Staffel
Episode
Player-Server
Die besten Jahre
19876
Drama
Veröffentlicht
29. Sept. 1987
Land
Vereinigte Staaten
Thirtysomething ist ein amerikanisches Fernsehdrama über eine Gruppe von Babyboomern Ende dreißig. Sie wurde von Marshall Herskovitz und Edward Zwick für MGM/UA Television Group und The Bedford Falls Company entwickelt und auf ABC ausgestrahlt. Er feierte seine Premiere in den USA am 29. September 1987. Sie lief vier Staffeln, wobei die letzte der 85 Episoden am 28. Mai 1991 ausgestrahlt wurde. Der Titel der Sendung wurde von Kathie Broyles als Thirtysomething entworfen, die die Worte des ursprünglichen Titels Thirty Something kombinierte. 1997 wurden "The Go Between" und "Samurai Ad Man" auf Platz 22 in TV Guides Liste der 100 besten Episoden aller Zeiten gerankt. Im Jahr 2002 wurde Thirtysomething auf Platz #19 der 50 besten TV-Shows aller Zeiten von TV Guide eingestuft, und 2013 belegte TV Guide sie auf Platz 10 in der Liste der 60 größten Dramen aller Zeiten.
About
Quick guide
A 1980s ABC drama that follows a group of baby boomers navigating career, family, and personal crises.
Thirtysomething is an American drama that aired on ABC from 1987 to 1991. It centers on a tight-knit group of friends and families living in Philadelphia as they confront the challenges of early parenthood, career ambitions, and shifting relationships. The series is noted for its realistic dialogue and nuanced character arcs that capture the angst of the generation in their thirties. While some storylines touch on loss and illness, the show largely focuses on interpersonal dynamics and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
What to know
- • 4 seasons, 85 episodes
- • Ensemble cast led by Ken Olin and Mel Harris
- • Focuses on careers in advertising and media
- • Themes include parenthood, career change, and identity
- • No supernatural or fantasy elements
- • Primarily aired Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m.
- • Won 13 Primetime Emmy Awards
- • Recognized in TV Guide’s top 50 dramas
Watch if
If you appreciate character‑driven stories that explore adult relationships, career crossroads, and the complexity of mid‑life choices, this series offers thoughtful dialogue and realistic situations that resonate beyond its era.
Skip if
If you prefer fast‑paced action, high‑concept plots, or light‑hearted comedy, you may find thirtysomething’s slow‑burn, adult themes and occasional melancholy less engaging.
mature themespsychological elementsromance elementsfamily friendlyslow burnsad tone
Show Premise
Thirtysomething follows the lives of several friends and their families in Philadelphia as they confront the demands of career, marriage, and parenthood. The series balances workplace drama with personal stories, depicting the tension between ambition and personal fulfillment.
Main Characters
Michael Steadman, a copywriter turned advertiser, and his wife Hope navigate marriage and career. Friends Elliot Weston and Nancy, Melissa Steadman, and Ellyn Warren provide varied perspectives on love, career, and identity.
Themes and Tone
The show examines mid‑life anxiety, the struggle to balance work and family, and the search for meaning. It adopts a realistic tone, with grounded dialogue and occasional melancholy.
Critical Reception
Thirtysomething earned critical acclaim, winning 13 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes. Critics praised its character depth and authentic portrayal of 1980s urban life.
Cultural Impact
The series helped define the modern television ensemble drama, influencing shows that followed, such as Once and Again and Mad Men. It also popularized the term “thirtysomething” for baby boomers in their thirties.
Legacy
Though short‑lived, the show left a lasting influence on TV storytelling, inspiring later series that explore adult life in a realistic, character‑driven way. The show remains available on streaming platforms and DVD.
Where to Watch
All four seasons are available on streaming services and as a complete DVD collection. Viewers can stream the series on platforms that offer ABC original content or purchase the DVD box set for physical copies.
Similar vibes
6 Titel
Der Versuchung verfallen
Centers on career, family, and complex adult relationships in a realistic drama.
Film
★5/10
The O.C.
