Thirtysomething

Watch Thirtysomething

  • TV-14
  • 1987
  • 4 Seasons
  • 7.5  (2,988)

Thirtysomething was a popular American television drama series that premiered on ABC in 1987 and ran for four seasons until 1991. The show was created by Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz, and it followed the lives of a group of baby boomer friends living in Philadelphia who were navigating through the complexities of life in their thirties.

The show was a groundbreaking portrayal of modern adult life in the late 80s, depicting the struggles and triumphs of a group of close-knit friends as they faced various personal and professional issues. The series tackled topics such as work, relationships, marriage, parenthood, and the ever-present quest for meaning and happiness in a world that can be both confusing and harsh.

The show featured a talented ensemble cast led by Ken Olin, Mel Harris, Melanie Mayron, Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig, Peter Horton, Patricia Kalember, Polly Draper, David Clennon, and Noelle Parker. Each cast member brought something unique to the series, providing an insightful and realistic look into the challenges of adulthood.

Ken Olin played Michael Steadman - a sensitive and introspective advertising executive who was married to an artist named Hope, played by Mel Harris. Together they had a daughter named Janie, played by Noelle Parker. Michael's best friend was a writer named Elliot Weston, played by Timothy Busfield. Elliot was married to Nancy, played by Patricia Wettig, and they had two children together.

Peter Horton played Gary Shepherd, a single, struggling filmmaker who was romantically involved with Melissa, played by Melanie Mayron. Melissa was a photographer who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Gary throughout the show. The final member of their tight-knit group was Ellyn Warren, played by Polly Draper. Ellyn was Michael's sister and a public television producer.

Thirtysomething was a character-driven drama that explored the complexities of adulthood in a realistic and nuanced way. The show focused on the daily struggles and triumphs of the characters, highlighting their individual-world views and personal experiences. The series tackled many social issues including infidelity, job insecurity, infertility, illness, and addiction. It was the first television show to deal with the issue of AIDS, which was a significant cultural topic in the late 80s.

One of the show's most significant strengths was its portrayal of relationships. The series showcased the ups and downs of marriage, the trials and tribulations of raising children, and the highs and lows of romantic relationships. It was well-known for its raw and realistic depiction of relationships, and for its nuanced exploration of both the joys and the struggles that come with them.

Thirtysomething was also known for its distinctive visual style. The show used creative techniques, such as slow-motion photography, ambient sound, and jump cuts to provide a unique perspective on events. The series was visually impressive and helped to enhance the overall emotional impact of the show.

Throughout its run, Thirtysomething was praised for its writing, performances, and its realistic portrayal of the challenges of modern adulthood. The show won numerous awards, including thirteen Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Peabody Awards, among others.

In conclusion, Thirtysomething was a groundbreaking television series that explored the complexities of adulthood in a realistic and nuanced way. It tackled social issues with sensitivity and understanding, and provided a unique perspective on the joys and struggles of relationships. The series was a critical and commercial success, and continues to be remembered as an influential work of television drama.

Thirtysomething
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Seasons
California
23. California
May 28, 1991
Michael gets a job offer in California. While out there, he runs into Elliot and they talk about forming another partnership. But Hope is adamantly against the move, so much so that her and Michael's marriage is threatened.
Melissa in Wonderland
22. Melissa in Wonderland
May 21, 1991
Melissa goes to Hollywood to photograph a sitcom star who comes to rely on her advice.
A Stop at Willoughby
21. A Stop at Willoughby
May 14, 1991
The stress of working at DAA becomes too much for Michael.
Hopeless
20. Hopeless
May 7, 1991
Hope volunteers at a shelter for the homeless and gets personally involved in the life of a woman and her daughter there. She accuses Michael of having lost his social conscience.
Out the Door
19. Out the Door
April 30, 1991
Michael's fortunes seem to be rising at DAA, but Elliot is more dissatisfied than ever and is ready to quit the job, leading to conflict between the two.
Closing the Circle
18. Closing the Circle
April 16, 1991
Michael tries to come to terms with Gary's passing. Among the living, he has problems with Susannah and with Miles and Peter at work.
The Wedding
17. The Wedding
April 9, 1991
Ellyn and Billy get married. Predictably, all does not go smoothly, as Ellyn gets a bad case of pre-wedding jitters.
The Difference Between Men and Women
16. The Difference Between Men and Women
February 26, 1991
Bachelor and bachelorette parties for Billy and Ellyn provide the backdrop for a look at the various couples' relationships with each other and their fideliity.
Fighting the Cold
15. Fighting the Cold
February 19, 1991
Susannah returns for Gary's funeral. Melissa is an emotional wreck in the aftermath. She and Susannah come to terms with each other.
A Second Look
14. A Second Look
February 12, 1991
Amidst the celebration over the success of Nancy's cancer surgery, a terrible and unexpected tragedy strikes another member of the group.
Sifting the Ashes
13. Sifting the Ashes
February 5, 1991
On a business trip to Baltimore, Elliot confronts issues with his mother and with his religious faith. Ethan too is wondering if religious faith can help his own mother.
Advanced Beginners
12. Advanced Beginners
January 22, 1991
While Ellyn and Billy are living together temporarily, an old girlfriend of Billy's arrives upon the scene, causing some problems.
Melissa and Men
11. Melissa and Men
January 8, 1991
As she prepare for a gallery exhibit devoted to her work, Melissa examines her past relationships with the men in her life and wonders why they have been such failures.
Happy New Year
10. Happy New Year
December 18, 1990
Everyone gathers at the Steadman house for a New Year celebration.
Guns & Roses
9. Guns & Roses
December 11, 1990
Nancy's continuing treatment for her cancer places more and more of a strain on her and her family.
Never Better
8. Never Better
December 4, 1990
The "friends of friends" Gary and Ellyn become closer, but it's Billy Sidel that Ellyn is really interested in.
Photo Opportunity
7. Photo Opportunity
November 27, 1990
Melissa gets a big photo assignment at the same time that her mother breaks her leg.
The Guilty Party
6. The Guilty Party
November 13, 1990
Hope tries to do it all, including throwing a surprise birthday party for Michael. Her relentless perfectionism might be rubbing off on Janey.
The Haunting of DAA
5. The Haunting of DAA
October 30, 1990
Amidst a big company layoff, Michael is visited by a mystery man.
The Distance
4. The Distance
October 16, 1990
An offer of a new job for Susannah leads to her and Gary taking a bold and unexpected step in their relationship. Ellyn finds out that Jeffrey is going back to his first wife
Control
3. Control
October 9, 1990
Melissa starts a fledgling relationship with Miles. Ellyn and Jeffrey look for a new apartment.
Life Class
2. Life Class
October 2, 1990
Nancy feels that the hysterectomy has adversely affected her sex drive.
Prelude to a Bris
1. Prelude to a Bris
September 22, 1990
The decision whether or not to circumcise the newborn Leo brings up larger questions: is he Jewish and what does that mean?
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 29, 1987
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (2,988)