AllMovie

The first original "reality" series produced for the TV Land cable service (which normally trafficked in vintage network reruns), Big 4-0 was something of a Sweet Sixteen's for Baby Boomers. Each episode focused on a man or woman who was rapidly approaching the "milestone" age of 40, and who was determined to usher in Middle Age in as spectacular a fashion as possible. Whether it was an expensive party at a trendy nightspot, a lavish European vacation, a skydiving session, or a spin around the track in a hot racing car, one could be certain that this would be a 40th birthday celebration that no one would ever forget. Big 4-0 was first telecast on April 16, 2008.