolly Parton, Rita Moreno, Debbie Allen, George Hamilton, Nicole Richie, Craig T. Nelson, Michael McKean and many others.

2. Grace and Frankie’s intro song could’ve been another iconic song

Even though we absolutely love the current intro song (“Stuck in the Middle with You” by Grace Potter), it could’ve been Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Honestly, either choice would’ve been fine. Both songs fit the comedy series.

3. Grace and Frankie’s Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have known each other for decades

Jane and Lily might play unlikely gal pals in the show, but in real life, they’ve known each other for a very long time. They starred together alongside Dolly Parton in the comedy film 9 to 5, and ever since then, they’ve been close.

4. Grace and Frankie could’ve got together in the show

As reported by Screen Rant, writer Marta Kaufman’s daughter said that she had another idea for the show. She wanted Grace and Frankie to be romantically involved. Obviously, the writers didn’t go with this idea. However, it would’ve totally changed the trajectory of the show.

5. The role of Grace could’ve gone to another actress

After doing a test screening for the show, the audience wasn’t sold on Jane Fonda playing the role of Grace. They thought that the show would be better without her due to her aggressive nature at times. However, the writers had Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin already set to play the roles and weren’t going to recast. This is a fact about the show I personally can not agree with. Who else other than THE Jane Fonda could play Grace? No one.

6. Jane Fonda begin taking acting lessons for Grace and Frankie

Jane Fonda spoke about how she found playing the same role for a long period of time challenging. In order to portray Grace in the best way possible, Fonda began taking acting lessons. I mean, it’s always important to master your craft. No matter how long you’ve been in the business. Kudos to Fonda!

7. Martin Sheen has some similarities with his character from Grace and Frankie

In the comedy series, Martin’s character, Robert, has slowly become an activist from some convincing from his husband, Sol. But in real life, Martin feels very strongly about activism. He’s been arrested around 70 times for his participation in various protests.

8. Friends’ creator created Grace and Frankie

Yes, you read that right. Grace and Frankie comes from the same mind that created the popular sitcom Friends. In the past, Marta Kaufman spoke about how there was some pressure to make Grace and Frankie because of how successful Friends is. However, I think it’s safe to say that the comedy series has done well for itself, with a total series run of seven seasons.

Get ready for the final episodes of Grace and Frankie season 7 coming to Netflix on April 29!