Life Goes On
Overview
Airing on ABC from September 12, 1989, to May 23, 1993, Life Goes On offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of the Thatcher family in suburban Chicago. The narrative revolves around Drew, his wife Elizabeth, and their three children: Paige, Rebecca, and Corky, who uniquely navigates life with Down syndrome. This groundbreaking series not only highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs of family life but also stands out for its representation, being the first to feature a prominent character with Down syndrome, fostering awareness and understanding during its run.
Episodes
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1
Pilot
Corky is eager to join Becca in the 9th grade, but Becca fears his presence might hinder her chances with Tyler Benchfield, the charming football star...
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2
Corky for President
Corky decides to campaign for freshman class president, teaming up with Lester Fishbein, a bright but unpopular student. Corky has a crush on Rona and...
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3
The Baby-Sitter
Corky lands a babysitting gig, but things take a turn when his classmates show up uninvited at the house. Among the unexpected guests is Tyler, who qu...
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4
Break a Leg, Mom
In this episode featuring the incredible Patti LuPone, a Tony Award winner for "Evita," the focus is on Corky, who feels like everything is going wron...
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5
Becca's First Love
Becca develops a crush on Gabe, the charismatic lead singer of a local band. She decides to hang out with Maxine, staying out late to enjoy the music....
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6
Paige's Date
Drew introduces Paige to a smooth-talking guy who has his head in the clouds, but sadly, his sense of duty appears to be stuck in quicksand.
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7
Paige's Mom
Paige's mother returns, and they enjoy a wonderful reunion, filled with laughter and plans for a trip to New England. However, Paige's mom ultimately ...
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8
Call of the Wild
While working on a construction site located on an Indian burial ground, Drew encounters a mysterious wolf that protects the area. Meanwhile, Corky fi...
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9
Corky Witnesses a Crime
Corky auditions for the football team, but during practice, the coach physically confronts a former player. While the rest of the team supports the co...
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10
Ordinary Heroes
Feeling discontent with his construction job, Drew makes the bold choice to pursue a career in the restaurant industry. He partners with Libby to help...
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11
Pets, Guys and Videotape
Paige starts working for a veterinarian who shows great compassion towards animals in pain but struggles to relate to people. The vet is a divorced pa...
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12
Corky's Crush
Becca and Corky find themselves in a unique classroom assignment where they must role-play being married for a week to explore the dynamics of marriag...
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13
Thacher and Henderson
During the high school football reunion, Drew reconciles with his best friend, mending their relationship after a decade-long rift caused by a botched...
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14
The Return of Uncle Richard
Drew's younger brother Richard, the charming yet unconventional member of the family, arrives just as Corky starts to worry about who will take care o...
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15
Brothers
The Special Olympics, a celebration of spirited competition and joy, also sparks romance for Corky while presenting a hurdle for Tyler. Tyler's father...
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16
Corky Rebels
At 18, Corky is eager to break free from his parents' influence, even if it just means taking the bus to school. Unfortunately, he finds himself falli...
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17
It Ain't All It's Cracked up to Be
Becca decides to enter a Miss Teen contest, only to learn that her roommate is Rona Lieberman. With scholarship money on the line, Becca gets a closer...
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18
Pig o' My Heart
Drew finally seizes the opportunity to run his own restaurant, but it's Corky who really steals the show with a large runaway pig that captures Corky'...
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19
Becca and the Underground Newspaper
Becca, a passionate journalist for an underground publication, dives into investigating the past of the school janitor, Kominsky, exposing a minor cri...
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20
Save the Last Dance for Me
Becca's elderly dance instructor, played by Viveca Lindfors, faces the difficult transition of moving into a nursing home.
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21
With a Mighty Heart
Drew suspects that his father, who visits briefly before heading off to the Peace Corps in the Solomon Islands, is hiding something from them.
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22
The Spring Fling
Becca is thrilled when Tyler finally asks her to the dance. However, she has already committed to going with someone else. After some internal struggl...
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1
Honeymoon from Hell
The Thatchers snag a trip to Hawaii from a church raffle, but the journey is riddled with issues.
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2
Corky and the Dolphins
During their time in Hawaii, Corky experiences the thrill of riding dolphins, while Becca finds herself smitten with a local surfer. (Part 2 of 2)
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3
The Visitor
Libby finds out she’s pregnant once more, prompting the family to worry about the implications of her having a baby at this stage in her life.
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4
Becca and the Band
Rona and Tyler end their relationship after Rona deceives him and attends a frat party. Meanwhile, Becca takes on the role of manager for Tyler's band...
