Status of TV Show Providence

Family Television: The Status of TV Show Providence

Critics lauded Providence when it premiered on January 8, 1999. The show emphasized family values that modern families could relate to. The Hansen family accepted each other despite their flaws, imperfections and troubles.

The show used the power of nurture as a long-running theme through all five seasons. In the initial episode, the Hansen family is devastated by the loss of their primary nurturer: Lynda Hansen. Her abrupt death and loss is keenly felt by her husband and each child. They must then struggle to find a way to persevere and nurture each other without her strong influence to guide the way.

Main character Sydney Hansen maintains a relationship of sorts with the initial nurturing influence when her mother appears in her dreams. Her often unsolicited advice helps Sydney navigate the new life she is creating for herself in her hometown. Sydney struggles to do the right thing while Robbie struggles with a gambling addiction. Their father relates better to animals and their sister is a single mother still learning about who she is in the world.

No Moral Lessons

Unlike Our House and 7th Heaven, the show does not deliver a moral lesson in every episode. Instead, the series emphasizes the struggles the characters face as they try to do their best. Joanie could have gone to Japan and made a fortune, but she chose to stay home with her infant daughter and family. Joanie takes in a mentally ill man who helps out with her business, when she finds out he's wanted by the police so she sends him away. Joanie won't hide him, but she won't participate in his being locked up either.

Providence takes a progressive tack towards the struggles modern families encounter as they make mistakes, work, adopt stray animals, have accidents and do their best to make the right decision. The Hansens don't always make the right decisions, but they don't run from the consequences of their actions. Family, community and growing up are all strong elements of the nurturing theme.

At the end of the series' run, Sydney marries her attorney, Owen. Their relationship is complicated by their dedication to the careers and enhanced by their dedication to each other.

Episodes Available

Currently the status of the TV show Providence is off the air, although it was featured in syndication to the Lifetime Real Women channel shortly after ending on NBC.

Providence episodes are not available for purchase in full seasons. A DVD collection is available for purchase from Amazon. The DVD features several prominent episodes from the five seasons including the pilot and the follow up episode from the first season; The Letter from the second season where the Hansens cope with the first anniversary of Lynda's death; The Thanksgiving Story, a two hour family Thanksgiving episode; Best Man from Season Four which features Robbie's wedding as well as The Eleventh Hour, the two part finale that saw Sydney wed to Owen.