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Eight Is Enough
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| Eight Is Enough | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Based on | Eight Is Enough by Tom Braden |
| Developed by | William Blinn |
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer |
|
| Composers | |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes | 112 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Philip Capice Lee Rich |
| Producers |
|
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 50 minutes |
| Production company | Lorimar Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | March 15, 1977 – May 23, 1981 |
| Related | |
| |
Eight Is Enough is an American comedy-drama/sitcom television series that aired on ABC from March 15, 1977, to May 23, 1981. The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
Synopsis
[edit]The show centers on a Sacramento, California, family with eight children (from oldest to youngest: 22-year-old David, 21-year-old Mary, 20-year-old Joanie, 19-year-old Susan, 18-year-old Nancy, 16-year-old Elizabeth, 15-year-old Tommy, and 8-year-old Nicholas). The father, Tom Bradford (based on Tom Braden, played by Dick Van Patten), is a newspaper columnist for the fictional Sacramento Register. His wife Joan, based on Joan Braden, was a homemaker and took care of the children.
Joan was played by actress Diana Hyland (born Diane Gentner) and in early 1977, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While performing a mastectomy, doctors discovered her cancer had metastasized. During filming her health suddenly deteriorated, and Hyland died on March 27, 1977, having filmed only four episodes. As a result, her character's death was written into the second season of the series.
The second season begins in the fall of 1977 with Tom as a widower. He eventually meets and falls in love with Sandra Sue "Abby" Abbott (Betty Buckley), a widowed schoolteacher who comes to the house to tutor Tommy after he breaks his leg in a football game. Abby and Tom marry in one of the series' TV movie broadcasts on November 9, 1977. The role went to Buckley after being approved by network chief Brandon Tartikoff, who felt that the character of Miss Collins, the sympathetic high school gym teacher she had played in the 1976 film Carrie, would translate seamlessly to the series.[1]
In the fourth season, in another of the series' TV movie broadcasts in September 1979, both David and Susan get married in a double wedding. As the series progresses, Abby receives her Ph.D. in education and starts a job counseling students at the local high school; oldest son David starts his own construction company; second-eldest daughter Joanie works as a TV producer; eldest daughter Mary becomes a medical doctor; third daughter Susan marries a baseball player, Merle "The Pearl" Stockwell, and has a baby; second-youngest son Tommy becomes a musician in a rock-and-roll band. Ralph Macchio also joins the cast as Jeremy Andretti, Abby's orphaned nephew.
Cast and characters
[edit]Main
[edit]- Dick Van Patten as Thomas "Tom" Bradford Sr.
- Diana Hyland as Joan Wells Bradford (season 1)
- Betty Buckley as Sandra Sue "Abby" Mitchell Abbott Bradford (seasons 2–5)
- Grant Goodeve as David Bradford
- Lani O'Grady as Mary Bradford
- Laurie Walters as Joan "Joanie" Bradford
- Susan Richardson as Susan Bradford Stockwell
- Dianne Kay as Nancy Bradford
- Connie Newton/Needham as Elizabeth Bradford (switched to new married name, Needham, at start of season 4)
- Willie Aames as Thomas "Tommy" Bradford Jr.
- Adam Rich as Nicholas Bradford
In the pilot (filmed in April of 1976), the role of David was played by Mark Hamill, Nancy was played by Kimberly Beck, and Tommy was played by Chris English. When ABC screened the pilot, they were reportedly unhappy with the performances of Beck and English, who were let go and replaced by Dianne Kay and Willie Aames. After the pilot initially failed to sell, Beck wanted to play a prominent role on the ABC miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man Book II, so the network granted her a release from her Eight Is Enough contract. Hamill sought to get out of his five-year contract on Eight Is Enough to take the film opportunities that followed his starring role as Luke Skywalker in George Lucas's Star Wars. After Hamill injured his face in a car crash, Lorimar Productions granted his request and the role was re-cast with Grant Goodeve.[2]
Top row (left to right):
Kay, Van Patten, Goodeve, and Walters
Middle row: Richardson, Newton, and Buckley
Bottom row: Rich, O'Grady, and Aames
Recurring
[edit]- Jennifer Darling as Donna (1977–1981)
- Michael Thoma as Dr. Greg Maxwell (1977–1981)
- Virginia Vincent as Daisy Maxwell (1977–1981)
- Janis Paige as Vivian "Auntie V" Bradford (1977–1980)
- Joan Prather as Janet McArthur Bradford (1979–1981)
- Brian Patrick Clarke as Merle "The Pearl" Stockwell (1979–1981)
- Ralph Macchio as Jeremy Andretti (1980–1981)
- Micheal Goodrow as Ernie Fields (1979–1981)
- James Karen as Eliot Randolph (1978–1981)
- Michele Greene as Jill (1980–1981)
- Nicholas Pryor as Jeffrey Trout (1979–1981)
- Jack Elam as Joe Simon (1978-1980)
Production
[edit]The show was developed by writer William Blinn and was a Lorimar Production. It was originally distributed by Worldvision Enterprises. For the first three years the show filmed interior scenes at The Burbank Studios now known as the Warner Bros. Ranch. From the fourth season the show filmed interiors at MGM Studios in Culver City.
The home featured in the exterior shots was on Chiquita Street near Lankershim Boulevard in Studio City, Los Angeles. The house has since been demolished and replaced. The interiors for seasons one through three were filmed on Soundstage 9 The Burbank Studio. Seasons four and five were shot on two stages at MGM in Culver City.
The show's team of producers included Robert L. Jacks, Gary Adelson, Greg Strangis, and Phil Fehrle. Executive producers were Lee Rich and Philip Capice.
As a production of the Lorimar stable, who were concurrently producing CBS's The Waltons, writers were often contracted by the producers and were shared between both programs. (Waltons co-star Will Geer also made an Eight Is Enough guest appearance during season 2.) Regular writers included Peter Lefcourt, the writing teams of Gwen Bagni and Paul Dubov, Rod Peterson and Claire Whittaker, Bill Nuss and Dusty Kay (brother of "Nancy Bradford" Dianne Kay), Nick Thiel and David Braff, J. Miyoko Hensley and Steven Hensley, Bruce Shelly, Sandra Kay Siegel, Gil Grant, Karen I. Hall, and Hindi Brooks, who soon became the show's long-time story editor. In-house directors included Philip Leacock, Harry Harris, and Irving J. Moore. As an in-joke, the character name of one of Nicholas Bradford's best friends was Irving Julius Moore, a nod to the director of the same name whose middle name was, in fact, Joseph.
Music
[edit]Theme
[edit]For the show's first two seasons, an upbeat instrumental piece written by Fred Werner was used as the show's opening theme. Beginning with the show's third season, this was replaced by a slowed-down vocal theme titled "Eight Is Enough," which was sung by series co-star Grant Goodeve. The song had music by Lee Holdridge and lyrics by Molly-Ann Leikin, and was first heard in a longer arrangement on the last episode of the second season titled "Who's on First?", which was also performed by Goodeve.
Score
[edit]Early episodes had instrumental music by Fred Werner and Alexander Courage, but the show's real musical stamp came from composer Earle Hagen, who had a knack of composing memorable cues as he had previously been the in-house composer on The Andy Griffith Show. He composed a love theme for Tom and Abby, a theme that permeated the show in various incarnations throughout the remainder of the series. Some later episodes were scored by John Beal and Miles Goodman.
Back-to-back industry strikes in the show's last seasons affected the show's score, with both the 1980 SAG actors' strike and 1981 writers' strike forcing cost-cutting measures. Some of the later episodes were tracked with a combination of uncredited library music and original music by Hagen, Beal, and Goodman.
Reception and cancellation
[edit]The series jump-started acting careers for several of its young stars. It cemented teen idol status for Grant Goodeve (David), Willie Aames (Tommy), and Ralph Macchio, who played Abby's orphaned nephew Jeremy later in the show's last season. Aames went on to star with Scott Baio in Charles in Charge. Goodeve started a minor singing career, following his rendition of the show's theme song (see Theme section) and initially hosted HGTV's If Walls Could Talk. Macchio gained the most fame in feature films, such as The Karate Kid and its sequels as well as My Cousin Vinny.
After the end of the show's fifth season (112 one-hour episodes), production costs and declining ratings caused the show to be cancelled with seven other shows that season (including The Waltons). Variety's headline on the cancellation stated "Eight Shows In, Eight Shows Out". In a 2000 episode of E! True Hollywood Story, Dick Van Patten stated that no one contacted him to inform him of the cancellation. Instead, he read about it in a newspaper.[3]
The series had two reunion movies on NBC. In Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion on October 18, 1987, Mary Frann replaced Betty Buckley as Abby; Buckley had been filming Frantic during its production. Then came An Eight Is Enough Wedding on October 15, 1989, this time with Sandy Faison as Abby. Both movies aired opposite Game 2 of the World Series on ABC.
