ABC Afterschool Special (1972)
A groundbreaking ABC anthology series that tackled real-world issues facing young Americans across 25 seasons and 147 episodes from 1972 to 1997.
ABC Afterschool Special - Series Information
- Original Title: ABC Afterschool Special
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1997
- Created by: Guy Fraumeni
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 25
- Number of Episodes: 147
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: The ABC Theater for Young Americans (US)
ABC Afterschool Special - Plot
Dramatically presented situations, often controversial, of interest to children and teenagers. Several episodes were either in animated form or presented as documentaries. Topics included illiteracy, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
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ABC Afterschool Special - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Guy Fraumeni
Main Cast
- Lance Kerwin
- Vicky Dawson
- Stephen Keep Mills
- Sparky Marcus
- Eric Scott
- Ike Eisenmann
- Jennifer Grey
- Mara Hobel
- Kim Richards
- Christopher Maleki
Writers
- Beth Thompson
- Courtney Flavin
- Arthur Heinemann
- Jameson Brewer
- Tracey Thompson
Executive Producers
- David H. DePatie
- Friz Freleng
- Jane Startz
- Judith Stoia
- Dick Clark
ABC Afterschool Special - FAQs
What is ABC Afterschool Special about?
ABC Afterschool Special was an anthology series that dramatized challenging real-world situations relevant to children and teenagers. Episodes tackled subjects such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, illiteracy, and peer pressure, blending dramatic storytelling with documentary and animated formats to educate and engage young audiences.
How many seasons does ABC Afterschool Special have?
ABC Afterschool Special ran for 25 seasons, spanning from 1972 to 1997. Across those seasons, the series produced 147 episodes, making it one of the longest-running anthology programs aimed at young audiences in American television history.
Did ABC Afterschool Special feature any famous actors?
Yes, the series served as an early platform for several actors who went on to major careers. Jodie Foster, Jennifer Grey, Kim Richards, and Gabrielle Carteris all appeared in episodes, making ABC Afterschool Special notable for launching or featuring talent that would later achieve widespread recognition.
Where can you watch ABC Afterschool Special?
Streaming availability for ABC Afterschool Special varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or free streaming services, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability across all major platforms in your area.
When did ABC Afterschool Special first air?
ABC Afterschool Special first aired in 1972 on the ABC network. The series continued broadcasting for 25 years, concluding in 1997, making it one of the most enduring youth-oriented anthology programs in American broadcast television history.
What topics did ABC Afterschool Special cover?
The series addressed a wide range of sensitive and socially relevant topics aimed at young viewers, including substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, illiteracy, peer pressure, and family conflict. Some episodes were presented as animated stories or documentaries, offering varied formats to engage different age groups.
Who created ABC Afterschool Special?
ABC Afterschool Special was created by Guy Fraumeni. The series aired on the ABC network and featured a rotating roster of executive producers over its long run, including Dick Clark, Martin Tahse, Jane Startz, and Frank Doelger, reflecting the collaborative nature of its anthology format.
Is ABC Afterschool Special an anthology series?
Yes, ABC Afterschool Special is an anthology series, meaning each episode presented a self-contained story with its own cast and narrative. This format allowed the show to explore a broad spectrum of issues affecting young people, using drama, animation, and documentary styles across its 147-episode run.
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