powermandan Growing Pains is a family sitcom that deals with traditional matters that need dealing. Drinking, smoking, curfews, and others. Some episodes are sadder that deal with death in the family and suicide. The episode about teen suicide is one that there should have been more of if Growing Pains wanted to set itself apart from other shows around this time. The suicide episode was like something Diff'rent Strokes would do. That is what set it apart from others, they took risks. But there are many meaningful episodes that can come to help and really make you laugh. I know that this doesn't have very high ratings on many sites and sources, but I have a personal connection with this. I feel this is my own.Growing Pains is about the Seaver clan: Maggie (Kerns) pursues her career in journalism again while husband Jason (Thicke) does his psychiatry work at home. They have three children: girl- chasing slacker, Mike (Cameron); clever, bookworm Carol (Gold); and nutty, rambunctious Ben (Miller). By season four, Chrissy Seaver was introduced and aged very fast when Ashley Johnson was cast in the role. The character of Chrissy is one of the most recognized TV characters that age faster. Around that time, Maggie and Jason's work locations switched again with Maggie working from home and Jason having an office. One thing I like about Growing Pains is the chemistry and evolvement of the characters. The one that evolves the most is Mike. In the early seasons, he is girl-crazy, immature, and trouble making with no ambition. he eventually decides he wants to be an actor, and the episodes where he puts his plan into action show how had it is to find work as any artist. He later works as a teacher, where he takes in homeless Luke Brower (DiCaprio). Mike becoming a teacher was very unrealistic because a university degree is needed and Mike just went to community college for drama. He becomes a sophisticated and responsible young man. He totally changes from the slacker in the first few seasons. Luckily, his transition was very smooth and precise, making it realistic and admirable. This was also when he fell in love with his character's girlfriend (Noble) in real life and wound up marrying. Mike becomes Luke's guardian and father figure. The introduction of Luke alone was a good addition to the show. Tracey Gold was having health problems and her character was seen less in the last season as she attends university, and they needed a good replacement. Who better than a young Leo DiCaprio? This was before the days of Gilbert Grape and Titanic, but DiCaprio still shines in a very memorable role. Any old fan of Growing Pains knew that Leo was destined for greatness. With most seasons in the 80s and a couple in the 90s, Growing Pains is a wonderful cruise down memory lane.

insomniac_rod Thank you Nick At Nite for re-running popular sitcoms. Particularly, family sit-coms."Growing Pains" truly displays the life of a family; in this case, an all American family.To be honest, the teenagers' situations are very realistic and have the occasional and important dramatic situations.Kirk Cameron stole the show with his on-screen charm and good looks. The boy was talented really.Alan Thicke was also good in his role as the care loving father. Joanna Kerns and Jeremy Miller were not that important characters in my opinion but were very good. Tracey Gold also delivered a good performance but always gave me the impression that she was a sad girl.Anyways, this is a t.v. series that is part of my childhood and will stay with many generations.Cheesy and kitschy by today's standards but worths a watch if you have the humor to watch family sit-coms and some dramatic situations.

fantaghirochine In one volume, Jason suffered by midlife crisis, so Maggie organized a party for him. She invited his old partner of university band. They had a very good time. Jason and Mike played Old Time Rock&Roll together. Do u all remember that vol? My question is: At the end of this vol, Jason played the guitar and sang a song. I want to know the name of this beautiful song baaaaaaaaaaaaaadly... Forgive my pool English. I try to express myself clearly...If you know the answer, would you please to tell me via E-mail, please? [email protected] you very very much. Love you.

frightnight1985 I thought growing pains was a totally great show. I am glad the network brought it back. IT teaches us that we can have fun without drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Compared to shows today, this has truly stood the test of time. it had originality. I liked the clothing they wore in the 80s. Today taste in clothing has waned. Carol seaver makes a perfect role model for girls and even for guys too. I truly enjoy this show. if you want good fashion tips, watch this show. Unlike today's ugly fads (the bellbottoms, sideburns, and flare pants), growing pains had straight leg pants and no baggy pants which are worn today.