I'll Fly Away - 1991

First episode of the Drama Series I'll Fly Away, aired October 7, 1991

[@khw88141]

I was a writer on the show. The episodes always ended with a voice over from Lily. I don't know why it was cut off here, but it makes for a lousy ending to a pilot, and this show NEVER had a lousy ending. The Exec Producer was David Chase, who created the Sopranos. His head writer was my sister Barbara Hall, who created Madame Secretary. I am glad, though, that I can watch the show again. I felt honored to write episodes for them.

[@FrightNight1980]

I'll Fly Away was excellent television, sir! Wasn't it created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey (of Northern Exposure fame)? Anyhow, the show's biggest problem is that it was cut off way too soon - it needed at least a few more seasons, preferably ten :-)

[@frankieseward8667]

​@@FrightNight19808 would've been fine. And it needed a better timeslot

[@joebair]

It was too intelligent for the mainstream market. At times the writing approached a sublime quality.

[@khw88141]

@@joebair It was really fun to write.

[@michellem1472]

It will never not bother me that we live in a world where a wonderful, potent show like this was cancelled after two seasons and yet somehow Keeping up with the Kardashians has inexplicably lasted for twenty. Ugh.

[@bobbyb7979]

Exactly Michelle, it would have been nice to have more of these shows!

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

Well Gunsmoke and the original Law & Order lasted for twenty...does that count?

[@beckyparker1532]

I totally agree. It's terrifying that we worship plastic, self absorbed idiots.

[@joebair]

Amen.

[@erinwalker711]

Keep the "I'll Fly Away " episodes coming. I recall wachting this with my Mom as child during the early 1990s. It was criminal that this show was cancelled before it's time.

[@annetteholman2999]

I've searched for this series to no avail for 20 years. I loved the characters, their quest, their baffling integrity but couldn't find it for purchase or rental. Thank you for sharing this. Is there any possibility of viewing all episodes,?

[@michaelleary9233]

Me too, this was my family, my parents were older when I was born like John Morgan, and my brother and sister were about the ages of Francie and Nathan. We even had a maid who became like family too.

[@kanona29]

I was so obsessed with this show and heartbroken when it went off the air. Thank you for posting!

[@JohnsonEmmy77]

Me too!!

[@malcolmjawohowelll2892]

Same here too. Quality scripts and totally engaging main characters the actress who played lillie was fantastic

[@roberthealy3551]

I'm up to S1E3 and my memory of it doesn't give it justice. ♥️

[@goodtroubleweb]

Loved this Can’t believe it’s not on any streaming services

[@lindsaycooper9400]

Watched this back when I was 14 years old. I believe it was on Channel 4 and I loved it. Great to see it again and feel all nostalgic for my teens.

[@curtiskrammer8156]

This is one of the greatest television series ever made. Thank you for sharing this - please feel free to share more, as this wonderful show is unavailable otherwise. I know - I’ve checked.

[@danielherrin]

NBC needs to drop this on DVD like yesterday. Finest TV show of the 90s.

[@1videonut]

@@danielherrin One of the finest ever, in the 90s or any other decade.

[@CoCoBomB80]

It’s on KZbin with the movies …do a search

[@ermaroberts411]

Used to watch on PBS one of my favorites with the Walton.

[@mga2899]

In our home, the maid was usually the smartest one in the room.

[@TheLenefau]

I love this show. I have been looking for it for years and was delighted to finally find it. Lilly Harper is a fantastic character, and I love her lines at the end of each episode. Forrest Bedford is a complex but very lovable character.

[@CRAFT7445]

I forgot how good this show was.

[@mellymel1100]

I wish I could find this streaming. it's one of my favs from childhood.

[@anacapritropics1913]

Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful series back! Have been wondering about it for years as it is so well done & says so much. This was my first introduction to Sam Waterston, so perfect for this role. It all says so much.

[@EriTeeOnline]

I think this episode is missing a bunch at the end. There is a whole ending part where Forrest walks out down the courthouse steps and they are holding a vigil and then it gets violent - and the ending where Lily has her voice over is missing. Anyone have access to the full first episode?

[@jgunn03]

Here cuz I heard one of the actors died today or yesterday. July 29, 2022.

[@collinbounds3431]

I'm so excited to find this show, I've been looking for years! That being said, is anyone else having trouble with the A/V being out of sync? It is for me, on all devices, with the audio ahead by over a minute.

[@fizzybacon2388]

Thank you for posting this. Can you post more episodes? This was my favorite show growing up

[@wrightblan1501]

That’s some disturbing stuff going on around 37:41.

[@RahulSharma-pf6cp]

Which episode is this?

[@valeriedemello1794]

Do they ever say why Opal left.

[@gastronomist]

If they could have only left out the pretentiousness, it would have been good.

[@jgunn03]

The acting is terrible. I'm out. Wait! They just said the "N" word? I'm double-out!!!!!