 Its a common belief that George Lucas (qv)  _American Graffiti (1973)_ (qv) was the inspiration for this series.  In actuality, the pilot for the series (seen on  _"Love, American Style" (1969)_ (qv)) aired before Lucas began  production on his film. However, the success of that movie caused  producer Garry Marshall (qv) to reconsider his failed pilot and  turn it into a series.