"American Dreams" awaits verdict (article) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

BEATLESCHICK · 03-23-2005, 10:36 PM

http://www.cincypost.com/2005/03/23/broad032305.html

'American Dreams' awaits verdict

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Rick Bird
Post staff reporter

With two episodes left to air in the best family drama on TV, the future of "American Dreams" remains in doubt.
This month NBC moved the show to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, from Sundays. It now competes against such hits as Fox's "American Idol" and ABCs "Lost."

NBC likely won't decide the fate of the series until later this spring.

Fans of the three-old-series, which focuses on how mid-1960s turmoil affects a Philadelphia family, fell in love early when many viewers had a revelation: It might be a '60s nostalgia show, but it cleverly deals with contemporary issues. Yes, daughter Meg dances on "American Bandstand" as the Vietnam War rages. But the emotionally charged storylines were remarkably modern.

The show's creator, Jonathan Prince, told The Post his vision for the show: "The '60s tore a lot of things apart. We haven't done a good job of putting them back together. No one is telling stories on TV about how we are dealing with that legacy -- gay rights, racism and our current unjust war. This is no 'Wonder Years.'"

Prince, a Harvard grad and veteran Hollywood writer and producer, sees his show as a metaphor for the troubles facing U.S. culture today. And he brings an unabashed heart-strings-tugging point of view to the serial, which is a far cry from the cold "CSIs" and "Law & Orders" that dominate nightly drama.

"'American Dreams' leaves you satiated after an episode is over. You are better for having watched the program," said Summer Brooks, who runs a Web site (www.americandreamsfanclub.com) which is trying to save the show. "Watching 'American Dreams' is not a passive experience."

Prince's characters have been through it all: war, racism, teen pregnancy, female empowerment and the loss of innocence from both a personal and cultural perspective.

The show also has been delightfully frivolous, using current pop stars to portray '60s music icons including "American Idol's" Kelly Clarkson as Connie Francis to Usher as Marvin Gaye. Tonight's episode has modern rockers Fountains of Wayne appear as the Hollies. It is great fun, but also cleverly shows the often-neglected connection of how pop music provides the soundtrack to our lives.

Prince is preparing for both the future and for the end. In the final two episodes he sets the seeds for the series next season. Meg will work on "American Bandstand" booking acts as she holds down a TV news producer job. Her friend Roxanne will stay on Bandstand as the show's hairdresser. If the show is canceled, Prince already has filmed an ending NBC would presumably air at some point in late spring as a conclusion for fans.

Prince, however, thinks the odds are decent the show will return. Still, if "American Dreams" ends, Prince has no problem already writing its epitaph:

"If families felt something from a TV show and could comfortably sit with their kids and talk about drugs, sex, race, religion and war -- and not be preached to -- then that's the footprint we left."

ILoveAmericanDreams · 03-23-2005, 10:50 PM

that's a great article....gives me some hope

I love your avatar!!! the beatles are my favorite band of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PrettyinPink55 · 03-23-2005, 11:53 PM

Oh thank you so much for posting this article!!!!
It really put a smile on my face!

FutureMrsWillEstes · 03-24-2005, 12:43 AM

Oohhh I REALLY hope it doesn't get cancelled! I'm so nervous!

Storywriter · 03-24-2005, 01:04 AM

Long Article one thing Yes Ad competes against Lost but not American Idol they are wrong on that.American Idol is on at 9pm.

By the time AI is on around 8pm Wednesday towards the End of May when they crown the AI 4 and need 3 days.Ad will have finshed Season 3.The Season finale of Ad is next Wednesday so it's not getting hurt bit AI what so ever..Mel

PrettyinPink55 · 03-24-2005, 01:32 AM

The show awaits the verdict, as do the fans.

ADfan · 03-24-2005, 02:42 AM

So, I'm a little confused about something. In the article he said that if necessary they will air the conclusion episode later in spring. So does that mean that next week is the cliffhanger episode no matter what? I guess at least they are promising a conclusion no matter what, I'm glad for that.

BEATLESCHICK · 03-24-2005, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILoveAmericanDreams

that's a great article....gives me some hope

I love your avatar!!! the beatles are my favorite band of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, and the Yankees are my fave ball team! Good taste, my friend!

BEATLESCHICK · 03-24-2005, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrettyinPink55

Oh thank you so much for posting this article!!!!
It really put a smile on my face!

You're welcome, Pretty in Pink. I'm "wishin' and hopin'" and praying it doesn't get cancelled. This show rocks!

PrettyinPink55 · 03-25-2005, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEATLESCHICK

You're welcome, Pretty in Pink. I'm "wishin' and hopin'" and praying it doesn't get cancelled. This show rocks!

Ditto!!

cabspaintedyellow · 03-25-2005, 09:30 PM

I hope NBC realizes that American Dreams is averaging just about as much viewers as whatever new show they could affix to the Wednesday time slot. Against Lost, American Idol, and other primetime powerhouses, it's no surprise that any show would flounder. Let's hope NBC keeps faith that the show will at least remain consistent enough in the ratings to warrant a return.

