When Will & Grace premiered on September 21, 1998, on NBC, no one could have predicted the seismic cultural shift it would help ignite. Set in New York City, the sitcom followed the close friendship between Eric McCormack (Will Truman), a gay lawyer, and Debra Messing (Grace Adler), a straight interior designer. But it wasn’t just about friendship, it was about visibility, sharp wit, and rewriting the rules of prime-time television.

The Core Four of Will & Grace

The cast was nothing short of lightning in a bottle:

• Eric McCormack as Will Truman, neurotic, loyal, and quietly revolutionary.

• Debra Messing as Grace Adler, chaotic, romantic, and endlessly endearing.

• Sean Hayes as Jack McFarland, flamboyant, fearless, and a comedic hurricane.

• Megan Mullally as Karen Walker, martini-soaked, sharp-tongued, and instantly iconic.

All four earned Emmys for their roles, and together, they created a sitcom that was both outrageously funny and quietly radical.

How Will & Grace Changed Television

Will & Grace wasn’t just a hit, it was a cultural milestone. It was the first U.S. sitcom to feature openly gay lead characters in prime time, helping normalize LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. Even then–Vice President Joe Biden once said the show “did more to educate the American public [on LGBTQ+ issues] than almost anything anybody has ever done so far.”

The series ran for eight seasons, ending in 2006, only to return in 2017 for a three-season revival. Across its 246 episodes, the show earned 18 Emmy Awards, 96 nominations, and consistently ranked among NBC’s top-rated programs.

Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts from Will & Grace

• The show was filmed in front of a live studio audience at CBS Studio Center (CBS Radford).

• Will and Grace’s iconic apartment set was donated to Emerson College.

• Debra Messing was six months pregnant during Season 6.

• Creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan based Will and Grace on their own real-life friendship.

• The Smithsonian Institution included Will & Grace memorabilia in its LGBT history collection.

Guest Stars That Deserve a Standing Ovation

Will & Grace wasn’t just a magnet for viewers, it drew in A-list legends. The guest star list reads like a Hollywood Who’s Who:

• Cher appeared as herself in a vision to Jack, inspiring one of the show’s most beloved scenes. Watch Cher’s iconic cameo on Will & Grace below:

• Matt Damon played a straight man pretending to be gay to join a choir, leading to one of the show’s funniest guest arcs. Watch Matt Damon’s unforgettable Will & Grace cameo below:

• Michael Douglas portrayed a closeted cop with a crush on Will.

• Elton John, Madonna, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and James Earl Jones also made unforgettable cameos.

These weren’t just stunt castings, they were pop culture moments.

Recurring Legends: Wilder & Hines

Two guest stars elevated the show with recurring roles that still stand out:

• Gene Wilder appeared as Mr. Stein, Will’s eccentric boss, earning an Emmy nomination for his performance.

• Gregory Hines portrayed Ben Doucette, a high-powered attorney who dated Grace and tap-danced his way into our hearts.

Both actors brought depth, charisma, and a touch of old-school magic to the show.

Eric McCormack Reflects on the Show’s Legacy

Over the years, we’ve spoken with Eric McCormack many times. He says he’s heard from countless fans who discovered Will & Grace during its syndication run, and he’s still in awe of the show’s ability to reach new generations of viewers. Will & Grace ran for 11 seasons over two separate eras, and its legacy continues to resonate today.

Over the years, we’ve spoken with Eric McCormack many times. He’s often shared how surprised he was by the show’s longevity and the depth of its impact. Will & Grace ran for 11 seasons over two separate eras, and its legacy still resonates with audiences today.

To hear Eric McCormack in his own words, click the Media Bar below.

Where to Watch

Whether you’re rewatching the original run or discovering the revival for the first time, Will & Grace is available on DVD and streaming on Hulu. It’s more than a sitcom, it’s a landmark of LGBTQ+ visibility, comedic brilliance, and 25 years of unapologetic joy.

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The post Will & Grace: How a Sitcom Made History On Prime Time appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.