For anyone who remembers, Second Noah aired the same year as another popular, still running, family-oriented series with a big family... But unlike that show, Second Noah was edgier. Maybe TOO edgy for the year it aired??? The oldest son (heart-throb James Marsden) was actually the father to the youngest (adorable Gemini Barnett also from The Wedding Singer), was wanting to drop out of school, and dated the proverbial bad-girl. And the rest of the adopted siblings had their own issues. Wanting to know their biological parents, feeling out of place... etc. While such a ethnically diverse family is uncommon, their issues weren't. Viewers just happened to be drawn to the sugar coated, bubblegum version of a rival show. Not to mention, being shot on location instead of on set provided some beautiful footage that made for a Real, warm, loving, homey feel.