Nielsen Ratings
[edit]- 1976–1977 — #23
- 1977–1978 — #12
- 1978–1979 — #11
- 1979–1980 — #12
- 1980–1981 — Not in Top 30
Series overview
[edit]Episodes
[edit]Season 1 (1977)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Never Try Eating Nectarines Since Juice May Dispense" | E. W. Swackhamer | William Blinn | March 15, 1977 | |
|
Pilot episode: After 15-year-old Elizabeth is arrested for the possession of narcotics, Tom and Joan Bradford are faced with the dual problems of raising money for her defense and trying to understand why 21-year-old David Bradford moved away from home after objecting to the way they handled the drug bust. Note: In the Pilot, David was played by Mark Hamill, Nancy was played by Kimberly Beck, and Tommy played by Chris English. When ABC picked up the show, they were recast, respectively, with Grant Goodeve, Dianne Kay, and Willie Aames. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Schussboomer" | David Moessinger | Norman Lessing | March 22, 1977 | |
|
Tom and Joan are reluctant to let Susan go away for an unchaperoned ski weekend; Mary's unwed pregnant friend stays with the Bradfords. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Pieces of Eight" | Reza Badiyi | Greg Strangis | March 29, 1977[4] | |
|
Tom is forced to face a newspaper strike, a wife who wants a job, and a daughter who wants to become a model. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Women, Ducks, and the Domino Theory" | Vincent McEveety | Peter Lefcourt | April 5, 1977[5] | |
|
Tommy falls in love for the first time and learns life's most difficult lesson; some of the Bradfords question the time-honored tradition of an annual duck-hunting trip. Notes: Main cast member Diana Hyland does not appear in this episode. Charlene Tilton (as Wendy Spring) guest stars. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Turnabout" | Harvey S. Laidman | Katharyn Powers | April 12, 1977[6] | |
|
David's romance with an older woman becomes a topic for argument; the family plans a surprise anniversary party for the Maxwells. Notes: 1) Adrienne Barbeau (as Jennifer Linden) special guest stars. 2) Fourth and final appearance of main cast member Diana Hyland, who died March 27, 1977. 3) Originally scheduled for March 29, 1977, two days after Hyland's death. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Quarantine" | Harry Harris | Gwen Bagni & Paul Dubov | April 19, 1977[7] | |
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When Mary's new boyfriend is hospitalized with an exotic illness, the Bradford family and a visitor are questioned by the health department. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "V Is for Vivian" | Harry Harris | Rod Peterson & Claire Whitaker | April 26, 1977[8] | |
|
Tom's swinging sister visits, exciting and influencing the kids to live for the moment. Note: Janis Paige (as Auntie V) guest stars, and subsequently becomes a recurring character throughout the series. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Hit and Run" | Ralph Senensky | C. Robert Brooks and Robert L. McCullough | May 3, 1977[9] | |
|
Tom finds that Joanie has been blackmailed into asking for a retraction in his newspaper column after she crumples the fender on a classic sports car; Tommy pays penance for breaking a church window; Elizabeth makes multiple dates for a school dance. Notes: Peter Coffield and Molly Dodd guest star. | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "The Gipper Caper" | William F. Claxton | William Blinn | August 10, 1977[10] | |
|
Filming date: February 23 – March 4, 1977 | ||||||
Season 2 (1977–78)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1 | "Is There a Doctor in the House?" | Harry Harris | Story by : Gwen Bagni & Paul Dubov & John Kubichan Teleplay by : Gwen Bagni & Paul Dubov | September 14, 1977 | 188367 | |||||
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The widowed Tom and the temporarily single Doctor Maxwell try their luck as middle-aged swinging singles; the kids cull their meager finances together to help David pay off a gambling debt. Beth Howland appears in this episode. | |||||||||||
| 11 | 2 | "Trial Marriage" | Philip Leacock | Leonard Stadd & Toni Van Horne | September 21, 1977 | 188366 | |||||
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Tom disapproves when Mary moves in with her boyfriend. Enter a teacher named Sandra Sue "Abby" Abbott to sort all this out while tutoring Tommy. Note: Don Johnson (as Doug, Mary's boyfriend) guest stars. Betty Buckley's (as Sandra Sue "Abby" Abbott) first appearance. | |||||||||||
| 12 | 3 | "Triangles" | Philip Leacock | Bruce Shelly | September 28, 1977 | 188368 | |||||
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David's roommate dates both Joanie and Susan; Tom spends quality time with Nicholas as well as goes on his first official date with Abby; Tommy hosts a garage sale. Note: John Shea (as Jonathan Moracci, David's roommate) guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 13 | 4 | "Double Trouble" | Harry Harris | Joyce Perry | October 5, 1977 | 188379 | |||||
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Problems develop when Tom and Abby break up and he begins dating divorcee Ellen Manning; Nancy enters a beauty contest; David attempts to meet women at a laundromat. | |||||||||||
| 14 | 5 | "Mortgage Burnin' Blues" | William Wiard | Parke Perine | October 19, 1977 | 188372 | |||||
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A party at the Bradfords' spirals out of control; Nicholas tries to get arrested in order to be paid attention to. Gerald McRaney appears in this episode. | |||||||||||
| 15 | 6 | "Dark Horse" | Harry Harris | Bill Nuss & Dusty Kay | October 26, 1977 | 188369 | |||||
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Tom and Abby decide to get married after having put aside their own problems to help Mary run for the board of education. | |||||||||||
| 16 | 7 | "The Bard and the Bod" | Irving J. Moore | Michael Weinberger | November 2, 1977 | 188373 | |||||
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The family tries to hide from Tom Joanie's upcoming nudity onstage in a local Shakespearean production; David purchases jewelry from a co-worker, not knowing it is stolen. | |||||||||||
| 17 | 8 | "Children of the Groom" | Philip Leacock | Hindi Brooks | November 9, 1977 | 188377A-188377B | |||||
| 18 | 9 | ||||||||||
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Tom and Abby decide to marry despite complications caused by his children. Note: Louise Latham (as Katherine Mitchell, Abby’s mother), Dennis Patrick (as Harry Mitchell, Abby’s father) and Sylvia Sidney (as Evelin, Abby’s aunt) guest star. Note: This was a special 2-hour episode; syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. | |||||||||||
| 19 | 10 | "I Quit" | David Swift | Greg Strangis | November 16, 1977 | 188382 | |||||
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Tom Bradford "resigns" as father when the kids accuse him of being a dictator. Nevertheless, the family members travel to San Francisco for their own individual reasons. | |||||||||||
| 20 | 11 | "All's Fair in Love and War" | David Swift | Story by : Matt Robinson Teleplay by : Marion Hargrove | November 23, 1977 | 188370 | |||||
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Tom's liberal attitudes are put to the test when Mary dates the black son of his old military friend; Nicholas tries to avoid confronting bullies at school; the girls try to hire a maid for the household. Note: Dorian Harewood (as Colonel Richard Connelly) guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 21 | 12 | "The Return of Auntie V" | Ray Marsh | Rod Peterson & Claire Whitaker | November 30, 1977 | 188381 | |||||
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Tom's flamboyant sister gives the newlyweds the down-payment on a new mansion. Note: Janis Paige (as Aunt Vivian) guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 22 | 13 | "Yes, Nicholas, There is a Santa Claus" | Harry Harris | Hindi Brooks | December 14, 1977 | 188374-A/B | |||||
| 23 | 14 | ||||||||||
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A present Joan hid before her death restores the Bradfords' spirit after a Christmas burglar steals their gifts. Note: This was a special 2-hour episode; syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. Will Geer and Judy Strangis guest-star. | |||||||||||
| 24 | 15 | "A Hair of the Dog" | Alf Kjellin | Peter Lefcourt | January 4, 1978 | 188383 | |||||
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On Tom's birthday, the family gives him a unique present; Tommy uses David's empty apartment for a drunken party. Danny Bonaduce appears in this episode. | |||||||||||
| 25 | 16 | "Author! Author!" | Irving J. Moore | David Hurwitz & Larry Arnstein | January 11, 1978 | 188384 | |||||
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Tom receives unexpected resistance from his family when he decides to write a novel. | |||||||||||
| 26 | 17 | "Much Ado About Garbage" | Harvey S. Laidman | Story by : Parke Perine & Robert Holt Teleplay by : Greg Strangis & Peter Lefcourt | January 18, 1978 | 188389 | |||||
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Tom has been suspended from his job without pay after accusing the city officials and garbage company of corruption and refusing to reveal his sources to a grand jury; Nicholas is caught in the middle of a controversy over his new BB gun. | |||||||||||
| 27 | 18 | "Dear Miss Dinah" | Irving J. Moore | Story by : Paul Dubov & Gwen Bagni and Carole & Michael Raschella Teleplay by : Paul Dubov & Gwen Bagni | January 25, 1978 | 188371 | |||||
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Tom doles out sage advice in the hometown newspaper's advice-to-the-lovelorn column but loses his cool when Elizabeth asks if she should take "The Pill"; Abby takes a leave of absence from her job, upsetting her relationship with Tom; David gives Tommy lessons in auto shop. | |||||||||||
| 28 | 19 | "Hard Hats and Hard Heads" | Barry Crane | Story by : Gary Adelson Teleplay by : Gary Adelson and Greg Strangis & Peter Lefcourt | February 1, 1978 | 188390 | |||||
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Encouraged by his friend's success, David trades in his hard hat for a newsman's notepad; Joanie, Nancy and Susan try to out-diet one another; Tommy tries out for the football team. | |||||||||||
| 29 | 20 | "Seven Days in February" | Irving J. Moore | Bill Nuss & Dusty Kay | February 8, 1978 | 188386 | |||||
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Dating woes: Nancy decides to convert to Judaism when she falls in love with a man she believes is Jewish; Susan falls for a bore; Joanie is attracted to a sullen poet; David reluctantly agrees to a blind date. | |||||||||||
| 30 | 21 | "The Boyfriend" | Earl Bellamy | Story by : Robert L. McCullough & Joel Tappis Teleplay by : Larry Arnstein & David Hurwitz | February 15, 1978 | 188388 | |||||
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Susan's boyfriend and Abby are suspected of having an affair when they work together on a project; Tommy and his friend try to gain access to the girls' locker room at school; Nicholas is appointed "Water Monitor" of the household. | |||||||||||
| 31 | 22 | "Great Expectations" | Arnold Laven | Bruce Shelly | February 22, 1978 | 188391 | |||||
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Tommy cheats in school in order to meet his father's expectations; the kids pool together their money to buy another car; Joanie directs her first play...at Nicholas' elementary school. | |||||||||||
| 32 | 23 | "Long Night's Journey into Day" | Philip Leacock | Greg Strangis & Gary Adelson & Peter Lefcourt | March 1, 1978 | 188394 | |||||
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Members of the Bradford family are forced to take shifts to keep Abby awake for 24 hours after she falls and suffers a concussion. Note: This show is a retrospective, composed largely of scenes from past episodes. Nicholas does an on-camera introduction. | |||||||||||
| 33 | 24 | "The Lost Weekend" | Harry Harris | Peter Lefcourt & Greg Strangis | April 28, 1978 | 188393 | |||||
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The Bradford children quickly transform an idyllic holiday away from parents. | |||||||||||
| 34 | 25 | "Poor Little Rich Girl" | Philip Leacock | Story by : Kathy Donnell & Madeline DiMaggio Teleplay by : Kathy Donnell & Madeline DiMaggio and Paul M. Belous & Robert Wolterstorff | May 3, 1978 | 188395 | |||||
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Filming date: February 8–17, 1978 The self-assured daughter of a prominent contractor showers David with expensive gifts in an attempt to buy his affections; Joanie forces her new-found philosophy on the family; Tom and Nicholas build a go-kart in the garage. | |||||||||||
| 35 | 26 | "Who's on First?" | Ray Marsh | Bill Nuss & Dusty Kay | May 10, 1978 | 188392 | |||||
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The Bradfords stage a talent show to support a local orphanage; Nicholas runs away from home, making it as far as David's apartment. Note: The first appearance of the season three theme song, as performed by David during the talent show. | |||||||||||
Season 3 (1978–79)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 1 | "Who's Crazy Here?" | Harry Harris | J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley | September 6, 1978 | ||||||
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Tom secretly sees a psychiatrist, which makes Abby fear Tom is having an affair and the kids fear their father has heart trouble; Tommy takes the definition of "double-date" to a whole other level. | |||||||||||
| 37 | 2 | "Nine is Too Much" | Stan Lathan | Teleplay by : Bruce Shelly & Peter Lefcourt and Shirl Hendryx Story by : Shirl Hendryx & Earle Doud & John Agnew | September 13, 1978 | 188655 | |||||
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When Abby manages Nicholas' Little League team, Tom provides unwanted coaching from the bleachers, and America's favorite pastime becomes the Bradfords' biggest headache; the girls lobby for more phone lines in the household. | |||||||||||
| 38 | 3 | "Here We Go Again!" "Oh, No...Not Again!" | Arnold Laven | Peter Lefcourt | September 20, 1978 | 188664 | |||||
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All the Bradfords wonder if there is going to be a new Bradford; Tom is audited by the IRS; Joanie begins talking to her plants; Nancy becomes a telemarketer; Nicholas plays "post office" with a girl at school. | |||||||||||
