Fame, the hugely popular 1980 musical film inspired by New York's High School of the Performing Arts, was adapted as a weekly NBC television series in 1982. Though cancelled by the network after two seasons, the TV version of Fame rose from the ashes to enjoy a long and successful run in syndication. Among the series' cast members were such gifted performers as Debbie Allen and Janet Jackson.

For five of the six years that Fame flourished on television, Michael A. Hoey was closely involved in the series' production. He has written a compelling behind-the-scenes history of the filming of the hit series, incorporating interviews with a number of the creative principals as well as recounting his own experiences.