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List of Rhoda episodes
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The following is a listing of the 106 half-hour episodes of Rhoda aired during its run on CBS from September 9, 1974, to December 9, 1978, and the four half-hour episodes subsequently aired in syndication.
Series overview
[edit]Episodes
[edit]Season 1 (1974–1975)
[edit]- Season 1 of Rhoda consisted of 25 half-hour episodes, including the two-part, one-hour wedding episode.
- The show originally aired on CBS on Monday nights at 9:30 p.m., between Maude and Medical Center.
- The first season's opening credits consisted of photographs of her souvenirs that define Rhoda Morgenstern's life, and was narrated by Valerie Harper.
- The closing credits consisted of Rhoda crossing Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Times Square. Here, Rhoda attempts her version of Mary Tyler Moore's trademark hat toss, but the hat slips from her hand and falls to the ground. This remained in use until Season 3.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Joe" | Robert Moore | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | September 9, 1974 | 4151 |
|
Rhoda falls for a divorced businessman named Joe when she returns to New York on vacation. Note: A pre-credit sequence featuring Rhoda and Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) at the Minneapolis airport was seen on the original broadcast, which was cut from syndication and DVD prints. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "You Can Go Home Again" | Robert Moore | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | September 16, 1974 | 4152 |
| 3 | 3 | "I'll Be Loving You, Sometimes" | Alan Rafkin | Norman Barasch and Carroll Moore | September 23, 1974 | 4154 |
|
Rhoda is shocked that Joe wants to date other people. Howard Hesseman guest stars. Note: Stock footage from Animal World is shown. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Parents' Day" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | September 30, 1974 | 4155 |
|
Rhoda is nervous about meeting Joe's parents (Robert Alda and Paula Victor) and him meeting hers. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Lady in Red" | Robert Moore | Gail Parent | October 7, 1974 | 4153 |
|
A publisher shows interest in a book Rhoda wrote about the bright side of being overweight. Note: Guest starring Louise Latham, Robert Moore and James Burrows. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Pop Goes the Question" | Robert Moore | Norman Barasch and Carroll Moore | October 14, 1974 | 4158 |
|
Joe pops the question to Rhoda, but not the one she wants to hear. Note: Mary Tyler Moore makes an appearance in the final scene. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "The Shower" | Robert Moore | Gail Parent | October 21, 1974 | 4157 |
|
Brenda invites Rhoda's old high school friends to her bridal shower. Note: Guest starring Linda Lavin. | ||||||
| 8–9 | 8–9 | "Rhoda's Wedding" | Robert Moore | James L. Brooks Allan Burns David Davis Lorenzo Music Norman Barasch and Carroll Moore David Lloyd | October 28, 1974 | 4160 |
|
Rhoda's wedding day is plagued with complications that could ruin the big event. Note: Special one-hour episode featuring wedding guests Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), Lou Grant (Edward Asner), Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod), Georgette Franklin (Georgia Engel) and Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman). | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "The Honeymoon" | Alan Rafkin | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | November 4, 1974 | 4159 |
|
Rhoda's parents give her and Joe tickets to a Caribbean cruise as a wedding present. | ||||||
| 11 | 11 | "9-E is Available" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | November 11, 1974 | 4163 |
|
Joe and Rhoda try to find a perfect apartment. Note: Guest starring Pamela Bellwood. | ||||||
| 12 | 12 | "I'm a Little Late, Folks" | Robert Moore | Norman Barasch and Carroll Moore | November 18, 1974 | 4164 |
|
Since Joe's finances are going bad, Rhoda's afraid to tell him she may be pregnant. | ||||||
