‘Life Goes On’ Sequel Gets Put Pilot Order at NBC
UPDATE (1/12/2022):
A sequel to the ’90s ABC family drama Life Goes On is one step closer to actually happening.
NBC has given it a put pilot order, TVLine reports. (The next step is a pilot order.) Kellie Martin would reprise her role, Becca, with the logline revealing that the series revisits her as an adult, “now an accomplished doctor, and her extended family as she returns to her hometown.”
Nkechi Okoro Carroll will write the one-hour drama and executive produce with Lindsay Dunn. Martin and Chad Lowe, who recurred on the original series, are set to be producers. The creator of the original series, Michael Braverman, is set to be an executive consultant.
Chic Donchin / © ABC / Courtesy Everett Collection
Original story (9/2/2021):
Yet another classic series is receiving the revival treatment — ‘90s ABC family drama Life Goes On. The groundbreaking series, which ran from 1989 to 1993, was the first network show to feature a main character with Down syndrome (Chris Burke’s Corky). Kellie Martin, who played Becca on the original series, is set to star and executive produce.
According to Deadline, the revival, in development from Warner Bros. Television, will follow a grown-up Becca as she reconnects with her family after returning to her hometown. Chad Lowe will return to produce the show but will not reprise the role of Jesse, as his HIV-positive character died in the original series.
Life Goes On additionally starred Patti LuPone as Libby, Bill Smitrovich as Andrew, and Monique Lanier as Paige, though word on any of the other original cast member’s involvement has yet to be announced.
Nkechi Okoro Carroll, showrunner of The CW’s All American, will head up the new series alongside original creator Michael Braverman, who will serve as a creative consultant. The revival comes as a part of Carroll’s overall deal renewal with Warner Bros. Television and will be shopped to networks and streaming services in the near future, reports Deadline.
In an interview with Extra back in 2018, Martin expressed her interest in a revival, saying, “I feel like it would be really interesting to see where Corky is today. He still is amazing and I think it would be really interesting to see what his needs are and how he navigates his life today.”
Life Goes On Revival, TBA
Conversation8 Comments
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P
Probably very few people today have heard of this series (it was on against 60 Minutes and hasn't been rerun in about 25 years) but I am so excited for this.
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C
Hi Paige! This is probably before your time, so I just wanted to let you know that while Monique Lanier originated the role of Paige in the first season, she left very early in the role. Indeed, Tracey Needham played the role starting in the second season through the series finale, and is most associated with the role. (Needham also starred on the ABC primetime soap opera Homefront in the 1990's).
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G
I hope they bring it back hopefully with the original cast. It was a great family show. Something network tv today doesn’t have. Of course it will be on one of these streaming things
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B
This was a favorite show! It addressed real issues which was a novelty and allowed Corky to be a complete person, not just a person with Down's. I became a Chad Lowe fan - he was amazing. He portrayed a realistic teenager with HIV. I'd be very excited to see a continuation of the story.
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G
Oh my gosh! I would love to see the entire Thatcher family. Including Becca’s friends from school, Tyler and Rona! Can’t wait to see what happens…crossing my fingers and toes
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G
I LOVED this show and as I’m watching this show on You Tube. I’m so happy that my favorite show is coming back, I loved 🥰 Becca and Jesse’s story line. I cried many a tears 😭 over this show especially the death of Jesse, but I can’t wait to see where the Thatcher Family ended up.
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O
This show is simply amazing. I remember watching it growing up and learning a lot about life from it. I honestly believe simply watching this show is good for one's character! It's downright criminal the complete series never came to DVD in the United States at least (I own season 1!) and it STILL hasn't come to streaming either other than grainy uploads on YouTube - which I am grateful for nonetheless!
I will welcome this new show with open arms and hope it spurs the proper release of the original show as well!
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O
Tyler died in season 3 ep21 in a car accident. But it would be interesting to see his family and how his brother is doing as he had Down syndrome too.
I would argue that they could bring Jesse back. We never actually saw him die on screen. It was just heavily implied in the last episode.
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