Regular Cast
Tom Verica as Jack Pryor
Gail O'Grady as Helen Pryor
Will Estes as JJ Pryor
Brittany Snow as Meg Pryor
Sarah Ramos as Patty Pryor
Ethan Dampf as Will Pryor
Vanessa Lengies as Roxanne Bojarski

About The Show
From the thrill of dancing to the new Ronettes song to the life-changing assassination of a beloved President, American Dreams follows one family's journey through the joys and pains of America in the '60s and early '70s. At the epicenter of these earth-shattering times is Meg Pryor, a style-conscious 15-year-old whose life revolves around the popular dance show, American Bandstand. While Meg's younger brother and sister are concerned with simple pursuits, her older brother, JJ, is fighting to follow his dreams instead of his father's. And unbeknownst to the kids, their parents are struggling to define their own evolving relationship as partners, parents and people. Meanwhile, the world swirls around them — a vibrant combination of rock and roll, equal rights and soon, war. How will the changing times change this American family?

Season Three

1. Long Shots and Short Skirts
   Meg (Brittany Snow) and Sam (Arlen Escarpeta) continue to find themselves at odds with their parents after their court date, as the uncertain future of Sam's scholarship hangs over Henry's (Jonathan Adams) head. Meg's arrest is leaked to the papers, compromising the integrity of Jack's (Tom Verica) bid to run for city council. Back at school, Meg and Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) learn that the new headmaster is enforcing the school's dress code, so they organize a mini-skirt protest. Meanwhile, Beth (Rachel Boston) continues to work at the Lair, and has caught the eye of Cal (guest-star Ben Taylor), an aspiring singer/songwriter. When Helen (Gail O'Grady) asks Beth to join the Blue Star Women, an organization that donates necessities to the wives of soldiers at war, she expresses her concerns of not being JJ's (Will Estes) wife. In Vietnam, JJ is in a military hospital where he learns that the rest of his squad was not so fortunate, and that Beth is pregnant. Brandy ("Talk About Our Love") guest-stars as Gladys Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips singing "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," and Gavin DeGraw ("Chariot") sings Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My Tears" in the Lair. Ben Taylor ("Famous Among the Barns") makes his acting debut, and sings "You Got to Hide Your Love Away" by the Beatles in the Lair. Atoosa Rubenstein (Seventeen Magazine) also guest-stars. Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star.
    
2. Charade
   When the Pryors meet their new neighbors, they are shocked to discover that Shelly Pierce (guest star Daphne Zuniga, "Melrose Place") is a single mom, a Playboy Playmate, and that her son, Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia, "Gilmore Girls"), is old enough to attend East Catholic. As Meg (Brittany Snow) continues her anti-war campaign, she is reprimanded at school by a progressive nun who decides that a better way for Meg to get her message out is to direct Shakespeare's play "Henry V," with a modern day twist. As Patty (Sarah Ramos) becomes obsessed with winning the Campbell's Tomato Soup essay contest, she seeks Donald's (guest-star Hank Stratton) help, which causes some discomfort for Helen (Gail O'Grady). When Jack's (Tom Verica) campaign for city council begins to affect his family and professional life, he finds himself faced with some tough questions . Meanwhile, JJ's (Will Estes) excitement to be with his new squad and return to combat is dampened when he is ordered by the mysterious government man, Stevens (guest-star Jeff Fahey), to report to the US Embassy instead for further training. Nicole Richie ("The Simple Life") guest-stars as the lead singer of The Exciters singing "Tell Him," and Hayley Westerna ("Pure") guest-stars as a singer in the Lair singing "Who Painted the Moon Black."
    
