ABC Afterschool Special
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ABC Afterschool Special

ABC Afterschool Special

19726
หนังชีวิต
ออกฉาย
04 ต.ค. 2515
ประเทศ
สหรัฐอเมริกา
Dramatically presented situations, often controversial, of interest to children and teenagers. Several episodes were either in animated form or presented as documentaries. Topics included illiteracy, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.

About

Quick guide

ABC Afterschool Special is a 1970s‑early‑90s anthology series that tackled tough teen topics in dramatic short‑features.

Aired on ABC from 1972 to 1997, the show presented one‑hour stories—often animated or documentary‑style—centered on issues like illiteracy, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, bullying, divorce, racism, and mental health. Each episode was a self‑contained drama featuring emerging or established actors, designed to spark conversation between teens and their families.

What to know

  • 25 seasons, 154 episodes
  • Anthology format, each episode is independent
  • Episodes ranged 60‑minute runtimes
  • Topics spanned social, health, and family issues
  • Featured early roles of future stars
  • Animated and documentary‑style episodes included
  • Produced for a family audience but with mature themes

Watch if

If you’re looking for thoughtful, socially‑aware teen dramas that encouraged family discussion and feature early careers of many well‑known actors, ABC Afterschool Special offers a compelling, classic anthology experience.

Skip if

If you prefer high‑energy, contemporary teen shows with fast pacing and graphic content, this nostalgic series may feel slow, tame and less engaging.

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Series Overview
ABC Afterschool Special was a long‑running anthology that aired in the late afternoon on ABC for 25 years. Each hour‑long episode was a self‑contained drama or documentary, often featuring a mix of live‑action and animation. The show addressed social, health, and family issues that mattered to teenagers and their parents.
Episode Format
Episodes varied in style, with some presented as animated features, others as live‑action dramas, and a few as documentaries. Each story was told from a teen’s perspective, and the anthology structure allowed the series to cover a wide range of topics across its run.
Key Themes
Common themes included illiteracy, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, bullying, divorce, mental health, racism, homelessness, and drug use. The series did not shy away from difficult subjects, instead encouraging viewers to confront them together.
Notable Guest Stars
Future stars like Jodie Foster, Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson, and many others appeared in various episodes. The show often showcased early career performances from actors who later became household names.
Legacy and Awards
The series won 51 Daytime Emmy Awards and four Peabody Awards over its run. It remains a reference point for socially‑responsible teen programming and helped launch the careers of several actors.
Where to Watch
The show is available on YouTube and several DVD collections, including the School Bus box set. Some episodes can also be found on streaming platforms that specialize in classic television.

FAQ

25 Q&A
What is ABC Afterschool Special?
It’s a 25‑season anthology TV series that aired on ABC from 1972 to 1997, featuring one‑hour dramas and documentaries that addressed social issues relevant to teenagers.
How many episodes were produced?
The series produced 154 episodes over its run, each a self‑contained story covering a different topic.
What were the main themes?
Common themes included illiteracy, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, bullying, divorce, racism, and mental health issues.
Was it aimed at children or teens?
It was designed for school‑age viewers, especially teenagers, but the family‑friendly tone invited parents to watch together.
Did any notable actors appear?
Yes, many future stars—including Jodie Foster, Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson, and Michelle Pfeiffer—made appearances in various episodes.
Was the series live‑action or animated?
Episodes varied; some were live‑action dramas, others were animated features, and a few were documentary‑style presentations.
Why was the show cancelled?
Ratings and advertising shifts, competition from talk shows and emerging media, and a changing teen entertainment landscape led to its cancellation in 1997.
Are episodes available online?
Yes, many episodes are on YouTube, and several DVD collections—including the School Bus set—are available for purchase.
Was it a daytime show?
It aired in the late afternoon on weekdays, pre‑empting local programming during the school week.
Did it win awards?
The series earned 51 Daytime Emmy Awards and four Peabody Awards for its educational and socially‑responsible programming.
What is the first episode?
The first episode, "Last of the Curlews," was an animated short about a young boy and his father debating the hunting of an endangered bird.
How long did each episode run?
Episodes were 60 minutes long, including commercials, making them feature‑length dramas.
Were any episodes adapted for syndication?
Because ABC owned the show, syndication was limited; most repeats aired only within the network’s own schedule.
Did the show address sexual health?
Yes, topics like teen pregnancy and safe sex appeared in several episodes, often framed as cautionary tales.
Was there a consistent narrator?
No single narrator; each episode stood alone with its own cast, story, and style.
Did it include any documentary segments?
Some episodes were documentary‑style, such as “The Amazing Cosmic Awareness of Duffy Moon,” which explored a child’s inner world.
What was the target age range?
The primary audience was 9‑18 year olds, but the content was suitable for older teens and parents.
Were there any spin‑offs?
No major spin‑offs, but the series inspired other teen‑focused programs like CBS Schoolbreak Specials.
Is it considered a classic?
Yes, it is regarded as a seminal series in teen drama history, often cited in discussions of socially‑aware television.
How did it compare to later teen shows?
Later series like 13 Reasons Why took a darker, more explicit tone, whereas Afterschool Specials maintained a family‑friendly approach.
Can I watch it on streaming services?
Some episodes appear on niche classic‑TV streaming platforms, but the most reliable access is via YouTube or DVD collections.
Was the series ever released on Blu‑ray?
No official Blu‑ray releases exist; the DVD sets are the primary home‑video format available.
Did the show have recurring characters?
No, it was an anthology; each episode introduced new characters and storylines.
Was the show ever revived?
It has not been revived; the original series ended in 1997.
Did it address environmental issues?
Yes, episodes like “Last of the Curlews” tackled wildlife conservation and human impact on nature.

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