Breaking Away
Breaking Away is a 1980 American comedy-drama television series that was based on the 1979 film of the same name. It was created by Steve Tesich, who wrote the original film, and the film's director Peter Yates served as Executive Producer. As a prequel, the series was set during the year prior to the events of the film. Shaun Cassidy took over the role of Dave Stohler, a young man mad about bicycle racing and all things Italian. Barbara Barrie, Jackie Earle Haley and John Ashton reprised their roles from the film. The television series was set in Bloomington, Indiana, but was actually shot in Athens, Georgia. The show was caught up in the 1980 Screen Actors Guild Strike and did not begin production until that fall. While heavily promoted by ABC, it was overlooked by TV audiences once it got on the air and suffered low ratings. It was cancelled after eight episodes were filmed, though only seven episodes aired during its original run. ABC showed reruns of the show during the summer of 1981, and it was also rerun by the Arts & Entertainment cable channel during 1985–1987.
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Seasons & Episodes
1. The Cutters
This series pilot is based on the 1979 film, but opens a year earlier as Dave Stohler (Shaun Cassidy) and his three close friends graduate from high school and resolve to stick together.
2. The American Dream
A fraternity uses a pretty co-ed to lure Mike into playing for its football team. Meanwhile, Dave decides to audit a college course.
3. Knowing Her
Moocher lands a job as a movie-theater usher. Mrs. Stohler enrolls in a real-estate course taught by an attractive widower. And romance enters Cyril's life in the form of a co-ed.
4. King of the Quarry
Townsfolk won't let Stohler forget that he lost his poise as a guest lecturer at the college. Meanwhile, Moocher is offered a well-paying job in Chicago.
5. Heart Like a Wheel
Moocher asks Nancy to move in with him. Mike readies for a drag race with a collegian. Dave's friendship with a co-ed may blossom into a romance.
6. Rainy Night in Georgia
Mrs. Stohler wants her husband to buy land she thinks the university will eventually need--and pay handsomely for when they need it. Meanwhile, the guys land a job painting a hardware store. Dave's treasured bicycle is stolen.
7. La Strada
Mrs. Stohler wants her husband to buy land she thinks the university will eventually need--and will pay handsomely for when they need it. Meanwhile, the guys land a job painting a hardware store. Dave's treasure bicycle is stolen.
8. The Grand Illusion
Unaired episode, upon cancellation of series.
