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The Anomie of the Boomers, Revisited

The New York Times, 8/21/09

Abstract:

In the 18 years since the last episode of “Thirtysomething” no network series has so defined a generation of adults, or — with the possible exception of “Ally McBeal” — sparked such rage among the chattering class. “Indulgent!” “Self-obsessed!” “Whiny!” “Trivial!” were just a few complaints against the series, which followed a group of baby boomers’ struggles to balance career and family.

While never a ratings hit, “Thirtysomething” gained grudging critical respect and 13 Emmy Awards (including one for best drama series) over its four-season run on ABC. The show wormed its way into the pop-cultural lexicon; the Oxford English Dictionary added “thirtysomething” to its pages in 1993. And it helped inspire networks to take chances with more emotional ensemble dramas, like the post-World War II serial “Homefront” and the civil-rights-era drama “I’ll Fly Away,” as well as other ensemble series about urban folks of a certain age, like “Seinfeld” and “Friends.”

Yet despite years of media companies emptying their vaults for another payday — “Pink Lady and Jeff,” anyone? — “Thirtysomething” has never been released on DVD or even VHS, until now.

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