ABC Afterschool Special
Latest episode
S25 E4 · Miracle at Trapper Creek
About ABC Afterschool Special
ABC Afterschool Special is a drama TV series that premiered on ABC on October 4, 1972. It has 25 seasons and 147 episodes so far and has ended. The latest episode, Season 25 Episode 4 "Miracle at Trapper Creek", aired on January 23, 1997.
Dramatically presented situations, often controversial, of interest to children and teenagers. Several episodes were either in animated form or presented as documentaries. Topics included illiteracy, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
- Drama
Last updated
Episodes
147 episodes · 25 seasons
Season 1
1972 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 53 years ago
- E6Finale
- E5
5. The Incredible, Indelible Magical, Physical Mystery Trip
A partially-animated special about two youngsters who are miniaturized, then travel through their Uncle's body to understand more about his health.
- E4
4. William
Introduces William Shakespeare to young people through sketches, readings and music.
- E3
3. Santiago's Ark
- E2
2. Follow the North Star
- E1
1. Last of the Curlews
Season 2
1973 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 52 years ago
- E7
7. The Crazy Comedy Concert
Finale
E6
6. The Magical Mystery Trip Through Little Red's Head
Two youngsters are shrunk so they can enter their teenage sister's head, and discover how the mind works.
- E5
5. The Runaways
- E4
4. Cyrano
- E3
3. Pssst! Hammerman's After You
A small-for-his-age sixth-grade student and his wild attempts to flee a bully after word gets around he thinks of him as a Neanderthal.
- E2
2. My Dad Lives in a Downtown Hotel
Divorce, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. The youngster - whose father has been ordered out of the house and is forced to take up permanent residence in a downtown hotel - is traumatized by the imminent divorce, and it is up to his loved ones to help him cope.
- E1
1. Rookie of the Year
Season 3
1974 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 51 years ago
- E7
7. The Secret Life of T.K. Dearing
Finale - E6
6. Santiago's America
- E5
5. The Skating Rink
- E4
4. The Toothpaste Millionaire
- E3
3. Winning and Losing: Diary of a Campaign
- E2
2. The Bridge of Adam Rush
- E1
1. Sara's Summer of the Swans
Teenage girl is forced to confront the problems involving her mentally challenged brother.
Season 4
1975 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 50 years ago
- E7
7. Dear Lovey Hart: I Am Desperate
Finale - E6
6. Blind Sunday
- E5
5. Me and Dad's New Wife
E4
4. The Amazing Cosmic Awareness of Duffy Moon
This cute story centers around an insecure 6th grader, Duffy Moon (played by Ike Eisenmann), whose discovery of "Cosmic Awareness" leads him on a journey to self-discovery and confidence that he can do anything.
- E3
3. The Shaman's Last Raid
- E2
2. The Fawn Story
- E1
1. It Must Be Love ('Cause I Feel So Dumb)
Season 5
1976 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 49 years ago
- E6
6. Very Good Friends
Finale - E5
5. The Horrible Honchos
- E4
4. My Mom's Having a Baby
My Mom's Having a Baby is an American television teen comedy/documentary that aired as an ABC Afterschool Special on February 16, 1977. The program would be historic as it was the first television program of its kind in the United States to showcase the pregnancy process and conception to young people, using a combination of animation and live action. The program was a co-production between Dick Clark Productions and DePatie-Freleng Enterprises.
- E3
3. Mighty Moose and the Quarterback Kid
- E2
2. P.J. and the President's Son
Update of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper. Delivery boy and President's son discover they are exact doubles of one another, and decide to swap identities.
- E1
1. Francesca, Baby
Semi-standard ABC Afterschool Special about Francesca James, a teenage daughter dealing with her alcoholic mother through the support group Ala-Teen.
Season 6
1977 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 48 years ago
- E7
7. It's a Mile from Here to Glory
Finale - E6
6. Mom and Dad Can't Hear Me
- E5
5. The Rag-Tag Champs
- E4
4. It Isn't Easy Being a Teenage Millionaire
- E3
3. Michel's Mixed-Up Musical Bird
- E2
2. The Pinballs
Three diverse kids with different outlooks on life are sent to a foster home until family problems can be worked out.