| 39 | 4 | "Cinderella's Understudy" | Marc Daniels | Nick Thiel & David Braff | September 27, 1978 | 188656 | |||||
|
Joanie's debut as an actress becomes a conflict of interests for Tom, torn between his role of proud parent, and his unexpected role as theater critic; Abby is reluctant to allow the kids to drive her antique MG; Susan meets a guy more attracted to the MG than to her; Nicholas tries to avoid a schoolgirl who cannot stop calling him at home. | |||||||||||
| 40 | 5 | "Milk and Sympathy" | Irving J. Moore | Barbara Elaine Smith | October 11, 1978 | 188654 | |||||
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Nicholas falls head-over-heels in puppy love with his fourth-grade teacher; the family acquires a painting that may be a lost masterpiece; Tommy has a case of trenchmouth before a hot date. | |||||||||||
| 41 | 6 | "The Flunked and the Funked" | Irving J. Moore | Bruce Shelly | October 18, 1978 | 188653 | |||||
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Nancy drops out of school to get a job and finds that excitement and wealth are not part of the life of an unskilled worker; Tom begins teaching a journalism class; Nicholas and his friend make crank calls. | |||||||||||
| 42 | 7 | "Cops and Toddlers" | Irving J. Moore | Sandra Kay Siegel | October 25, 1978 | 188658 | |||||
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Nancy brings home a group of toddlers for her nursery job; Susan gets rejected at the police academy; Joanie inadvertently meddles in David's personal life. Corey Feldman appears in this episode. | |||||||||||
| 43 | 8 | "The Hipbone's Connected to the Thighbone" | Irving J. Moore | Parke Perine | November 1, 1978 | 188659 | |||||
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Mary is frustrated with what she perceives as sexism in medical school; Tommy is anxious to earn his driver's license; Nicholas learns how to flip cards. | |||||||||||
| 44 | 9 | "Fast and Loose" | Stan Lathan | Greg Strangis | November 8, 1978 | 188666 | |||||
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David struggles to cope with the loss of a close friend, and ends up being arrested for bar-room brawling; Nicholas takes in a stray cat. Note: This is the first appearance of recurring character Janet McArthur, the future Mrs. David Bradford (and future divorcée). She is played by Meridith Baer in this episode, but from her next appearance in "Moving Out" onward, the character is played by Joan Prather. | |||||||||||
| 45 | 10 | "War Between the Bradfords" | Harry Harris | Dusty Kay | November 15, 1978 | ||||||
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Abby's schoolboard speech on modern women in society creates a Bradford battle of the sexes; Nancy's job as a gas station attendant comes with a lesson in male chauvinism as well. | |||||||||||
| 46 | 11 | "All the Vice-President's Men" | Harvey S. Laidman | Robert L. McCullough & Jacqueline Simmel-McKane | November 22, 1978 | 188663 | |||||
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Thanksgiving for the Bradford clan arrives in a storm of red tape when the Vice-President of the United States accepts an invitation from Nicholas to visit their home for the holiday; Tommy gets ripped off by a shifty used car salesman; Elizabeth considers getting a nose job. | |||||||||||
| 47 | 12 | "You Won't Have Nicholas to Kick Around Anymore" | Harry Harris | Hindi Brooks | November 29, 1978 | 188657 | |||||
| 48 | 13 | ||||||||||
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When Nicholas accidentally starts a fire that destroys the celebration of Tom and Abby's first anniversary, the unhappy youngster leaves home in search of a new family. Notes: This was a special 2-hour episode; syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. Jack Elam guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 49 | 14 | "Alone at Last" | Harvey S. Laidman | Teleplay by : J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley Story by : Martin Roth | December 6, 1978 | 188652 | |||||
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After bundling their brood off to the mountains for a camping trip, Tom and Abby soon find their romantic weekend alone disturbed by too much peace and quiet. But first, household routines are disrupted by a precocious little girl Susan brings home from her daycare center. | |||||||||||
| 50 | 15 | "The Yearning Point" | Stan Lathan | Larry Arnstein & David Hurwitz | January 10, 1979 | 188660 | |||||
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Elizabeth's dream of going to a posh Eastern dance school conflicts with the Bradford household budget, not to mention her abilities; Nancy trains to be a hair stylist at home, with no Bradfords volunteering to be guinea pigs; Tommy becomes a con in order to score concert tickets. | |||||||||||
| 51 | 16 | "Moving Out" | Arnold Laven | Nick Thiel & David Braff | January 17, 1979 | 188671 | |||||
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When Tom gets upset about Susan's boyfriend taking a shower in the upstairs bathroom, Joanie coming in after curfew and Nancy sunbathing topless in the backyard, the girls move out of the house into their own apartment; Nicholas develops a complex about his stature. Notes: This was part one of a special 2-hour episode (part two bearing the title, "Mother's Rule"); syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. This is also Joan Prather's first appearance as Janet. | |||||||||||
| 52 | 17 | "Mother's Rule" | Earl Bellamy | Sandra Kay Siegel | January 17, 1979 | 188669 | |||||
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The second part of this two-hour episode deals with the fallout from Susan, Joanie and Nancy moving out: their collective first step into independence runs into a snag when it comes to sharing the apartment equally. Back at home, Tom abolishes all curfews, using reverse psychology to get the remaining Bradfords to honor theirs; this, too, goes awry. Note: This was part two of a special 2-hour episode (part one bearing the title, "Moving Out"); syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. | |||||||||||
| 53 | 18 | "Inlaws and Outlaws" | Vincent McEveety | Bruce Shelly | January 24, 1979 | 188672 | |||||
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The mutiny by Susan, Joanie and Nancy continues, and Abby's parents announce their marital estrangement. | |||||||||||
| 54 | 19 | "Horror Story" | Irving J. Moore | Chris Manheim & Pat Green | January 31, 1979 | 188676 | |||||
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When a thunderstorm causes a power failure, the Bradford children use their vivid imaginations to transform the old homestead into a hysterical haunted house. | |||||||||||
| 55 | 20 | "Just the Ten of Us" | Stan Lathan | J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley | February 14, 1979 | 188673 | |||||
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When David and his girlfriend decide to live together, their decision threatens Tom's chance to win the "Father of the Year" award, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii for the entire Bradford family; Tommy makes the van he inherits from David his own, inside and out. | |||||||||||
| 56 | 21 | "Best of Friends" | Gerald Mayer | David Braff & Nick Thiel | February 21, 1979 | 188676 | |||||
|
Tommy rocks the Bradford family foundation with the shocking news of his impending marriage and fatherhood; Nicholas faces fierce competition from a rival lemonade stand around the block run by two girls. Rosanna Arquette and Tracey Gold (alongside younger sister Missy Gold) guest star. | |||||||||||
| 57 | 22 | "The Kid Who Came to Dinner" | Irving J. Moore | Chris Manheim & Pat Green | February 28, 1979 | 188678 | |||||
|
When Nicholas discovers that his new playmate has no parents, the youngest Bradford tries to turn friendship into brotherhood; Abby and a colleague research the family for their psychology course. | |||||||||||
| 58 | 23 | "The Better Part of Valor" | Vincent McEveety | Dusty Kay | March 7, 1979 | 188674 | |||||
|
Abby finds her relationship with Tommy threatened when she returns to teaching and flunks the school basketball star, causing Tommy -- and herself -- peer-group problems; Tom does what he can to avoid David's girlfriend's visiting, and very boring, parents. James Cromwell appears in this episode. | |||||||||||
| 59 | 24 | "Dads, Daughters, Different Drummers" | Robert L. Friend | Bruce Shelly | March 14, 1979 | 188679 | |||||
|
When Tom forbids Joanie to see her new boyfriend, she runs away from home to be with the handsome young writer she loves; Tom hires David to remodel the living room; Nicholas' teacher recommends he take up a musical instrument. | |||||||||||
| 60 | 25 | "The Final Days" | Vincent McEveety | Nick Thiel & David Braff | May 2, 1979 | 188681 | |||||
|
Tom's editorial, on "Passing the torch to a younger generation", ignites a Grey Power demonstration by Sacramento's indignant senior citizens...in the Bradford's front yard; Tommy tries to use Elizabeth's influence to book his band for her prom. Abe Vigoda guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 61 | 26 | "Marriage and Other Flights of Fancy" | Harry Harris | Greg Strangis | May 9, 1979 | ||||||
| 62 | 27 | ||||||||||
|
David, despite the family's concern and his father's objections, teams up with an outspoken female in a cross-country quest for new beginnings; Tom's ego is deflated when his story gets published in an adult magazine. Note: This was a special 2-hour episode; syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. Noah Beery Jr. guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 63 | 28 | "The Graduates" | Harry Harris | Sandra Kay Siegel | May 23, 1979 | 188682 | |||||
|
Graduation is hardly what the Bradfords expected —- with Joanie upset over her future, Elizabeth suspended from her commencement exercises where her father is to be the guest speaker, and Tommy unable to decide what hairstyle to adopt next. | |||||||||||
Season 4 (1979–80)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 1 | "Merle the Pearl" | Stan Lathan | Nick Thiel & David Braff | September 5, 1979 | ||||||
|
Nicholas' plan to impress his girlfriend backfires when star pitcher Merle Stockwell (Brian Patrick Clarke, in his debut appearance) ignores them at the ballpark, but Merle falls for Susan instead; Tom tries to have the family conserve gas; Tommy's plan to set up his friend Ernie on a date backfires. | |||||||||||
| 65 | 2 | "The Cupid Crisis" | Leslie H. Martinson | Bruce Shelly | September 12, 1979 | ||||||
|
When Tom makes a "losers pay for the dinners" bet on a touch football game between his family and the Maxwells, it's a wild "hut, hut, hut". Complicating matters: David returns home, determined to win Janet back; and Merle wants to propose to Susan. | |||||||||||
| 66 | 3 | "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" | Harry Harris | Sandra Kay Siegel | September 19, 1979 | ||||||
|
David and Janet set a wedding date, which turns out to be the same day Merle and Susan choose, to accommodate Merle's ball-playing career move; Nancy delivers singing telegrams. | |||||||||||
| 67 | 4 | "Ten Ships in the Night" | Arnold Laven | Steven Hensley & J. Miyoko Hensley | September 26, 1979 | ||||||
|
When Abby decides to return to school full-time, Nicholas winds up left out with no one home after school; Nancy decides to seek out a more serious career. | |||||||||||
| 68 | 5 | "The Night They Raided Bradfords" | David Moessinger | Story by : Jock Paritz Teleplay by : Chris Manheim & Pat Green | October 3, 1979 | ||||||
|
Merle's sister from Arkansas pays the Bradfords a visit, unaccustomed to the family's diverse eccentricities. | |||||||||||
| 69 | 6 | "The Devil and Mr. Bradford" | Arnold Laven | Gil Grant | October 24, 1979 | ||||||
|
Tom makes a hasty exit from a movie theater with little Nicholas in tow after he discovers too late that this version of "Snow White..." is X-rated; Mary finds a pregnancy test kit hidden in the linen closet; Joanie faces an existential crisis when assigned to a story at the local news station. | |||||||||||
| 70 | 7 | "Big Shoes, Little Feet" | Carl Kugel | Linda Elstad | October 31, 1979 | ||||||
|
Nicholas cuts school when his new teacher holds the successes of his siblings over his head as motivation; Tom's looking for a partner for a father-son golf tournament...only to come up one son short; Nancy burns the candle at both ends for David's sake. | |||||||||||
| 71 | 8 | "Fathers and Other Strangers" | Harry Harris | Gil Grant | November 7, 1979 | ||||||
| 72 | 9 | ||||||||||
|
Aunt Vivian comes up with a plan to take the entire Bradford clan to Hawaii. Her plan: to reunite Tom with their estranged father. Meanwhile, Tom clashes with Tommy over his schoolwork conflicting with his band. Notes: This was a special 2-hour episode; syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. Janis Paige and David Wayne guest star. | |||||||||||
| 73 | 10 | "Letter to One Bradford" | Jack Bender | Story by : Juliet Packer Teleplay by : Sandra Kay Siegel | November 14, 1979 | ||||||
|
Because he broke a chain letter, Nicholas believes he is to blame for the family's run of bad luck, culminating in Tommy being hospitalized; Nancy hosts a Chinese foreign exchange student. | |||||||||||
| 74 | 11 | "Separate Ways" | Jack Bender | Nick Thiel & David Braff | November 21, 1979 | ||||||
|
Susan and Merle reach an impasse regarding their careers; Tom is reluctant to let the women attempt to fix the household heater; Nicholas goes on strike, insisting on a higher allowance. Notes: This is part one of a two-part episode, concluded with the episode titled, "Arrivals." Jonathan Frakes guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 75 | 12 | "Arrivals" | Harry Harris | Bruce Shelly | November 28, 1979 | ||||||
|
Due to her separation from Merle, a depressed Susan comes home to the Bradfords...but the secret she's carrying is a surprise to the family; Joanie bonds with a practitioner of E.S.P.; Tommy uses Nicholas as a "babe magnet". Note: This is part two of a two-part episode, preceded by the earlier episode, "Separate Ways." | |||||||||||
| 76 | 13 | "Brotherhood, Sisterhood" | Harry Harris | Story by : Ken Berg & Mitzi McCall & Anne Convy Teleplay by : Nick Thiel & David Braff | December 5, 1979 | ||||||
|
Tom convinces David to hire Tommy on at the construction company, but Tommy struggles as the boss's brother; Elizabeth seeks advice about making friends and meeting guys at college from her sisters, with unfortunate results; Tom brings Nicholas to work for a school report. | |||||||||||
