8.6
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A Year in the Life
1987·Show
A Year in the Life fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics10
- Nostalgia8
- Wholesome7
Humor
Some sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy5
- Cringe Humor3
World
Family, everyday modern life, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and storytelling
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Year in the Life is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighNostalgic and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, wholesome, and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and pop culture. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and storytelling
The characters, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 | Episode 10 | Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | Episode 15 | Episode 16 | Episode 17 | Episode 18 | Episode 19 | Episode 20 | Episode 21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 4 not rated | Episode 5 not rated | Episode 6 not rated | Episode 9 not rated | Episode 10 not rated | Episode 11 not rated | Episode 12 not rated | Episode 13 not rated | Episode 14 not rated | Episode 15 not rated | Episode 16 not rated | Episode 17 not rated | Episode 18 not rated | Episode 19 not rated | Episode 20 not rated |
| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
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| Episode 4 | Episode 4 not rated |
| Episode 5 | Episode 5 not rated |
| Episode 6 | Episode 6 not rated |
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| Episode 8 | |
| Episode 9 | Episode 9 not rated |
| Episode 10 | Episode 10 not rated |
| Episode 11 | Episode 11 not rated |
| Episode 12 | Episode 12 not rated |
| Episode 13 | Episode 13 not rated |
| Episode 14 | Episode 14 not rated |
| Episode 15 | Episode 15 not rated |
| Episode 16 | Episode 16 not rated |
| Episode 17 | Episode 17 not rated |
| Episode 18 | Episode 18 not rated |
| Episode 19 | Episode 19 not rated |
| Episode 20 | Episode 20 not rated |
| Episode 21 |
About
Following the success of the three-part miniseries of the same name, the drama series follows the daily lives of Seattle's Gardner family. Joe Gardner is the owner of a successful plastics business and the father of four adult children. The Gardner family includes twice-divorced daughter Anne, who returns home with her two teenaged children; daughter Lindley and husband Jim, parents of a newborn baby daughter; black sheep son Jack; and conservative youngest son Sam, newly married to free-spirited Kay.
Multi-Generational DramaFamily SagaEveryday LifeCharacter-DrivenEmotional DepthRelationship Focus80s TelevisionDomestic RealismHuman Condition
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about A Year in the Life
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Year in the Life worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 8.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Year in the Life rated?
NR
It's rated NR in the United States.
How many seasons does A Year in the Life have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 22 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
When did A Year in the Life air?
S1
It ran from 1987 to 1988 and has ended.
What language is A Year in the Life in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.