| 13 | 13 | "Anything Wrong?" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | November 25, 1974 | 4162 |
|
Something is bothering Joe, and he can't seem to tell Rhoda. | ||||||
| 14 | 14 | "'S Wonderful" | Robert Moore | Marilyn Suzanne Miller | December 2, 1974 | 4156 |
|
Rhoda suspects that Brenda's new boyfriend (Barry Brown) may be married. | ||||||
| 15 | 15 | "Good-Bye Charlie" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | December 9, 1974 | 4165 |
|
Rhoda takes an immediate dislike to Joe's best friend Charlie (Richard Schaal). | ||||||
| 16 | 16 | "Guess What I Got You for the Holidays" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | December 16, 1974 | 4166 |
|
Joe has lot of debts to pay and he may lose his business. | ||||||
| 17 | 17 | "Whattya Think It's There For?" | Jerry Belson | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | January 6, 1975 | 4167 |
|
Joe finally asks Rhoda's parents for a loan when he gets close to bankruptcy. | ||||||
| 18 | 18 | "Not Made for Each Other" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | January 13, 1975 | 4168 |
|
Rhoda takes her shy, lonely friend Myrna (Barbara Sharma) under her wing and tries fixing her up with Charlie. | ||||||
| 19 | 19 | "Strained Interlude" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | January 20, 1975 | 4169 |
|
Rhoda worries about what Joe will say if she accepts a dinner invitation from an old boyfriend (Allen Garfield). | ||||||
| 20 | 20 | "Everything I Have Is Yours...Almost" | Jay Sandrich | Michael Leeson | January 27, 1975 | 4170 |
|
Rhoda thinks Joe is hiding something serious when she finds a doctor's bill in the mail. | ||||||
| 21 | 21 | "Chest Pains" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | February 3, 1975 | 4171 |
|
Ida informs Rhoda and Brenda that she's very sick. Note: Guest starring Norman Fell as Ida's doctor and John Ritter as Brenda's boyfriend. | ||||||
| 22 | 22 | "Windows by Rhoda" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | February 10, 1975 | 4172 |
|
Rhoda has a lot of work on her hands when she starts a window-dressing business. | ||||||
| 23 | 23 | "A Nice Warm Rut" | Robert Moore | Marilyn Suzanne Miller | February 24, 1975 | 4173 |
|
Rhoda encourages Brenda to make some changes in her rather dull life. | ||||||
| 24 | 24 | "Ida the Elf" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | March 3, 1975 | 4174 |
|
Ida worries that Rhoda will lose Joe if more housework isn't done. | ||||||
| 25 | 25 | "Along Comes Mary" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown and Coleman Mitchell & Geoffrey Neigher | March 10, 1975 | 4175 |
|
Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) pays a poorly timed surprise visit to the Gerards. | ||||||
Season 2 (1975–1976)
[edit]- Season 2 of Rhoda consisted of 24 half-hour episodes.
- With Rhoda in its new time slot on CBS, the show moved to Monday nights at 8:00 p.m.
- The opening credits have changed to feature clips from Season 1 episodes, intercut with Rhoda in many different activities around New York City.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 1 | "Kiss Your Epaulets Goodbye" | Robert Moore | Michael Leeson | September 8, 1975 | 5152 |
|
The Gerards' apartment is burglarized when Carlton lets strangers in the building. Note: Ruth Gordon guest stars as Carlton's mother. | ||||||
| 27 | 2 | "Rhoda Meets the Ex-Wife" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | September 15, 1975 | 5155 |
|
Rhoda meets Joe's ex-wife (Joan Van Ark) for the first time. | ||||||
| 28 | 3 | "Ida's Doctor" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | September 22, 1975 | 5156 |
|
Ida falls in love with her doctor. | ||||||
| 29 | 4 | "Mucho, Macho" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | September 29, 1975 | 5151 |
|
Joe takes on a lecher at the Gerards' anniversary dinner. | ||||||
| 30 | 5 | "The Party" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | October 6, 1975 | 5159 |
|
Rhoda's party plans fall through when Brenda's date shows up with an accordion. | ||||||
| 31 | 6 | "Brenda's Unemployment" | Howard Storm | Pamela Herbert Chais | October 13, 1975 | 5158 |
|
