April 26, 2025: It started as a simple joke—a poster, an image, a cheeky idea. But what began as a viral hoax quickly turned into an internet sensation. The infamous Golden Girls remake poster featuring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Lisa Kudrow spread across social media, sparking excitement and confusion in equal measure. The suggestion? That Disney+ had commissioned a remake of the iconic sitcom with a brand-new cast. The reality? It was all just a fun internet prank.
The Poster That Fooled the Internet
The poster was a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern comedy. The four actresses were pictured in a playful homage to the original Golden Girls cast—Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty—complete with matching outfits, smiles, and even cheesecake in hand. The concept was almost too good to be true. Would Tina Fey and her friends actually step into the shoes of these beloved characters, all while bringing their own brand of humor to the show?
For a brief moment, it seemed entirely possible. Fans of both the original Golden Girls and the modern comedy powerhouse cast were quick to speculate. Could this be the next big reboot? Was Hollywood really about to reimagine a timeless classic?
But soon, reality set in. Fey, Poehler, Rudolph, and Kudrow, in their signature witty style, put an end to the rumors, making it clear that the poster was nothing more than a hilarious fake.
Tina Fey Sets the Record Straight
In a candid interview, Tina Fey—who is known for her sharp humor and clever commentary—responded to the viral poster with a dose of her classic wit. “If this fooled you, you might be a Boomer,” Fey quipped. “And if you’re Gen X, and this fooled you, go to a hospital.” With her trademark deadpan delivery, Fey quickly reassured fans that she would never attempt to remake The Golden Girls, adding, “Those ladies can’t be touched. The original is sacred.”
Fey’s message was clear: While she was flattered by the idea, there would be no Golden Girls remake starring her and her friends. The beloved show, which aired from 1985 to 1992, remains a cultural treasure that simply can’t be recreated.
Maya Rudolph and the Ageing Dilemma
Maya Rudolph, another star tagged in the fake poster, also had some fun with the situation. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, she was asked about the poster and the idea of stepping into one of the original Golden Girls roles. Rudolph was quick to poke fun at the absurdity, laughing that she wasn’t sure which character she would be playing. “I mean, who am I even supposed to be? Dorothy? Blanche? Rose?” she joked.
Rudolph went on to note that the creators of the fake poster had “given up” on ageing the actresses. “They just put us all in there and said, ‘Eh, Maya looks like she could be a Golden Girl’,” she laughed, adding, “Maybe I’ll be the one who’s constantly getting confused about my senior discount.” The playful banter continued as the actresses showed off their ability to laugh at the internet’s fascination with the idea.
A Legacy That Can’t Be Replaced
Despite the jokes, both Fey and Rudolph made it clear that the original Golden Girls cast, which included Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty, had created something irreplaceable. The Golden Girls was a groundbreaking show, offering a unique blend of humor, heart, and the power of female friendship. It not only changed the way we looked at older women on television but also set the bar for ensemble sitcoms.
The response from Fey and Rudolph reinforced a fundamental truth: While reboots and remakes are part of modern TV culture, The Golden Girls is a show that stands apart. The chemistry and humor of the original cast simply can’t be replicated.
The Internet’s Obsession with Reboots
The hoax also sparked a larger conversation about Hollywood’s ongoing fascination with reboots and remakes. From classic sitcoms to superhero movies, the entertainment industry has shown no hesitation in revisiting past hits in an attempt to capture the same magic. However, The Golden Girls—a show that’s both timeless and deeply personal for many fans—seems to have transcended the typical reboot cycle.
Would a new version of The Golden Girls ever live up to the original? Would it capture the same charm and warmth that made Bea, Betty, Rue, and Estelle so unforgettable? Fey’s comment—that the original cast “can’t be touched”—echoed what many fans feel: some things are better left as they are.
A New Kind of Golden Girls?
Despite the viral prank, the idea of four strong, hilarious women sharing a home and navigating life’s ups and downs remains a powerful concept. Though the remake poster was a joke, the legacy of The Golden Girls continues to inspire new generations. Whether it’s through reruns, streaming platforms, or memes, the show lives on as an enduring symbol of friendship, humor, and the joy of growing older together.
Perhaps the idea of a Golden Girls reboot—if it ever comes to fruition—doesn’t need to be a remake at all. Instead, it could be a new show entirely that takes the essence of what made the original so special and puts a fresh spin on it. After all, friendship, laughter, and life’s little absurdities are universal themes that transcend generations.
For now, though, we can all rest easy knowing that Tina, Maya, Amy, and Lisa won’t be stepping into those iconic roles anytime soon. But their playful takes on the viral hoax proved one thing: the world’s love for The Golden Girls is very much alive—and we’re all here for the jokes, the laughter, and the memories of those unforgettable ladies from Miami.