- E1
1. Hewitt's Just Different
Season 7
1978 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 47 years ago
- E6
6. The Seven Wishes of a Rich Kid
Finale - E5
5. The Terrible Secret
- E4
4. Make-Believe Marriage
- E3
3. Gaucho
- E2
2. A Home Run for Love
- E1
1. One of a Kind
Season 8
1979 · 8 episodes · Last episode: 46 years ago
- E8
8. What Are Best Friends For?
Finale - E7
7. Where Do Teenagers Come From?
Where Do Teenagers Come From? was an American television teen comedy/documentary that aired as an ABC Afterschool Special on March 5, 1980. The live action/animation program was produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises and was a sequel to the 1977 program My Mom's Having a Baby. The special was notable for its signature song "Growing Up," written by Doug Goodwin.
- E6
6. The Heartbreak Winner
- E5
5. Dinky Hocker
Dinky Hocker is an American television teen comedy/drama that aired as an ABC Afterschool Special on December 12, 1979. It was based on the 1972 novel Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack by M.E. Kerr.
- E4
4. The Late Great Me
- E3
3. A Special Gift
- E2
2. A Movie Star's Daughter
- E1
1. Which Mother is Mine?
Season 9
1980 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 45 years ago
- E7
7. My Mother Was Never a Kid
FinaleMy Mother Was Never a Kid is an American television teen fantasy/comedy/drama that aired as an ABC Afterschool Special on March 16, 1981. It was based on the 1977 Francine Pascal novel Hangin' Out With CiCi, which in turn was the first teen novel in the "Victoria Martin" trilogy series. It was also the first of two Pascal teen novels that were adapted into Afterschool Specials for the network, the other being The Hand-Me-Down Kid.
- E6
6. Run, Don't Walk
- E5
5. A Matter of Time
- E4
4. Stoned
- E3
3. The Gymnast
- E2
2. Schoolboy Father
High school senior discovers his summer girlfriend has given birth to his child, and decides to fight for custody.
- E1
1. A Family of Strangers
A widower's two teen-aged daughters resent their father's remarriage to a single mother, especially since the woman's 12-year-old daughter (who is several years younger) will now compete for the parents attention. This special focuses on the parents' attempts to unite the new stepsisters into a loving family.
Season 10
1981 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 44 years ago
- E7
7. Sometimes I Don't Love My Mother
Finale - E6
6. Daddy, I'm Their Mama Now
- E5
5. The Unforgivable Secret
- E4
4. The Color of Friendship
The Color of Friendship is a 1981 film shown as part of the ABC Afterschool Special series. It's about the friendship between two 13-year-old boys, one black and one white, in a small town that has just started integrating its schools.
- E3
3. Tough Girl
After juvenile delinquent Renie Lake is caught dealing drugs in a stolen van, she is court ordered to live with her father and rigid step-family. Despite living with a family that seems to dislike her, she re-enrolls in High School and befriends a hearing-impaired girl.
- E2
2. Starstruck
Aspiring teen folk singer is torn whether to continue her singing or to accept an educational scholarship.
- E1
1. She Drinks a Little
""She Drinks a Little"" ... or does she a lot, lot more? That's what Cindy's friends try to convince her as she denies that her mother may be a flat-out alcoholic. Eventually, Cindy sees that her mother indeed has a serious drinking problem and needs help. This ABC Afterschool Special showcases Alateen, the national support group for teenagers with alcoholic family members.
Season 11
1982 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 43 years ago
- E8
8. The Wave
FinaleThe Wave, is a short made-for-TV movie directed by Alex Grasshoff, based on Ron Jones' The Third Wave experiment. Though more prominently featured as an episode of the ABC Afterschool Special series, this show debuted October 4, 1981, almost two years before being featured in the Afterschool Special series. It starred Bruce Davison as the teacher Ben Ross, a character based on Jones. A novelization of the film The Wave, was released in the same year. Ron Jones' writings and Johnny Dawkins' screenplay were also basis of the 2008 German film The Wave
- E7
7. But It's Not My Fault
- E6
6. Have You Ever Been Ashamed of Your Parents?
- E4
4. Please Don't Hit Me, Mom
Please Don't Hit Me, Mom is a TV episode that was nominated for Outstanding Children's Program in the 34th Primetime Emmy Awards.