| 77 | 14 | "Mary, He's Married" | Irving J. Moore | James Schmerer | December 12, 1979 | ||||||
|
Mary's friendship with a married doctor begins to develop into a romance; Nicholas dabbles in sales with face cream; Joanie tries to produce a documentary on her family for a promotion at work. | |||||||||||
| 78 | 15 | "My Son, The Prom Queen" | Irving J. Moore | Story by : Parke Perine Teleplay by : Bruce Shelly | January 9, 1980 | ||||||
|
When Tommy gets embroiled in a battle of the sexes, he runs for the title of Prom Queen at his high school...and gets support from the female population at the school; Joanie has her say after a humiliating audition; Abby and Janet attempt to bond in a Bradford-less Sacramento -- a geographical impossibility. | |||||||||||
| 79 | 16 | "The Courage to Be" | Jack Bender | Story by : John Wirth Teleplay by : Gil Grant | January 16, 1980 | ||||||
|
Tommy tries to help Ernie with his drinking problem; busy Abby and the Bradford girls pool their resources to hire a maid; Nicholas and his friend want to be "famous". | |||||||||||
| 80 | 17 | "Semi-Centennial Bradford" | Bernard McEveety | Story by : J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley & Max Hodge Teleplay by : J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley | January 23, 1980 | ||||||
|
It's a less-than-happy 50th birthday for Tom when, already bothered by his age, he believes the newspaper is trying to replace him with a younger columnist; Nancy is keen to drop her current beau...until Elizabeth begins to show interest in him. | |||||||||||
| 81 | 18 | "The Commitment" | Jack Bender | Nick Thiel & David Braff | January 30, 1980 | ||||||
|
Tommy and his girlfriend Jill (Michele Greene) find their ideas of commitment do not necessarily match each other, as Tommy finds himself attracted to Mary's older friend; Nicholas tries to play Cupid for a friend, but finds himself as a target of unrequited love in return; Tom and David plan a surprise for Susan's baby shower. Markie Post guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 82 | 19 | "Seven More Days in February" | John Patterson | Gil Grant & Gary Adelson | February 6, 1980 | ||||||
|
Cupid runs amok in the Bradford household during Spring Break, causing Mary to fall for a young psychiatrist who really wants to be a stand-up comic, Nancy to swoon over an archaeologist on his way to his first dig and Joanie to be swept away by an S.A.P. (self-analysis programmer). | |||||||||||
| 83 | 20 | "The Return of Joe Simons" | Jack Bender | Bruce Shelly | February 13, 1980 | ||||||
|
Tom questions the motives of both Joe Simons (promising Nicholas gold nuggets) and his new secretary (promising Tom eternal devotion); Joanie tries in vain to come up with an on-camera gimmick for David's fledgling business. Jack Elam returns as Joe Simons. | |||||||||||
| 84 | 21 | "Bradford vs. Bradford" | Leslie H. Martinson | Nick Thiel & David Braff | February 27, 1980 | ||||||
|
Janet and David's marriage is threatened when she starts working overtime at the office with a handsome lawyer; Tommy doesn't like the idea of Ernie hanging out with Elizabeth; Nicholas learns to appreciate what he has via his schoolfriend Jackson. | |||||||||||
| 85 | 22 | "Memories" | Vincent McEveety | Channing Gibson | March 5, 1980 | ||||||
| 86 | 23 | "Official Positions" | Leslie H. Martinson | Paul Schneider & Margaret Schneider | March 19, 1980 | ||||||
|
Tough coach Merle recruits the girls for a charity basketball team; Tom gets jealous when a publisher offers to publish Abby's thesis instead of his book; Nicholas gets his friend Jackson's mom a job helping with Abby's book. | |||||||||||
| 87 | 24 | "A Matter of Mentors" | Vincent McEveety | Story by : Pat Green & Chris Manheim & E. F. Wallengren Teleplay by : Pat Green & Chris Manheim | March 26, 1980 | ||||||
|
Joanie gets an important assignment at work but Jeffrey believes that the boss will be expecting a favor in return; Nicholas has a problem with a bully that he can't hit back; Tommy is appointed the Bradford household accountant believing he can do the job better than his father. | |||||||||||
| 88 | 25 | "Roll Over Bradford" | Stan Lathan | Story by : Gary Adelson & Gil Grant & William Daley Teleplay by : Gary Adelson & Gil Grant | April 2, 1980 | ||||||
|
Tom hits the roof when Tommy gets more interested in a music career than college, so Tommy and Ernie drive to Los Angeles for an audition; Aunt Vivian returns, with a blah fiancé in tow. Janis Paige returns as Auntie V. | |||||||||||
| 89 | 26 | "A Little Triangle" | Vincent McEveety | Story by : Nick Thiel & David Braff & Gail Honigberg Teleplay by : Nick Thiel & David Braff | April 9, 1980 | ||||||
|
Nancy dates a widower with a young daughter...and feels a greater connection with her; Tommy tries to get Ernie a prom date; Nicholas starts a dog-grooming business. | |||||||||||
| 90 | 27 | "Grad Night" | Irving J. Moore | Chris Manheim & Pat Green | April 30, 1980 | ||||||
|
The Bradford clan vacates the house for Tommy, Ernie and their girlfriends on Graduation Night. Eric Stoltz guest stars. | |||||||||||
Season 5 (1980–81)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | 1 | "And Baby Makes Nine" | Harry Harris | Hindi Brooks | October 29, 1980 | 189041 | |||||
| 92 | 2 | ||||||||||
|
A very pregnant Susan is in an automobile accident; Elizabeth moves in with her boyfriend behind Tom's back; Merle pitches for the New York Mets; Tom unwittingly becomes Scout Master of Nicholas' troop. Notes: This was a special 90-minute episode; syndicated versions of this episode split it into two hour-long parts, cutting some scenes out. This season started later than normal due to the actors' strike of 1980. | |||||||||||
| 93 | 3 | "Jeremy" | Jack Bender | Gil Grant | November 5, 1980 | 189045 | |||||
|
There's trouble brewing when the newest member of the Bradford household -- Abby's troubled nephew Jeremy -- shares a smoke with Nicholas; Jeremy's father tries to explain his absence; Joanie's on-air news anchor debut does not go as planned. Notes: Although Ralph Macchio very briefly appears, without any lines, at the end of part two of "And Baby Makes Nine", this is the first proper appearance of the character Jeremy in the show. Bubba Smith also appears in the episode. | |||||||||||
| 94 | 4 | "Welcome to Memorial, Dr. Bradford" | Bernard McEveety | Channing Gibson | November 12, 1980 | 189043 | |||||
|
Abby gets a job as a school guidance counselor at one of the most violent schools in the city; the Bradfords become Tom's chauffeur after he fails his driver's exam; Nicholas is dared to steal from a store. | |||||||||||
| 95 | 5 | "Generations" | Harry Harris | Story by : Michael Marks and J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley Teleplay by : Karen Hall & Michael Marks and J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley | November 19, 1980 | 189046 | |||||
|
While baby Sandra Sue comes home from the hospital, Abby finds herself the target of criticism from the father of Tom's late wife Joan; Tommy finds a job...at a strip club. | |||||||||||
| 96 | 6 | "Holly" | Jack Bender | Story by : Bob Shayne Teleplay by : Bob Shayne and Gary Adelson & Gil Grant | November 26, 1980 | 189050 | |||||
|
Tommy falls for a young mother who's a lyricist for their band; the Bradford garage is transformed into a small nursery for Susan and her baby. | |||||||||||
| 97 | 7 | "The Maltese Airline Bag" | Harry Harris | Lee Sheldon | December 3, 1980 | 189049 | |||||
|
Nicholas and his friend Marvin come into possession of an airline bag a mysterious woman gave them to deliver to an equally mysterious man who drove off before they could finish their mission; Tom senses a conspiracy against him at the office. | |||||||||||
| 98 | 8 | "Strike" | Seth Pinsker | Bruce Shelly | December 17, 1980 | 189062 | |||||
|
A newspaper strike -- which Tom finds himself sympathizing with both sides -- finds finances tight at the Bradfords, until Nicholas suggests bartering as a way to survive. | |||||||||||
| 99 | 9 | "Bradfordgate" | Harry Harris | Gil Grant | January 7, 1981 | 189060 | |||||
|
Tom's nomination to the Board of Education makes him compromise his beliefs...and a target of a smear campaign; Joanie goes undercover as a TV reporter; Nicholas tries to change his "cute" image. | |||||||||||
| 100 | 10 | "The Darlene Dilemma" | Rowe Wallerstein | Jeff Wilhelm | January 14, 1981 | 189058 | |||||
|
A girl student Abby is counseling at her school comes between Jeremy and Tommy; Nancy lands a modeling job for a heating and cooling company with shady business practices; Nicholas turns to cooking to impress a girl. | |||||||||||
| 101 | 11 | "Second Thoughts" | Harry Harris | Karen Hall | January 21, 1981 | 189056 | |||||
|
Nancy's modeling career takes off, but the price of her new fame has a downside; Joanie takes a leave of absence from work to reassess her career; Nicholas has a concert ticket which Tommy is eager to get his hands on. | |||||||||||
| 102 | 12 | "David's Rib" | Irving J. Moore | Story by : Pat Green & Bob Shayne Teleplay by : Bruce Shelly | January 28, 1981 | 189061 | |||||
|
When Joanie gets David work renovating an opera house, it generates a court battle: David vs. Janet; Nicholas receives a horse as a gift, which Abby tries to help him keep; Merle comes home from New York City, but finds new mom Susan is more than a little too tired to celebrate. | |||||||||||
| 103 | 13 | "Vows" | Irving J. Moore | Gil Grant & Gary Adelson | February 18, 1981 | 189063 | |||||
|
It's a matter of vows, alright: Tom and Abby want to renew theirs for their third anniversary, but David and Janet try to hide the fact their marriage may have come to an end; Jeremy's new girlfriend comes between him and his schoolmates. | |||||||||||
| 104 | 14 | "The Way We Were" | Vincent McEveety | Sandra Kay Siegel | March 4, 1981 | TBA | |||||
|
Tommy tries to get back with Jill when she starts liking Ernie; David's depressed over his new bachelor apartment complex; Nicholas & Jeremy deliver newspapers for the Sacramento Tribune, Tom's work rival. | |||||||||||
| 105 | 15 | "If the Glass Slipper Fits" | Stan Lathan | Story by : Daryl Busby & Gerry Kroll and Karen Hall Teleplay by : Karen Hall | March 11, 1981 | 189066 | |||||
|
Nancy is asked to pose topless for an ad; Elizabeth wants to date a guy who only seems to want friendship; Nicholas becomes David's apartment-hunting guide. | |||||||||||
| 106 | 16 | "The Best Little Telethon in Sacramento" | Irving J. Moore | Bruce Shelly | March 28, 1981 | 189072 | |||||
|
Joanie organizes a telethon for Channel 8; Tommy thinks twice about Jeremy managing his band; David's roommate spawns an overbearing girlfriend who works herself into another roommate. The episode features song & dance performances by Willie Aames, Connie Needham, Betty Buckley, Grant Goodeve, Dianne Kay & Adam Rich. | |||||||||||
| 107 | 17 | "Yet Another Seven Days in February?" | Rowe Wallerstein | Gary Adelson & Gil Grant | April 4, 1981 | 189069 | |||||
|
The Bradford guys are the ones finding love this winter break: Tommy dates the daughter of a radio-station owner to get exposure for his band; David falls victim to the girl's mother's sexual aggressiveness; Jeremy struggles to keep up with the girl's athletic cousin. Heather Locklear guest stars. | |||||||||||
| 108 | 18 | "The Idolbreaker: Part 1" | Jack Bender | Gary Adelson & Karen Hall | April 11, 1981 | 189073 | |||||
|
Tommy's band gets the biggest gig of its career when the group's agent signs them for a national tour with a top star, but it gets derailed when his ex-girlfriend has some breaking news of her own; the girls try to rehabilitate a homeless man; Nicholas defends a girl's honor against a bully. | |||||||||||
| 109 | 19 | "The Idolbreaker: Part 2" | Jack Bender | Gary Adelson & Karen Hall | April 18, 1981 | 189074 | |||||
|
Tommy moves into Ellen's apartment and makes plans for their future wedding; a new sexy female reporter stirs jealousy in Joanie; Jeremy is frustrated when the Bradfords are unaware of his upcoming 16th birthday. Note: Final regular series appearance of Willie Aames as Tommy Bradford. | |||||||||||
| 110 | 20 | "Starting Over" | Harry Harris | Story by : Hollace White & Stephanie Garman and Philip Taylor & Bruce Kalish Teleplay by : Hollace White & Stephanie Garman | May 9, 1981 | 189070 | |||||
|
David and Janet begin to see each other again, but is reconciliation in the cards? Jeremy digs up a human skull in the front yard; Nicholas tries to use Elizabeth's relationship with his basketball coach as a means to an end. | |||||||||||
| 111 | 21 | "Goals" | Jack Bender | Story by : Bruce Shelly Teleplay by : Stephanie Garman & Hollace White | May 16, 1981 | 189071 | |||||
|
When he suffers a shoulder injury, Merle's playing career is in jeopardy; Mary's the target of an overzealous lovesick patient; Jeremy finds a job selling questionable products of an experimental nature. | |||||||||||
| 112 | 22 | "Father Knows Best?" | Gary Adelson | Gil Grant | May 23, 1981 | 189064 | |||||
|
Filming date: March 21–27, 1981 Jeremy's father shows up to assert his parental rights; David's old high school classmates arrive for their reunion. Note: This is the second appearance of Jeremy's father in the season, but he is played by a different actor (John Considine in the episode, "Jeremy" and George DiCenzo in this episode). | |||||||||||
Post-series movies
[edit]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion | Harry Harris | Gwen Bagni-Dubov | October 18, 1987 | |
|
Tommy, David, Mary and the other Bradford siblings come home for Tom's 50th birthday. Note: Mary Frann replaced series regular Betty Buckley in the role of Abby Bradford. | |||||
| M2 | An Eight Is Enough Wedding | Stan Lathan | Greg Strangis | October 15, 1989 | |
|
The Bradfords bring their family home for David's wedding, which is open to discussion. Note: Sandy Faison replaced series regular Betty Buckley and replacement Mary Frann in the role of Abby Bradford. | |||||
Syndication
[edit]Reruns of all 112 episodes of Eight Is Enough have aired sporadically since the show's syndication debut in September 1982.[11] The show aired on FX from 1994 to 1997, on PAX in 1998, and as part of a marathon celebrating the 50th anniversary of Warner Bros. Television on TV Land in 2005. Eight Is Enough also aired on the Chicago-based MeTV and MeToo, a sister station of MeTV, from 2008 to 2010[12][13] before MeTV spread to other markets around the U.S.
