This is a fabulous series. I was extremely disappointed when they took it off the air.It is the story of a Catholic family living in Philadelphia during the early to mid sixties. The Dad has an appliance store in Philadelphia and has a black employee. One of the continuing story lines is the black/white interaction at that time.It also deals with the idea of a housewife who goes back to school while her kids are still in school, and eventually goes back to work.It is the time of the Kennedy assassination, and the Viet Nam war. The eldest son becomes a marine, and an MIA.It is the most worthwhile TV endeavor I have ever seen. The only thing that comes close is the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.The casting is flawless.I would buy the second and third seasons if they were to become available.

This is a nice show with a good wholesome message.I get some of my laughs from the guest stars. e.g. Paris Hilton as Barbara Eden- hilarious piece of comedy.The characters are mostly paired in duos and relationships are tested in challenging times. Meg Prior and her friend Roxanne are faced with the challenges of adolescence and yet their friendship survives. Mr and Mrs Prior: can secrets destroy the "perfect" marriage? Meg and her socially unacceptable love interest- will the race barrier win again? AJ and his "career"; AJ and his (annoying) wife. It's an interesting dynamic of characters, through the age groups, through race groups. It's a nice insight into another time which seems in reality to be exactly how the world is now. Divided, fearful, determined.

Of course, it's all about ratings and dollars. For 3 years, every Sunday night I watched "American Dreams" -- it was by far the best show on TV. I am afraid quality like this doesn't come around very often. I wish NBC had stuck with this show. Instead we get more banal sitcoms with stereotypes and insipid reality shows. Like "The Wonder Years", "American Dreams" focused on an American family during a very turbulent time in this nation's history. As Americans go through another war, (Iraq) -- one would think that this would have hit a chord with the American public. Apparently, it did not. "American Dreams" had quality acting, writing and production values. It was a show that the entire family could sit down and enjoy. Sunday nights are definitely not the same. When the show's cancellation was announced last Spring -- I was hoping another network would pick it up. But, unfortunately no.

I am furious at NBC for American DREAMS! American Dreams was the only show that I watched on t.v. other then E.R., and E.R. has gone down the tubes too. What is going on? I cant watch a single show that I like without hating it or loving it and it gets canceled! NBC is getting much attention about how they are falling behind in ratings and quality of their shows. "Hit Me Baby One More Time" what the Freak is that! Enough with the dam "Apprentise" and horrible reality shows! Get with the program! WHo cares about ratings. What is more important quality shows that do less then stellar in ratings or god awful shows that do mostly well? I am no longer watching NBC anymore. I will miss E.R., but hey its going nowhere. Fix it now. Bring back American Dreams. Or at least release season 2 and 3 on DVD. NBC you suck!!