3. Leaders of the Pack
   After Meg (Brittany Snow) unsuccessfully tries to recruit other students for her play, Chris (guest-star Milo Ventimiglia) makes her an offer that involves breaking and entering in exchange for his and his friends' participation. Meanwhile, as Jack (Tom Verica) prepares to embrace alternative voting groups for his run as city councilman, Helen (Gail O'Grady) tries to understand Donald's (guest-star Hank Stratton) alternative lifestyle, and invites him over for dinner. When Beth (Rachel Boston) hears that another pregnant woman's husband is killed in Vietnam, she and JJ (Will Estes), have yet another awkward conversation. Meanwhile, dating Melanie (guest-star Beniat Krista Nall) causes Sam (Arlen Escarpeta) to feel like he is from the wrong side of the tracks, and Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) moves in with the Pryor's after she learns that her mom is not only remarrying, but moving, too. Hawk Nelson (Jason Dunn, Dave Clark, Daniel Biro, Matt Paige, "Letters to the President") guest-stars as The Who singing "My Generation." Jonathan Adams, Sarah Ramos,and Ethan Dampf also star.
    
4. Surround Me
   In Saigon, JJ (Will Estes) begins to experience other aspects of the Vietnam war including military interrogation, dating a Vietnamese girl, and deadly explosions in civilian areas. Back at home, Jack (Tom Verica) continues to approach the minority vote with help from Helen (Gail O'Grady) and Henry (Jonathan Adams) and the opposition resorts to scare tactics and dirty tricks in an attempt to foil his campaign. Meanwhile, Meg (Brittany Snow) continues to work on her play with Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies), who is contributing in her own special way. As Meg and Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) become closer, his bad influence on her begins to show, surprising even Roxanne. Meanwhile, Cal (guest star Ben Taylor) and Beth (Rachel Boston) also notice their intensifying feelings for each other. In this episode Taylor debuts the song "Surround Me," his original song written for "American Dreams" from The Ben Taylor Band's forthcoming album, "Another Run Around the Sun" in record stores in February 2005. Sarah Ramos, Arlen Escarpeta and Ethan Dampf also star.
    
5. So Long, Farewell
    Meg (Brittany Snow) adds an anti- Vietnam War element to the high school play she is directing, which gets her in trouble with the school administration. The experience brings Meg and Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) closer together. Meanwhile, Luke's (guest star Jamie Elman) return to Philadelphia turns Roxanne's (Vanessa Lengies) life upside down, and Melanie (guest star Benita Krista Nall) is jealous of Sam's (Arlen Escarpeta) relationship with Meg. As Helen (Gail O'Grady) experiences an uncomfortable situation at work regarding Donald (guest star Hank Stratton), Jack (Tom Verica) is overwhelmed with his new role as city councilman. Meanwhile, JJ (Will Estes) prepares to embark on a dangerous mission and remains unsure of the outcome. Jonathan Adams, Rachel Boston, Sarah Ramos, and Ethan Dampf also star.
    
6. A Clear and Present Danager
   Helen (Gail O'Grady) and Jack's (Tom Verica) 20th wedding anniversary celebration is cut short when news of Meg (Brittany Snow) and her increasingly reckless anti-war behavior with Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) lands her a school suspension. When JJ (Will Estes) and his squad are captured by the Vietcong, they plan a daring escape, as the Marines deliver the devastating news to the Pryor home that he's MIA. Meanwhile, Nathan (guest star Keith Robinson) begins working in a VA hospital to finish serving his jail time, and Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) moves in with Luke (guest star Jamie Elman) . Phantom Planet (Darren Robinson, Alex Greenwald, Jeff Conrad, Sam Farrar with Frank Staniszewski on keyboards) guest stars as The Zombies singing "Tell Her No." Rachel Boston, Jonathan Adams, Arlen Escarpeta, Ethan Dampf, and Sarah Ramos also star.
    
7. What Dreams May Come
   When the news reaches home that J.J. is MIA, everything seems to remind Helen (Gail O'Grady) of her missing son. Looking for answers, Jack (Tom Verica) decides to go to Washington, D.C. and agrees to bring Meg (Brittany Snow), not realizing she has an alterior motive. Upon their return, the family receives an unexpected package from JJ during Thanksgiving dinner. Meanwhile, instead of spending Thanksgiving with his family, Sam (Arlen Escarpeta) goes to Melanie's (guest star Benita Krista Nall) house and meets Thurgood Marshall (guest star Tavis Smiley). Alanis Morissette ("You Oughta Know") guest-stars as a singer in the Lair singing "Offer" and Tavis Smiley ("The Tavis Smiley Show") guest stars as Thurgood Marshall. Jonathan Adams, Rachel Boston, Ethan Dampf, Vanessa Lengies and Sarah Ramos also star.
    
