My email (after 9 PM, of course)

I AM WRITING TO IMPLORE NBC TO SAVE "AMERICAN DREAMS" FROM CANCELLATION!!

I have become a fan of this wonderfully written, well-crafted and beautifully acted series only within the past year. It is in NBC's best interest to keep this unique show on the air.

"American Dreams," while portraying the 1960s, a time in which there was a so-called "generation gap," is probably one of the only television series that can be enjoyed by a multitude of generations. Think about that. I'm 34 years old, and an active participant of an "American Dreams" online message board. There are posters from teenagers to my age and older.

Furthermore, one can even go so far as to say this series crosses political barriers. While I consider myself a "liberal Democrat," there are others, such as the conservative Family Research Council, who rave about "American Dreams" as being "family friendly."

Finally, one of the most AMAZING things about "American Dreams" is although the storylines portray events from 40 years ago, they resonate today. I worried for JJ's safety when he was wandering the jungles of Vietnam. It made me think about the dangers our troops face today in Iraq and Afghanistan. The timeliness of the"American Dreams" episode where Jack and his brother had to face the gut-wrenching decision as to whether or not to take their brother off life support is another such example. "AMERICAN DREAMS" MAKES PEOPLE THINK AND FEEL!! This is the only show in recent memory to have caused me to shed tears, most recently tonight during the season (I PRAY NOT THE SERIES) finale.

It would be a shame for NBC to cancel "American Dreams." PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE SAVE OUR SHOW!!!!!

Thank you.

That's fantastic! I think you captured it very well. How can they not re-new it after reading that???

To Whom It May Concern:

I just got finished watching what I hope was only the season, and not the series, finale of the wonderful "American Dreams"-- please, don't let that be the last show. As usual, it was fantastic, and left me wanting more. I laughed and cried throughout the hour, and not many television shows can legitimately evoke such differing emotions. The Pryors and Walkers have so many more stories to tell! What's going to happen to Meg? Will she have a change of heart? What about the store? Will the commercial help business? Will Sam finish school and become a success like I know he can be? Will Patty find herself? Will Helen? Will Beth go back to school? Will JJ? Will Henry find love again? And how will they all react to the rest of the tumultuous decade?

Please, save this amazing show. This is the best family drama on television, and NBC should be proud to air it, and proud to continue with it next year. The ratings should be better, but there has to be more to keeping a show on the air than high ratings. It should be about quality, too.

Television needs more shows like "American Dreams", not less! Please save our show!

NBC,
I have been hearing all the rumors about American Dreams facing cancellation. We all know what needs to be done! E-mail NBC after the season finale of dreams Wednesday night. I don't know what the problem is with the show or what they could possibly put in its place (more reality dirt, or another Law & Order), but NBC needs to understand what this show is all about. I am not a teenager in love with any of the characters, nor am I a baby-boomer following the show longing for days of old. I am 26 years old and I love the show for what it is: a caption of a simpler more innocent time. I watch this show with my wife every Sunday (Wednesday) without fail. I don't tell everyone about it because there is no possible way that everyone will appreciate it the way I do. I have passed my love for the show on to those who are closest to me. The Pryor's generation was so innocent, so simple. Kids played outside not on Playstations or Gamecubes, teens cared about Friday night football, prom, records, and friends not cell phones, e-mails, and pushing the sexual envelope. People were friendlier, less rushed, and easier to please. Families sat together in front of one television set and watched their shows, ate dinner together and interacted with one another. Kids respected their parents and authority. Mothers could afford to be home with their children to forge strong family bonds. Communities were close knit, today; many don't even know their neighbors. I watch American Dreams and dream myself of living in such a time, when a person's word meant something, when loyalty, character, and honor weren't just punch lines and when people weren't in such a rush. People were more conservative and respectful. People's beliefs stood for something and hard work was rewarded. We live in a world where we are afforded so many amenities that make our lives easier and less time consuming; computers run our lives as well the economy, families have sometimes 4 cars, TV’s, computers, Phones, Cell phones, etc. However, are we better off? Do we appreciate the time that these amenities save us? I believe our lives have become so fast paced, and centered on technology and advancement that we have lost an appreciation for the smaller, simpler pleasures; a stroll in the park, spending time with family, catching a ball game, reading, mowing the lawn etc. So, I tune in on Sundays for a little perspective and to remind myself to slow down, appreciate life, my new wife, and the family I've started.
Each one of American Dreams' fans owes it to the show to send a postcard, send ten, pleading, begging you at NBC to allow this show to continue and flourish. We all love this show for different reasons. Please take time to acknowledge our reasons. I urge NBC not to let this wonderful salute to Americana burn out before it's time. NBC, you can make a difference!!!
Geoff Alston