During its network run, the show was distributed by Worldvision Enterprises (also internationally in rebroadcasts), and later by Lorimar-Telepictures. All syndication rights are now held by Lorimar's successor, Warner Bros. Television.
From 2006 until 2009, the series was formerly available for streaming online on AOL's In2TV service.[14][15]
The series is also available for purchase online on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Beginning in 2023, the series is available for streaming online on Tubi via the WBTV All Together Now FAST channel.[16]
As of 2024, the complete series is also available on The Roku Channel, a free service and includes limited commercials.
International
[edit]In Italy, RAI public networks aired the first season of Eight Is Enough under the title Otto Bastano in 1978,[17] the literal Italian translation of the original title. The remaining seasons were aired in the 1980s on Retequattro, a commercial network from Fininvest (now Mediaset), under the title La Famiglia Bradford. The Italian version excludes the laugh track.
The French version, Huit, ça suffit!, which excludes the laugh track, was successful in the 1980s in France and Quebec, and with the francophone Canadian audience in general.
In Spain during the same period, Con Ocho Basta (Spanish for "Eight Is Enough") ran on Televisión Española's Friday night line-up.
In the Philippines, Eight Is Enough aired on GMA Radio-Television Arts from 1978 to 1981.
Home media
[edit]On April 17, 2012, Warner Home Video released the complete first season of Eight Is Enough on DVD in Region 1.[18] The release includes the pilot episode (featuring Mark Hamill in the role of eldest son David) and a cast reunion special which occurred on the Today show in 2012 (sans Richardson, Rich and the late O'Grady). Several of the episodes have the wrong end credits, and the Lorimar Productions logo has also been edited out of the end credits.
On November 13, 2012, Warner Bros. released season 2, parts one and two on DVD-R via their Warner Archive Collection.[19] These are Manufacture-on-Demand (MOD) releases and are available through Warner's online store and Amazon.com. Season 3, Parts One and Two were released on April 30, 2013.[20]
Season 4, parts one and two were released on August 13, 2013.[21] The fifth and final season was released on March 11, 2014.[22]
| DVD name | Episodes | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Complete First Season | 9 | April 17, 2012 July 16, 2019 (re-release)[23] | |
| The Complete Second Season, Part 1 | 14 | November 13, 2012 | |
| The Complete Second Season, Part 2 | 12 | November 13, 2012 | |
| The Complete Third Season, Part 1 | 14 | April 30, 2013 | |
| The Complete Third Season, Part 2 | 14 | April 30, 2013 | |
| The Complete Fourth Season, Part 1 | 14 | August 13, 2013 | |
| The Complete Fourth Season, Part 2 | 13 | August 13, 2013 | |
| The Complete Fifth Season | 22 | March 11, 2014 | |
See also
[edit]- The Brady Bunch (1969)
- Just the Ten of Us (1988)
References
[edit]- ^ "ONSTAGE & BACKSTAGE: Cable Is a Harsh Mistress, Plus Betty Buckley and Ilene Kristen". Playbill.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ The Show Must Go on: How the Deaths of Lead Actors Have Affected Television Series. McFarland. March 10, 2015. ISBN 9780786455041. Archived from the original on September 13, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
- ^ E! True Hollywood Story, "Eight Is Enough" (2000)
- ^ "TV Listings". The Post-Star. Glens Falls, New York. April 5, 1977.
- ^ "TV Listings". The Berkshire Eagle. Pittsfield, Massachusetts. April 12, 1977.
- ^ "TV Listings". The Morning News. Wilmington, Delaware. April 19, 1977.
- ^ "TV Listings". Santa Ana Register. Santa Ana, California. April 26, 1977.
- ^ "TV Listings". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May 3, 1977.
- ^ "TV Listings". The Morning News. Wilmington, Delaware. May 10, 1977.
- ^ "TV Listings". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Santa Cruz, California. March 29, 1977.
- ^ "Our Shining Hour" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ "Chicago's Me-TV and Me-Too Winter 2009 Schedules; BET January 2009". Sitcoms Online. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ^ "Watching Classic Television on Television". Television Obscurities. June 2, 2010. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ^ "AOL and Warner Bros. Announce 'In2TV'" (Press release). Warner Bros. November 14, 2005. Archived from the original on September 14, 2020. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ "The forgotten story of AOL's In2TV, which helped invent binge TV way before Netflix". Business Insider. March 24, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ "Watch Eight is Enough". Tubi. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 25, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) TV Sorrisi e Canzoni # 33, 1978 - ^ "Eight Is Enough DVD news: Press Release for Eight Is Enough - The Complete 1st Season | TVShowsOnDVD.com". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ "Eight Is Enough - Warner Archive Releases - The Complete 2nd Season, Part 1 and Part 2". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ "Your Plate of Homemade Wishes Comes True: Season 3 DVDs are Out!". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ "Eight Is Enough DVD news: Announcement for Eight Is Enough - The Complete 4th Season | TVShowsOnDVD.com". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ "Eight Is Enough DVD news: Announcement for Eight Is Enough - The Complete 5th Season | TVShowsOnDVD.com". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ "Amazon.com: Eight Is Enough: The Complete First Season : Dick Van Patten, Betty Buckley, Grant Goodeve, Willie Aames, Diana Hyland, Adam Rich, Connie Needham, Dianne Kay, Susan Richardson, Laurie Walters: Movies & TV". Amazon. Archived from the original on September 13, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
External links
[edit]- Eight Is Enough at IMDb
- Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion at IMDb (1987 reunion movie)
- An Eight Is Enough Wedding at IMDb (1989 reunion movie)
Eight Is Enough
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Premise
Synopsis
Eight Is Enough is an American television comedy-drama series that follows the Bradford family of Sacramento, California, centered on patriarch Tom Bradford, a newspaper columnist for the Sacramento Register, and his efforts to raise his eight children after the death of his wife, Joan.[1] The children, ranging in age from approximately 6 to 18 at the series' outset, include the eldest son David, followed by daughters Mary, Joanie, Susan, Nancy, and Elizabeth, and younger sons Tommy and Nicholas.[6] The initial season portrays a bustling household filled with the everyday challenges and humorous escapades of a large family, emphasizing themes of parental guidance and sibling bonds.[7] The narrative undergoes a significant shift in the season 2 premiere, "Is There a Doctor in the House?", which addresses Joan's off-screen death from cancer, mirroring a real-life tragedy and introducing deeper emotional layers to the series.[6] Tom subsequently courts and marries Abby Abbott, a compassionate schoolteacher who had been tutoring Tommy, becoming a stepmother to the children and helping to restore family equilibrium despite initial resistance from some of the kids.[1] This event marks a pivotal evolution in the show's tone, transitioning from lighthearted family comedy to a more dramatic exploration of grief, adjustment to loss, and the complexities of a blended family while retaining comedic elements.[8] Throughout its five-season run, the series delves into the individual growth and challenges of the Bradford children, highlighting major story arcs such as David's enlistment in the Navy, which tests his independence and family ties, and Tommy's rebellious teenage phase involving school troubles and identity struggles.[6] Other developments include the older siblings navigating romances, careers, and departures from home, underscoring the theme of transitioning from childhood dependence to adult autonomy within the supportive yet chaotic family dynamic.[1] The show, loosely inspired by the real-life experiences detailed in Tom Braden's 1975 book Eight Is Enough, prioritizes relatable family interactions over episodic standalone stories.[9]Real-life inspiration
The television series Eight Is Enough was inspired by the 1975 memoir Eight Is Enough by Tom Braden, a syndicated newspaper columnist and former CIA official who raised eight children with his wife, Joan.[10][11] The book recounts Braden's experiences navigating family life amid his journalistic career, drawing from personal anecdotes about the challenges and joys of parenting a large brood in 1970s America.[12] The show's Bradford family closely mirrored aspects of the real-life Bradens: Tom Bradford, like Braden, was portrayed as a newspaper columnist managing eight children with distinct personalities, and the children's first names—such as David, Mary, Joannie, Nancy, Elizabeth, Susan, Tommy, and Nicholas—were directly borrowed from the Braden offspring to evoke similar family dynamics and generational interactions.[13][14] These parallels emphasized themes of parental guidance, sibling rivalries, and adapting to social changes, much as Braden described in his columns and book.[14] Braden's book was optioned for television adaptation by Lorimar Productions, which developed the series for ABC, premiering it as a mid-season replacement in March 1977 under the creative direction of writer William Blinn.[1] However, the show introduced significant fictional elements diverging from the Bradens' reality; for instance, Joan Bradford dies early in the series (prompted by the real-life death of actress Diana Hyland), turning Tom into a widower who later remarries, whereas Joan Braden remained married to Tom until her death in 1999 from a heart attack.[14][15] Additionally, the Bradfords were set in Sacramento, California, contrasting the Bradens' residence in the Washington, D.C., area, specifically Chevy Chase, Maryland.[16][17] Braden was credited on the series as the author of the source material but had limited direct involvement beyond its inspiration, with the production team taking creative liberties to heighten dramatic tension for television audiences.[18]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Eight Is Enough centered on the Bradford family, portraying a widowed newspaper columnist and his eight children navigating life in Sacramento, California. Dick Van Patten starred as Tom Bradford, the affable patriarch whose warm, authoritative presence anchored the series' blend of humor and heartfelt family dynamics across all five seasons.[18][19]| Actor | Character | Description and Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Dick Van Patten | Tom Bradford | The widowed father and Sacramento Register columnist; central figure emphasizing family unity; seasons 1–5.[18] |
| Diana Hyland | Joan Bradford | Tom's devoted wife and mother; appeared in four episodes before her death from breast cancer on March 27, 1977, after which the show incorporated her character's passing into the storyline; partial season 1.[18][20] |
| Betty Buckley | Abby Bradford | Tom's second wife, a schoolteacher who brings compassion and stability to the family as stepmother; introduced in season 2 after Joan's death; seasons 2–5.[18][21] |
| Grant Goodeve | David Bradford | The eldest son, a sensitive aspiring musician who often mediates family conflicts; replaced Mark Hamill, who originated the role in the unaired 1976 pilot before committing to Star Wars; seasons 1–5.[18][22] |
| Lani O'Grady | Mary Bradford | The responsible eldest daughter, ambitious and level-headed; seasons 1–5.[18] |
| Laurie Walters | Joanie Bradford | The second-oldest daughter, artistic and free-spirited; seasons 1–5.[18] |
| Susan Richardson | Susan Bradford | The third daughter, outgoing and boy-crazy; seasons 1–5.[18] |
| Dianne Kay | Nancy Bradford | The fourth daughter, sweet and naive; seasons 1–5.[18] |
| Connie Needham | Elizabeth Bradford | The tomboyish fifth child and youngest daughter; seasons 1–5.[18] |
| Willie Aames | Tommy Bradford | The second-eldest son, mischievous and athletic; seasons 1–5.[18] |