8. One in a Million
   JJ (Will Estes) is found alive in the jungle by Rene (guest star Phillipe Durand), a Frenchman who takes him in. However, when JJ learns that Rene turns over American soldiers to the Vietcong, he tries to escape. Meanwhile, Meg (Brittany Snow) is upset when she is asked to speak about JJ during the assembly to honor East Catholic students serving in the war. Helen (Gail O'Grady) goes to see a psychiatrist that Beth (Rachel Boston) recommends, but finds that the best medicine is the hope in her new grandson, John Pryor III. Fantasia Barrino ("American Idol") guest stars as Aretha Franklin singing "R-E-S-P-E-C-T." Tom Verica, Jonathan Adams, Arlen Escarpeta, Vanessa Lengies, Sarah Ramos, and Ethan Dampf also star
    
9. Tidings of Comfort and Joy
   In a commercial -free episode sponsored by Ford, JJ (Will Estes), barely alive in the jungle, finds a Christmas miracle in an American soldier, Joey Tremain (guest star Chris Pine). Together they encourage each other to stay alive until they find help, and hopefully a way to get home to their loved ones. Meanwhile, Helen (Gail O'Grady) teaches Beth (Rachel Boston) some important tips on caring for her new baby. However, Beth becomes infuriated when Helen invites her estranged father over to the house to meet his new grandson. When Meg (Brittany Snow) gets upset that Army recruiters are visiting the campus and encouraging students to enlist, she finds herself in a dangerous situation when Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) and two of his friends decide to take matters into their own hands at the recruiting center. Kelly Clarkson ("American Idol") reprises her role as Brenda Lee singing "Rock Around the Christmans Tree," and JoJo guest stars as a young Linda Ronstandt auditioning for Bandstand. "Extra" co-host Dayna Devon and Nick Warnock ("The Apprentice") also guest star. Tom Verica, Jonathan Adams, Arlen Escarpeta, Vanessa Lengies, Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star.
    
10. Home Again
    JJ (Will Estes) is finally home, but Vietnam still haunts him. When Beth (Rachel Boston) helps him cope, their love is rekindled and they decide to set a date for their wedding. Meanwhile, Meg's (Brittany Snow) excitement over some exciting news is short lived when Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) gives her an ultimatum and with Uncle Pete's (guest star Matthew Armstrong) growing suspicion of Chris' involvement with the fire at the Army recruitment center. Also, Helen (Gail O'Grady) gets involved in a risky anti-war endeavor that strains her relationship with JJ. 112 (Marvin, Daron, Q, Mike, "Hot and Wet") appears as The Four Tops singing "Reach Out I'll Be There," and Randy Jackson guest stars as the manager of The Four Tops. Michael Tolcher ("Mission Responsible") guest stars as a singer in the Lair, singing "It's My Life" by The Animals. Tom Verica, Vanessa Lengies, Arlen Escarpeta, Jonathan Adams, Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star.
     
11. Truth Be Told
    With advice from Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies), Meg (Brittany Snow) takes her relationship with Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) to the next level. However, her excitement is short-lived when the morning after Chris confesses he lied to her. Meanwhile, Helen (Gail O'Grady) is upset that JJ (Will Estes) and Beth (Rachel Boston) may not have a Catholic wedding, and Patty (Sarah Ramos) has to deal with a guilty conscience. Also, when Henry (Jonathan Walker) decides to take on a new project, he also finds a new lady friend. Tom Verica, Arlen Escarpeta and Ethan Dampf also star
     