I just got on I haven't emailed yet but I'm going to now.Except I want to keep mine private from posting it here meaning I'm not if thats okay.I am not trying to be rude.Mel :cool:

You guys, just reading your emails is making me cry. Cry like I haven't done since.... oh last night at about 8:55 pm.

I wrote a lengthy, passionate message, hit send, and then nothing happened! I'm afraid it didn't go through, so I sent a shorter, but equally as heartfelt message and tried again. I think that one went through. Liked the first one better though.

Again, wonderful writing you all. Really. I believe we can pull this off.

To Whom It May Concern,

To start off, I have never written an email in order to save a show but I think that is because there hasn't been one worthy of it. In a time where there is nothing but reality shows, crime shows, and useless comedies, American Dreams offers something that the whole family can watch. I think that is an important aspect of American culture that is lacking, family and this is a show that if I had kids, I would be able to sit down and watch with them.

I was not born until the late 70's but my parents did grow up during the turbulent times of the 60s. When I was a child they would tell me stories about what it was like and my father would even tell me how he was lucky enough to draw a high number in the draft lottery and never got called to duty. The stories are good but this show puts those stories to life. Each character has struggles with different decisions, and these decisions were ones that plagued every American during that time.

This show is not just any regular hour of television, it is a history lesson. It is such a good lesson that a friend of mine even shows portions of American Dreams in his high school history class to show the students about segregation , how people reacted after JFK was shot, and what struggles soldiers had when coming back from the War. I like to sit down and talk with my parents and my aunt about the show and it is so real that it brings back memories, most of the time good but sometimes bad.

My only regret is that I did not start watching this show till the start of the 2nd season. I recently bought the first season on DVD so I could catch myself up. I think that if you cancel this show, you will be robbing America of some quality programming. I know I am only one voice but I know I speak for many that want this show to be saved. Thanks for your time and hopefully the Dream can continue in the fall.

here's mine

Dear NBC,
I normally don't email networks in order to save a show, in fact I don't think I have done as much to save a television show as I have done in an attempt to save American Dreams. I have sent postcards, I have signed petitions, I have tried to get more people to watch the show. I have done all this because American Dreams is truly one of a kind. I feel like the Pryors are my second family, they invite me into their already full home every Wed. night for an hour and it is an hour that I look forward to all week. I feel like Meg, JJ, Patty and Will could easily be my siblings and like Helen and Jack could have been my parents if I was born in the 60s.

This show is the most important, most wholesome, most refreshing show on television. There needs to be many shows like this. I would love for nothing more then when I have kids to be able to have a show with the quality in acting and writting and directing that American Dreams has. I would feel like I would be able to watch with it and not have to worry about there being bad language, or graphic sex scenes, or scenes that make you wish that you weren't watching the program with your children.

I know that if you just advertise more and maybe play reruns that people will watch. A few of my friends had never heard of the show and so last year when I got them to watch just one episode they thought it was such an amazing show and they haven't missed an episode yet. There are things that can be done that will make American Dreams work, but those things just aren't being done. I just don't think it's fair for you to cancel such an amazing show (that I KNOW people would love if you just gave them a chance to) without at least first trying to save it. I very very rarely see advertisements on tv for American Dreams. When it was on Sundays I would be watching NBC and see an advertisement for Sunday nights on NBC and it would mention Dateline and Crossing Jordan but it would just leave out American Dreams in the middle of those shows.

