NBC Orders ‘Life Goes On’ Sequel Pilot With Kellie Martin

NBC has given a put pilot commitment to a sequel to the former ABC family drama Life Goes On from Warner Bros. Television, with original star Kellie Martin set to reprise her role as Becca Thatcher. Now a doctor, Becca and and her extended family return to her hometown in suburban Chicago in the potential series. It hails from writer/executive producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll.

Airing from 1989 to 1993 in the Sunday 7 p.m. ET hour (opposite 60 Minutes on CBS), Life Goes On was first network series to feature a regular character who had Down syndrome (portrayed by Chris Burke). The drama, in the final season, also showcased a character, Chad Lowe in his Emmy Award-winning role as Jesse McKenna, as an individual who was HIV-positive.

There is no word at present if any of other other original actors will return. Given Patti LuPone’s documented dislike for her TV husband Bill Smitrovich in her 2010 book, Patti LuPone: A Memoir, chances of them returning together as parents Libby and Drew Thatcher are highly unlikely. 

Interesting factoid: In the opening episode of the final season of Life Goes On in 1992, titled Bec to the Future, former Dynasty star Pamela Bellwood played a 40-year old Becca. At present, Becca would be in her late 40s.