Back to the '80s with a Modern Twist
Hey there, TV fans! ABC has just announced something pretty cool—a sequel series pilot to the iconic 'thirtysomething.' This groundbreaking show originally aired from 1987 to 1991, and it was all about the lives of a group of baby boomers and their families. Well, guess what? The original cast is making a comeback, including Ken Olin (who you might know from 'This Is Us' now) as Michael Steadman, Mel Harris as Michael’s wife, Hope Murdoch, Timothy Busfield as Elliot Weston, and Patricia Wettig (Ken’s real-life wife) as Nancy Weston. The new series will also introduce a fresh batch of actors playing the grown-up, 30-something children of these beloved characters. It’s going to be fascinating to see how the generational differences play out on screen!
Revolutionizing Television: Ken Olin’s Perspective
Over at our Classic TV Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary Ken Olin. We chatted about 'thirtysomething' and why it was such a game-changer in its time. Ken revealed to Closer Weekly, “The immediate reaction to it clearly distinguished it as somewhat revolutionary, because it wasn’t met with the same kind of critical or audience response as any other show up to that point. It was like 'Hill Street Blues'—so different and groundbreaking.” He went on to explain how 'thirtysomething' broke the mold by focusing on the personal lives of its characters without relying on a specific professional backdrop like a medical or police drama.
Ken added, “TV, for the most part, was stuck in a mold. There were certain types of shows—either medical, police procedurals, or family sitcoms. Then along came 'Hill Street Blues,' and it was like, ‘Whoa, this is different.’ It tackled issues in a fresh, unique way. 'thirtysomething' did the same. It stood out because it wasn’t tied to a specific profession or franchise. It was purely about domestic situations, which was quite revolutionary back then.”
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What Made 'thirtysomething' So Unique?
What really set 'thirtysomething' apart was its deep dive into self-analysis, which was fairly uncommon at the time. Co-creator Marshall Herskovitz was heavily involved in psychotherapy, and this influence gave the show a strong analytical component. Plus, for the late '80s, sexuality played a big role in the narrative, exploring relationships in a way that was both bold and thought-provoking. Ken explained, “It was polarizing because while some people loved it and thought it was an authentic depiction of their lives, others dismissed it as overly self-absorbed. They felt these characters didn’t represent them and were holding themselves up as if they did.”
