Midlife Singles in Prime-Time TV

After the phenomenal success of Sex and the City, the small-screen has begun to show an overwhelming amount of love for the plight of the middle-aged single.  Before you can say “and the Emmy goes to” copycat shows popped up on network and cable channels.

Television heroes and heroines of singlehood are finally offering glimpses of a spectrum of middle-aged single experiences.  Current shows feature endearing divorcees, persevering single parents, life-long bachelors, and work obsessed cougars.  Television executives should be applauded for their decision to explore the bittersweet reality of living single in the midlife years.

Check out these shows with characters of distinction.

NBC’s, Parenthood, Sarah Braverman

Sarah’s a thirty-eight year old single mother of teenagers, a son and daughter.  Her divorce from a rocker husband leaves her in financial distress, and she moves in with her parents.  The show delves into her attempts to mend a broken relationship with her out of control daughter, and her reinvention from bartender to playwright.

TNT, Men of a Certain Age, Terry Elliott

This struggling actor/temp is in his late 40’s and is the quintessential bachelor still waiting for his big break.  Terry is the classic commitment phobe when it comes to relationships with women -- as demonstrated by his involvement with a steady stream of twenty-something beauties.  Yet, he is totally dedicated to his longtime male friendships.

TNT, Southland, Detective Lydia Adams

Detective Adams is in her late 30’s, an outstanding investigator who is totally dedicated to her job.  Her priorities are clear -- she serves, protects, and seldom dates.  However, priorities shift dramatically when she starts secretly dating her partner’s twenty-three year old son.

The rules of the dating game have changed drastically, especially for those in the “prime” of their lives. As middle-aged singles begin to redefine themselves and their personal commitments, television is finally starting look beyond the fairytale and tell their extraordinary stories.