12. For Richer, For Poorer
    As JJ (Will Estes) prepares for his wedding to Beth (Rachel Boston), he receives a desperate plea for help from Vietnam. In attempt to help, he loses the money he was saving for the down payment on a house and Jack (Tom Verica) makes a sacrifice to help his eldest son. Meanwhile, at the wedding, Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) tries to convince Meg (Brittany Snow) that she should forgive him. Van Hunt ("Dust" and "Seconds of Pleasure") guest stars as Jimmy Ruffin singing "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and Toby Lightman ("Devils and Angels") as a singer in the Lair ("That's How Strong My Love Is" by Otis Redding). Gail O'Grady, Vanessa Lengies, Jonathan Adams, Arlen Escarpeta, Sarah Ramos, and Ethan Dapmf also star
     
13. Starting Over
    Meg (Brittany Snow) is left dateless for her senior prom after Chris (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) leaves town, so JJ (Will Estes) offers to escort her. There, he meets up with his old coach who had offered him a coaching position once his enlistment was over. Meg, not having such a great time, ends up in a heated argument with JJ about Chris and the war. Upset, she leaves and shares a dance with Sam (Arlen Escarpeta) atThe Lair, and they realize that they may have become closer than what they, and their friends and family, are comfortable with. Meanwhile, when Jack (Tom Verica) refuses to be pressured by the council to vote a certain way, his family members become directly affected. Joss Stone ("Fell in Love with a Boy") guest stars as a singer in the lair, singing "Right to Be Wrong." Gail O'Grady, Vanessa Lengies, Jonathan Adams, Rachel Boston, Sarah Ramos, and Ethan Dampf also star
     
14. The Commencement
    As Meg (Brittany Snow) and Sam (Arlen Escarpeta) struggle to define their relationship, she prepares to graduate from high school and give her senior speech about the hope of the future. Meanwhile, the winner of the Campbell's Soup Essay contest is announced and Patty (Sarah Ramos) has a secret no one will believe. Also, Helen (Gail O'Grady) helps Shelly (guest star Daphne Zuniga) get a job at the travel agency, and Jack (Tom Verica) realizes that some decisions carry serious consequences. During this broadcast, the real-life winner of the 2005 Campbell's Soup Essay Contest will be announced in a special live-to-tape segment where Brittany Snow and the CEO of Campbell's Soup presents the winner the grand prize check at the headquarters of Campbell's Soup Company in Camden. Brian McKnight ("Back At One") guest stars as Stokely Carmichael. Will Estes, Rachel Boston, Jonathan Adams, Vanessa Lengies, and Ethan Dampf also star.
     
15. California Dreamin'
    Meg & Roxanne go to Hollywood for a special "American Banstand" episode. While the girls are there, they meet up with Barabra Eden a.k.a. "Jeannie". J.J. goes for an interview with an Engineering company in the hopes of following his dream of becoming an Astronaut. Meanwhile, Sam realizes the he has more in common with Nathan's date then Nathan does and Pete & Shelley decide to have an "open relationship" where they can see each other and other people. Jack decides to tell a reporter his reasons for leaving City Council.
     
16. No Satisfaction
    With Ted, Jack's brother in the hospital he faces a tough decision to pull him of the respirator that is keeping him alive. Meg and Roxanne are excited for The Rolling Stones concert but are surprised to find where their seats are. Patty wants to become cool after being teased by some students at summer school about being a nerd. She receives a makeover from Meg and Roxanne and goes on bandstand but ultimately decides she likes who she is. Meanwhile, JJ is doing well at his job and able to use his knowledge from Vietnam to help him.
     
17. It's My Life
    When Chris returns, Meg finds out that he has been drafted for the war and is going to Berkeley to avoid it. Meg must decide between being with Chris or being with her family but her decision is made even harder when Jack threatens to disown her if she leaves. Roxanne begins to cut hair at the Vinyl Crocodile much to Luke's dismay. JJ begins to feel overwhelmed at work when he volunteers to help on a project. Nathan is given a second chance by Mr. Pryor when he allows Nathan to do deliveries again. Helen decides to accompany a mother to pick up her son's coffin.