California Dreams

A bunch of cool teenagers who are friends living in California form a rock band, The Dreams. Between gigs, they must deal with all kinds of big and small real-life issues such as school, family life, friends, romance, ambition, ego, jealousy, and big decisions.

California Dreams (1992-1996) is a US teen sitcom created by Brett Dewey and Ronald B. Solomon for NBC. Its central band, The Dreams, is built around Matt Garrison (Brentley Gore) and his sister Jenny Garrison (Heidi Lenhart), with Tiffani Smith (Kelly Packard), Jake Sommers (Jay Anthony Franke), Tony Wicks (William James Jones), and Sam Woo (Jennie Kwan) forming the rest of the group. The engine of the show is the tension between ambition and everyday life: the friends rehearse, chase gigs, and try to make a name for themselves, but every week school assignments, family obligations, romantic jealousy and ego clashes get in the way. Episodes are self-contained, case-of-the-week stories that move through a modest, light arc, and the show ran for five seasons and seventy-eight episodes. Set in 1990s suburban California, it trades in sunny leisure, garage rehearsals and youthful optimism. Its tone is wholesome and breezy, with earnest friendship and romance at its core. Fans of Beverly Hills, 90210, Saved by the Bell and Hannah Montana will find a familiar kinship in its teen ensemble and music-driven comedy.

• Hannah Montanashared teen band life, light sitcom tone, youth romance and friendship
• Saved by the Bellshared teen drama with music, romance and friendship focus
• Beverly Hills, 90210shared 1990s teen ensemble, school and family problems, lighthearted tone
• The Monkeesshared music-driven teen comedy with a band and a wholesome register

Created by

Brett Dewey, Ronald B. Solomon

Release Date

1992-09-12

Episode runtime

25 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (35)

What is California Dreams about?

Five California teenagers form a rock band and juggle school, family, romance and ambition between gigs.

What is California Dreams like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of California Dreams as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is California Dreams violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in California Dreams.

Which shows are like California Dreams?

Shows with a similar feel include Hannah Montana, Saved by the Bell, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The Monkees.

How long is California Dreams?

California Dreams: 5 seasons, 78 episodes.

Is California Dreams still running?

No, California Dreams has ended.