So there I was, flipping through channels on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and suddenly I heard it — that unmistakable theme song. Will and Grace? Is this still a thing? It got me thinking: how old is this show, anyway? And honestly, the answer kind of surprised me.
The Early Days of Will and Grace
Will and Grace first premiered on September 21, 1998, on NBC. That means the show was born right at the tail end of the '90s — think dial-up internet, translucent Game Boys, and frosted tips. Can you imagine catching that first episode in real time?
Eric McCormack played Will Truman, a straight lawyer living with his best friend Grace Adler, played by Debra Messing. The chemistry was instant, and honestly, we all whispered that they'd end up together eventually — spoiler alert: they almost never did. Classic sitcom tease, right?
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What Was Television Like Back Then?
Picture this: no Netflix, no streaming, no rewind button if you missed it. You literally had to show up at 9 PM every week or miss the episode completely. Kids these days would literally panic. (And yeah, I felt old typing that sentence.)
The show was groundbreaking for its time, tackling LGBTQ+ themes with warmth and humor during an era when most networks would have balked. Even the most conservative viewers couldn't help but laugh along. Progress, one sitcom at a time.
From the Messengers to Grace and Frankie
The show originally featured the Messengers — Karen Walker and Rosario Salazar — who quickly became fan favorites. Karen's wine-drinking, sarcastic energy is basically the reason half the internet quotes her today. If you know, you know.
But the title itself kept sparking debates: was it "Will and Grace" or "Grace Quinn and the Messengers"? Some people genuinely struggled with the real name. Yes, people actually asked that. You can't make this stuff up.
The End of an Era — or Not?
The original run lasted eight seasons, wrapping up on May 12, 2006. At that point, the show was eight years old, which felt like a whole lifetime in sitcom years. Everyone assumed it was done, dusted, and relegated to rerun heaven.
Well, people were wrong. Will and Grace came back in 2017 with a revival season that proved aging doesn't mean you stop being fabulous. The comeback ran for three more seasons, finally ending in 2020. That's quite a long life — and we're not even counting the reboot.
So, Just How Old Is Will and Grace?
From its original premiere in 1998 to today in 2024, the show is roughly 26 years old. If you count the revival era continuing into 2020, the series comfortably spans over two decades of television history. Let that sink in — it's older than Gen Z.
WILL and GRACE 1998 Cast Then and Now 2022 How They Changed - YouTube
Wait, actually, maybe it's not — but you get the point.
The fact that a 26-year-old show still makes people stop and ask "wait, was that really that long ago?" says a lot about its cultural footprint. Original episodes still air on networks, streaming platforms carry reruns, and clips flood social media like it's 2002 all over again. Comebacks don't get bigger than this.
Why Does the Age Matter?
Knowing how old the show is gives you a weird appreciation for how far pop culture has come. Back in 1998, having three openly gay characters (four counting Karen's fictional life) on primetime was almost unheard of. Now, it's just... Tuesday night TV.
It also reminds us that good humor ages incredibly well. The jokes still land, the razor-sharp dialogue still slaps, and the friendship at its core still feels real. Some things only get better with time — like cheese, fine wine, and apparently, Will Truman.
The Legacy Continues
Will and Grace remains one of NBC's most beloved sitcoms and a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. The show opened doors that many later series walked through without even needing to knock. Credits where they're due.
So next time you stumble across it channel-surfing, remember: you're not watching a dusty old rerun — you're watching a 26-year-old cultural revolution in a fabulous apartment. And yes, that apartment will somehow always look brand new. Because sitcom magic, that's why.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to rewatch that "I'm Just a Boy" episode and pretend I didn't cry a little. Sue me.