Remember this? Thirtysomething. I loved this show. I was in my 20s when it came out in 1987. Single and unattached. Yet, I identified with the show. It was a huge hit, more than Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick ever imagined. "What we thought of as esoteric, which meant specific and honest -- specific to a group of people and honest about their lives -- ended up having a universal appeal that we absolutely did not foresee," Herskovitz said.
And then there were the show's bashers who called it whiny and annoying. Perhaps it was, at times. Yet,there isn't anything on television today that delves so deeply into the pysches of men and women, the intimate dance in relationships, and the challenges we have today in our roles. I can't help but think how much more I would relate to it today. Season 1 will be released on DVD in August. Perhaps episodes of Thirtysomething could be a tutorial. I just may add it to my Netflix queue. Maybe I can pick up some pointers... 
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Oh man, I LOVED that show. You've almost inspired me to add it to my Flix queue as well. Almost.
ReplyDeleteHerskowitz & Zwick are geniuses with the TV format and they're ALWAYS being screwed by the powers that be. While you're waiting for this to come out (thanks for the heads up, can't wait for that!) put their series, Once & Again in your queue. You won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteI was also in my 20s and adored this show! (It got whiny and melodramatic towards the end of the series.)
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll que it up as well!
Me too me too me too! I was so upset when they canceled it (though I agree it was going over the top toward the end -- do I recall Gary appearing as a ghost?) that I boycotted series television forever. And I have kept to that boycott lo these 17 years.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen it. I was in my teens (or maybe pre-teens). I remember when it was on; 30 seemed ANCIENT. Now I'm 36! And I feel like a kid! I feel like I was a teenager just a few short years ago! I think I should watch the DVDs.
ReplyDeleteOMG! It is seriously SO bizarre that you wrote this because I was just thinking yesterday about this show! It came out when I was 15, and it was on at 10pm and my parents wanted me in bed by 10:00 on a school night. I pleaded with them, but they wouldn't budge, so I used to tape it! I was 15, watching a show about 30 year olds, loving it!
ReplyDeleteThe reason I thought of it yesterday is because I looked at my ridiculously long leg hair, and remembered the episode where one of the guys was turned off by his wife's unshaved legs so he complained, and she went off about all the crap she has to do in one day that he doesn't. Like you said, I think I need to watch them again, because I could really relate!
This was truly one of the best. Now, didn't these producers come up with My So-Called Life, too? Or am I mistaken?
ReplyDeleteAnd looking at this photo I recognize some actors from current shows that I like.
I know you're going to think I'm too young for it, but I loved it, even as a bit of a young teen. My mom would try to restrict my viewing of it...pfffft.
ReplyDeleteIt was just so REAL, and I knew that even then.
And I just remembered, in reading this, that Holly from Brothers and Sisters (you have no idea what I'm talking about if you don't watch it) was on thirtysomething! I had forgotten!
Oh, how I loved that show. Party of 5 was my all-time favorite though.
ReplyDeleteMichael was my dream husband. I related to his sister. What's her name?
ReplyDeleteloved loved loved that show...
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, because I think they captured something about the way husbands and wives talk to each other that hasn't been captured the same way since. And the issues -- about friends and spouses and the life trajectory our choices guide us to -- they really are relevant to me in a completely different way.
ReplyDeleteI just may revisit it.
I LOVED that show! My favorite episode was when Michael's wife (oh lord, what was her name?) found the letters from the woman who lived in the house before, hidden in the window seat...
ReplyDeleteThe main thing I remember about that show is one time all the characters were sitting around eating takeout pizza and one of the women picked up the white plastic thing keeping the lid off the pizza and started yelling at everybody about how plastic was so bad for everybody. How did they know???
ReplyDeleteI watched the show when I was single, too. Late 20's. I loved that quirky artsy woman. I agree that 30-something captured a cohort in such depth, especially married angst. Sex and the City does a good job for young singles.
ReplyDelete