Weekend Special
The ABC Weekend Special is a weekly 30-minute anthology TV series for children that aired Saturday mornings on ABC from 1977 to 1997. It featured a wide variety of stories that were both live-action and animated. Similar to both the ABC Afterschool Special and The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie that had started five years previous, the ABC Weekend Special differed in that it was primarily aimed at younger viewers following ABC's Saturday Morning cartoon lineup, whereas the ABC Afterschool Special was known for its somewhat more serious, and often dramatic storylines dealing with issues concerning a slightly older teen and pre-teen audience. With the debut of the ABC Weekend Special, some of the early ABC Afterschool Specials that had been targeted towards younger viewers were subsequently repackaged and re-run instead as ABC Weekend Specials.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young boy named Kevin is sent to live with his grandparents for the summer after his parents' divorce. He struggles to adapt to his new surroundings and the absence of his parents. However, with the help of his wise grandfather, his loving grandmother, and a wise old dog, Kevin begins to find solace and learn valuable life lessons.
Critical Reception
Weekend Special received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its heartwarming story and performances, particularly from the young lead and the veteran actors. However, some critics found the plot to be predictable and overly sentimental.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its emotional depth and family-friendly themes.
- Appreciated for strong performances from its veteran cast.
- Criticized by some for a formulaic and predictable narrative.
Google audience: Audience reviews suggest viewers enjoyed the film's touching portrayal of family relationships and childhood struggles, finding it a nostalgic and comforting watch.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in rural Georgia, adding to its authentic small-town atmosphere.
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