03-23-2005, 10:36 PM	#1
BEATLESCHICK Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 10, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 65	"American Dreams" awaits verdict (article) http://www.cincypost.com/2005/03/23/broad032305.html 'American Dreams' awaits verdict -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Rick Bird Post staff reporter With two episodes left to air in the best family drama on TV, the future of "American Dreams" remains in doubt. This month NBC moved the show to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, from Sundays. It now competes against such hits as Fox's "American Idol" and ABCs "Lost." NBC likely won't decide the fate of the series until later this spring. Fans of the three-old-series, which focuses on how mid-1960s turmoil affects a Philadelphia family, fell in love early when many viewers had a revelation: It might be a '60s nostalgia show, but it cleverly deals with contemporary issues. Yes, daughter Meg dances on "American Bandstand" as the Vietnam War rages. But the emotionally charged storylines were remarkably modern. The show's creator, Jonathan Prince, told The Post his vision for the show: "The '60s tore a lot of things apart. We haven't done a good job of putting them back together. No one is telling stories on TV about how we are dealing with that legacy -- gay rights, racism and our current unjust war. This is no 'Wonder Years.'" Prince, a Harvard grad and veteran Hollywood writer and producer, sees his show as a metaphor for the troubles facing U.S. culture today. And he brings an unabashed heart-strings-tugging point of view to the serial, which is a far cry from the cold "CSIs" and "Law & Orders" that dominate nightly drama. "'American Dreams' leaves you satiated after an episode is over. You are better for having watched the program," said Summer Brooks, who runs a Web site (www.americandreamsfanclub.com) which is trying to save the show. "Watching 'American Dreams' is not a passive experience." Prince's characters have been through it all: war, racism, teen pregnancy, female empowerment and the loss of innocence from both a personal and cultural perspective. The show also has been delightfully frivolous, using current pop stars to portray '60s music icons including "American Idol's" Kelly Clarkson as Connie Francis to Usher as Marvin Gaye. Tonight's episode has modern rockers Fountains of Wayne appear as the Hollies. It is great fun, but also cleverly shows the often-neglected connection of how pop music provides the soundtrack to our lives. Prince is preparing for both the future and for the end. In the final two episodes he sets the seeds for the series next season. Meg will work on "American Bandstand" booking acts as she holds down a TV news producer job. Her friend Roxanne will stay on Bandstand as the show's hairdresser. If the show is canceled, Prince already has filmed an ending NBC would presumably air at some point in late spring as a conclusion for fans. Prince, however, thinks the odds are decent the show will return. Still, if "American Dreams" ends, Prince has no problem already writing its epitaph: "If families felt something from a TV show and could comfortably sit with their kids and talk about drugs, sex, race, religion and war -- and not be preached to -- then that's the footprint we left."
	__________________ And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make. John Lennon and Paul McCartney 1969

03-23-2005, 11:53 PM	#3
PrettyinPink55 Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 11, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 24,601	Oh thank you so much for posting this article!!!! It really put a smile on my face!
	__________________ ♥♥♥

03-24-2005, 01:04 AM	#5
Storywriter Tcha! You Know What. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 29, 2004 Location: not given Posts: 1,209	Long Article one thing Yes Ad competes against Lost but not American Idol they are wrong on that.American Idol is on at 9pm. By the time AI is on around 8pm Wednesday towards the End of May when they crown the AI 4 and need 3 days.Ad will have finshed Season 3.The Season finale of Ad is next Wednesday so it's not getting hurt bit AI what so ever..Mel
	__________________ The Vampire Diaries,Pretty Little liars, The Mentalist,Victorious, Icarly all good shows Proud Adult Disney channel and Nickelodeon fan in her 30's Last edited by Storywriter; 03-24-2005 at 04:24 PM.

03-23-2005, 10:50 PM	#2
ILoveAmericanDreams Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 03, 2005 Posts: 15	that's a great article....gives me some hope I love your avatar!!! the beatles are my favorite band of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

03-24-2005, 12:43 AM	#4
FutureMrsWillEstes Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Nov 21, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 17	Oohhh I REALLY hope it doesn't get cancelled! I'm so nervous!

03-24-2005, 01:32 AM	#6
PrettyinPink55 Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 11, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 24,601	The show awaits the verdict, as do the fans.

03-24-2005, 02:42 AM	#7
ADfan Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 31, 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 141	So, I'm a little confused about something. In the article he said that if necessary they will air the conclusion episode later in spring. So does that mean that next week is the cliffhanger episode no matter what? I guess at least they are promising a conclusion no matter what, I'm glad for that.

03-25-2005, 09:30 PM	#11
cabspaintedyellow Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Mar 25, 2005 Posts: 3	I hope NBC realizes that American Dreams is averaging just about as much viewers as whatever new show they could affix to the Wednesday time slot. Against Lost, American Idol, and other primetime powerhouses, it's no surprise that any show would flounder. Let's hope NBC keeps faith that the show will at least remain consistent enough in the ratings to warrant a return.