TV series
Teachers Only is an NBC television sitcom centered around the faculty of a high school; in the first season the school was Millard Fillmore High in Los Angeles, but in the second it is Woodrow Wilson High in New York with a changed cast. In both seasons Norman Fell played Principal Ben Cooper, but Lynn Redgrave's character, Diana Swanson, who had been an English teacher in the first season, became a guidance counselor in the second season. Redgrave and Fell were already established names when this show aired, but two of the supporting stars in the second season, Jean Smart would go on, three years later, to play her best known role, that of interior design studio receptionist Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the long running show, Designing Women. Also, Jean's co-star Teresa Ganzel became well known for her many game show appearances in the 1980s as well as her appearance in the comedic miniseries, Fresno. This show ran for only two seasons, in 1982 and 1983.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Teachers Only premiered April 14, 1982. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Teachers Only is an NBC television sitcom centered around the faculty of a high school; in the first season the school was Millard Fillmore High in Los Angeles, but in the second it is Woodrow Wilson High in New York with a changed cast. In both seasons Norman Fell played Principal Ben Cooper, but Lynn Redgrave's character, Diana Swanson, who had been an English teacher in the first season, became a guidance counselor in the second season. Redgrave and Fell were already established names when this show aired, but two of the supporting stars in the second season, Jean Smart would go on, three years later, to play her best known role, that of interior design studio receptionist Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the long running show, Designing Women. Also, Jean's co-star Teresa Ganzel became well known for her many game show appearances in the 1980s as well as her appearance in the comedic miniseries, Fresno. This show ran for only two seasons, in 1982 and 1983.
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Episode 1
Diana enlists Cooper for moral support when the teacher she politely rebuffs makes the same romantic overtures to her best friend.
Written by Larry TuckerGuest stars Alan Feinstein, Renae Jacobs, Craig Littler, Steffen Zacharias
Episode 2
Diana brings a lonely Cooper some cookies to boost his morale, but finds a different kind of cookie in his doorway.
Written by April Kelly
Episode 3
With each convinced the other's job is easier, Diana and Cooper agree to switch duties for a week.
Written by April KellyGuest stars Roberto Roman
Episode 4
A student-council representative takes advantage of a cafeteria-workers strike after Cooper refuses to meet with him.
Directed by Rod DanielWritten by April KellyGuest stars Brian Robbins, Donna Wilkes, Mike Darnell
Episode 5
Once a charming con man, Diana's ex-husband proves he's changed his shady ways.
Written by Larry TuckerGuest stars Brian Robbins, John Bennett Perry, John C. Becher, Jennifer Richards, Greg Finley
Episode 6
Michael finds himself attracted to a new student, but Diana learns that she's not in school for academics.
Guest stars Fay Hauser, Larry B. Scott
Episode 7
Diana is left holding the ticket when a teacher has a fatal heart attack upon learning he's won $150,000 in the state lottery.
Guest stars Arthur Peterson, Karin Argoud, Penina Segall
Episode 8
Shari starts sporting a big diamond ring following Cooper's refusal to buy her a simple bracelet.
Directed by Rod DanielGuest stars Michael Lemon
Episode 9
To protest the cancellation of their class, auto-shop students assemble Cooper's car in the teachers' lounge.
Directed by Mel FerberWritten by April KellyGuest stars Larry B. Scott, Nicolas Coster, Edie McClurg
Episode 10
A whirlwind romance blows into a storm when Diana learns the truth about her new beau's occupation.
Directed by Linda DayGuest stars David Ackroyd
Episode 11
Diana's party to announce a surprise award to the faculty results in more surprises than she planned.
Guest stars James O'Sullivan, Jo Marie Payton, Beach Dickerson
Episode 12
Michael thinks he's made a major scientific discovery after Sam exchanges a live rat for the laboratory rat that died while in Diana's care.
Directed by Rod DanielGuest stars Bill Saluga
Episode 13
Acute paranoia replaces Sam's usual vivaciousness after she's mugged while working late at school.
Written by April KellyGuest stars Steffen Zacharias, Jesse Aragon
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match Teachers Only.
Lynn RedgraveDiana Swanson
Norman FellPrincipal Ben Cooper
Jean SmartShari Kirkland
Teresa GanzelSamantha Keating
Tim ReidMichael Horne
Joel BrooksBarney Betelman
Steve RyanSpud Le Boone
Adam ArkinMichael Dreyfuss
NBCUnited States
