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Season 1 – thirtysomething

1987 Drama List
78% Tomatometer 18 Reviews
Sensitive, introspective adults or self-absorbed, whiny yuppies? That debate still rages around this drama series about a group of close-knit friends in Philadelphia. Michael and Elliot, colleagues at a large ad agency, leave those jobs to open an agency of their own. Hope, Michael's overachieving wife, finds her attention divided between their new baby, Janey, and her dreams of becoming a publishing executive. Elliott's wife, Nancy, likewise has had to give up her former bohemian life as an aspiring artist to raise their two children. Melissa, Michael's photographer cousin, covets both a stellar career and a stunningly handsome life partner. Gary, the college professor who is Michael's best friend, is chronically afflicted with Peter Pan syndrome. And Ellyn, Hope's longtime friend, is a neurotic businesswoman. Read More Read Less
thirtysomething — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

In dealing with the everyday milestones and tribulations of modern life, thirtysomething built the foundation for a compelling -- and widely acclaimed -- drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Ken Tucker Philadelphia Inquirer If you're in your 30s and trying to think of a reason not to have kids, you're gonna love thirtysomething. Never has parenthood looked less appealing. Mar 2, 2021 Full Review Seth Stevenson Slate There's still much to enjoy, watching thirtysomething now. Aug 22, 2018 Full Review Jen Chaney Washington Post Obviously "thirtysomething" didn't fail. In fact, it still works remarkably well as a piece of relatable, well-acted and adult television, a program that - contrary to popular opinion - was more than just a whinefest. Aug 22, 2018 Full Review Bill Kelley South Florida Sun-Sentinel Thirtysomething is the most obnoxious dramatic series of the new season. Aug 22, 2018 Full Review Michael Antman PopMatters Those who never saw the original show... will probably have trouble imagining why this tender and humane series, with its case-sensitive title and just-plain-sensitive characters, could have ever been even remotely contentious. Rated: 8/10 Aug 22, 2018 Full Review Michael Kleinschrodt Times-Picayune While "thirtysomething" is well worth viewing, it is best taken in small doses. Aug 21, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews
thirtysomething — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 29, 1987 Pilot Michael does some soul-searching when Elliot confides that he had an extra-marital affair; Michael and Hope adjust to their infant daughter. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 6, 1987 The Parents Are Coming Hope (Mel Harris) drives everyone crazy anticipating a visit from her parents (George Coe and Shirley Knight). Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 13, 1987 Housewarming Michael (Ken Olin) sets out to renovate the dilapidated Steadman estate in time for a housewarming party. With Timothy Busfield. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 27, 1987 Couples Elliot and Nancy's (Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig) marital problems ruin an evening out for Michael (Ken Olin), Hope (Mel Harris) and the gang. Details Episode 5 Aired Nov 3, 1987 But Not for Me Gary and Melissa rekindle their long-dormant love affair; Hope and Michael's date turns into a disaster. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 17, 1987 We Gather Together Hope's wishes for a quiet Thanksgiving with Michael and the baby appear doomed; Melissa wants everyone to like her latest boyfriend. Details Episode 7 Aired Dec 1, 1987 Nice Work If You Can Get It Before a deadline, Michael and Elliot wrestle with a creativity block; Ellyn develops a crush on an associate. Details Episode 8 Aired Dec 8, 1987 Weaning Janey's decreased dependency on Hope sends the depressed mother back to work. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 15, 1987 I'll Be Home for Christmas Michael and Hope argue over whether their infant's first holiday season should be celebrated as Christmas or Hanukkah. Details Episode 10 Aired Jan 5, 1988 South by Southeast Lovestruck Gary (Peter Horton) begins receiving death threats -- and the prime suspect is a jealous professor (Christopher Carroll). Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 12, 1988 Therapy Elliot and Nancy seek marriage counseling; Michael finds it hard to keep an embarrassing secret about Ellyn. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 19, 1988 Competition Michael (Ken Olin) becomes jealous when an important client (Richard Masur) makes it clear that he prefers working with Elliot (Timothy Busfield). Details Episode 13 Aired Jan 26, 1988 Separation Elliot and Nancy's separation touches everyone's lives, particularly Michael and Hope's when Elliot moves in with them temporarily. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 2, 1988 I'm in Love, I'm in Love, I'm in Love With a Wonderful Gynecologist Ellyn and Melissa jeopardize their newfound friendship when they end up competing for a man's attention. Details Episode 15 Aired Feb 9, 1988 Business as Usual Michael happily anticipates a reunion with his father (Steven Hill), until he learns the reason for the visit. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 1, 1988 Accounts Receivable Michael's strained relationship with his brother worsens after the latter arrives for their father's funeral arrangements. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 15, 1988 Whose Forest Is This? The separation takes a toll on Nancy and Elliot's son; Elliot prepares for a blind date with a chiropractor. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 22, 1988 Nancy's First Date Nancy has her first date since the separation; Melissa finds out her new love does not want any more children. Details Episode 19 Aired Apr 12, 1988 Undone Michael's (Ken Olin) old girlfriend (Emily Birch) from college pays a visit. Details Episode 20 Aired May 3, 1988 Tenure Gary faces a tenure review; Ellyn learns her building is going co-op, leaving her to decide whether to buy her apartment. Details Episode 21 Aired May 10, 1988 Born to Be Mild When Ellyn and her boyfriend agree to house-sit for the vacationing Steadmans, they wind up watching Janey as well. Details

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Season Info

Director
Tom Moore
Executive Producer
Marshall Herskovitz, Edward Zwick
Screenwriter
Marshall Herskovitz, Edward Zwick
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 29, 1987