7 Shocking Updates On The Kate & Allie Cast And The Status Of The Highly-Anticipated NBC Reboot

The enduring charm of Kate & Allie, the groundbreaking 1980s sitcom about two divorced best friends sharing a New York brownstone, continues to resonate with audiences today, December 15, 2025. The show, which ran on CBS from 1984 to 1989, was a quiet revolutionary, depicting single motherhood and female friendship with a warmth and realism rarely seen on television at the time. While the original series remains a beloved classic, the biggest news surrounding the title today is the significant movement on a modern reboot and the fascinating career paths of its original stars, who remain active in Hollywood and beyond.

The latest updates reveal a clear path forward for a new generation of *Kate & Allie*, spearheaded by notable comedy writers, while the original cast members—specifically Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James—have taken wildly different, yet equally compelling, turns in their post-sitcom lives. This deep dive uncovers the current status of the reboot, a complete profile of the original cast, and where the stars are now, over four decades later.

The Original Cast: Complete Biography and Profile

Kate & Allie centered on two childhood friends who, after both getting divorced, decide to move in together in New York City to raise their respective children. The dynamic between the free-spirited, glamorous Kate McArdle (Susan Saint James) and the more traditional, proper Allie Lowell (Jane Curtin) was the heart of the show.

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Kate & Allie (Original Series) Key Entities:

• Series Title: Kate & Allie
• Original Network: CBS
• Original Run: March 19, 1984 – May 22, 1989 (6 Seasons, 122 Episodes)
• Creator: Sherry Coben
• Main Theme: Divorce, cohabitation, female friendship, and single parenthood in the 1980s.

Main Cast Profiles:

Jane Curtin (Allie Lowell)

• Date of Birth: September 6, 1947
• Role on Show: Allie Lowell, the more organized and cautious of the two friends, who eventually marries Bob Barsky.
• Career Highlights: Original cast member of Saturday Night Live (1975–1980), Kate & Allie (1984–1989), 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001), The Coneheads (1993), and the recent Pete Davidson series Bupkis.

Susan Saint James (Kate McArdle)

• Date of Birth: August 14, 1946
• Role on Show: Kate McArdle, the more spontaneous, career-driven friend.
• Career Highlights: The Name of the Game (1968–1971), McMillan & Wife (1971–1976), Kate & Allie (1984–1989). She largely stepped away from acting after the show to focus on family and philanthropy.

Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle)

• Date of Birth: April 6, 1969
• Role on Show: Kate’s daughter.
• Post-Show Life: She is one of the cast members who left Hollywood, pursuing a degree from Yale University and later becoming a nurse.

Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell)

• Date of Birth: December 9, 1969
• Role on Show: Allie’s daughter.
• Career Highlights: Continued acting in television roles, including a notable run on The West Wing. She is also an accomplished singer and songwriter.

Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell)

• Date of Birth: June 16, 1975
• Role on Show: Allie’s son.
• Career Highlights: Has maintained a steady career as a character actor in film and television, with roles in Death Race and numerous guest spots on crime dramas.

Where Are They Now? The Cast’s Modern Trajectories

While the sitcom ended its run in 1989, the careers and lives of the primary cast members have continued to evolve, with some finding new success in surprising places and others choosing a path far from the Hollywood spotlight. The most recent updates show a striking contrast between the two titular stars.

Jane Curtin’s Unstoppable Career Renaissance

Jane Curtin, who played Allie, has enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence in recent years, proving her staying power in comedy and drama. Curtin has transitioned seamlessly into roles that appeal to a new generation of viewers, maintaining her status as an industry icon.

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• Recent Film Success: She starred in the critically acclaimed film Jules (2023), alongside Ben Kingsley, showcasing her dramatic range.
• Television Comeback: Curtin has appeared in the Peacock series Bupkis, a semi-autobiographical comedy starring Pete Davidson, further cementing her relevance in modern streaming content.
• Enduring Legacy: Her work continues to be celebrated, with her presence often sought out for retrospective interviews and special appearances, including a reunion with her castmates on Stars in the House.

Susan Saint James’s Quiet Retirement and Philanthropy

In contrast to her co-star, Susan Saint James (Kate) made a conscious decision to step away from the demanding schedule of the entertainment industry shortly after Kate & Allie concluded.

She chose to prioritize her large family, which includes five children, and has dedicated herself to philanthropic efforts. Her choice to almost entirely retire from acting to focus on her personal life and community involvement is a significant part of her post-sitcom story.

The Children Who Left Hollywood

The actors who played the children have also followed diverse paths. Ari Meyers (Emma McArdle) stands out for completely leaving the acting world after earning a degree from Yale. She later pursued a career in nursing, a stark change from the bright lights of television. Allison Smith (Jennie Lowell) and Frederick Koehler (Chip Lowell) have maintained careers in the arts, with Smith focusing on stage and music, and Koehler becoming a reliable character actor in supporting roles.

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The Modern Update: Status of the NBC Reboot in 2025

The most current and exciting development for fans is the news that the show is being reimagined for a new generation. The Kate & Allie reboot is officially "in the works" at NBC, a significant move that highlights the network's belief in the enduring concept of female co-parenting and friendship.

Key Details on the Reboot’s Development

The new version is not just a rumor; it has received a "put pilot order" at NBC, which is a strong commitment from the network indicating a high likelihood of the project moving forward.

• Network: NBC (The original aired on CBS).
• Writers/Executive Producers: The project is being developed by a powerful female comedy team: Erica Oyama and Nahnatchka Khan.
• Creative Team Background: Nahnatchka Khan is known for her work on hit shows like Fresh Off the Boat and Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, suggesting the reboot will have a sharp, modern comedic edge. Erica Oyama is a noted writer and producer.
• The Modern Premise: The new iteration is expected to modernize the original premise, likely focusing on the complexities of divorce, co-parenting, and finding a supportive family structure in today's fast-paced world.

Why the Reboot is Relevant Now

The original series was ahead of its time by normalizing divorce and non-traditional family structures. In the 2020s, the concept of a shared-living arrangement between non-romantic partners is even more common, driven by economic necessity, environmental concerns, and a desire for community.

The new *Kate & Allie* is poised to explore modern topical issues such as:

• Co-Habitation Economics: The financial realities of single parenthood in a major metropolitan area.
• Modern Dating: Navigating the dating landscape after divorce in the age of apps.
• Blended Families: The complexities of step-siblings, ex-spouses, and new partners.
• Female Solidarity: The central, timeless theme of a deep, supportive female friendship as the ultimate safety net.

While a premiere date has not been announced, the involvement of a strong creative team and the put pilot order confirms that the spirit of Kate McArdle and Allie Lowell is set to return to television, bringing their unique brand of relatable comedy to a new generation of viewers seeking comfort and connection in a complicated world. The enduring legacy of the 1980s classic is secure, not just through reruns, but through a fresh, updated vision for the future.