Brenda is now unemployed. After going on countless interviews, Brenda gives up and gives in to her depression. Note: This episode was aired out of sequence. | ||||||
| 32 | 7 | "With Friends Like These" | Robert Moore | Sue Grafton | October 20, 1975 | 5157 |
|
Brenda quits her job after she is passed over for a promotion. Note: This is the last episode to be directed by Robert Moore before his death in 1984. This episode was aired out of sequence. It should have aired before "Brenda's Unemployment. | ||||||
| 33 | 8 | "Somebody Down There Likes Him" | Howard Storm | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | October 27, 1975 | 5154 |
|
Brenda's sexy new roommate has a crush on Joe. Note: This is the first episode to be directed by Howard Storm. | ||||||
| 34 | 9 | "Call Me Grandma" | Howard Storm | Charlotte Brown | November 3, 1975 | 5162 |
|
Ida wants to find a husband for rebellious Brenda. | ||||||
| 35 | 10 | "Myrna's Story" | Martin Cohan | Linda Bloodworth | November 10, 1975 | 5153 |
|
Rhoda's partner Myrna creates a unique way of acquiring new accounts. | ||||||
| 36 | 11 | "Love Songs of J. Nicholas Lobo" | Joan Darling | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | November 17, 1975 | 5168 |
|
Brenda panics when her boyfriend Nick decides to move. | ||||||
| 37 | 12 | "Friends and Mothers" | Bob Claver | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | November 24, 1975 | 5160 |
|
Rhoda's friendship with a new neighbor makes Ida jealous. Note: Vivian Vance guest stars. | ||||||
| 38 | 13 | "A Night with the Girls" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | December 1, 1975 | 5165 |
|
Rhoda's night out with her friends falls apart when Myna becomes flirtatious. | ||||||
| 39 | 14 | "Bump in the Night" | Bob Claver | Seth Freeman | December 8, 1975 | 5167 |
|
Rhoda becomes paranoid when Joe leaves town on a fishing trip. | ||||||
| 40 | 15 | "If You Don't Tell Her, I Will" | Howard Storm | Bruce Kane | December 29, 1975 | 5164 |
|
Brenda's roommate takes in an insufferable house guest. | ||||||
| 41 | 16 | "Rhoda's Sellout" | Martin Cohan | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | January 5, 1976 | 5163 |
|
Rhoda is forced to fulfill the demands of a surly shop owner to keep an account. | ||||||
| 42 | 17 | "Attack on Mr. Right" | Harvey Miller | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | January 12, 1976 | 5166 |
|
Rhoda teaches Brenda about seducing men. | ||||||
| 43 | 18 | "If You Want to Shoot the Rapids You Have to Get Wet" | Howard Storm | Charlotte Brown | January 19, 1976 | 5172 |
|
Rhoda's friend Susie is having marital problems. | ||||||
| 44 | 19 | "The Return of Billy Glass" | Howard Storm | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | January 26, 1976 | 5171 |
|
An old friend of Martin's is still attracted to Ida. | ||||||
| 45 | 20 | "A Federal Case" | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | February 2, 1976 | 5173 |
|
Brenda gives a young FBI agent permission to use her apartment for a routine surveillance check. | ||||||
| 46 | 21 | "The Marty Morgan Story" | Doug Rogers | Charlotte Brown | February 9, 1976 | 5169 |
|
Ida thinks her husband is having an affair. | ||||||
| 47 | 22 | "Let's Call it Love" | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | February 16, 1976 | 5174 |
|
Rhoda and Joe take time off from their jobs to be together. | ||||||
| 48 | 23 | "It's Not My Fault, Is It?" | Tony Mordente | Earl Pomerantz | February 23, 1976 | 5170 |
|
Lenny goes into a deep depression when Brenda turns him down again. | ||||||
| 49 | 24 | "Don't Give Up the Office" | Tony Mordente | Bud Wiser | March 1, 1976 | 5161 |
|
Rhoda feels blue over her failing business. | ||||||
Season 3 (1976–1977)
[edit]- Season 3 of Rhoda consisted of 24 half-hour episodes.
- With Rhoda still on Monday nights at 8:00 p.m., the show moved to CBS on Sunday nights in the 8:00 p.m. time slot.
- The opening credits have changed to show the title's name over a shot of Rhoda in New York City, intercut with clips from many episodes of Seasons 1–3.
- This is the last season to feature David Groh as Joe Gerard before leaving the show to star in a short-lived CBS series Another Day in 1978.