Explores young adulthood, relationships, and family in a contemporary setting.
Serie
★8/10
Mad Men
Explores advertising careers and personal lives during a specific era with rich dialogue.
Serie
★8/10
Wie ich deine Mutter kennengelernt habe
Deals with adult friendships and romantic entanglements in a realistic, episodic style.
Serie
★8/10
The West Wing
Shared political and professional settings with tight ensemble storytelling.
Serie
★8/10
The Newsroom
Blends career ambition with personal relationships in a workplace drama.
Serie
★8/10
FAQ
24 Q&A
What is Thirtysomething about?
The series centers on a group of friends and families in Philadelphia dealing with careers, marriage, and parenthood during the late 1980s. It examines the challenges of growing up as a baby boomer in their thirties.
Who are the main characters?
Key characters include Michael and Hope Steadman, their friend Elliot Weston, his wife Nancy, photographer Melissa Steadman, and friend Ellyn Warren. Their stories intertwine around work and relationships.
What is the show’s tone?
Thirtysomething takes a realistic, character‑driven tone with thoughtful dialogue. It blends humor with serious issues such as career pressures and family dynamics.
How many seasons and episodes were produced?
The show ran for four seasons, producing a total of 85 episodes from 1987 to 1991.
Did the show win any awards?
Yes, it received 13 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards for its writing, acting, and production quality.
When did the show first air?
Thirtysomething premiered on ABC on September 29, 1987, and aired its final episode on May 28, 1991.
Where can I watch Thirtysomething today?
All seasons are available on streaming platforms that carry ABC originals, and the complete series can be purchased as a DVD box set.
Is there a reboot or sequel?
A proposed sequel, titled Thirtysomething(else), was announced in 2020 but was ultimately not produced.
What are the show’s major themes?
The series explores career ambition, marital relationships, parenthood, identity, and the emotional challenges of mid‑life.
Do the characters have supernatural storylines?
No, Thirtysomething focuses on realistic, contemporary storylines without supernatural or fantasy elements.
Is there violence in the show?
The series contains minimal violence, focusing mainly on emotional conflict rather than physical action.
Is it appropriate for all ages?
The show is adult‑oriented, with mature themes, but it does not contain graphic content, making it suitable for mature viewers.
How did the show influence later TV dramas?
Thirtysomething set a template for ensemble, character‑driven dramas that examine adult relationships, influencing shows like Once and Again, Mad Men, and The Good Wife.
What is the significance of the title?
The title, created by Kathie Broyles, combines “Thirty” and “Something” to reflect baby boomers in their thirties.
What was the show’s budget like?
While exact budgets vary by season, the series was produced at a modest budget typical of ABC dramas of the era, focusing on character work over lavish production.
Was the show filmed in Philadelphia?
Yes, many scenes were filmed on location in Philadelphia to capture the city’s authentic atmosphere.
Did any episodes stand out as especially notable?
Episodes such as “The Go Between” and “Samurai Ad Man” were ranked high by TV Guide, reflecting their emotional depth and memorable moments.
How does the show handle relationships between genders?
The series presents realistic portrayals of gender dynamics, exploring marriage, career balance, and the complexities of modern relationships.
Were there any controversies associated with the show?
The episode “Strangers” sparked debate over representation of gay characters, leading to changes in how such characters were portrayed in later seasons.
What was the audience reception like?
Thirtysomething was well‑received by critics and viewers, earning strong ratings and a dedicated fan base during its run.
Did the show feature any real-life events or people?
The series drew inspiration from real-life advertising culture and the experiences of baby boomers in the 1980s, though all characters remain fictional.
How does the show portray parenthood?
Parenthood is depicted realistically, with characters experiencing the challenges of raising children, balancing work, and maintaining relationships.
What kind of music was used in the series?
The show featured a contemporary soundtrack of 1980s hits, reinforcing the era’s cultural backdrop and setting.
Is there a fan community that still discusses the show?
Yes, fans maintain online groups and forums to discuss characters, themes, and episodes, reflecting the series’ lasting impact.
