Watch Sweet Dreams

2008
6 Seasons
5.8 (628)

Sweet Dreams was a short-lived sitcom that aired on ABC in the 1996-1997 television season. The show centered around Tiffani Thiessen as Annie, a teenager living in a small town who dreams of one day becoming a famous singer-songwriter. Despite having raw musical talent, Annie lacks the confidence in herself and resources to pursue her dreams. Amy Yasbeck co-starred as Beth, Annie's well-meaning but overbearing mother who wants what's best for her daughter but also lives vicariously through her. Beth pushes Annie to enter local talent competitions in hopes it will lead to bigger opportunities. A Martinez played Dave, Beth's husband and Annie's supportive father who serves as the voice of reason when Beth becomes too demanding.

Much of the show's humor derived from Annie's exasperation with her mother's meddling ways and her father's inability to rein Beth in. Though Beth only wants Annie to succeed, her obsessive nature often backfires by pushing Annie away or embarrassing her. Annie spends a lot of time dodging her mother's antics and trying to assert her independence. She confides in her best friend Lucy, played by Poppy Montgomery, who encourages Annie to stand up for herself while also chasing her dreams.

While focused on Annie's budding music career, Sweet Dreams also followed the typical teen sitcom formula of Annie getting into humorous everyday troubles at school, with friends, and in her relationships. Her main love interest was the brooding rebel musician Johnny, played by Michael Weatherly. Their on-again off-again relationship provided romantic drama amidst the comedy.

Creatively, the show struggled to find its footing throughout its single season run. It aimed to capitalize on Thiessen's popularity from Saved By the Bell but had difficulty establishing its own identity. Critics saw it as a bland attempt to recreate other female-led coming-of-age sitcoms like Clarissa Explains It All. However, Thiessen's charisma and musical performances were often highlights. The show was cancelled after 19 episodes due to low ratings as ABC shuffled it around the schedule. Sweet Dreams remains a little-remembered footnote in 90s teen sitcom history but showcased Thiessen's talent as she transitioned to more mature roles.

Sweet Dreams is a series that ran for 6 seasons (85 episodes) between December 31, 2008 and on Baby First