MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Rarely has Milwaukee ever been more prominently featured on prime-time TV than at the beginning of the 70s and 80s sitcom "Laverne and Shirley."

The show, about the adventures of two girls working at a Milwaukee brewery, was a huge ratings hit, and every week it put our hometown's name up on millions of screens across America.

"The song, I mean, everyone seems to know the words to it," said Steve Schaffer, lead archivist at the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

The first episode of "Laverne and Shirley" aired 50 years ago on Jan. 27, 1976, capturing the hearts of millions. Along with the hit show "Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley" put Milwaukee in the spotlight.

"At that time, there really wasn't much going on with Milwaukee. It wasn't mentioned a lot," said Schaffer.

While many remember the show's humor and heart, Schaffer says some people argue it didn't represent the city.

"Penny Marshal has a New York accent, it was all filmed in Hollywood, with the exceptions of the brewery scenes, the City Hall clock tower and views of their apartment," said Schaffer.

However, at Lakefront Brewery, every tour for the last decade has ended with the beloved theme song.

"You don't sing on too many brewery tours. It helps keeps the history of the show alive," said Russ Klisch, president of Lakefront Brewery.

In between the heartfelt moments and jokes, Schaffer says for its time, it showed women could do the jobs thought to only be for men.

"Back then, 50 years ago, it was a big deal having women do it their own way. They were trailblazers," said Klisch.

"Laverne and Shirley tie into that old idea of women on the line, and frankly, there were a lot of women that did work in industries in Milwaukee," said Schaffer.

"Laverne and Shirley" showed us what it looks like to chase big dreams; 50 years later, their message is still inspiring women to do it their way.