A Year in the Life (1986)

Now that "Parenthood" is ending, I recall how much I loved this show and how sad I was to see it canceled. It seems like the best series don't survive the ratings but it probably says less about the viewers and more about who dictates what we watch. Perhaps networks just don't give the public credit for having the consciousness to value anything more than sex and violence. One of the reasons this show didn't get a following is because the network kept moving the air date to different days and times during the week. Family dramas like, "A year in the Life," "Once and Again" and "Parenthood" seem to suffer the same fate. They reflect real life experiences... & that's my kind of "reality TV!"

I watched this movie when it first aired taped it and lent to my sister and she lost it.Every time I go to a Video place,I always ask if they could get the copy.And they never can.Would you please see if I can purchase it.My address is MArlene LAurence PO box 655 Elizabeth La 70638 I would greatly appreciate it.I will pay anything to see this show again.It is a wonderful family movie.Sarah Jessica Parker is a wonderful actress.I would watch it over and over again.Please help me find this movie.I have been diagnosed with Crohns Disease in 2004 and am no longer able to work.I have a lot of time now to do the things i have always wanted to do.I am 44 with 3 sons,Our last child will graduate this may.I would love to get this movie,I believe I could again watch it over and over!!!!!!!Thanks again marlene

The original "A Year in the Life," mini-series aired on NBC during the evenings of December 15, 16, and 17, 1986. This is one of the most heart warming and well produced movies that has ever been broadcast. Very few movies impact me the way that this one did. I simply can't understand why it was never released on either VHS or DVD. The musical score, composed by Elizabeth Swados is every bit as moving as the storyline. The writers of this mini-series did an exceptional job and the acting was superb. I was very sad to learn that David Oliver, who plays the role of Sam Gardner, died of AIDS in 1992. Richard Kiley, who died in 1999 does an outstanding job as the father and the overall emotional up and downs portrayed by the rest of the cast reminds me of very real life situations. I originally recorded the movie on VHS, EP mode, so the quality is marginal at best. If anyone learns that this exceptional mini-series becomes available on DVD or if the musical score becomes available on CD, please contact me at [email protected]. If you are reading this but have never seen the original mini-series, try to get your hands on a rare copy that was recorded on VHS and may be available on eBay or from some other source. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

The best I have ever seen! I was lucky enough to tape it the first time around, and its episodes following. Even though it lasted a year, I watch it every year at Christmas. I wonder why it is never shown anymore. I thought for sure Lifetime would replay it. David Oliver and Sarah Jessica Parker were outstanding.