A perky aspiring actress tries to start a career in New York, getting encouragement from her boyfriend, Don, and her family. For many young women, Ann Marie was an independent role model for the times (the late '60s) for having left the nest in pursuit of a career. She also inspired trends in fashion with her flipped-up hairdo and cute, mod clothes. Marlo Thomas received Emmy nominations in four of its five seasons. The show was created by Bill Persky and Sam Denoff (`The Dick Van Dyke Show').