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.
Pilot (Episode 1)
Writer: Marshall Herskovitz
Air date: 1987-09-29
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Hope and Michael Steadman are still adjusting to parenthood while struggling with money problems and best-friend crises.
The Parents Are Coming, the Parents Are Coming (Episode 2)
Writer: Marshall Herskovitz
Air date: 1987-10-06
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Hope's anxiety over her parents' impending visit taxes everyone's patience.
Housewarming (Episode 3)
Writer: Marshall Herskovitz
Air date: 1987-10-13
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Michael and Hope race to renovate their crumbling mansion for a huge housewarming party.
Couples (Episode 4)
Writer: Marshall Herskovitz
Air date: 1987-10-27
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A night out with friends degenerates as Nancy and Elliot's marital woes become apparent.
But Not for Me (Episode 5)
Air date: 1987-11-03
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Gary and Melissa rekindle their affair; Michael and Hope's first date in months is a disaster.
We Gather Together (Episode 6)
Writer: Edward Zwick
Air date: 1987-11-17
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Hope and Michael plan a quiet Thanksgiving but learn friends are counting on being invited.
Nice Work If You Can Get It (Episode 7)
Writer: Paul Haggis
Air date: 1987-12-01
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Before a deadline, Michael and Elliot wrestle with a creativity block; Ellyn develops a crush on an associate.
Weaning (Episode 8)
Air date: 1987-12-08
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Sensing baby Janey's decreasing dependency on her, depressed Hope decides to go back to work.
I'll Be Home for Christmas (Episode 9)
Air date: 1987-12-15
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Michael and Hope argue about whether their infant's first holiday should be Christmas or Hanukkah. A famous photographer shows interest in Melissa's work.
South by Southeast (Episode 10)
Writer: Paul Haggis
Air date: 1988-01-05
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: It's a Hitchcockian nightmare as Gary falls in love; as the romance progresses, he begins receiving a series of threats against his life.
Therapy (Episode 11)
Air date: 1988-01-12
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Elliot and Nancy seek professional help for their troubled marriage; Michael finds it hard to keep it a secret.
Competition (Episode 12)
Writer: Joseph Dougherty
Air date: 1988-01-19
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Michael's jealousy is aroused when an important client make it clear he prefers Elliot. Meanwhile, Hope and Nancy try to come to terms with computers.
Separation (Episode 13)
Air date: 1988-01-26
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Elliot temporarily moves in with Michael and Hope after separating from Nancy.
I'm in Love, I'm in Love, I'm in Love with a Wonderful Gynecologist (Episode 14)
Writer: Ann Lewis Hamilton
Air date: 1988-02-02
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Competing for the attention of the same man jeopardizes the new found friendship between Ellyn and Melissa.
Business as Usual (Episode 15)
Writer: Marshall Herskovitz
Air date: 1988-02-09
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Michael's hopes for a joyous reunion with his father are destroyed when he discovers the real reason for the visit.
Accounts Receivable (Episode 16)
Air date: 1988-03-01
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: A rocky relationship between Michael and his brother Brad is further strained when Michael learns the family business is almost bankrupt.
Whose Forest Is This? (Episode 17)
Air date: 1988-03-15
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Nancy and Elliot's separation takes its toll on their son; Elliot prepares for a blind date with a chiropractor.
Nancy's First Date (Episode 18)
Air date: 1988-03-22
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Melissa's burgeoning romance slows when she learns he doesn't want any more kids. Nancy has her first date since the separation.
Undone (Episode 19)
Writer: Joseph Dougherty
Air date: 1988-04-12
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Michael's old girlfriend from college pays a visit.
Tenure (Episode 20)
Writer: Ann Lewis Hamilton
Air date: 1988-05-03
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Gary evaluates the fate of his academic career as he undergoes tenure review at the college. Ellyn learns her building is going co-op, leaving her to decide whether to buy her apartment.
Born to Be Mild (Episode 21)
Writer: Jerry Stahl
Air date: 1988-05-10
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Ellyn and Woodman's weekend is ruined when they are forced to babysit Janey.
