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  • NBC
  • Sep 29, 2002
  • NBC
  • Sep 29, 2002

Summary This evocative drama, which won two Emmy Awards, is set against the memorable music, the cultural clashes, and the Vietnam war during the 1960s. The third-year drama depicts the American landscape -- as seen through the youthful Pryor family of Philadelphia as they brace for the cultural turbulence ahead that still resonates in this cont...

  • NBC
  • Sep 29, 2002
  • NBC
  • Sep 29, 2002
American Dreams
Season 1
Season Premiere: Sep 29, 2002
Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 20 Critic Reviews
68
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary This evocative drama, which won two Emmy Awards, is set against the memorable music, the cultural clashes, and the Vietnam war during the 1960s. The third-year drama depicts the American landscape -- as seen through the youthful Pryor family of Philadelphia as they brace for the cultural turbulence ahead that still resonates in this cont...

Season Episodes

View All Seasons
Episode 1 • Sep 29, 2002
Pilot
Episode 2 • Oct 6, 2002 • 42 m
The End of the Innocence
The Pryors try to deal with the Kennedy assassination. Meg deals with making the cut for American Bandstand (1952) and Roxanne being jealous about it.
Episode 3 • Oct 13, 2002 • 42 m
New Frontier
Sam deals with the negative reaction by East Catholic's track team. Helen has to make time for school and home. Meg handles Teresa McManus' jealousy and rumors about she and Jimmy Riley being more than dance partners on _"Bandstand" (1952)
Episode 4 • Oct 20, 2002 • 41 m
Pryor Knowledge
Meg has her date with Jimmy Riley that includes going to the cinema and ends with Sam having to walk her home. J.J. gets two left feet as he takes Beth to a college mixer.
Episode 5 • Oct 27, 2002
The Fighting Irish
J.J.'s wild night with Tommy DeFelice prevents him from meeting a Notre Dame recruiter and Jack is furious with him. Helen deals with the prospects of birth control and Meg has to accept that Jimmy only likes her as a friend.
Episode 6 • Nov 3, 2002 • 41 m
Soldier Boy
Meg appears in the American Bandstand (1952) magazine and uses her new fame to get Jay of Jay and the Americans for a party. Jack relives his World War II experiences with his old Navy buddies.
Episode 7 • Nov 10, 2002 • 43 m
Cold Snap
Episode 8 • Nov 17, 2002 • 43 m
Black and White
Episode 9 • Dec 1, 2002 • 43 m
The Home Front
Episode 10 • Dec 15, 2002 • 42 m
Silent Night
Episode 11 • Jan 5, 2003 • 43 m
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Episode 12 • Jan 12, 2003 • 42 m
Great Expectations
Episode 13 • Feb 3, 2003 • 43 m
The Pursuit of Happiness
Episode 14 • Feb 9, 2003 • 42 m
Heartache
Episode 15 • Feb 16, 2003 • 42 m
False Start
Episode 16 • Mar 2, 2003 • 42 m
Act of Contrition
Episode 17 • Mar 9, 2003 • 42 m
Past Imperfect
Episode 18 • Mar 16, 2003
The One
Episode 19 • Mar 30, 2003 • 42 m
Where the Boys Are
Episode 20 • Apr 6, 2003 • 42 m
The Carpetbaggers
Episode 21 • Apr 13, 2003 • 42 m
Fear Itself
Episode 22 • Apr 27, 2003 • 43 m
Secrets and Lies
Episode 23 • May 4, 2003 • 42 m
Down the Shore
Episode 24 • May 11, 2003 • 43 m
High Hopes
Episode 25 • May 18, 2003 • 42 m
City on Fire

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 20 Critic Reviews
68
70% Positive
14 Reviews
30% Mixed
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 20 Critic Reviews
68
70% Positive
14 Reviews
30% Mixed
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
90
Mar 28, 2022
This look back at the America of 1963 breathtakingly captures the dying roars of an old culture and the triumphant cries of the new one. It may be the closest thing to time travel we'll ever experience. [29 Sep 2002, p.M8]
By Glenn Garvin FULL REVIEW
75
Mar 28, 2022
The new series' production values are impeccable, its cast is solid, and there are occasional moments of fresh, specific detail that suggest the show could transcend the overstuffed pilot episode. [27 Sep 2002]
By Noel Holston FULL REVIEW
75
Mar 18, 2013
At least the ambitious pilot makes it clear that the show has a vitality and passion sadly lacking in a lot of other fall offerings.
By Tim Goodman FULL REVIEW
70
Mar 25, 2022
American Dreams is a complex, poignant look at a family finding its way as the '60s rock their world. All that, and the best soundtrack on TV.
FULL REVIEW
67
Mar 25, 2022
With its strong female performances — Snow and O’Grady are superbly nuanced — ”Dreams” maintains a nurturing warmth that appeals to young viewers as well as the boomers I mentioned earlier.
By Ken Tucker FULL REVIEW
60
Mar 25, 2022
Bottom Line: Good beat, weak drama.
By Terry Kelleher FULL REVIEW
40
Mar 25, 2022
An icky exercise in nostalgia, this series is set in Philadelphia in the early 1960's and is about the evolving problems and joys of a big Catholic family.
FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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