Growing Pains

Textbook 1980s family multi-cam with a teen idol at the center.

Why it matters

Episode guide

166 episodes across 7 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.

At a glance

Psychiatrist dad works from home; journalist mom returns to work; the kids supply the chaos — especially Kirk Cameron's Mike Seaver as Tiger Beat lightning. ABC's Growing Pains (1985–1992) was textbook 1980s family multi-cam with Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Tracey Gold, and Jeremy Miller. The theme song promised togetherness; mid-run spiritual and cast tensions complicated the brand behind the scenes. Seavers' Long Island was America's soft-focus suburb. As long as we've got each other — merchandising included.

Network & studio

• ABC — broadcast network

Why watch now

Pure mid-80s family sitcom form — Cameron's teen-idol peak and Thicke's dad-crooner warmth. A complete package of the era's comfort TV.

Cultural impact

Growing Pains minted Kirk Cameron as a defining 1980s TV teen and epitomized ABC suburban family comedy. Behind-the-scenes faith conflicts became part of its lore. The theme remains earworm infrastructure of the decade.

Creators

Neal Marlens

Key cast

• Alan Thicke as Jason Seaver
• Joanna Kerns as Maggie Seaver
• Kirk Cameron as Mike Seaver
• Tracey Gold as Carol Seaver
• Jeremy Miller as Ben Seaver

Flash facts

• ABC family sitcom aired 1985–1992.
• Starred Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns as Jason and Maggie Seaver.
• Kirk Cameron played Mike Seaver at the height of his teen-idol fame.
• Theme song 'As Long As We've Got Each Other' became closely identified with the show.
• Late-run cast additions and off-screen tensions are part of production lore.

FAQ

Back to the decade

More from the 1980s — Glitz, Soaps & Nighttime Neon. All shows.