A New Life is a 1988 American romantic comedy film written, directed by and starring Alan Alda, also featuring Ann-Margret, John Shea, Hal Linden and Veronica Hamel.

Steve Giardino, an abrasive, workaholic Wall Streeter, and his wife Jackie divorce after twenty-six years of marriage and find themselves thrust back into the dating world in middle age and in search of a new life.

Jackie, starved for affection, is at first thrilled by the romantic interest of a man called Doc, only to end up smothered by his attentions and in desperate need of some private space.

"[3] In one notable review from The Washington Post, Desson Howe wrote, "There's nothing tricky to Alan Alda: no Eddie Murphy worship-me complex, no Woody Allen navel-contemplating, no Steve Martin I'm-brilliant-watch-me-dance routines.

In "A New Life," which he wrote and directed and stars in, for a change Alda doesn't play a self-righteous lib a` le Martin Sheen, which is refreshing.

And though "New Life's" premise—the tribulations of a male divorce' -- is hardly groundbreaking, its safe confines provide Alda ample room for his engaging brand of sitcom repartee.