A Year in the Life

Although it may now be a bit dated, in fact two of the stars of the show (Kiley and Oliver) have passed away, this show would definitely be a hit on Lifetime or A&E. Trouble is, they don't want a series that only has 25 or so episodes to air. The ratings for this show were actually pretty good, in fact its 20-shares would be considered phenomenal in today's ratings game. But it aired at a time when cable was just emerging, network TV ratings were askew and indecipherable, and NBC just plain gave up on it. I can still remember Richard Kiley accepting his Emmy award that year, scolding "the network myopia that killed a fine show". A YEAR IN THE LIFE is still the best television series that I have ever enjoyed.

I was fortunate to have gotten the entire series & just watched it from beginning to end. (It was hard not to!) I had forgotten how good this series was. I found myself laughing and crying - all within the same episode. The chemistry between all of the characters was magical. Was it the writers? the actors? the director? .... all of the above? I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Joe (Richard Kiley) and his grandson David.

When this series first came out, I appreciated that it was one of the only thing on TV worth watching. When it was abruptly canceled, there was no explanation to be found anywhere - though I recalled Richard Kiley remarking that it was "political". Perhaps this was the reason why it was never shown as a rerun nor likely to be aired again? In any event, I have the complete series ... and it's definitely a keeper!

It's hard for me to remember this show - I only saw that one season the one time, some sixteen years ago - and I can't be sure it's as good as I think it was. But with Brand and Falsey at the helm I have to assume my memory serves me. This was one of the better shows of its era - fine writing, storylines and terrific acting. It was small scale, nothing briliant, but just good quality. It was also occasionally very funny (I remember the mother getting aversion therapy to quit smoking). I guess it's lying in a vault somewhere and is never repeated (certainly not where I am in New Zealand). But if you ever get the chance to see the show, do watch it, it was nice.

This was a mini-series that became a television show. It was a great series that I felt was not given a fair shake by the network. I loved watching it, but the time slot changed about three times during a six-month period which made it difficult for even faithful watchers to keep up with.

It was a warm, well-written dramatic series that also had it's funny moments. It was about a family and their daily lives. I am a big fan of the series "Family" and felt that same sort of warmth toward this show. It was so well done and it seemed criminal that it really wasn't given a chance to gain a following.

A Year in the Life was, in my opinion, a good solid representation of the values and tribulations of the American family. I was very upset when it was discontinued. I loved watching the family play football in their yard and I loved Richard Kiley as the Dad. He was such a strong character. I also loved the way he would "talk" to his dog. I have always wondered,in all the articles I've read on Sarah J. Parker, why I have never seen a mention of her acting in this show. I thought she was beautiful and I would think it would be a credit to her list of accomplishments. It was sad to see it canceled. Is there a way it could ever be brought back as a mini-series? I think the folks in TV land would love it.