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5
The Banquet Room Renovation
Drew makes the decision to convert the restaurant's back room into a banquet space, aiming to boost revenue. He secures financial support from Farmer ...
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6
Halloween
Halloween brings chaos for everyone: Libby and Drew are at Jerry's huge party, Corky is at the school’s masquerade, and Becca is left home alone. As...
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7
Chicken Pox
Becca has a vivid dream about figure skating with a man, but when she wakes up, she discovers she has the chicken pox and must stay home to recover. D...
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8
La Dolce Becca
Becca develops a crush on a French exchange student, while Maxi finds herself interested in his friend. Eager to fit in with this "mature" group, they...
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9
A Thacher Thanksgiving
Corky imagines the family celebrating the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims. Meanwhile, Drew prepares to open the restaurant for the holiday and un...
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10
Libby's Sister
The friction between Becca and Drew escalates with the unexpected visit of Libby's sister, Gina, played by Mary Page Keller, along with her niece, Zoe...
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11
The Buddy
Drew's life takes a cheerful turn when an old friend, known for his playful spirit, reappears. However, there's a darker aspect to his personality tha...
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12
The Bicycle Thief
Corky decides to compete in a 50k bike race, even though his father disapproves. During his training, he bonds with an epileptic cyclist. He purchases...
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13
Isn't It Romantic
Cupid is busy spreading love all around. Hans finds himself infatuated with a newspaper delivery woman who is grieving the loss of her husband. Meanwh...
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14
The Bigger Picture
Gina feels hopeless as it seems like nothing she does can please her mother, leading her to deep frustration. Meanwhile, Corky is also struggling, fac...
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15
Last Stand in Glen Brook
Becca plans a '60s-inspired demonstration to back Quincy Jones, a record store owner who was detained for selling supposedly obscene items. As she div...
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16
Head over Heels
Becca performs a stunning double flip over her gymnastics coach, while Gina executes a similar feat over a younger handyman named Michael St. Gerard.
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17
Corky's Travels
Corky finds himself lost in the tough neighborhoods of Chicago. During his wandering, he encounters a compassionate young sex worker who shares with h...
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18
Thanks a Bunch, Dr. Lamaze
Drew grapples with his emotions regarding the possibility of having another child. Ultimately, he finds clarity when another woman unexpectedly goes i...
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19
Ghost of Grandpa Past
Drew finds himself questioning the future of the restaurant and frequently chats with his Grandfather for guidance. Ultimately, he comes to a decision...
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20
Arthur
Corky forms a friendship with an older man who has Down Syndrome, admiring the unique lifestyle he leads. Inspired by this new bond, Corky begins to e...
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21
Lighter Than Air
Libby creates an impressive advertisement for a new range of diet frozen meals. Meanwhile, Corky and Zoe take on the roles of Sherlock Holmes and emba...
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22
Proms and Prams
Becca is filled with anticipation as she hopes for an invitation to prom from Tyler, while Libby prepares for the arrival of her baby. Meanwhile, Patt...
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1
Toast
The Thatchers celebrate the launch of their third season by reopening their revamped grill, but their aspirations quickly go up in flames. Corky is ta...
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2
Hello, Goodbye
The Thatchers are rebuilding their lives after the restaurant's closure. As exchange student Becca gets ready to head to Paris, Paige and Corky embark...
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3
Out of the Mainstream
Corky finds himself overwhelmed as he attempts to assist Tyler's younger brother, who has Down Syndrome, in integrating into Marshall High.
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4
Armageddon
As Libby steps into the role of the main provider, and Drew takes on the responsibilities of managing the home, their relationship encounters unexpect...
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5
Sweet 16
At 16, Becca is still blissfully innocent, but that might soon change. In this episode, she captures her birthday celebration on camcorder for Maxi, w...
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6
Life After Death
Becca is heartbroken when she finds out that Jesse has tested positive for HIV. In a heated confrontation between him and Tyler, she accidentally reve...
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7
Dueling Divas
Libby's spirited cousin Gaby, portrayed by Patti LuPone, arrives from Sicily with an undeniable energy, leaving a mark on everyone she encounters. Her...
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8
Invasion of the Thacher Snatchers
Corky becomes convinced that his family is transforming into aliens after watching a B-movie titled "Body Snatchers From Venus." Meanwhile, Paige is t...
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9
Loaded Question
The Thatcher family experiences a break-in, leading them to suspect an African-American welder named Marquis, who is also a friend of Paige's and taug...
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10
Triangles
Corky takes a spill while trying to impress the new assistant manager. Meanwhile, Becca finds herself caught between Tyler and Jesse; Tyler confesses ...
