6.8
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Dear John
1988·Show
Dear John fingerprint
Funny, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace4
- Tension2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Nostalgic and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia8
- Family Dynamics8
- Wholesome7
Humor
Plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
- Situational Comedy8
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Cringe Humor5
World
Everyday modern life and family
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Dialogue Quality6
- Character Depth6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing5
- Cinematography4
- Music Composition4
All energy traits
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, wholesome, and hopeful. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
Expect plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy8Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
LowEveryday modern life and family
Its world is built around everyday modern life and family.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty2Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction5Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure5Story architecture and form.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue2Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Style
LowFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography4Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization2Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality2Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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Episode ratings
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About
Life after divorce is never easy, but it's easier with friends
Dear John starred Judd Hirsch as easygoing Drake Prep high school teacher John Lacey who is dumped by his wife, Wendy, via a Dear John letter. Wendy ends up with everything in the divorce settlement, including custody of the couple's son, forcing John to move into an apartment in Ozone Park, Queens. John soon joins the One-2-One Club, a self help group for divorced, widowed or lonely people. The group is led by Louise (Jane Carr), a sex-obsessed British woman. Other members of the group include Kate McCarron (Isabella Hofmann), a sweet divorcée; Kirk Morris (Jere Burns), a cocky ladies' man; Ralph Drang (Harry Groener), a shy and neurotic tollbooth collector; Bonnie Philbert (Billie Bird), a feisty senior citizen; and Tom, Mrs. Philbert's quiet boyfriend (Tom Willett).
Nostalgic 80s SitcomPost-Divorce RecoveryEnsemble Character StudyLight Romantic ComedySelf-Help Group DynamicsUrban Queens SettingJudd Hirsch CharmComfort ViewingSocial Awkwardness Humor
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Dear John
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Dear John worth watching?
62
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 6.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does Dear John have?
4 seasons
It has 4 seasons with 90 episodes of about 30 minutes each.
When did Dear John air?
S1S2S3S4
It ran from 1988 to 1992 and has ended.
What language is Dear John in?
English
It was made in English.
What tropes does Dear John use?
Annoying LaughThe VicarBreak-Up SongTaking the KidsLyrical DissonanceTropaholics AnonymousCasanova WannabeDysfunction JunctionThe Good Old British CompJerk JockDigging Yourself DeeperNice Guyand 16 more
TV Tropes lists 28 storytelling tropes for Dear John, including Annoying Laugh, The Vicar, Break-Up Song.