Gabe Kotter was once the member of a group of underachievers in High school known as the Sweathogs. Now a teacher, Gabe makes his return to Buchanan High and is given his old classroom, the Sweathogs. This years group includes leader Vinnie Barbarino, tough guy Juan Epstein - the Puerto Rican jew, athlete Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington, and Arnold Horshack and his annoying laugh. Principal Woodman takes pleasure in watching Kotter struggle to teach his students as he once did as Gabe's teacher. Julie is Gabe's wife, who later becomes a guidance counselor.