On this day January 15 1988, The Thorns premiered on ABC, introducing a dramatic series centered on wealth power and personal conflict. The show focused on a prominent family whose public success masked internal struggles rivalries and emotional tension.
The Thorns reflected a late 1980s television trend that favored glossy dramas built around family dynasties and interpersonal drama. Networks during this period often aimed to capture audiences drawn to serialized storytelling with high stakes and continuing narratives. Its debut highlighted how prime time television leaned into dramatic excess and character driven intrigue as the decade came to a close.
80s insight: The late 1980s embraced prime time dramas built on family power struggles and serialized storytelling.
The Thorns reflected a late 1980s television trend that favored glossy dramas built around family dynasties and interpersonal drama. Networks during this period often aimed to capture audiences drawn to serialized storytelling with high stakes and continuing narratives. Its debut highlighted how prime time television leaned into dramatic excess and character driven intrigue as the decade came to a close.
80s insight: The late 1980s embraced prime time dramas built on family power struggles and serialized storytelling.
