Paul Walker's Forgotten '80s Sitcom "Throb" Resurfaces

In 2025, fans of actor Paul Walker are getting a rare glimpse into his early career. Before rising to fame in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, Walker had a role in the short-lived 1980s sitcom "Throb."

The sitcom, which aired in syndication for two seasons, starred Diana Canova as a 30-something divorcee who starts a new job at an independent record label in Manhattan. Walker, then just 12 years old, played her son Jeremy in the first season before being replaced by another actor.

Despite its unfortunate title, "Throb" was a charming show that also featured several other future stars, including a pre-"Frasier" Jane Leeves. However, the series has become nearly impossible to watch today, with only low-quality YouTube clips available for those hoping to revisit it.

The inability to access entire projects is a common issue in the entertainment industry, as media can be "essentially deleted at any moment" by the whims of executives. In the case of "Throb," the show's obscurity is likely due to its short run and lack of a dedicated fanbase, but it serves as a reminder that even once-popular content can vanish from public view.

For those curious about Walker's early acting work, the YouTube clips provide a glimpse into his beginnings. But the overall inaccessibility of "Throb" underscores the fragility of our media landscape and the importance of preserving cultural artifacts, no matter how obscure they may seem.