This series is the American equivilent to the British 7 Up series of films. It is nearly as good, though it does not attempt to draw as many conclusions about the children and how their lives are influenced by their upbringing, discipline, or surroundings. It is, though, just as fascinating--as is the follow-up, 14 Up, which was aired on Showtime in 1998. I am eagerly awaiting 21.