Generations is an American soap opera that aired on NBC in the United States from March 27, 1989, to January 25, 1991, and in Canada, where it ran on CBC Television. Set in Chicago and its suburbs, Generations centers on three generations of two families, one black and one white. The show was groundbreaking in that it was the first soap opera to feature a Black-American family from its inception. During its run, the series received seven Daytime Emmy Awards nominations.
Contents
Overview
Generations was promoted as television's first fully integrated daytime soap. It focused on the relationship between two Chicago families: the Whitmores and the Marshalls. Their association began several decades ago when Vivian Potter (Lynn Hamilton) was housekeeper and nanny for Rebecca Whitmore and her three children: Laura (Gail Ramsey), Stephanie (nicknamed Sam) (Kelly Rutherford), and J.D. Vivian's young daughter, Ruth (Joan Pringle) lived with her in the Whitmore mansion.
The series faced difficult time slot and competition opposite The Young and the Restless and was canceled due to low ratings and high production costs on November 22, 1990. The final episode aired on January 25, 1991.
Ratings
1988–89 season: 2.7 rating (Ranking: #12 out of 13 soap operas)
1989–90 season: 2.6 rating (Ranking: #12 out of 12 soap operas)
1990–91 season: 2.4 rating (Ranking: #12 out of 12 soap operas)
Final week ratings (January 21–25, 1991): 2.7 rating/8 share (12th out of 12), against Loving (3.2 rating/10 share, 11th) and The Young and the Restless (8.4 rating/26 share, 1st)
Awards
1990 Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Daytime Serial Nomination
1990 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Graphics and Title Design Win
1990 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Kristoff St. John) Nomination
1990 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Drama Series Nomination
1990 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling for a Drama Series Nomination
1990 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control for a Drama Series Nomination
1990 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Daytime Serial Nomination
1991 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (James Reynolds) Nomination
1991 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series (Kristoff St. John) Nomination
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Daytime Soap Nomination
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Heroine: Daytime (Kelly Rutherford) Nomination
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Male Newcomer: Daytime (Robert Torti) Nomination
1991 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor: Daytime (Richard Roundtree) Nomination