American Dreams

Name: American Dreams
Genre: Drama
Cast: Brittany Snow, Ethan Dampf, Gail O'Grady, Sarah Ramos, Tom Verica

TV Series2002 – 20051h3 seasons · 61 episodes

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61Episodes, 3 seasons 0Member reviews 0Lists include it

Drama

In 1963 Philadelphia, the Pryors are a close Irish-Catholic family. World War II veteran John "Jack" Pryor owns a television and radio store. He and his homemaker wife Helen have five children: High school senior and football player "JJ", younger sisters Meg and Patty, and younger brother Will, who is lame from polio. The show depicts historical events, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy, 1964 Philadelphia race riot, and American involvement in—and opposition to—the Vietnam War.

Creator: Jonathan Prince
Stars: Brittany Snow Ethan Dampf Gail O'Grady

Where it airs

NBCNetwork, from TVmaze

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Episode guide

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E1Long Shots & Short SkirtsSep 26, 2004 · 1h · Meg and Sam continue to find themselves at odds with their parents after their court date, as the uncertain future of Sam's scholarship hangs over Henry's head. Meg's arrest is leaked to the papers, compromising the integrity of Jack's bid to run for city council. Back at school, Meg and Roxanne learn that the new headmaster is enforcing the school's dress code, so they organize a mini-skirt protest. Meanwhile, Beth continues to work at the Lair, and has caught the eye of Cal, an aspiring singer/songwriter. When Helen asks Beth to join the Blue Star Women, an organization that donates necessities to the wives of soldiers at war, she expresses her concerns of not being JJ's wife. In Vietnam, JJ is in a military hospital where he learns that the rest of his squad was not so fortunate, and that Beth is pregnant.Not rated yet

E2CharadeOct 3, 2004 · 1h · When the Pryor's meet their new neighbors, they are surprised and shocked to discover that Shelly Pierce is a single mom, a Playboy Bunny, and that her son, Chris is old enough to attend East Catholic. As Meg continues her anti-war campaign, she is reprimanded at school by a progressive nun who decides that a better way for Meg to get her message out is to direct Shakespeare's play "Henry V," with a modern day twist. As Patty becomes obsessed with winning the Campbell's Tomato Soup essay contest, she seeks Donald's help, which causes some discomfort for Helen. Meanwhile, Sam is recruited for basketball at Penn, which concerns Henry, but provides a new girlfriend for Sam - in the form of his tutor. When Jack's campaign for city council begins to affect his family and professional life, he finds himself faced with questions only he can answer. Meanwhile, JJ's excitement to be with his new squad and return to combat is dampened when he is ordered by the mysterious government man, Stevens, to report to the US Embassy instead for further training.Not rated yet

E3Leaders of the PackOct 10, 2004 · 1h · After Meg unsuccessfully tries to recruit other students for her play, Chris makes her an offer that involves breaking and entering in exchange for his and his friends' participation. Meanwhile, as Jack prepares to embrace alternative voting groups for his run as city councilman, Helen tries to understand Donald's alternative lifestyle, and invites him over for dinner. When Beth hears that another pregnant woman's husband is killed in Vietnam, she and JJ , have yet another awkward conversation. Meanwhile, dating Melanie causes Sam to feel like he is from the wrong side of the tracks, and Roxanne moves in with the Pryor's after she learns that her mom is not only remarrying, but moving, too.Not rated yet

E4Surround MeOct 17, 2004 · 1h · In Saigon, JJ begins to experience other aspects of the Vietnam war including military interrogation, dating a Vietnamese girl, and deadly explosions in civilian areas. Back at home, Jack continues to approach the minority vote with help from Helen and Henry and the opposition resorts to scare tactics and dirty tricks in an attempt to foil his campaign. Meanwhile, Meg continues to work on her play with Roxanne, who is contributing in her own special way. As Meg and Chris become closer, his bad influence on her begins to show, surprising even Roxanne. Meanwhile, Cal and Beth also notice their intensifying feelings for each other.Not rated yet

E5So Long, FarewellOct 24, 2004 · 1h · Meg adds an anti- Vietnam War element to the high school play she is directing, which gets her in trouble with the school administration. The experience brings Meg and Chris closer together. Meanwhile, Luke's return to Philadelphia turns Roxanne's life upside down, and Melanie is jealous of Sam's relationship with Meg. As Helen experiences an uncomfortable situation at work regarding Donald, Jack is overwhelmed with his new role as city councilman. Meanwhile, JJ prepares to embark on a dangerous mission and remains unsure of the outcome.Not rated yet

E6Clear and Present DangerOct 31, 2004 · 1hNot rated yet

E7What Dreams May ComeNov 7, 2004 · 1hNot rated yet

E8One in a MillionNov 14, 2004 · 1hNot rated yet

E9Tidings of Comfort and JoyNov 21, 2004 · 1hNot rated yet

E10Home AgainJan 2, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

E11Truth Be ToldJan 9, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

E12For Richer, For PoorerJan 23, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

E13Starting OverJan 30, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

E14The CommencementMar 9, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

E15California Dreamin'Mar 16, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

E16No SatisfactionMar 23, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

E17It's My LifeMar 30, 2005 · 1hNot rated yet

Top cast

Full cast and crew

Brittany SnowMeg Pryor Ethan DampfWill Pryor Gail O'GradyHelen Pryor Sarah RamosPatty Pryor Tom VericaJack Pryor Vanessa LengiesRoxanne Bojarski Will EstesJJ Pryor Jonathan AdamsHenry Walker Arlen EscarpetaSam Walker Rachel BostonBeth Mason

Cast from TVmaze. People photos show only when a licensed image exists.

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Details

Premiered: September 29, 2002
Ended: March 30, 2005
Status: Ended
Network: NBC
Country of origin: United States
Language: English
Episode runtime: 1h
TVmaze ID: 4560