Joanie Loves Chachi – The Show Is Gone, But the Names Live On

Remember the TV show Joanie Loves Chachi (1982-1983)? It was a Happy Days spin-off that focused on the characters Joanie Cunningham (sister of Richie) and Charles “Chachi” Arcola (cousin of Fonzie).

Joanie Loves Chachi didn’t last long, but it did make an impact–especially on expectant parents, it would seem. In 1982, Chachi showed up on the SSA’s baby name list for the first time:

• 1982 – 9 baby boys named Chachi

And Joanie was boosted back into the top 1,000:

• 1981 – 130 baby girls named Joanie
• 1982 – 175 baby girls named Joanie [ranked 879th]
• 1983 – 129 baby girls named Joanie

Later that year, though, ABC’s Joanie Loves Chachi got destroyed (ratings-wise) by NBC’s The A-Team. Chachi never appeared on the charts again, and Joanie went downhill until it fell off the SSA’s list entirely (i.e. was given to fewer than five baby girls) in 2008.

P.S. Wondering what the cheesy Joanie Loves Chachi opening theme song sounded like? Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Source: Snopes.com