Watch Keep Your Head Up Kid

Keep Your Head Up Kid is a Canadian miniseries that aired on CBC in 2010. The show chronicles the life of Canadian icon Alan Thicke, from his early beginnings in the rural town of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, to his success as a Hollywood writer, producer, and actor. The series is a semi-biographical look at the life of Thicke, played by actor Robin Dunne, and covers a wide range of topics, including his rocky relationship with his father, his early career as a writer and producer for the CBC, his move to Hollywood, and his eventual role as the father on the hit sitcom, Growing Pains.

The show is structured as a series of flashbacks, with an older Thicke (played by Lawrence Dane) looking back on his life and career while being interviewed for a book about his experiences. These flashbacks provide insight into Thicke's life and personality, as well as the people and events that shaped him into the person he is today.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is its portrayal of Thicke's relationship with his father, Jim Thicke, played by Brian Markinson. Jim Thicke is depicted as a demanding and often abusive parent who pushes his son to succeed in a career that he himself had failed in. The tension between father and son is a recurring theme throughout the series and provides a fascinating look at the complex dynamics of family relationships.

As the series progresses, we see Alan Thicke's career take off. He lands a job as a writer and producer for the CBC, working on some of the most popular shows of the era, including The Tommy Hunter Show, The Paul Lynde Show, and The Alan Hamel Show. These experiences help to shape Thicke's career trajectory, providing him with the skills and knowledge he needs to succeed in the competitive world of Hollywood.

Once Thicke arrives in Hollywood, the series takes on a decidedly more glamorous tone. We are introduced to a host of celebrities, including Suzanne Somers (played by Joanne Kelly), who Thicke works with on her hit TV show, Three's Company. As Thicke's reputation grows, he is soon approached to create his own sitcom, which becomes Growing Pains, featuring Thicke as the patriarch of the Seaver family.

Throughout the series, we see Thicke juggle his career with his personal life, as he tries to balance his professional ambitions with his responsibilities as a husband and father. This is particularly evident in his relationship with his wife, Gloria (played by Elizabeth McLaughlin), who is depicted as a strong-willed and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. Gloria provides a necessary grounding force for Thicke, helping him to stay focused on what really matters in life.

The show does an excellent job of capturing the feel of the different eras in which the story takes place. From the rustic charm of Kirkland Lake, to the bright lights of Hollywood, the series paints a vivid picture of Thicke's journey. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and hair and makeup is impressive and helps to transport the viewer back in time.

Overall, Keep Your Head Up Kid is a tastefully done and entertaining look at the life and career of Alan Thicke. It is a must-watch for fans of Thicke, as well as those interested in the entertainment industry and the behind-the-scenes workings of Hollywood. The performances from the entire cast are excellent, particularly Dunne as Thicke and Markinson as his father. The pacing is also excellent, with each episode leaving the viewer eager to see what happens next.