7.5
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thirtysomething
1987·Show
thirtysomething fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic and romantic
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia9
- Family Dynamics9
- Romance8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
thirtysomething is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighNostalgic and romantic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, romantic, and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia9Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind. 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.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
The '80s never looked so good.
Thirtysomething is an American television drama about a group of baby boomers in their late thirties. It was created by Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick for MGM/UA Television Group and The Bedford Falls Company, and aired on ABC. It premiered in the U.S. on September 29, 1987. It lasted four seasons, with the last of its 85 episodes airing on May 28, 1991.
The title of the show was designed as thirtysomething by Kathie Broyles, who combined the words of the original title, Thirty Something.
In 1997, "The Go Between" and "Samurai Ad Man" were ranked #22 on TV Guide′s 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.
In 2002, Thirtysomething was ranked #19 on TV Guide′s 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, and in 2013 TV Guide ranked it #10 in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time.
Pioneering Character DramaBaby Boomer AngstEmotional RealismSuburban Professional LifeDeep Friendship DynamicsRomantic ComplexityIntrospective DialogueLate 80s Cultural SnapshotFound Family BondsPsychological Depth
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about thirtysomething
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is thirtysomething worth watching?
64
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 7.5 and Rotten Tomatoes 83%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is thirtysomething rated?
Strong languageSexual content
Content advisories: strong language and sexual content.
How many seasons does thirtysomething have?
4 seasons
It has 4 seasons with 85 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on thirtysomething?
Critics83
Audiences75
Not quite. Critics rate thirtysomething higher (83) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did thirtysomething air?
S1S2S3S4
It ran from 1987 to 1991 and has ended.
What language is thirtysomething in?
English
It was made in English.
What tropes does thirtysomething use?
Killed Off for Realall lowercase lettersBut Not Too GayCreator CameoMrs. Robinson
TV Tropes lists 5 storytelling tropes for thirtysomething, including Killed Off for Real, all lowercase letters, But Not Too Gay.