Dream On (1990)
The groundbreaking HBO comedy that turned vintage TV clips into a window on one divorced New Yorker's hilariously complicated inner life.
Dream On - Series Information
- Original Title: Dream On
- First Air Year: 1990
- Last Air Year: 1996
- Created by: David Crane, Marta Kauffman
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 120
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 8, 1990 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: HBO
- Production Companies: St. Clare Entertainment, MCA Television Entertainment
Dream On - Plot
The family life, romantic life, and career of Martin Tupper, a divorced New York City book editor. The show distinctively interjected clips from older black and white television series to punctuate Tupper's feelings or thoughts.
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Dream On - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Crane
- Marta Kauffman
Main Cast
- Brian Benben
- Wendie Malick
- Chris Demetral
- Denny Dillon
- Dorien Wilson
- Michael McKean
- Jeffrey Joseph
- Sean Masterson
- Larry Miller
- June Gable
Writers
- David Crane
- Marta Kauffman
- Jeff Greenstein
- Stephen Engel
- Bill Prady
Dream On - FAQs
What is the classic TV clip gimmick in Dream On?
One of Dream On's most beloved signatures is its use of black-and-white clips from vintage television programs, spliced in to humorously illustrate Martin Tupper's inner thoughts and reactions. The device gave the show a uniquely cinematic, comedic rhythm that set it apart from every other sitcom of its era.
Where can you stream Dream On today?
Dream On is currently available to watch for free with ads on The Roku Channel. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming options in your region, JustWatch is the best place to check.
Who created Dream On and what inspired it?
Dream On was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the duo who would later go on to create Friends. The show drew on the idea of a generation raised on television, using vintage TV clips as a comedic window into the main character's subconscious mind.
Who are the main actors in Dream On?
Brian Benben leads the cast as Martin Tupper, with Wendie Malick as his ex-wife Judith, Chris Demetral as their son Jeremy, Denny Dillon as Toby, Dorien Wilson as Eddie, and Michael McKean as Gibby. Supporting players include Larry Miller, June Gable, and Sean Masterson.
How many seasons and episodes does Dream On have?
Dream On ran for six seasons on HBO from 1990 to 1996, accumulating 120 episodes in total. Season sizes varied considerably, with Season 6 being the largest at 27 episodes and Season 5 the shortest at 13.
Is Dream On worth watching for comedy fans?
Absolutely, especially for fans of sharp, adult-oriented comedy. Dream On was one of HBO's earliest original comedies and pushed boundaries with its frank humor and mature themes. The vintage TV clip device remains genuinely inventive, and Brian Benben's performance as the hapless Martin Tupper is consistently charming.
What shows are similar to Dream On?
If Dream On appeals to you, consider Man Seeking Woman, Master of None, or High Fidelity for similarly offbeat romantic comedy energy. For classic sitcom vibes, That '70s Show, Growing Pains, and As Time Goes By share a comparable warmth and ensemble charm.
When did Dream On first air and on which network?
Dream On premiered on July 8, 1990, on HBO, making it one of the cable network's pioneering original comedy series. It ran until 1996, completing six seasons and establishing HBO as a home for boundary-pushing, adult-focused sitcoms well before the prestige TV era.
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