The Unseen Lives Of Kate & Allie: Where The Cast Is Now And The Shocking NBC Reboot News

Few sitcoms captured the evolving American family dynamic in the 1980s quite like Kate & Allie. The premise—two divorced childhood best friends, Kate McArdle and Allie Lowell, decide to move in together in a Greenwich Village brownstone to raise their respective children—was revolutionary for its time, focusing on female friendship and co-parenting outside the traditional nuclear family structure. The show, which ran on CBS from 1984 to 1989, remains a beloved piece of television history, celebrated for its sharp writing and the unparalleled chemistry between its two lead stars, Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James. Today, in late 2025, the show is back in the news not just for its enduring legacy, but for a major new development that has fans buzzing: a potential modern reboot.

The timeless appeal of the series lies in its honest portrayal of single motherhood, career struggles, and the unbreakable bond of female friendship in New York City. While the original cast members have gone on to diverse careers and personal lives, a new generation is about to be introduced to the concept of two best friends navigating life's challenges together. This deep dive explores the current lives of the iconic cast and reveals the exclusive details about the new television project that aims to bring the classic sitcom's spirit to the 21st century.

The Iconic Cast: Biographies and Current Status (2025 Update)

The success of Kate & Allie rested squarely on the shoulders of its two leads, Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James, whose comedic timing and genuine warmth made the characters feel like real people. The supporting cast of children also became instantly recognizable faces of the 1980s. Here is a look at the core cast, their roles, and their most recent activities as of 2025.

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Jane Curtin (Allie Lowell)

• Role: Allie Lowell, the more cautious and domestically-inclined of the two friends, known for her dry wit. Allie was initially a stay-at-home mom who eventually went back to college and started a career.
• Born: September 6, 1947 (Age 78 in 2025).
• Career Highlights: Before Kate & Allie, Curtin was an original cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, where she anchored the "Weekend Update" segment. Post-Kate & Allie, she starred in the long-running sci-fi sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun and has had notable film roles in Antz, I Love You, Man, and her critically acclaimed role opposite Melissa McCarthy in Can You Ever Forgive Me?.
• Current Status (2025): Jane Curtin remains active in the entertainment world, cementing her status as a comedy icon with a career spanning five decades. She is scheduled to appear in a live performance event called "Selected Shorts: Dog Tales" in New York in March 2025, demonstrating her continued presence in the arts.

Susan Saint James (Kate McArdle)

• Role: Kate McArdle, the free-spirited, career-focused friend who often pushed Allie out of her comfort zone. Kate worked in various fields, including as a travel agent.
• Born: August 14, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025).
• Career Highlights: Saint James was a major television star before the sitcom, winning an Emmy Award in 1969 for her work on the drama series The Name of the Game. She is also widely known for her starring role as Sally McMillan in the detective series McMillan & Wife (1971–1976).
• Current Status (2025): Susan Saint James has largely retired from acting to focus on her family and philanthropic work. She and her husband, Dick Ebersol (a former NBC Sports executive), have been involved in various charitable endeavors. Her dedication to education and young women is evident through a 2015 gift to Woodlands Academy, funding ongoing programs to support the school's mission.

The Children: Ari Meyers, Allison Smith, and Frederick Koehler

• Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle): Meyers played Kate's daughter, Emma. She is an American former actress and left show business to pursue other interests. She has been noted for her decision to step away from Hollywood.
• Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell): Smith played Allie's daughter, Jennie. She began her career as a child star, having made her Broadway debut as the title character in the musical Annie. She continues to work as an actress, singer, writer, and director, known for roles like Mallory O'Brien in Aaron's Way.
• Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell): Koehler played Allie's son, Chip. He has maintained a consistent acting career into adulthood. He is perhaps best known to modern audiences for his dramatic role as Andrew Schillinger on the HBO series Oz, showcasing his range beyond the sitcom genre.

The NBC Reboot: New Writers, New Century, Same Core Friendship

In a television landscape dominated by revivals and reboots of classic properties, Kate & Allie is officially the next beloved sitcom set for a modern reimagining. The news of the reboot has generated significant buzz, promising a new take on the co-parenting dynamic that defined the original series.

The new project is currently in development at NBC and has received a "put pilot order," which is a strong commitment from the network indicating a high likelihood of the pilot episode being aired.

Who is Behind the New Kate & Allie?

The fresh take on the classic concept is being spearheaded by two highly respected names in modern television comedy: Erica Oyama and Nahnatchka Khan. Oyama, known for her work on shows like Fresh Off the Boat and Young Rock, is set to write the script. Khan, known for her successful run as the showrunner of Fresh Off the Boat and the creator of *Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23*, is attached as an executive producer. Their involvement suggests the reboot will maintain a sharp, contemporary comedic sensibility while honoring the original's focus on friendship and family.

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The original series was groundbreaking for its time, focusing on two women who chose to lean on each other rather than seeking new husbands immediately, a concept that resonated deeply with the changing social norms of the 1980s. The new version will undoubtedly update this theme for the 2020s, likely tackling modern issues such as blended families, digital-age parenting, and the economic challenges of a modern New York City existence.

The Enduring Legacy of the Co-Parenting Sitcom

The original *Kate & Allie* was not just a successful show; it was a cultural touchstone that helped redefine the American sitcom. It paved the way for future shows centered on strong female friendships and alternative family structures. The show’s premise—two divorcées sharing a New York brownstone to save money and provide mutual emotional support—was a refreshing departure from the traditional family sitcoms of the era.

Topical Authority: The Show's Impact

The series broke new ground by focusing on the complexities of divorce and co-parenting with empathy and humor. The relationship between Kate McArdle and Allie Lowell was the show's true love story. It highlighted the power of platonic love and support in overcoming life's hurdles. The sitcom’s success proved that audiences were ready for stories that reflected the reality of modern households, where divorce rates were rising and women were increasingly entering the workforce.

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• The "New" Family Unit: Kate & Allie normalized the concept of a non-traditional family, where two best friends provided a stable, loving environment for their children.
• Greenwich Village Setting: The show’s setting in a charming New York City brownstone added to its aspirational yet relatable feel, making the city itself a crucial supporting character.
• Emmy Recognition: The show was a critical success, earning Jane Curtin two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1984 and 1985.

The decision to reboot *Kate & Allie* at NBC confirms the timelessness of its central theme: the necessity of a strong support system. While the original series ended its six-season run in 1989, its influence on comedy and its pioneering spirit in depicting female independence continue to be felt.

What to Expect from the New Series

The modern reboot, shepherded by Nahnatchka Khan and Erica Oyama, will likely update the core concept significantly. Instead of two friends who are divorced, the new iteration could explore various contemporary scenarios, such as two single mothers who are co-workers, or perhaps two friends navigating the co-parenting of children from different previous relationships, all while sharing the financial and emotional burdens of modern life. The key will be capturing the original show’s warmth and the authentic, lived-in feel of Kate and Allie’s friendship.

Fans of the original series, who have enjoyed re-watching the classic episodes which are now available for streaming, are eager to see if the original stars, Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James, will make guest appearances to pass the torch. While no official casting or guest announcements have been made, the involvement of the original stars would certainly provide a powerful link between the classic 80s sitcom and its 2025 counterpart, ensuring that the legacy of Kate McArdle and Allie Lowell lives on for a new generation.