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What's the holiday season without warm family reunions?
One of TV's most famous families, the Waltons, got together on "The Today Show" on Friday, three decades after their show went off the air. As a poor family in Virginia struggling during the Great Depression, the cast warmed hearts and touched on historial issues, winning 12 Emmys and leaving a legacy of period drama that can be plainly seen on TV today.
Just as they were one big, happy family on the show, they were the same way during the reunion. Michael Learned, who played Ma, told Matt Lauer that, "We get giddy, we love each other" when asked about their reunion. The remaining cast -- David Harper (Jim Bob), Judy Norton (Mary Ellen), Kami Cotler (Elizabeth), Jon Walmsley (Jason), Mary Elizabeth McDonough (Erin), Eric Scott (Ben), and Richard Thomas (John-Boy) all agreed.
They noted that, perhaps unlike today, there were no convictions or drug addictions amongst the cast -- and how there is still a sense of family between the stars and their fans.
There are at least three cable networks still showing the iconic series. After all, a series about tough economic times may hold some insight for today's audiences, too.
The cast also reunited Friday night for a screening of their first film, honoring their 40th anniversary.
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