Providence (1999–2002)

Dr. Sydney Hansen, a successful plastic surgeon in Hollywood, California, quits her private practice and returns to her hometown in Providence, Rhode Island after the sudden death of her ... See full summary »

Creator:

John Masius

Stars:

Melina Kanakaredes, Seth Peterson, Mike Farrell

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 13 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Melina Kanakaredes	...	Dr. Sydney Hansen (96 episodes, 1999-2002)
Seth Peterson	...	Robbie Hansen (96 episodes, 1999-2002)
Mike Farrell	...	Dr. James Hansen (96 episodes, 1999-2002)
Paula Cale	...	Joanie Hansen (81 episodes, 1999-2002)
Concetta Tomei	...	Lynda Hansen (63 episodes, 1999-2002)
Dana Daurey	...	Heather Tupperman (60 episodes, 1999-2002)
Samaria Graham	...	Izzy Nunez (53 episodes, 1999-2002)

Storyline

Dr. Sydney Hansen, a successful plastic surgeon in Hollywood, California, quits her private practice and returns to her hometown in Providence, Rhode Island after the sudden death of her controling, demanding mother Lynda, in order to keep her dyfunctional family together which a little help and advice from Lynda who gives advice from beyond the grave in helping Sydney deal with her new career as a doctor for the local free clinic and dealing with her distracted veterinarian father Jim, her mixed-up sister Joanie, and younger brother Robbie, a small-time hustler.

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Plot Keywords:

veterinarian | clinic | doctor | plastic surgeon | dream | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

NBC Providence Svenska Fansajt

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 January 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Vain yksi elämä

Filming Locations:

Chicken Ranch, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

NBC Studios, John Masius Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (96 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[repeated line]
Joanie Hansen: Oh my hell!

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Soundtracks

"In My Life"
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by Chantal Kreviazuk (as opening theme)

User Reviews

If Providence were really like "Providence"

I am one of the only people I know here in Providence who was actually born and raised on the 'east side' of Providence. As a child, I would sometimes amuse myself wondering what a TV show called Providence would be about, and would it be successful? Now, as an adult, my adolescent fantasy has come true, and every Friday night, I can see my little town on the national tube. I see the houses I drove past on my bicycle, and the sidewalks I bruised my knees on when I was running from loose dogs.

You would think I would be happier than I am, but the problem is "Providence" is not even close to what I imagined "Providence" would be like when I was a kid, making up TV stories instead of paying attention in school. You see, "Providence" is a bit of a success (to many people's surprise) and in order to succeed, so often Hollywood has to play down to the audience's lowest, common denominator. "Providence" does just this. All my friends and family thought this show would flop, but America seems to relate to it!

In every episode, you can see how an autistic or abused child can be instantly cured by looking into the eyes of a puppy dog. You can see how the only person with a Rhode Island dialect is the cab driver in the first episode - but really he was probably an actor from Jersey, or something. Of course, they did capture the flavor of our controversial, but politically brilliant Mayor, Buddy Cianci, in all his genuine charisma! His Marinara sauce really is quite tasty!

Yes, I wish I lived in "Providence", where I could bring my cat Whitman to the neighborhood Vet when he gets sick, but instead, I have to watch "Providence" from my TV in Providence, screaming PROVIDENCE!! with every passing scene of my little city, looking better than I ever noticed as a kid. Yes, I have to suffer through this condescending dribble every Friday night, eight o'clock, NBC.