thirtysomething

thirtysomething is a drama on ABC that focused on the lives of a group of friends in their thirties living in Philadelphia as they struggle to deal with being married, having kids, and juggling their professions. Although thirtysomething focuses mostly on the lives of Michael Steadman (Ken Olin) and his wife, Hope Murdoch Steadman (Mel Harris), the show was often seen as having an ensemble cast. Other recurring characters include Melissa Steadman (Melanie Mayron), Michael's cousin, Elliot Weston (Timothy Busfield), his wife Nancy Kreger Weston (Patricia Wettig), Ellyn Warren (Polly Draper), Hope's close friend since childhood, Gary Shepherd (Peter Horton), his wife Susannah Hart Shepherd (Patricia Kalember), and Miles Drentell (David Clennon), Michael and Elliot's boss. This close-knit group of friends deal with depression, death, betrayal, cancer, and everything in between. They are all grown up baby boomers, and the series was heavily influenced by the angst that yuppies and baby boomers felt in America during the 80s. It also strongly dealt with feminist issues and views, as many of the women characters struggled with conflicting desires to stay at home with their children and also to further their careers. Produced by Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, thirtysomethings aired from 1987-1991. It won many Emmy Awards and nominations during its four season run. MORE