Plot Set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the 1950s, the series revolves around teenager Richie Cunningham and his family: his father, Howard, who owns a hardware store; traditional homemaker and mother, Marion; younger sister Joanie Cunningham; Richie's older brother Chuck (briefly in seasons 1 and 2 only, disappearing from storylines afterward); and high school dropout, leather-jacket–clad greaser, suave and promiscuous mechanic Fonzie, who would eventually become Richie's best friend and the Cunninghams' over-the-garage tenant. The earliest episodes revolve around Richie and his friends, Potsie Weber and Ralph Malph, with Fonzie as a secondary character. However, as the series progressed, Fonzie proved to be a favorite with viewers, and soon more story lines were written to reflect his growing popularity, Winkler was top billed in the opening credits alongside Howard by season 3. Fonzie befriended Richie and the Cunningham family and, when Richie left the series for military service, Fonzie became the central figure of the show, with Winkler receiving sole top billing. In later seasons, other characters were introduced including Fonzie's young cousin, Chachi Arcola, who became a love interest for Joanie Cunningham.
Plot Set in Milwaukee Wisconsin during the 1950s the series revolves around teenager Richie Cunningham and his family his father Howard who owns a hardware store; traditional homemaker and mother Marion; younger sister Joanie Cunningham; Richie's older brother Chuck (briefly in seasons 1 and 2 only disappearing from storylines afterward); and high school dropout leather-jacket–clad greaser suave and promiscuous mechanic Fonzie who would eventually become Richie's best friend and the Cunninghams' over-the-garage tenant The earliest episodes revolve around Richie and his friends Potsie Weber and Ralph Malph with Fonzie as a secondary character However as the series progressed Fonzie proved to be a favorite with viewers and soon more story lines were written to reflect his growing popularity Winkler was top billed in the opening credits alongside Howard by season 3 Fonzie befriended Richie and the Cunningham family and when Richie left the series for military service Fonzie became the central figure of the show with Winkler receiving sole top billing In later seasons other characters were introduced including Fonzie's young cousin Chachi Arcola who became a love interest for Joanie Cunningham