- Ron Silver joins the cast as Gary Levy, while Ray Buktenica joins the cast as Benny Goodwin.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1 | "The Separation" | Jay Sandrich | Charlotte Brown | September 20, 1976 | 6151 |
|
The Gerards' marriage hits a snag when Joe objects to Rhoda's choice of a new house. | ||||||
| 51 | 2 | "Together Again for the First Time" | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | September 27, 1976 | 6152 |
|
Rhoda, now separated from Joe, visits his new apartment. | ||||||
| 52 | 3 | "No Big Deal" | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | October 4, 1976 | 6153 |
|
Rhoda and her neighbor switch apartments. Note: First appearance of Gary Levy (Ron Silver). | ||||||
| 53 | 4 | "I Won't Dance" | Doug Rogers | Charlotte Brown | October 11, 1976 | 6155 |
|
Rhoda and Brenda spend a weekend at a singles' resort. Note: First appearance of Sally Gallagher (Anne Meara). | ||||||
| 54 | 5 | "H-e-e-e-r-e's Johnny" | Doug Rogers | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | October 18, 1976 | 6157 |
|
Nick Lobo arranges a blind date for Rhoda, Las Vegas lounge singer Johnny Venture (Michael DeLano) | ||||||
| 55 | 6 | "Two Little Words - Marriage Counselor" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | October 25, 1976 | 6158 |
|
Rhoda talks Joe into attending a marriage-counseling session. | ||||||
| 56 | 7 | "An Elephant Never Forgets" | Tony Mordente | Michael Leeson | November 1, 1976 | 6160 |
|
Brenda has become too thin for her weight-loss club. | ||||||
| 57 | 8 | "Rhoda Questions Her Life and Flies to Paris" | Asaad Kelada | Michael Leeson | November 8, 1976 | 6154 |
|
Rhoda thinks she's become ho-hum. | ||||||
| 58 | 9 | "Meet the Levys" | Doug Rogers | Charlotte Brown | November 15, 1976 | 6162 |
|
Gary talks Rhoda into pretending she's his girlfriend to please his parents. | ||||||
| 59 | 10 | "Man of the Year" | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | November 29, 1976 | 6156 |
|
Rhoda has another bad encounter with Joe's best friend. | ||||||
| 60 | 11 | "You Deserve a Break Today" | Alan Myerson | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | December 13, 1976 | 6163 |
|
Brenda has a brief engagement with the owner of three McDonald's franchises. | ||||||
| 61 | 12 | "A Touch of Classy" | Asaad Kelada | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | December 20, 1976 | 6161 |
|
Sally's ex-husband is remarrying and would like her to accept a reduction in their alimony. | ||||||
| 62 | 13 | "Guess Who I Saw Today" | Doug Rogers | Burt Prelutsky | December 27, 1976 | 6159 |
|
Rhoda sees Joe with another woman. | ||||||
| 63 | 14 | "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | January 3, 1977 | 6165 |
|
Rhoda throws a wild New Year's Eve party. Note: Last appearance of Sally Gallagher (Anne Meara). | ||||||
| 64 | 15 | "Love for Sale" | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | January 10, 1977 | 6167 |
|
Rhoda and Brenda help Gary with his mod clothing business, only for Brenda to fall in love with him. | ||||||
| 65 | 16 | "A Night in the Emergency Room" | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | January 16, 1977 | 6166 |
|
After Rhoda causes Nick Lobo to break up with Brenda, Nick accidentally breaks Rhoda's toe. | ||||||
| 66 | 17 | "Somebody Has to Say They're Sorry" | Tony Mordente | Martin Rips and Joseph Staretski | January 23, 1977 | 6168 |
|
Rhoda gets arrested for soliciting. Note: First appearance of Benny Goodwin (Ray Buktenica). | ||||||
| 67 | 18 | "The Ultimatum" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | January 30, 1977 | 6164 |
|
Rhoda gives Joe an ultimatum: either he comes back or she dates other men. Note: Last appearances of Joe Gerard (David Groh) and Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore). | ||||||
| 68 | 19 | "Rhoda's Mystery Man" | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | February 6, 1977 | 6172 |
|
A mysterious suitor sends Rhoda various gifts. | ||||||
| 69 | 20 | "Nick Lobo, Superstar" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | February 13, 1977 | 6170 |
|
Nick Lobo is determined to gain superstar status so he won't have to go into his father's garbage-collecting business. | ||||||
| 70 | 21 | "Nose Job" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | February 20, 1977 | 6171 |
|
Rhoda is appalled by the fact Brenda is actually considering a nose job. | ||||||
| 71 | 22 | "The Second Time Around" | Asaad Kelada | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | February 27, 1977 | 6169 |
|
Rhoda dates Brenda's boss. | ||||||
| 72 | 23 | "Pajama Party Bingo" | Bruce Chevillat | Ian Praiser and Varley Smith | March 6, 1977 | 6173 |
|
An all-night pajama party has Rhoda and Brenda playing a truth-type verbal game that uncovers jealousy between them. | ||||||
| 73 | 24 | "To Vegas With Love" | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher | March 13, 1977 | 6174 |
|
Rhoda flies to Las Vegas to see Johnny Venture. | ||||||
Season 4 (1977–1978)
[edit]- Season 4 of Rhoda consisted of 24 half-hour episodes.
