When this show aired from the very first few minutes of the first episode I absolutely loved it. I was young and newly married, and actually watched on a tiny 13 inch black-and-white TV and still faithfully tuned in. Fortunately after a couple of months my parents felt pity on the TV situation and purchased a new one and gave us their old 19 inch color set.
There were so many positive reviews about the show. I recall one article praised how the creators searched for and used on set genuine items from the 1940s down to clothing undergarments, jewelry, etc. Things that they couldn't find they built or made in the same style of the era. Clearly at one time, putting in that level of authenticity, the network and the producers were very vested in the show.
I think the show could have had about a 4 year ride if given a chance; the second season stories wouldn't have needed to rush to the ending, and after the first season I expected the Sloan's son to have survived, being a case of mistaken identity. A show finale as the Eisenhower administration was beginning would have been perfect.
When the ABC network announced it was going to cancel mid-season I was one of the many fans who wrote telling them what a great show this was and how ABC was treating the show and fans shabbily. I recall writing that (at that time) consumer research estimated that a single letter of complaint represented eight letters that went unwritten. I also recall saying that the network should stand behind a variety of viewer preferences.
Since people are still posting their love for the show 30 years later just proves what a gem this program really is. It really should be available on DVD and for those wondering why it is not, or isn't streaming, my understanding is because of not having copyright permissions to use some of the songs that were allowed for use during the broadcast. It could be re-dubbed with permission of use music or re-dubbed with same-era studio music, which I can't see them taking the time or money to do. If I ever find bootlegs I'll be purchasing them!
There were so many positive reviews about the show. I recall one article praised how the creators searched for and used on set genuine items from the 1940s down to clothing undergarments, jewelry, etc. Things that they couldn't find they built or made in the same style of the era. Clearly at one time, putting in that level of authenticity, the network and the producers were very vested in the show.
I think the show could have had about a 4 year ride if given a chance; the second season stories wouldn't have needed to rush to the ending, and after the first season I expected the Sloan's son to have survived, being a case of mistaken identity. A show finale as the Eisenhower administration was beginning would have been perfect.
When the ABC network announced it was going to cancel mid-season I was one of the many fans who wrote telling them what a great show this was and how ABC was treating the show and fans shabbily. I recall writing that (at that time) consumer research estimated that a single letter of complaint represented eight letters that went unwritten. I also recall saying that the network should stand behind a variety of viewer preferences.
Since people are still posting their love for the show 30 years later just proves what a gem this program really is. It really should be available on DVD and for those wondering why it is not, or isn't streaming, my understanding is because of not having copyright permissions to use some of the songs that were allowed for use during the broadcast. It could be re-dubbed with permission of use music or re-dubbed with same-era studio music, which I can't see them taking the time or money to do. If I ever find bootlegs I'll be purchasing them!