- E3
3. A Very Delicate Matter
- E2
2. Two Loves for Jenny
A teen violinist is torn between her musical career and her boyfriend. (Also knowns as "Between Two Loves")
- E1
1. Amy and the Angel
Season 12
1983 · 8 episodes · Last episode: 42 years ago
- E8
8. The Celebrity and the Arcade Kid
Video-arcade whiz and teen movie star discover they are exact doubles and decide to switch identities.
- E7
7. The Hero Who Couldn't Read
Teacher discovers that the star basketball player is illiterate, and makes it his mission to teach him how to read.
- E6
6. Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia
- E5
5. The Great Love Experiment
Air date TBA - E4
4. Andrea's Story: A Hitchhiking Tragedy
- E3
3. The Dog Days of Arthur Cane
- E2
2. The Hand Me Down Kid
- E1
1. It's No Crush, I'm in Love
Season 13
1984 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 41 years ago
E7
7. One Too Many
FinaleFour high school friends find their lives changed forever when one of the friends drives drunk with devastating results.
- E6
6. First the Egg
- E5
5. I Want to Go Home
- E4
4. Mom's On Strike
- E3
3. The Almost Royal Family
The Almost Royal Family is an American television teen comedy that aired as an ABC Afterschool Special on October 23, 1984. The program was based on the 1973 novel Meanwhile, Back At the Castle, by Hope Campbell.
- E2
2. Out of Step
An aspiring teenager Lisa dancer gets the chance to try out for a dance troupe. But will fear of failure keep her from auditioning? Terry Donahoe stars as Lisa Williams.
- E1
1. Summer Switch
Season 14
1985 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 40 years ago
- E6
6. Getting Even: A Wimp's Revenge
Finale - E5
5. Are You My Mother?
- E4
4. Can a Guy Say No?
- E3
3. Don't Touch
A teen-aged girl named Karen Anderson suspects that Molly Stewart, the 6-year-old girl she is baby-sitting, is behaving quite strangely around an adult friend of the Stewarts. Turns out that the man is likely molesting Molly. Karen tries to bring the matter to the Stewarts' attention, but they only take action when it is almost too late. This special takes a look at child molestation and explores the warning signs people should notice.
- E2
2. Cindy Eller: A Modern Fairy Tale
- E1
1. No Greater Gift
Season 15
1986 · 8 episodes · Last episode: 39 years ago
- E8
8. Read Between the Lines
When an illiterate toy maker has the right to his invention stolen, his grandson and the Harlem Globetrotters team up to get them back.
- E7
7. Class Act: A Teacher's Story
Finale - E6
6. Divorced Kids' Blues
- E5
5. Supermom's Daughter
- E4
4. The Gift of Amazing Grace
- E3
3. Teen Father
- E2
2. Wanted: The Perfect Guy
A teen-aged boy and his girlfriend secretly place personal ads for his divorced mother, Ellie, in an effort to find Mr. Right. The two screen potential dates, but none of them seem right for Ellie. In the end, it is Ellie who finds the man who she deems ""the perfect guy.
- E1
1. A Desperate Exit
Season 16
1987 · 6 episodes · Last episode: 38 years ago
- E6
6. Daddy Can't Read
Finale - E5
5. The Terrible Things My Mother Told Me
Terrible Things My Mother Told Me is a 1988 TV film starring Nicole Andrews, Ita DeMarco, Carol Goodheart, Beth Howland and Stephen James. This TV film is about a 16-year-old girl who doesn't realize that her mother is emotionally and verbally abusive to her. It was directed by Susan Rohrer and written by John Alan Palmer, Christopher Whitesell and Susan Rohrer. It aired on ABC.
- E4
4. Seasonal Differences
- E3
3. The Day My Kid Went Punk
- E2
2. The Kid Who Wouldn't Quit: The Brad Silverman Story
- E1
1. Just a Regular Kid: An AIDS Story
Season 17
1988 · 7 episodes · Last episode: 37 years ago
- E7
7. Torn Between Two Fathers
Finale - E6
6. The Cheats
Three girls steal the answers to their final exam. When the headmistress finds out, she gives those responsible one-day to confess. After that anyone participating in the cover-up will be expelled.