- The show still aired on CBS on Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m.
- Nancy Walker and Harold Gould returned to the series in this season, while Kenneth McMillan joined the cast as Jack Doyle.
- This is the last season to feature Gary Levy (Ron Silver) before leaving the show.
- The opening credits have changed to show Rhoda in many different activities around New York City (namely Rockefeller Center, the IND 57th Street Station, Park Avenue, Little Italy and Central Park) with her sister Brenda.
- The closing credits have changed to feature Rhoda walking out of the New York Public Library Main Branch, and walking down the sidewalk towards Fifth Avenue. This remained in use until the show's ending in 1978.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 1 | "The Return of Ida" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | October 2, 1977 | 7160 |
|
Ida returns from a year-long cross-country trip to learn that Rhoda is officially divorced and Brenda is having trouble dealing with the state of her innocence. | ||||||
| 75 | 2 | "The Job" | James Burrows | Allan Katz and Don Reo | October 9, 1977 | 7159 |
|
After weeks of depression, Rhoda gets a job at a run-down costume-rental company. Note: First appearance of Jack Doyle (Kenneth McMillan). | ||||||
| 76 | 3 | "Lady's Choice" | Tony Mordente | Sy Rosen | October 16, 1977 | 7153 |
|
Brenda has two boyfriends competing for her attention - and both ask her out on the same night. | ||||||
| 77 | 4 | "One is a Number" | James Burrows | Charlotte Brown | October 23, 1977 | 7162 |
|
Rhoda has a hard time finding someone to go with her to the theater when she receives two tickets. Note: Anne Jackson guest stars as diner waitress Bea | ||||||
| 78 | 5 | "Ida Works Out" | Tony Mordente | Dennis Koenig and Larry Balmagia | October 30, 1977 | 7163 |
|
Ida works part-time at the Doyle Costume Company to afford her husband a waterbed for their anniversary. | ||||||
| 79 | 6 | "Rhoda Likes Mike" | Tony Mordente | Deborah Leschin | November 6, 1977 | 7158 |
|
Rhoda is introduced to a handsome customer (Judd Hirsch) who owns three successful restaurants. | ||||||
| 80 | 7 | "The Weekend" | Tony Mordente | Earl Pomerantz | November 13, 1977 | 7157 |
|
Rhoda plans to spend the weekend alone with Mike. | ||||||
| 81 | 8 | "Home Movies" | Tony Mordente | Allan Katz and Don Reo | December 4, 1977 | 7161 |
|
Dinner at the Morgensterns' does not go so well. | ||||||
| 82 | 9 | "Johnny's Solo Flight" | Tony Mordente | Dennis Koenig and Larry Balmagia | December 11, 1977 | 7155 |
|
Rhoda is forced to step in when Johnny's nightclub solo debut goes awry. | ||||||
| 83 | 10 | "Who's Shy?" | Asaad Kelada | Dennis Koenig and Larry Balmagia | December 25, 1977 | 7166 |
|
Rhoda talks Brenda into getting therapy to cure her shyness. | ||||||
| 84 | 11 | "Blind Date" | Asaad Kelada | Don Reo | January 8, 1978 | 7167 |
|
Ida has set Rhoda up on another blind date (David Landsberg). | ||||||
| 85 | 12 | "Ida Alone" | James Burrows | David Lloyd | January 14, 1978 | 7165 |
|
Rhoda and Brenda try to cheer up Ida, whose friends have died. | ||||||
| 86 | 13 | "All Work and No Play" | James Burrows | Deborah Leschin | January 22, 1978 | 7164 |
|
Rhoda's job at the costume company makes her neglect her family and friends. | ||||||
| 87 | 14 | "Happy Anniversary" | Asaad Kelada | Charlotte Brown | January 29, 1978 | 7169 |
|
Ida's hints of a forthcoming party lead everyone to believe there is no party. | ||||||
| 88 | 15 | "The Jack Story" | Asaad Kelada | Allan Katz | February 5, 1978 | 7168 |
|
Rhoda is asked to help her boss, whose old friend has arrived in New York. | ||||||
| 89 | 16 | "Rhoda Cheats" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | February 12, 1978 | 7172 |
|
Rhoda goes to night school with Brenda and gets accused of cheating. | ||||||
| 90 | 17 | "Gary and Ida" | Bruce Chevillat | David Lloyd | February 19, 1978 | 7170 |
|
Now that his parents are living Florida, Gary starts getting close to Ida. | ||||||