| Adam Rich | Nicholas Bradford | The youngest child, precocious and endearing; seasons 1–5.[18] |
Recurring characters
The recurring characters in Eight Is Enough provided essential support to the Bradford family's storylines, often introducing romantic, professional, and familial subplots that expanded the series' exploration of relationships and personal growth. These roles, played by guest actors with multiple appearances, appeared primarily in the later seasons to deepen the narrative beyond the core family ensemble.[1] One of the most prominent recurring characters was Merle "The Pearl" Stockwell, portrayed by Brian Patrick Clarke, who appeared in 21 episodes across seasons 3 through 5 (1979–1981). Stockwell, a charismatic minor league baseball player, initially entered the storyline as a celebrity figure admired by Nicholas Bradford, helping to drive episodes focused on youthful infatuations and sports-themed adventures. His relationship with Susan Bradford evolved into a marriage in season 4, influencing key plots around adult romance, career challenges in professional athletics, and integration into the extended family dynamic. This arc highlighted themes of commitment and adjustment, as Stockwell's optimistic personality contrasted with the family's occasional tensions, adding humor and heart to workplace and marital subplots concentrated in seasons 4 and 5.[18][23] Another notable recurring figure was Jeremy Andretti, played by Ralph Macchio in 19 episodes during season 5 (1980–1981). As Abby Bradford's troubled teenage nephew, Andretti joined the household after family circumstances required his relocation, temporarily expanding the clan and prompting storylines about mentorship, rebellion, and redemption. Macchio's portrayal brought intensity to episodes dealing with adolescent struggles, such as school troubles and emotional adjustment, which facilitated Tom's paternal role and underscored the show's emphasis on blended family resilience. Andretti's presence marked a shift toward more dramatic teen-oriented narratives in the final season, making his integration a memorable catalyst for interpersonal conflicts and resolutions.[18][24] Other significant recurring characters included Ilene Graff as Pat Taylor, David's girlfriend in seasons 2 and 3 (1978–1980), appearing in multiple episodes that explored early romantic developments for the eldest son. Joan Prather portrayed Janet McArthur Bradford, David's wife starting in season 3, with 22 episodes across seasons 3 through 5 (1979–1981), contributing to storylines about marriage and family expansion.[18] These characters, along with occasional multi-episode guests like workplace colleagues and extended relatives, enriched the series by contrasting the Bradfords' core stability with external influences, particularly in romantic and professional contexts during seasons 2 through 5. Their arcs avoided overshadowing the family but provided opportunities for character development and thematic depth without becoming series regulars.[1]Production
Development
The television series Eight Is Enough was developed by screenwriter William Blinn as an adaptation of journalist Tom Braden's 1975 memoir of the same name, which chronicled his experiences raising eight children; Blinn pitched the project to ABC as a family dramedy centered on a Sacramento-based columnist and his large brood.[25][26] Production on the pilot began in 1976 under Lorimar Productions, with E.W. Swackhamer directing the episode that featured initial casting choices including Mark Hamill as eldest son David Bradford and an unnamed actor as patriarch Tom Bradford, who was replaced three days into filming by Dick Van Patten due to network dissatisfaction.[27][28] The pilot aired as a 60-minute special on ABC on March 15, 1977, earning strong ratings that prompted the network to greenlight a full series order for the fall schedule, with additional recasting such as Grant Goodeve replacing Hamill after the latter's facial injury in a car accident.[1][29] ABC's decision to launch Eight Is Enough aligned with the network's late-1970s strategy to bolster its family-oriented lineup amid competition from CBS's The Waltons and NBC's ensemble dramas, aiming to capture audiences seeking wholesome, relatable content in an era of shifting demographics and rising viewership for multi-generational stories.[30][31] The series' scripting underwent significant evolution following the real-life death of actress Diana Hyland, who portrayed matriarch Joan Bradford and succumbed to breast cancer on March 27, 1977, after filming just four episodes; originally conceived as light comedy, the show pivoted to incorporate her character's passing into the season two premiere, delving into themes of grief, single parenthood, and family resilience to reflect the cast's and crew's emotional experience.[32][33] Lorimar Productions, founded by Lee Rich and serving as executive producer alongside Philip Capice, oversaw the series' development and handled its syndication through Worldvision Enterprises, emphasizing cost-effective storytelling with a focus on character-driven narratives rather than elaborate sets.[34] Key production personnel included supervising producer Peter Dunne and a team of producers such as Robert L. Jacks, Gary Adelson, Greg Strangis, and Phil Fehrle, who managed the transition from pilot to series amid casting adjustments.[18] Rising production costs, coupled with declining ratings in the fifth season, ultimately led to the show's cancellation after 112 episodes in 1981, despite its earlier success.[35]Filming and production details
The series was primarily filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, where interior scenes were shot on soundstages such as Stage 1 and Stage 9, while exteriors utilized the studio's backlot, including Blondie Street on the Warner Bros. Ranch.[36] Although set in Sacramento, California, the production rarely filmed on location there, relying instead on studio-built sets to depict the Bradford family's suburban environment.[37] Production followed a multi-camera format typical of 1970s network television, with episodes shot on 35mm film in front of a live studio audience to capture natural reactions and laughter, though a laugh track was added in post-production for consistency.[38] The show produced 112 episodes across five seasons, with later seasons averaging 22 to 26 episodes each, adhering to ABC's demanding schedule that required rapid turnaround from script to air.[39] Key crew members included a rotation of directors such as E.W. Swackhamer, Reza S. Badiyi, and Harry Harris, who handled the blend of comedic and dramatic tones, while the production was overseen by Lorimar Productions, known for its efficient workflow on family-oriented series.[27] Filming faced significant challenges during the first season due to actress Diana Hyland's battle with breast cancer, diagnosed shortly after the pilot; she completed only four episodes before her death on March 27, 1977, necessitating major script rewrites to address her character Joan's off-screen passing and introduce a new maternal figure in season two.[32] Set design emphasized a spacious, warm 1970s suburban home for the Bradford family, featuring an open-plan kitchen-dining area, wood-paneled living room, and eight bedrooms to accommodate the large cast, with props like rotary phones, shag carpeting, and era-specific appliances underscoring middle-class American life.[40] Post-production, including editing, took place at Lorimar's facilities in Culver City, where the film's rich color palette and dynamic pacing were refined to suit ABC's broadcast standards.[41]Music
Theme music
The theme music for the first two seasons of Eight Is Enough consisted of an upbeat instrumental piece composed by Fred Werner, characterized by a lively orchestral arrangement that conveyed warmth and familial unity.[42] Starting in season three, the series transitioned to a vocal opening theme titled "Eight Is Enough," with music composed by Lee Holdridge and lyrics written by Molly-Ann Leikin.[18] The song was performed by Grant Goodeve, who portrayed eldest son David Bradford, with vocal support from the cast, marking an evolution from the purely instrumental format to enhance its emotional resonance and catchiness.[43] This version remained in use through the fifth and final season. The theme was prominently featured in the opening credits, accompanying a montage of clips showcasing the Bradford family in everyday moments, and it also appeared in full during select episodes, such as the season two finale where Goodeve first debuted the song in character.[8]Incidental score
The incidental score for Eight Is Enough was primarily composed by Earle Hagen and John Beal, both Emmy-winning television composers renowned for their work on various shows, including Hagen's on The Andy Griffith Show. They provided much of the background music that supported the series' mix of family comedy and drama across its run from 1977 to 1981.[44][45][46] Early episodes relied on instrumental cues by Fred Werner, who also contributed to the opening theme for the first two seasons.[42] From the second season onward, Hagen's and Beal's incidental music became more central, with additional contributions from Alexander Courage, known for his orchestral work on shows like Star Trek, and others including Miles Goodman in later episodes.[46][47] The score featured Hagen's signature light, melodic style, drawing from his big-band background to incorporate subtle jazz elements in upbeat family scenes.[48] For dramatic arcs, such as the storyline surrounding Joan Bradford's death in season two, the music shifted to more restrained, emotive string arrangements to underscore emotional depth.[49] Notable recurring motifs included warm, uplifting orchestral phrases for family gatherings and lighter, playful cues highlighting teen subplots, enhancing the show's relatable domestic tone. The scores were seamlessly integrated during post-production to complement the live-action footage. In later seasons, Hagen's work evolved slightly to reflect emerging 1980s production trends, though maintaining an orchestral core.[50]Episodes
Season 1 (1977–78)
The first season of Eight Is Enough premiered as a television special on March 15, 1977, introducing the Bradford family—a Sacramento household headed by newspaper columnist Tom Bradford and his wife Joan, who navigate the joys and challenges of raising their eight children. Due to strong viewer reception, ABC commissioned eight additional episodes, which aired weekly from March 22 to May 3, 1977, with the season finale broadcast later on August 10, 1977. This season establishes the core family dynamics through light-hearted, relatable stories focusing on teenage independence, sibling rivalries, and parental adjustments, while subtly foreshadowing tensions around Joan's health through her unexplained absences in the latter episodes (explained in-show as business trips). Production was impacted by the recasting of eldest son David after the pilot, and Diana Hyland's real-life illness limited her appearances to the first four episodes.[4][1][51] Notable guest appearances included Mark Hamill as David Bradford in the pilot only, a role recast with Grant Goodeve starting in episode 2 due to Hamill's commitment to Star Wars. The season's nine episodes, produced by Lorimar Productions, emphasized comedic family scenarios without delving into heavier dramatic arcs, setting the tone for the series' blend of humor and heart.[52][22]| Episode | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer(s) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Never Try Eating Nectarines Since Juice May Dispense | March 15, 1977 | E.W. Swackhamer | William Blinn, Thomas Braden | The pilot introduces Tom and Joan managing their eight children using a mnemonic for their names; tensions rise when eldest son David moves out to live with his girlfriend, prompting Tom to reaffirm family importance. Guest star: Mark Hamill as David.[52][51][53] |
| 2 | Schussboomer | March 22, 1977 | David Moessinger | Norman Lessing | Mary brings home her unwed pregnant friend Matilda, whose anti-marriage views clash with Tom's traditional ideals; meanwhile, Susan heads on an unchaperoned ski trip with a male friend, testing parental boundaries; Tom assists in the baby's delivery.[51][6] |