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11
The Smell of Fear
As the holiday season approaches, tensions rise, particularly for Becca, who is consumed by worry when Jesse is admitted to the hospital with pneumocy...
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12
Struck by Lightning
The Thatcher home gets hit by lightning, leading to a series of bizarre events. Corky suddenly gains the ability to foresee events, while Arnold, the ...
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13
Jerry's Deli
Jerry's father arrives at the ad agency and begins to bully him, prompting Jerry to quit and take on a role at the grill, much to Drew's frustration. ...
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14
The Room
Becca, Libby, and Paige venture into the "man zone," where they break down a wall in the Thatcher house, uncovering an additional room. Paige takes th...
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15
The Wall
The students are tasked with repainting a wall covered in graffiti, but for Jesse, who is anxiously waiting for his medical test results, it represent...
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16
The Blues
Jesse lands a job as a waiter at Drew’s restaurant, but dwindling customers lead Drew to make the tough choice of letting him go. The two bond over ...
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17
The Fairy Tale
Libby crafts a whimsical fairy tale featuring Corky, who decides to submit it to a contest. Shortly after, she receives a proposal to publish it as a ...
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18
Hearts and Flowers
With her grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary approaching, Becca excitedly proposes to Jesse, who happily accepts. However, they soon have second th...
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19
Corky's Romance
Corky develops a sweet romance with Amanda, a girl with Down Syndrome portrayed by Andrea Friedman. However, their budding relationship is cut short b...
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20
More Than Friends
Drew and Libby head out, leaving the kids in charge of the house. Becca and Jesse seize the opportunity to throw a party, but things go awry when Tyle...
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21
Confessions
After the accident left Corky unable to speak, he finally finds his voice when Becca opens up to him about her feelings. He reveals that Tyler had att...
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22
Consenting Adults
Paige opens up to Drew about her impending marriage to Kenny. Taking initiative, Drew persuades Michael to go after Paige. Without their knowledge, he...
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1
Bec to the Future
In her 40s, Becca (Pamela Bellwood) reflects on the summer of '92. Now a married doctor, she faces a bittersweet reunion with Jesse. Throughout the ep...
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2
Exposed
Jesse creates a nude portrait of Becca, leaving it unclear whether she actually posed or if it all came from Jesse's imagination. Becca decides to dis...
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3
Premarital Syndrome
Corky and Amanda's "trial marriage" begins on a shaky note—much like their crunchy macaroni and cheese, which they undercooked. The episode features...
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4
The Whole Truth
Paige bravely defends herself against an assault by Becca's poetry instructor, Leigh J. McCloskey. However, their narratives clash, leading Becca to i...
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5
Love Letters
Becca and her friends stumble upon a collection of letters from World War II at the bookstore. As they read selected letters, Martin portrays a soldie...
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6
Windows
Amanda's furious parents are determined to annul her marriage to Corky and reclaim custody of her. They check into a motel, which only fuels the Swans...
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7
Babes in the Woods
Becca, along with Goodman, Ray Nelson Jr., Jesse, and two classmates from their English course head out for a camping weekend, supervised by Harris. C...
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8
Udder Madness
Ray decides to put Becca's name forward for Homecoming Queen, despite her objections. In a humorous twist, Goodman counters by nominating a cow as a s...
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9
Happy Holidays
Corky experiences a whole new perspective on the holidays as he celebrates his first Christmas as a married man. This year, he finds himself navigatin...
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10
Choices
Paige discovers she's expecting Michael's child and is initially thrilled, as is the entire family. However, when Michael returns, he makes it clear t...
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11
Incident on Main
Outside the AIDS hospice, Jesse is brutally attacked by a group of gay-bashing skinheads. After the assault, Becca finds herself with Jesse's blood on...
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12
Lost Weekend
In an effort to help Becca become more adventurous, Goodman sets up a double date with her and Jesse. However, things take a turn when Goodman and her...
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13
Visions
Just after turning 18, Jesse collapses at school, wracked with pain and fever, and is rushed to the hospital unconscious. His condition has worsened t...
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14
Five to Midnight
When Jesse's insurance expires, he finds himself moved to County Hospital, reminiscent of being sent to the Receiving Hospital in Detroit. Becca accom...
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15
Bedfellows
Chester, another patient battling AIDS, inspires Jesse to embrace life instead of succumbing to despair. He organizes game shows with fellow patients,...
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16
Last Wish
Becca and Jesse head to the ocean after Jesse expresses his desire to visit. However, Jesse is feeling down, grappling with jealousy over Becca's conn...
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17
Life Goes On (and On and On)
In the series finale, the story jumps ahead four years to witness Becca and Jesse's wedding and then fast-forwards another decade, with a 27-year-old ...
