Whatever happened to Mary, Lou and the gang?

It's been 31 years since plucky career girl Mary Richards last tossed her hat in the air on that Minneapolis sidewalk after 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show''s seven-year run (1970-'77).

Even Oprah has recently paid her respects -- and if Oprah likes it, we must pay attention.

We take a look at where the cast has been since the lights went off in the newsroom. Did they really make it after all?

Whatever happened to Eric Nies, Ruthie and Puck?

The hookups, the drinking, "the slap" ... good times.

In 1992, 'The Real World' introduced us all (for better or worse) to reality TV, and it's still going strong, with 23 seasons under its belt -- so far.

Can future newbies match the drama, debauchery and arrests of some of our favorite (and least favorite) alums? Listen, learn, and hide the peanut butter.

Whatever happened to Julie, Gopher and the rest of the crew?

From 1977 to '86, TV viewers set a course for adventure when 'The Love Boat' sailed into living rooms each week.

The Pacific Princess docked long ago, but where's the trusty crew now, and those celebs who loved the cruise so much you couldn't keep them away?

One went into politics, a few are on radio ... and one disappeared. Get the scoop.

Call it what you will -- the downfall of pop music or its savior -- there's no denying that 'American Idol' is a fickle god-maker.

Some winners have found great success (hello, Kelly!), some have been dumped by their labels (so sorry, Ruben and Taylor), while some also-rans have gone on to bigger and better things.

We check in on 30 'AI' alums and fill you in on which ones are in trouble with the law, which are still giving it their best shot ... and which have fallen off the radar.