Life Goes On ran for four seasons on ABC, from 1989 until 1993. The TV show was never a hit program and didn’t even crack the list of 30 top-rated shows. Still, it is well-remembered as a program about family relationships and was the first series to feature a character with Down syndrome as a main character.
The TV show revolves around the Thatcher family. Drew and Libby (Bill Smitrovich and Patti LuPone) struggle with typical family issues, as well as help their first son, “Corky” (Chris Burke), integrate into the rest of the world. He eventually moves out, gets a job, and marries Amanda (Andrea Friedman) who also has Down’s.
Paige (Monique Lanier, then Tracey Needham) is Drew’s daughter from a first marriage and, after searching for a career, becomes a builder.
Teenager Becca (Kellie Martin) is the youngest Thatcher (until baby Nick is born) and sometimes too intelligent and emotional for her own good. After a relationship with jock Tyler (Tommy Puett), she falls in love with Jesse (Chad Lowe). A fellow high school student, Jesse contracted HIV after a chance one-night stand at a frat party.