- E5
5. Just Tipsy, Honey
A teenage girl is in total denial about her mother's drinking problem.
- E4
4. Taking a Stand
- E3
3. Tattle: When to Tell on a Friend
- E2
2. A Family Again
- E1
1. Date Rape
Season 18
1989 · 3 episodes · Last episode: 36 years ago
- E6
6. The Perfect Date
FinaleA 16-year-old student is convinced his upcoming date with the school prom queen will be the perfect date. However it turns out to be anything but the perfect date.
- E5
5. Over the Limit
High school student Matt Thompson (Keith Coogan) must decide whether or not to come forward with the truth about a tragic drunk-driving accident. Co-starring Sam Rockwell.
- E1
1. My Dad Can't Be Crazy, Can He?
A 16-year-old high school student tries to cope with his schizophrenic father's behavior, which takes its toll on his schoolwork, activities and reputation.
Season 19
1990 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 35 years ago
- E4
4. The Less Than Perfect Daughter
Finale - E3
3. Stood Up
A teen-aged girl attempts to get even with her boyfriend who stood her up on prom night by suing him for the cost of the dress. When the small claims court docket is full, she takes her case to a high school student court.
- E2
2. Testing Dirty
- E1
1. A Question About Sex
A Question About Sex is a TV episode of ABC Afterschool Special.
Season 20
1992 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 33 years ago
- E4
4. Shades of a Single Protein
Finale - E3
3. Summer Stories: The Mall (3)
- E2
2. Summer Stories: The Mall (2)
- E1
1. Summer Stories: The Mall (1)
Season 21
1993 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 32 years ago
- E4
4. Jacqi's Dilemma
Finale - E3
3. I Hate the Way I Look
- E2
2. Montana Crossroads
An art student enters the breach between her controlling mother and her stubborn, aging grandfather during a stay at her grandfather's Montana ranch.
- E1
1. Love Hurts
Season 22
1994 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 31 years ago
- E4
4. Notes for My Daughter
Finale - E3
3. Bonnie Raitt Has Something to Talk About
- E2
2. The Magical Makeover
- E1
1. Boys Will Be Boys
A high-school sophomore has her reputation tarnished by some male students who scrawl malicious graffiti about her in the boys' restroom.
Season 23
1995 · 5 episodes · Last episode: 30 years ago
- E5
5. Through Thick & Thin
Finale - E4
4. Daddy's Girl
- E3
3. Educating Mom
- E2
2. Magical Make-Over
Teenage girl desperately wants to be popular. One day an angel grants her that wish, by giving her a new image every day. But soon she wishes she could just be herself.
- E1
1. Fast Forward
Season 24
1996 · 3 episodes · Last episode: 30 years ago
- E3
3. Just Chill
After the senseless death of his twin brother, a teen drug pusher decides to seek revenge against all who have wronged him in the neighborhood.
- E2
2. Positive: A Journey Into AIDS
FinalePositive: A Journey Into AIDS is a 1995 documentary directed by Eamon Harrington and John Watkin. It was produced for the ABC Afterschool Special series. It followed actors Michael Sutton and Kimberly McCullough, who played Stone Cates and Robin Scorpio, respectively, as they researched HIV and AIDS for their roles as HIV+ teenagers on the long-running ABC daytime serial General Hospital.
- E1
1. Too Soon for Jeff
Season 25
1996 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 29 years ago
- E4
4. Miracle at Trapper Creek
Finale - E3
3. Teenage Confidential
- E2
2. Me and My Hormones
- E1
1. Too Soon for Jeff
Cast & crew
Created by Guy Fraumeni
ABC Afterschool Special FAQ
Will there be new episodes of ABC Afterschool Special?
ABC Afterschool Special has ended, so no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on January 23, 1997.
When did the latest episode of ABC Afterschool Special come out?
The most recent episode of ABC Afterschool Special, Season 25 Episode 4 "Miracle at Trapper Creek", aired on January 23, 1997.
How many seasons of ABC Afterschool Special are there?
ABC Afterschool Special has 25 seasons with 147 episodes in total.
When did ABC Afterschool Special first air?
ABC Afterschool Special first aired on ABC on October 4, 1972.
How do I get notified when new episodes of ABC Afterschool Special are released?
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