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 comes to the realization that her star student is troubled, but the situation escalates when the girl becomes a runaway. Also, Diana gives into a flirtation with her neighbor and agrees to a date.
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars Mark Metcalf, Cindy Fisher
Episode 2
Two female students set Dreyfuss up, claiming he made a pass at one of them.
Directed by Peter BaldwinWritten by Michael WeinbergerGuest stars Heidi Bohay, Leslie King
Episode 3
Cooper begins to delegate responsibilities to Brody after the untimely demise of a colleague.
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars Bill Zuckert
Episode 4
Diana is in hot water when she reveals her candid views on premarital sex in the school magazine.
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars Amanda Wyss, Timothy Patrick Murphy, Mary Betten, Fredric Cook, Layla Bias Galloway, Rosanna Huffman
Episode 5
Diana's decision to fail a student is vetoed by Cooper, who made a deal with the youth's father.
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars Michael J. Fox, Dana Elcar, Howard Platt
Episode 6
Diana tutors a handsome football star who's got a crush on her.
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars Michael Spound
Episode 7
Consumed by paper work and committee assignments, Diana considers leaving the teaching profession.
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars Bibi Osterwald, Arthur Rosenberg
Episode 8
A survey by a district specialist may result in program and personnel cuts at the school.
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars George Wyner
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