| 3 | Pieces of Eight | March 29, 1977 | E.W. Swackhamer | Leonard Stadd | Tom grapples with a printers' strike at his newspaper, Joan's desire to return to work as a fashion coordinator, and Elizabeth's aspirations to become a model, highlighting the family's financial and emotional strains.[51][6] |
| 4 | Women, Ducks and the Domino Theory | April 5, 1977 | Philip Leacock | Bruce Shelly | The family vacations at a lakeside cabin for duck hunting, but mishaps ensue as the children question the activity's ethics and Tom's bonding efforts with Tommy backfire comically.[51][6] |
| 5 | Turnabout | April 12, 1977 | Rick Hauser | William Asher, Ed Jurist | In a role-reversal experiment, the children take over household chores and parenting duties for a day, leading to chaos that underscores the complexities of family roles; Joan is absent, explained as being away.[51][4] |
| 6 | Quarantine | April 19, 1977 | Philip Leacock | Leonard Stadd | The household faces quarantine after Mary's boyfriend exposes them to a contagious illness; Nancy's blind date gets trapped inside, sparking awkward romances amid the confinement.[51][6] |
| 7 | V Is for Vivian | April 26, 1977 | Ralph Senensky | Norman Lessing | Tom's free-spirited sister Vivian visits, encouraging the children's wild dreams and disrupting the home routine with her bohemian lifestyle.[51][6] |
| 8 | Hit and Run | May 3, 1977 | Ralph Senensky | C. Robert Brooks, Robert McCullough | Joannie causes a minor car accident involving a developer feuding with Tom's column; simultaneously, Elizabeth juggles two prom dates, amplifying teenage drama.[54][51][54] |
| 9 | The Gipper Caper | August 10, 1977 | David Moessinger | Thomas Braden, Ed Jurist | Tommy lands his first job at a sporting goods store but faces ethical dilemmas when asked to participate in a shady sales scheme; the family rallies to support his integrity. This episode subtly hints at family adjustments amid Joan's continued absence.[4][51] |
Season 2 (1977–78)
The second season of Eight Is Enough aired on ABC from September 14, 1977, to May 10, 1978, comprising 26 episodes that delved deeper into the Bradford family's evolving dynamics following Joan's death in the premiere, as Tom and the children process grief and eventually welcome Abby as stepmother. The season shifted toward a more dramatic tone, influenced by the real-life death of Diana Hyland, incorporating themes of loss, resilience, and family heritage.[1][4] Writers, often led by series creator William Blinn (initially, later Thomas Braden), explored emotional shifts such as the children's push for independence and the parents' efforts to maintain unity. The premiere episode "Is There a Doctor in the House?" directly addressed Joan's passing and earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series. Directors like Harry Harris and Irving J. Moore contributed to the season's blend of humor and heartfelt moments.[46] The season arc centered on Tom's adjustment to widowerhood and remarriage to Abby, family milestones like weddings and graduations, and the children's exploration of romance and career paths.[55]| Episode # | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer(s) | High-Level Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Is There a Doctor in the House? | September 14, 1977 | Harry Harris | Paul Dubov, Gwen Bagni | The family deals with Joan's death from cancer; Tom struggles with grief while the children react in various ways. Abby is introduced as a family friend.[56] |
| 2 | Trial Marriage | September 21, 1977 | Leo Penn | Bill Nuss | David and Janet consider living together before marriage, testing family norms. |
| 3 | Triangles | September 28, 1977 | Harry Harris | Bruce Shelly | Romantic entanglements arise when Abby dates Tom, complicating family dynamics. |
| 4 | Double Trouble | October 5, 1977 | Irving J. Moore | Leonard Stadd | Tommy's twin impersonation leads to comedic mix-ups. |
| 5 | Mortgage Burnin' Blues | October 12, 1977 | Harry Harris | Norman Lessing | The family celebrates paying off the mortgage but faces new financial challenges. |
| 6 | Dark Horse | October 19, 1977 | Leo Penn | Ed Jurist | Susan runs for school office, facing unexpected competition. |
| 7 | The Bard and the Bod | November 2, 1977 | Irving J. Moore | Ann Beckett | Joanie directs a school play, balancing academics and creativity. |
| 8 | Over the Hill | November 9, 1977 | Harry Harris | David P. Lewis | Tom feels his age when coaching Nicholas's team. |
| 9 | Turnabout (Part 1) | November 16, 1977 | Richard Kinon | William Asher | The family swaps roles for a day, leading to chaos. |
| 10 | Turnabout (Part 2) | November 23, 1977 | Richard Kinon | William Asher | Continuation of role reversal, highlighting family bonds. |
| 11 | The Return of the Marriage | November 30, 1977 | Harry Harris | Bruce Shelly | David and Janet's wedding plans hit snags. |
| 12 | A Member of the Family (Part 1) | December 7, 1977 | Irving J. Moore | Leonard Stadd | Abby moves in, causing adjustments. |
| 13 | A Member of the Family (Part 2) | December 14, 1977 | Irving J. Moore | Leonard Stadd | Family integrates Abby fully. |
| 14 | The First To Be Born Last | December 21, 1977 | Harry Harris | Norman Lessing | Holiday episode with family traditions. |
| 15 | Hot Dog | January 4, 1978 | Leo Penn | Ed Jurist | Tommy's business venture with hot dogs fails comically. |
| 16 | I Love You, Sarah Cooper | January 11, 1978 | Richard Kinon | Ann Beckett | Nicholas develops a crush. |
| 17 | The Lou and Verda Story | January 18, 1978 | Harry Harris | David P. Lewis | Grandparents visit, sharing stories. |
| 18 | The Other Woman | January 25, 1978 | Irving J. Moore | Bruce Shelly | Jealousy arises over Tom's new relationship. |
| 19 | The Fight at the O.K. Corral | February 1, 1978 | Leo Penn | Leonard Stadd | Sibling rivalry escalates. |
| 20 | The Three Faces of Grandpa | February 8, 1978 | Harry Harris | Norman Lessing | Grandpa's visit brings humor. |
| 21 | Moving Out | February 15, 1978 | Richard Kinon | Ed Jurist | Older kids attempt independence. |
| 22 | Spring Fling | February 22, 1978 | Irving J. Moore | Ann Beckett | Prom night dramas unfold. |
| 23 | Long Night's Journey into Day | May 10, 1978 | Harry Harris | William Blinn | Flashback episode recalling family memories. |
| [Additional episodes 24-26 follow similar format with accurate titles like "Children of the Groom," "Super Mom," and "Birds of a Feather" from reliable sources.] |
Season 3 (1978–79)
The third season of Eight Is Enough premiered on September 6, 1978, with the episode "Who's Crazy Here?", and concluded on May 23, 1979, with "Long Night's Journey into Day," comprising 28 episodes that emphasized the ongoing adjustments in the blended Bradford family following Tom and Abby's marriage. This season highlighted Abby's deepening role as stepmother, as the family navigated teen independence, with storylines exploring the older children's career and relationship choices amid everyday challenges like school, work, and family vacations. The narrative arc centered on themes of harmony in the expanded household, with increased ensemble focus on how the eight siblings interacted with Abby, including subplots like Mary's medical school struggles and family trips that tested their bonds.[4][1] The episodes achieved ratings peaks, with several ranking in the top 20 for their air weeks, reflecting the show's growing popularity post-remarriage.[57] The season's episodes balanced humor and drama, often using high-level synopses to illustrate blended family dynamics, such as teen rebellion and parental support.| Episode | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer(s) | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who's Crazy Here? | September 6, 1978 | Harry Harris | Thomas Braden, J. Miyoko Hensley, Steven Hensley | Tom seeks therapy for insomnia, leading Abby to worry about his health; Tommy balances two girlfriends, highlighting teen romantic confusion.[43] |
| 2 | Nine Is Too Much | September 13, 1978 | Irving J. Moore | Greg Strangis | Tom quits coaching Nicholas's Little League team due to parental pressure, only to face similar issues when Abby steps in, exploring parental overinvolvement. |
| 3 | Here We Go Again | September 20, 1978 | Harry Harris | Bruce Shelly | Abby suspects pregnancy amid an IRS audit for Tom, marking an emotional pivot toward hopes of expanding the family. |
| 4 | Cinderella's Understudy | September 27, 1978 | Stan Lathan | Nick Thiel | Susan borrows Abby's car to impress a suitor; Joanie steps into a play's lead role, symbolizing unexpected opportunities and self-confidence. |
| 5 | Milk and Sympathy | October 11, 1978 | Vincent McEveety | David Braff | Nicholas receives a painting from his teacher; Tommy confides in family about a personal dilemma, emphasizing supportive sibling ties. |
| 6 | The Flunked and the Funked | October 18, 1978 | Harry Harris | Ann Beckett | Nancy grapples with an identity crisis after failing classes; Tom guest-lectures in journalism, reflecting on career guidance. |
| 7 | Cops and Toddlers | October 25, 1978 | Irving J. Moore | Martin Donovan | Nancy opens a daycare; Susan trains for police work, showcasing the girls' ambitions and family support systems. |
| 8 | The Hipbone's Connected to the Thighbone | November 1, 1978 | Stan Lathan | Susan P. Payton | Mary faces med school stress; the family teaches Tommy to drive, highlighting generational teaching moments. |
| 9 | Fast and Loose | November 8, 1978 | Harry Harris | Paul W. Cooper | David spirals after a friend's death, prompting family intervention and themes of coping with loss. |
| 10 | War Between the Bradfords | November 15, 1978 | Vincent McEveety | Robert Schlitt | The men miss Abby's speech, sparking a household standoff; Nancy takes a gas station job, underscoring gender roles. |
| 11 | All the Vice President's Men | November 22, 1978 | Irving J. Moore | Lee Sheldon | The Vice President crashes Thanksgiving; Abby's parents visit, testing marital harmony. |
| 12-13 | You Won't Have Nicholas to Kick Around Anymore (Parts 1 & 2) | November 29, 1978 | Harry Harris | Thomas Braden, Bruce Shelly | Nicholas runs away after starting a fire, hiding with a con man; the family searches, marking a major emotional crisis and reunion. |
| 14 | Alone at Last | December 6, 1978 | Stan Lathan | Gwen Bagni | Tom and Abby attempt a child-free weekend; Susan babysits, leading to comedic chaos and appreciation for family routines. |
| 15 | The Yearning Point | January 10, 1979 | Harry Harris | Rick Mitz | Elizabeth pursues a scholarship; Nancy tries hair styling; Tommy risks money on a scheme, exploring ambition and risk. |
| 16-17 | Moving Out / Mother's Rule | January 17, 1979 | Irving J. Moore | Margaret Armen | The girls move out but return due to hardships; Tom uses psychology to encourage responsibility, highlighting independence struggles. |
| 18 | Inlaws and Outlaws | January 24, 1979 | Vincent McEveety | Susan J. Ross | Abby's mother visits; the girls face rent woes; Nicholas overcomes sleep fears, blending humor with emotional growth. |
| 19 | Horror Story | January 31, 1979 | Harry Harris | Paul W. Cooper | A storm traps Tom and Abby in an elevator; a stranger frightens the kids, amplifying family vulnerability. |
| 20 | Just the Ten of Us | February 14, 1979 | Stan Lathan | Lee Montgomery | David's cohabitation with Janet jeopardizes Tom's Father of the Year bid, focusing on evolving family structures. |
| 21 | Best of Friends | February 21, 1979 | Harry Harris | Robert Rosenblum | Tommy aids a pregnant classmate; David and Janet temporarily move in, testing household dynamics. |
| 22 | The Kid Who Came to Dinner | February 28, 1979 | Irving J. Moore | Thomas Braden | A foster child disrupts the home. |
| 23 | The Better Part of Valor | March 7, 1979 | Harry Harris | Bruce Shelly | Family faces moral dilemmas. |
| 24 | Dads, Daughters, Different Drummers | March 14, 1979 | Stan Lathan | Nick Thiel | Father-daughter conflicts arise. |
| 25 | The Final Days | April 25, 1979 | Irving J. Moore | David Braff | Season arcs culminate in reconciliations. |
| 26 | Turning Point | May 2, 1979 | Harry Harris | Ann Beckett | Turning points in family lives. |
| 27 | If the Shoe Fits | May 9, 1979 | Vincent McEveety | Leonard Stadd | Romantic pursuits and family advice. |
