thirtysomething (1987)
The landmark ABC drama that defined a generation, following baby boomers through the beautifully messy terrain of adult life.
thirtysomething - Series Information
- Original Title: thirtysomething
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Created by: Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 85
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 29, 1987 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Génération Pub (FR)
thirtysomething - Plot
Thirtysomething is an American television drama about a group of baby boomers in their late thirties. It was created by Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick for MGM/UA Television Group and The Bedford Falls Company, and aired on ABC. It premiered in the U.S. on September 29, 1987. It lasted four seasons, with the last of its 85 episodes airing on May 28, 1991. The title of the show was designed as thirtysomething by Kathie Broyles, who combined the words of the original title, Thirty Something. In 1997, "The Go Between" and "Samurai Ad Man" were ranked #22 on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time. In 2002, Thirtysomething was ranked #19 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, and in 2013 TV Guide ranked it #10 in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time.
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thirtysomething - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Edward Zwick
- Marshall Herskovitz
Main Cast
- Ken Olin
- Mel Harris
- Timothy Busfield
- Patricia Wettig
- Peter Horton
- Melanie Mayron
- Polly Draper
- Patricia Kalember
- Luke Rossi
- David Clennon
Writers
- Joseph Dougherty
- Ann Lewis Hamilton
- Edward Zwick
- Marshall Herskovitz
- Paul Haggis
Executive Producers
- Marshall Herskovitz
- Edward Zwick
thirtysomething - FAQs
Where can you stream thirtysomething online?
thirtysomething is available to stream in the United States through select platforms. You can check current streaming availability, rental, and purchase options for the series by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates all viewing options in your region in one convenient place.
Why was thirtysomething considered groundbreaking television?
thirtysomething broke new ground by centering its drama on the everyday anxieties of educated, middle-class adults rather than crime or fantasy. Its frank portrayal of marriage, career doubt, illness, and friendship resonated deeply with the baby boomer generation and influenced a wave of character-driven dramas that followed.
Did thirtysomething win any major awards?
Yes. thirtysomething earned multiple Emmy Awards during its run, including Outstanding Drama Series. Patricia Wettig won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, and the show was widely celebrated by critics. TV Guide later ranked it #19 on its 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Who are the main actors in thirtysomething?
The ensemble cast includes Ken Olin as Michael Steadman, Mel Harris as Hope Steadman, Timothy Busfield as Elliot Weston, Patricia Wettig as Nancy Weston, Peter Horton as Gary Shepherd, Melanie Mayron as Melissa Steadman, and Polly Draper as Ellyn Warren, among others.
What is thirtysomething about?
thirtysomething follows a close-knit group of baby boomers in Philadelphia as they grapple with the pressures of marriage, parenthood, friendship, and professional ambition. The series explores the emotional and moral complexities of adult life with unusual honesty and nuance for its era.
How many seasons and episodes does thirtysomething have?
thirtysomething ran for four seasons and 85 episodes on ABC. Season 1 had 21 episodes, Season 2 had 17, Season 3 had 24, and Season 4 had 23. The series premiered on September 29, 1987, and concluded on May 28, 1991.
Is thirtysomething based on a true story?
thirtysomething is not based on a specific true story, but creators Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz drew heavily from their own experiences as young professionals navigating adulthood. The series was widely praised for its authenticity and its deeply personal, semi-autobiographical emotional texture.
When did thirtysomething first air on television?
thirtysomething premiered on ABC on September 29, 1987. Created by Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz for MGM/UA Television Group and The Bedford Falls Company, the series ran for four seasons before concluding with its final episode on May 28, 1991.
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