Alice

As per my search, there seems to be a confusion about the cast and the timeline mentioned in the query. The classic TV Show "Alice" from 1976-1985 did not air on the Syfy channel and the cast members mentioned; Linda Lavin, Vic Tayback, Beth Howland, etc., were indeed in "Alice". But, there's a different miniseries titled "Alice" that premiered on Syfy in 2009, however, it doesn't feature the cast members provided in the query. So, let's focus on the sitcom "Alice" that ran on CBS from 1976 to 1985, as it matches with most of the details.

Alice was a successful sitcom that perfectly captured the spirit of its time and brings back nostalgia due to its retro charm. Conceptualized by Robert Getchell and based on Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film, "Alice doesn't live here anymore", the show revolves around a widowed aspiring singer, Alice Hyatt, wonderfully brought to life by Linda Lavin.

Following the death of her husband, Alice moves to Phoenix with her young son, Tommy, portrayed by Philip McKeon, with dreams of launching a singing career. However, life has other plans for her, and she ends up serving tables at a quirky roadside diner called Mel's Diner, owned by Mel Sharples, a gruff but lovable character played by Vic Tayback. The diner, with its big-letter sign and humble exterior, becomes a central character in the story, representing both the struggle and camaraderie the characters experience every day.

Alice strongly reflects feminism of the 70s and day-to-day struggles of a single mother. Lavin’s character Alice is independent, resilient and always ready to face the challenges life throws at her, portraying a form of feminism that was relatable to ordinary women of the time.

A big part of the charm of Alice was the unique dynamic that existed amongst her co-workers. Flo, played by the talented Polly Holliday, is a sassy waitress with a heart of gold, known for her signature catchphrase, "Kiss my grits!" which since then coined its path into the pop culture lexicon. Vera, portrayed by Beth Howland, is a naive, slightly clumsy but a well-intentioned character which brings a touch of comic relief to the series.

Over the course of the nine seasons, the show had a few changes in the main cast, maintaining its dynamic energy. Diane Ladd, who originally played Flo's character in the movie, joined the series as Belle, another waitress, when Polly Holliday left the series. Similarly, sharp-tongued Jolene, played by Celia Weston, was introduced to the audience after Ladd left. The addition of Donna Douglas, the change-up of George Burns, and Art Carney in the later seasons further kept the audience engaged.

Being a sitcom based in a diner, Alice also had its fair share of celebrity guest stars who'd stop by at Mel's Diner including Telly Savalas, Debbie Reynolds, Jerry Reed, and Doris Roberts, to name a few.

The authenticity of actors, coupled with brilliant writing that explored the characters' stories and their evolution over time, made Alice an iconic series with cultural significance. Between the tight-knit crew, the lush storylines, the enriched character development, and the entertaining guest stars, Alice created for viewers a warm, feel-good atmosphere, and a sense of home and belonging populated by characters one cannot help but love and cheer for.

Despite surfacing in the countless sea of sitcoms, Alice managed to create a unique identity. It worked because it was a story about real people - people with dreams, fragility, resilience, love, humor, and incredible strength - and it encouraged audiences to find joy and humor in the most mundane aspects of life. The series signature ending, with Alice making fun of a situation and the closing theme song "There's a New Girl in Town" playing, leaves the viewers feeling as warm and satisfied as a cup of Mel's Diner's coffee.

Throughout its run, the show received several Golden Globe and Emmy award nominations, proving its quality and successful reception. Conclusively, Alice remains one of the long-standing representations of television situation comedies of its time and has secured its place in the annals of American pop culture.