Series Description:
“In a Heartbeat” is a drama television series that aired on the Disney Channel from August 26, 2000, to March 25, 2001. Inspired by real-life teenage emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Darien, Connecticut, the show follows the lives of high school students who volunteer as part-time EMTs while managing typical adolescent challenges.
The main characters include Hank Beecham (Danso Gordon), a football player and the group’s EMT-Intermediate; Val Lanier (Reagan Pasternak), an excellent student and cheerleader; Tyler Connell (Shawn Ashmore), Hank’s best friend and fellow football player; and Jamie Waite (Christopher Ralph), a newcomer to the squad participating through a program aimed at helping troubled teens. Supporting characters are Brooke Lanier (Lauren Collins), Val’s younger sister who assists with squad paperwork, and Caitie Roth (Jackie Rosenbaum), Val’s goth best friend known for her distinctive style.
The series received positive reviews for its portrayal of teenage life and responsibilities. Variety’s Laura Fries noted that the show featured “characters every bit as appealing as anything you’d find on the WB, only a heck of a lot smarter,” while Lynne Heffley of the Los Angeles Times described it as “surprisingly watchable.”
Additional Details:
Cast:
- Danso Gordon: Hank Beecham
- Reagan Pasternak: Val Lanier
- Shawn Ashmore: Tyler Connell
- Christopher Ralph: Jamie Waite
- Lauren Collins: Brooke Lanier
- Jackie Rosenbaum: Caitie Roth
- Nikki Goodell: Penelope London
Crew:
- Creators: Jon Felson, Steve Reiss and Patricia Green
