If you were watching CBS on Friday nights back in 1999, you probably remember a show that felt totally out of place—in the best way possible. Eric Close now and again became synonymous with a specific kind of "what if" storytelling that we just don't see much anymore. It wasn't just another procedurals; it was a weird, expensive, and deeply emotional experiment about a guy who dies and gets a second chance in a "perfect" body.
Honestly, it’s one of those shows that fans still talk about in hushed tones at conventions. Why? Because it ended on one of the most brutal cliffhangers in television history.
The Michael Wiseman Project: A $2.4 Million Risk
Let’s talk numbers for a second. Back in the late '90s, CBS was spending roughly $2.4 million per episode on Now and Again. That was an insane amount of money for a Friday night slot.
The premise was wild. Michael Wiseman, a regular insurance guy played by John Goodman, gets pushed in front of a subway train. But instead of the afterlife, he wakes up as Eric Close. Or rather, his brain is now inside a genetically engineered "super-body" designed by the government.
Eric Close had to pull off a massive acting feat: he had to make us believe he was a middle-aged, slightly out-of-shape dad trapped inside the body of a young, virile athlete.
Why Eric Close Was the Perfect Choice
Close didn't just play a superhero. He played a guy who hated being a superhero.
- The physicality: He had to move with power but act with the confusion of a man who didn't know his own strength.
- The chemistry: His "buddy-cop" dynamic with Dennis Haysbert (Dr. Morris) was the heart of the show.
- The stakes: He was forbidden from ever contacting his wife, Lisa (Margaret Colin), or daughter, Heather (Heather Matarazzo).
Watching him stand outside his old house, watching his family mourn him while he was standing right there in a new face, was heartbreaking. It wasn't about the gadgets; it was about the isolation.
What Happened to Eric Close After the Show?
When CBS pulled the plug after just 22 episodes, fans were livid. The show ended with Michael’s family finally figuring out he might still be alive, just as the government was closing in. We never got answers.
But Eric Close didn't slow down. Most people know him now from a string of massive hits that followed.
Without a Trace (2002–2009)
This was his big mainstream "payday." He played Martin Fitzgerald for seven seasons. If you missed Now and Again, this is likely where you first saw him.
Nashville (2012–2018)
He shifted gears completely to play Teddy Conrad. It was a messy, political role that proved he could do more than just the "nice guy" or the "action hero."
Suits
You might have spotted him as the ruthless Travis Tanner. He was the guy everyone loved to hate, going toe-to-toe with Harvey Specter. It was a far cry from the sentimental Michael Wiseman.
Where is he now?
Fast forward to 2026, and Close has pivoted quite a bit toward directing and faith-based projects. He moved his family to Bend, Oregon, years ago to escape the Los Angeles grind.
He’s become a staple on the Hallmark Channel, both in front of and behind the camera. He’s directed several of the Christmas at Graceland movies and recently starred in the film Average Joe (2023), playing Coach Joe Kennedy. Most recently, look for him in the 2025 film All Is Merry and Bright. He seems to have found a balance between the industry and a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest.
The Legacy of Now and Again
Basically, Now and Again was ahead of its time. If it came out today on a streamer like Apple TV+ or Netflix, it would probably run for five seasons. It had that "prestige TV" feel before prestige TV was even a buzzword.
The show won the Saturn Award for Best Network Television Series in 2000, beating out some heavy hitters. It wasn't a failure of quality; it was a failure of the "Friday Night Death Slot."
How to watch it today
This is the frustrating part. Because of music licensing issues—which is a common curse for shows from that era—it’s notoriously hard to find on streaming services.
- DVD Sets: Your best bet is still the 2014 CBS DVD release. It’s got a massive two-hour documentary that actually features most of the cast talking about the show's legacy.
- Digital Purchases: Occasionally it pops up for purchase on platforms like Amazon or Vudu, but it’s hit or miss depending on your region.
- The "Bootleg" Factor: You can sometimes find episodes on YouTube uploaded by fans, but the quality is usually pretty rough.
Insights for the Super-Fan
If you’re revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, pay attention to the "Egg Man" arc. It was one of the first times a network show used a slow-burn, season-long villain that felt genuinely creepy and unconventional.
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Also, keep an eye out for Kim Raver and even Chad Lowe in guest spots. The guest casting was top-tier.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local library or eBay for the "Now and Again: The DVD Edition." It’s the only way to see the show as it was intended, including the retrospective interviews that explain why that finale cliffhanger was never resolved. If you're a fan of Eric Close's newer work, watching him navigate the "Michael Wiseman" persona is a masterclass in nuanced acting that still holds up decades later.