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Season 4 – thirtysomething

1990 Drama List
88% Tomatometer 8 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

Critics Reviews

View All (8) Critics Reviews
Bruce Fretts Entertainment Weekly Forget "Fear Factor" - to me, this is reality TV. Rated: A- Aug 18, 2018 Full Review Joanne Ostrow Denver Post Whether or not the episodes work for today's 30-somethings, the intense explorations of selfhood were impressive for that time. Aug 18, 2018 Full Review Michele Weldon Chicago Tribune Thirtysomething missed its chance. [...] It need not have been such a perfect ending. May 1, 2018 Full Review Chris Ball Cleveland Plain Dealer Today, the blow cuts and jackets with shoulder pads look hilarious, but the day-to-day problems of the intelligent characters remain surprisingly relevant. Rated: A- Aug 18, 2018 Full Review Michael Hill Baltimore Sun From start to finish, "thirtysomething" demonstrated a sensitive ear. It was a perfect mirror on our lives that added the depth and nuance possible with drama, added dimensions that allow for increased insight and understanding. Aug 17, 2018 Full Review Emelia Fredlick Paste Magazine Few shows captured the spirit of the '80s, and of growing up, as well as Thirtysomething. Jul 19, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews
thirtysomething — Season 4

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Cast & Crew

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 22, 1990 Prelude to a Bris When Hope gives birth to a son, Michael is forced to decide whether they should follow Jewish tradition. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 2, 1990 Life Class Nancy's constantly changing sexual feelings affect her marriage; Hope feels overwhelmed by two children. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 9, 1990 Control Miles (David Clennon) dates Melissa (Melanie Mayron) when she begins working for Michael (Ken Olin); Ellyn and Jeffrey (Polly Draper, Richard Gilliland) move in together. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 16, 1990 The Distance Susannah's New York job offer threatens her relationship with Gary; Ellyn ponders her relationship with Jeffrey. Details Episode 5 Aired Oct 30, 1990 The Haunting of DAA Michael (Ken Olin) is haunted by one of the agency's founders when he works to cut down on the DAA staff. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 13, 1990 The Guilty Party Hope throws a surprise party for Michael to ease her guilt over attention to the baby; guest Renee Taylor. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 27, 1990 Photo Opportunity Melissa must decide whether to nab the photo opportunity of a lifetime or care for her mother, who has suffered a broken leg. Details Episode 8 Aired Dec 4, 1990 Never Better Loneliness brings Gary and Ellyn together in an unlikely friendship; Ellyn is attracted to a man she hasn't dated in years. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 11, 1990 Guns & Roses Nancy's problems with cancer therapy affect her relationships with her children; Elliot is jealous of award-nominee Michael. Details Episode 10 Aired Dec 18, 1990 Happy New Year Michael and Hope's (Ken Olin, Mel Harris) New Year's Eve party turns nostalgic until Hope receives a mysterious phone call. With Timothy Busfield, Polly Draper. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 8, 1991 Melissa and Men Melissa is upset when she discovers that the art gallery's exhibition of her photographs forms a montage of her failed relationships. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 22, 1991 Advanced Beginners Billy's former girlfriend (Liberty Godshall) arrives and complicates his and Ellyn's decision to live together. With Erich Anderson, Polly Draper. Details Episode 13 Aired Feb 5, 1991 Sifting the Ashes Nancy prepares for her last round of chemotherapy; Elliot visits his mother (Eileen Brennan) during a business trip. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 12, 1991 Second Look Nancy is ready for her second bout with cancer surgery, but uncertainty over the outcome puts a strain on her family and friends. Details Episode 15 Aired Feb 19, 1991 Fighting the Cold The unexpected results of Nancy's second operation for cancer cause her friends and family to re-evaluate their own lives. Details Episode 16 Aired Feb 26, 1991 The Difference Between Men and Women When the men plan a bachelor party for Billy, the women are hard pressed to plan something different for Ellyn. Details Episode 17 Aired Apr 9, 1991 The Wedding Everyone is ready for Ellyn and Billy's long-awaited wedding, with a few important exceptions: the couple's families. Details Episode 18 Aired Apr 16, 1991 Closing the Circle Michael is torn between professional demands at the ad agency and his personal responsibility to help Susannah settle Gary's estate. Details Episode 19 Aired Apr 30, 1991 Out the Door Michael and Elliot's friendship is tested when Michael sides with Miles in rejecting Elliot's ad proposal. Details Episode 20 Aired May 7, 1991 Hopeless Hope finds a new purpose when she volunteers to work at a homeless shelter, where she befriends a woman and her daughter. Details Episode 21 Aired May 14, 1991 A Stop at Willoughby Michael and Miles clash when long hours and a demanding client threaten to push Michael over the edge. Details Episode 22 Aired May 21, 1991 Melissa in Wonderland In Hollywood to photograph a TV star (Brooke Adams), Melissa gets caught in the bizarre machinations of television. Details Episode 23 Aired May 28, 1991 California After returning from California, Michael faces decisions that will affect his personal and professional lives. Details
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Season Info

Network
ABC
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 22, 1990