I hope with all my heart that you will bring American Dreams back for another season and just give it a chance for a future. My dream for American Dreams is that it will be the show that paves the way for less reality tv and more wholesome family shows, shows that I can watch with my mom and my dad and my friends and I know that they will enjoy just as much as I do but they may enjoy it for completely different reasons.

The show has so many storylines that are still so important to bring to the attention of my generation. I am very thankful for this show because it has helped me to understand what my parents may have had to deal with growing up during that time. It has also helped me to better understand my uncle who dodged the draft by coming here to Canada.

Writing this is almost bringing me to tears because of how many emotions just typing up with simple email is bringing to the surface. I cannot even begin to state enough how important this show is for me. I am also getting a bit emotional because I just finished watching the season finale of American Dreams and my heart is breaking a little for the Pryors and for Roxanne because of Meg leaving. I know that it is just a tv show and that it shouldn't have this kind of affect on me but the truth is that it does and I am sure that you will find from the emails you receive that it has the same affect on many many people.

The Pryors although a fictional family have become very real and now hold a special place in the hearts of all American Dreams fans. We were happy when Meg and Roxanne got on Bandstand, we were mad when Sam was being treated differently because of his race, we were proud when Helen stood up for herself and when she went back to school and got a job, we were annoyed by Patty, we were happy when Will got his brace taken off and was able to walk,we were happy and proud when Jack made Henry partner at the store, we were sad when JJ went to Vietnam but overjoyed when he returned, we cried tears of happiness at Beth and JJ's wedding like we were there ourselves, and although we get mad at Jack from time to time we understand that he just wants the best for his family and that is why he is the way he is.

There has not been a show in all my 20 years of life that has touched me so deeply and made me want to fight for, as much as American Dreams. So I ask of you please please save the most deserving show on television.

Meaghan

That's fantastic! I think you captured it very well. How can they not re-new it after reading that???

You're so sweet! Thanks!

I just got on I haven't emailed yet but I'm going to now.Except I want to keep mine private from posting it here meaning I'm not if thats okay.I am not trying to be rude.Mel :cool:

Of course it's OK, Mel. The important thing is that you write. :)

[QUOTE=Strawberry]here's mine

Wonderful email, Strawberry!

All of you sent wonderful letters to NBC. It makes mine look small and cheesy when compared to the ones that have been posted here. But I still think I got my point across to NBC. I love reading your letters because they are so emotional, but they almost make me cry. You're all right...we just CAN'T lose American Dreams. It means way too much to all of us. One of you pointed out to NBC, that they could run re-runs of American Dreams when there wasn't a new show on. I've thought of this before lots of times...even in the first season. All other shows have reruns, why doesn't American Dreams? They only show NEW SHOWS. I've never understood that. And of course, we all want to see new shows, but I would take reruns rather than nothing.
Bonnie

This is what I sent NBC:

Dear Sir/Madam:

During the Great Depression, people flocked to the movies. For just a couple of hours, people could escape to a life of glitz and glamour and not have to face the realities of poverty and unemployment. In the 1960s, while yes, people’s eyes were glued to the TV news, watching the Vietnam War before them, they still had quality sitcoms and dramas to watch during prime time viewing hours. However today, things are different. Reality TV reigns. Reality TV is more about making a mockery of oneself than an escape for viewers and I really don’t understand why people like it. If the world is so harsh, not unlike the 1960s, why is it so interesting to watch someone eat a live rat? Embarrass themselves by singing rather badly? How about telling the whole world that they’re in love and then dump the future spouse on live television? How is that an escape from reality? American Dreams, on the other hand, provides none of that. It, like the movies during the Depression and television in the 1960s, provides a means of escape. For an hour each week, viewers can escape back to a time when life was just simpler. The 60s were a time when family mattered more. Today, lots of kids don’t even eat with their parents. Kids are more unruly and often seem like they need to spend a semester at a strict finishing school. American Dreams is good quality family television, providing something to all age groups. The older generation might identify with the popstars represented on the show while the young will identify with the modern singers that play them. Both generations will identify with issues of war, gender and ethnic equality.

I do hope that you decide to keep the show on the air for a very long time. Please do not take American Dreams off the air. We don’t need more reality shows on TV