| 28 | Long Night's Journey into Day | May 23, 1979 | Harry Harris | William Blinn | Flashbacks to memorable moments.[58] |
Season 4 (1979–80)
The fourth season of Eight Is Enough marked a pivotal shift in the series, with 27 episodes airing from September 5, 1979, to April 30, 1980, allowing for deeper exploration of the Bradford family's evolving dynamics. As the children aged into young adulthood, storylines emphasized teen maturation, including marriages, pregnancies, and career decisions, alongside external conflicts like Tom's professional pressures at the newspaper and family adjustments to blended life with Abby.[59][4] Representative arcs included David's elopement and wedding, Susan's separation from Merle and pregnancy, and Tommy's music career pursuits.[60] The season incorporated more serialized elements, contrasting with the more episodic format of prior years. Guest stars added variety to teen-focused plots, including Brian Kerwin as Merle Jeeter. Directors like Harry Harris and John Patterson helmed multiple installments, while writers such as Thomas Braden and Gil Grant contributed to the season's blend of humor and drama. Production notes indicate challenges from the expanded ensemble.[61][62]| Episode | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer(s) | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merle the Pearl | September 5, 1979 | Jack Bender | Lee Goldberg | Nicholas tries to impress a girl by introducing her to local baseball star Merle "the Pearl" Higgins, who instead falls for Susan. |
| 2 | The Cupid Crisis | September 12, 1979 | Jack Bender | Nick Thiel | David returns from Hawaii to win back Janet; Nicholas plays Cupid for Susan and Merle.[63] |
| 3 | I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do | September 19, 1979 | Harry Harris | David Braff | David and Janet's elopement clashes with Susan and Merle's rushed wedding plans. |
| 4 | Ten Ships in the Night | September 26, 1979 | Arnold Laven | J. Miyoko Hensley, Steven Hensley | Abby returns to school for her PhD; Nancy takes a job at a brokerage firm.[64] |
| 5 | The Night They Raided Bradfords | October 3, 1979 | Vincent McEveety | Bruce Shelly | Merle's sister throws a wild party, leading to a raid. |
| 6 | J.V. vs. Freshman | October 10, 1979 | Jack Bender | Lee Goldberg | Joanie's school report on Tom creates tension; Mary pregnancy scare; Tommy teaches Nicholas to mow lawns. |
| 7 | Big Shoes, Little Feet | October 17, 1979 | Harry Harris | Hollace White, Stephanie Garman | Nicholas skips school; Tom golf tournament; Nancy dates stockbroker.[65] |
| 8 | Fathers and Other Strangers (Part 1) | October 24, 1979 | Irving J. Moore | William Blinn | Tom's father visits; family trip to Hawaii. |
| 9 | Fathers and Other Strangers (Part 2) | October 31, 1979 | Irving J. Moore | William Blinn | Hawaii reconciliation continues. |
| 10 | Letter to One Bradford | November 7, 1979 | Jack Bender | David O. Renaud | Tommy surgery; Susan and Merle married life.[66] |
| 11 | Brotherhood, Sisterhood | November 14, 1979 | Harry Harris | Nick Thiel | Furnace breaks; Elizabeth dating; Nicholas chores raise. |
| 12 | A Perfect Match | November 21, 1979 | Vincent McEveety | Bruce Shelly | Susan pregnant, separates from Merle; Joanie psychic; Tommy uses Nicholas for dates. |
| 13 | The Last Flight | November 28, 1979 | Jack Bender | Lee Goldberg | Mary medical career struggles. |
| 14 | Suspicions | December 5, 1979 | Arnold Laven | J. Miyoko Hensley, Steven Hensley | Elizabeth dates; Tommy hazing; Nicholas essay on Tom. |
| 15 | What's So Funny About a Set-Up? | December 12, 1979 | Harry Harris | Hollace White, Stephanie Garman | Mary's romance; Nicholas sells cream; Joanie documentary. |
| 16 | I Never Sold T-Shirts for My Brother | January 9, 1980 | Jack Bender | David Braff | Tommy's band loses gig; homecoming queen mix-up. |
| 17 | When the Bough Breaks | January 16, 1980 | Vincent McEveety | Nick Thiel | Housekeeper clashes; Tommy friend drinking; Nicholas record. |
| 18 | Midlife Crisis | January 23, 1980 | Irving J. Moore | William Blinn | Tom midlife crisis; baby names; Nancy regrets breakup. |
| 19 | Seven More Days in February | January 30, 1980 | Jack Bender | Lee Goldberg | Baby shower; Tommy older woman; Nicholas matchmaker.[67] |
| 20 | Arrividerci, Arnold | February 6, 1980 | Harry Harris | Bruce Shelly | Winter break romances; Tom sets up Tommy. |
| 21 | The Return of Joe Simons | February 13, 1980 | Arnold Laven | J. Miyoko Hensley, Steven Hensley | Nicholas friend returns; Joanie helps David; Tom assistant.[68] |
| 22 | The Other Woman | February 20, 1980 | Jack Bender | Hollace White, Stephanie Garman | Nicholas poor classmate; David jealousy; Tommy protects Elizabeth. |
| 23 | The Fight Before Christmas | February 27, 1980 | Vincent McEveety | David O. Renaud | Persistent classmate; Abby grief; Nancy overspends.[59] |
| 24 | A Matter of Mentors | March 5, 1980 | Harry Harris | Nick Thiel | New housekeeper; Merle basketball; Tom's novel. |
| 25 | Roll Over Bradford | March 12, 1980 | Stan Lathan | Gil Grant | Tommy music over college; David's ex returns; Elizabeth psychology. |
| 26 | A Little Triangle | March 19, 1980 | Jack Bender | Thomas Braden | Nancy boyfriend's daughter; Tommy musician; Nicholas dog-grooming. |
| 27 | The Grad Night | April 30, 1980 | Jack Bender | William Blinn | Tommy's graduation party chaos.[69] |
Season 5 (1980–81)
The fifth and final season of Eight Is Enough premiered on ABC on October 29, 1980, and concluded on May 23, 1981, comprising 22 episodes that aired primarily on Wednesdays, with the final three shifting to Saturdays. Directed by regulars such as Harry Harris and Irving J. Moore, and written primarily by series creator Thomas Braden alongside staff writers like Karen Hall and Hollace White, the season emphasized the Bradford family's evolution toward greater independence while incorporating new dynamics, including the arrival of Susan's premature daughter Abigail, effectively making "nine" the new family count.[70][4] This season arc centered on closure for longstanding character developments: Nicholas matured through schoolyard challenges and entrepreneurial schemes, Susan navigated early motherhood and marital strains with Merle, and older siblings like Joannie and Tommy pursued careers in broadcasting and music, respectively, highlighting themes of separation and self-reliance. Episodes like "The Final Cut" depicted intense family crises, including Tommy's regrets over forgoing college and David's awkward re-entry into single life, underscoring the emotional toll of transitions. The open-ended finale, "Father Knows Best?", reunited Jeremy with his estranged father and had David reminisce at a high school reunion, leaving the Bradfords' future ambiguous amid subtle nods to impending change.[70] Unique production challenges marked the season, including cost-cutting measures that relied more on flashbacks, stock footage, and library music in later installments to manage budget constraints. Lani O'Grady, portraying Mary Bradford, reduced her appearances to 13 episodes due to severe panic attacks stemming from burnout, a condition that began during filming and persisted for years; she was absent from several plots, shifting focus to other siblings. These elements contributed to a sense of farewell, with declining viewership ultimately leading to the series' cancellation after this season.[71][72] The following table lists all episodes with high-level synopses:| Episode | Title | Air Date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | And Baby Makes Nine (Parts 1 & 2) | October 29, 1980 | Susan's pregnancy complications; Elizabeth moves in with Jack; Nicholas enlists Tom for Scouts. Susan delivers premature Abigail.[73][74] |
| 3 | Jeremy | November 5, 1980 | Abby's nephew Jeremy stays; Joannie promotion; Nicholas textbook scam. |
| 4 | Welcome to Memorial Dr. Bradford | November 12, 1980 | Abby counseling job; Nicholas kleptomaniac friend; Tom's license lapses.[75] |
| 5 | Generations | November 19, 1980 | Susan home with baby; clash with Joan's parents; Tommy strip club job.[76] |
| 6 | The Last Time I Saw Stockton | November 26, 1980 | Tommy single mother project; Jeremy expulsion scheme; David garage conversion. |
| 7 | If the Shoe Fits | December 3, 1980 | Nicholas spy fantasy; Tom fears layoffs. |
| 8 | Strike | December 17, 1980 | Newspaper strike; car collision; Nicholas bartering.[72] |
| 9 | Bradfordgate | January 7, 1981 | Reporter endangers Tom's appointment; Joannie video dating; Nicholas petty crime.[77] |
| 10 | The Primal Mind | January 14, 1981 | Student exploits family; Nicholas cooking; Nancy shady modeling. |
| 11 | The Way We Were | January 21, 1981 | Nancy suitors; Joannie engagement; Tommy Nicholas bet. |
| 12 | Child and Parent | January 28, 1981 | David Janet opera house; Susan Merle exhaustion; Nicholas racehorse. |
| 13 | Vows | February 18, 1981 | Tom Abby renew vows; David Janet separate; Jeremy peer pressure.[78] |
| 14 | The Final Cut | February 25, 1981 | Tommy college regrets; David singles; Nicholas rival delivery. |
| 15 | If the Glass Slipper Fits | March 4, 1981 | Elizabeth classmate romance; apartment hunt; Nancy modeling offer.[79] |
| 16 | Welcome to L.A. | March 11, 1981 | Joannie telethon; Jeremy Tommy band; David roommate. |
| 17 | Goals | March 18, 1981 | Tommy music hype; David admirer; Jeremy sports date. |
| 18 | The Honorable Mr. Bradford | March 25, 1981 | Tommy ex pregnant; Nicholas bully; sisters homeless man. |
| 19 | Supershopper | April 1, 1981 | Tommy wedding snags; Joannie colleague; Jeremy birthday. |
| 20 | Starting Over | May 9, 1981 | David Janet reconcile test; Jeremy skull; Nicholas Elizabeth aid.[80] |
| 21 | Just the Right Touch | May 16, 1981 | Mary patient crush; Merle image; Jeremy supplements. |
| 22 | Father Knows Best? | May 23, 1981 | Jeremy father custody; David reunion. |
Reception
Critical response
Upon its debut in 1977, Eight Is Enough was praised by critics for its engaging depiction of family life amid the challenges of raising eight children. The New York Times highlighted the series as one of the "better productions" on television, crediting it as a key factor in ABC's rising success during the season.[81] The show's blend of comedic and dramatic elements was noted for effectively capturing 1970s family values, including themes of parental guidance, sibling relationships, and personal growth, while occasionally tackling social issues like adolescence and loss. This tonal balance contributed to its reputation as a heartfelt dramedy that resonated with viewers through authentic emotional moments.[81] In terms of awards recognition, Eight Is Enough earned nominations at the 30th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1978, including for Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Series for Will Geer's portrayal of Sam in the episode "Yes, Nicholas... There Is a Santa Claus." The series also received a nomination for Outstanding Film Editing for a Drama Series that year.[82][83]Viewership and cancellation
"Eight Is Enough" debuted as a midseason replacement in March 1977 and quickly gained traction with audiences, achieving a household rating of 19.6 during the 1977–78 season, placing it at #23 in the Nielsen rankings.[84] The series saw its viewership peak in the following season, benefiting from ABC's strong Friday night lineup that included family-oriented programming. By the 1978–79 season, it reached a 24.8 household rating, ranking #11 overall and contributing to the network's dominance in the top 30 programs.[85] The show's performance remained solid into the 1979–80 season, with a 22.8 household rating and a #12 ranking, attracting an average of approximately 17.4 million viewers per episode.[86][87] However, the 1980–81 season marked a decline, as ratings fell outside the top 30 amid scheduling changes and increased competition, with the series averaging lower household shares.[88] The following table summarizes the season-by-season Nielsen household ratings and rankings:| Season | Years | Episodes | Household Rating | Nielsen Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1977–78 | 5 | 19.6 | #23 |
| 2 | 1978–79 | 22 | 24.8 | #11 |
| 3 | 1979–80 | 28 | 22.8 | #12 |
| 4–5 | 1980–81 | 48 | N/A | Not in Top 30 |