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thirtysomething
"The '80s never looked so good."
Overview
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.
Status
Ended
Created By
Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz
Network
ABC
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
Episodes
Pilot
Hope and Michael Steadman are still adjusting to parenthood while struggling with money problems and best-friend crises.
The Parents Are Coming, the Parents Are Coming
Hope's anxiety over her parents' impending visit taxes everyone's patience.
Housewarming
Michael and Hope race to renovate their crumbling mansion for a huge housewarming party.
Couples
A night out with friends degenerates as Nancy and Elliot's marital woes become apparent.
But Not for Me
Gary and Melissa rekindle their affair; Michael and Hope's first date in months is a disaster.
We Gather Together
Hope and Michael plan a quiet Thanksgiving but learn friends are counting on being invited.
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.
Weaning
Sensing baby Janey's decreasing dependency on her, depressed Hope decides to go back to work.
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Michael and Hope argue about whether their infant's first holiday should be Christmas or Hanukkah. A famous photographer shows interest in Melissa's work.
South by Southeast
It's a Hitchcockian nightmare as Gary falls in love; as the romance progresses, he begins receiving a series of threats against his life.
Therapy
Elliot and Nancy seek professional help for their troubled marriage; Michael finds it hard to keep it a secret.
Competition
Michael's jealousy is aroused when an important client make it clear he prefers Elliot. Meanwhile, Hope and Nancy try to come to terms with computers.
Separation
Elliot temporarily moves in with Michael and Hope after separating from Nancy.
I'm in Love, I'm in Love, I'm in Love with a Wonderful Gynecologist
Competing for the attention of the same man jeopardizes the new found friendship between Ellyn and Melissa.
Business as Usual
Michael's hopes for a joyous reunion with his father are destroyed when he discovers the real reason for the visit.
Accounts Receivable
A rocky relationship between Michael and his brother Brad is further strained when Michael learns the family business is almost bankrupt.
Whose Forest Is This?
Nancy and Elliot's separation takes its toll on their son; Elliot prepares for a blind date with a chiropractor.
Nancy's First Date
Melissa's burgeoning romance slows when she learns he doesn't want any more kids. Nancy has her first date since the separation.
Undone
Michael's old girlfriend from college pays a visit.
Tenure
Gary evaluates the fate of his academic career as he undergoes tenure review at the college. Ellyn learns her building is going co-op, leaving her to decide whether to buy her apartment.
Born to Be Mild
Ellyn and Woodman's weekend is ruined when they are forced to babysit Janey.
Top Cast
Ken Olin
Michael Steadman
Mel Harris
Hope Steadman
Timothy Busfield
Elliot Weston
Patricia Wettig
Nancy Weston
Peter Horton
Gary Shepherd
Melanie Mayron
Melissa Steadman
Polly Draper
Ellyn Warren