| 91 | 18 | "As Time Goes By" | Tony Mordente | Deborah Leschin | February 26, 1978 | 7171 |
|
Rhoda and Jack get locked in a bathroom while preparing a party to boost the costume company's business. | ||||||
| 92 | 19 | "Two's Company" | Tony Mordente | Don Reo | March 5, 1978 | 7173 |
|
Gary and Benny start a business together that puts a strain on their friendship. Note: First appearance of Tina Molinaro (Nancy Lane). | ||||||
| 93 | 20 | "Brenda and the Bank Girl" | Tony Mordente | Earl Pomerantz | March 12, 1978 | 7175 |
|
Brenda is a finalist in the running for First Security Bank Girl. | ||||||
| 94 | 21 | "So Long, Lucky" | Tony Mordente | Allan Katz | April 2, 1978 | 7174 |
|
Rhoda experiences bad luck after causing the death of a police officer Tony Rizzo's (Carmine Caridi) horse "Lucky". It gets worse when she visits the Officer Rizzo to give him a cat to keep him company. Rhoda accidentally let Rizzo's pet bird out a window. The bird comes back, but the cat eats it. | ||||||
| 95 | 22 | "Jack's Back" | Nancy Walker | Deborah Leschin | April 9, 1978 | 7176 |
|
Rhoda plays nurse for Jack after he injures his back at her apartment while reaching down to pick up a design. Note: Last appearance of Gary Levy (Ron Silver). | ||||||
| 96 | 23 | "Five for the Road: Part 1" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown and Allan Katz & Don Reo | April 16, 1978 | 7177 |
|
Jack is depressed, as the anniversary date of his marriage to his late wife gets closer. Benny feels left out of Brenda's life, because her family's conversations are always about people and events before he met her. Meanwhile, Ida narrowly escapes an attempted mugging. Rhoda tries to cheer up Jack with a road trip, bringing along Brenda, Benny and Ida. When they go in search of the Quincy House, a restaurant Jack used to visit with his wife, he can't remember the exact directions to it. As Benny drives, everybody in the car starts arguing with each other. A raging rainstorm kicks up, and the car gets stuck in the mud. | ||||||
| 97 | 24 | "Five for the Road: Part 2" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown and Allan Katz & Don Reo | April 23, 1978 | 7178 |
|
The gang is stuck in the mud, and get out to walk to seek shelter in what looks like an old haunted house. They find an old signing saying "Quincy House" dangling from the porch, leaving Jack disappointed that he will no longer be able to experience the delicious food there. Until the storm clears, they must make do with the snacks in Ida's handbag, and try not to get on each other's nerves. Ida is convinced the men will start yearning for a woman's body. The group shuns Brenda after she eats the only candy bar they have. The next morning, they find a box full of jars of canned peaches. A construction worker tells them they have to vacate, because they're getting ready to raze the house to make way for a road. | ||||||
Season 5 (1978–1979)
[edit]- Season 5 of Rhoda consisted of 13 half-hour episodes.
- The show moved to Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m.
- The footage during the opening and closing credits remained the same as in Season 4, however, with a different arrangement of the theme song.
- Nancy Lane joined the cast for the show's final season, as Tina Molinaro.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 1 | "Martin Doesn't Live Here Anymore" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | September 23, 1978 | 8152 |
|
Rhoda and Brenda are dismayed that Martin is unable to attend his 60th birthday party, then discover that he moved out over two months ago. | ||||||
| 99 | 2 | "In Search of Martin" | Tony Mordente | Aubrey Tadman and Garry Ferrier | September 30, 1978 | 8155 |
|
Rhoda, Brenda and Benny go to Florida to find Martin. | ||||||
| 100 | 3 | "Rhoda vs. Ida" | Tony Mordente | Bob Ellison | October 7, 1978 | 8151 |
|
Rhoda does not approve of her mother dating her allergist Dr. Murray Burger (Charles Siebert), because he is much younger than Ida. Note: The 100th episode of Rhoda airs. | ||||||
| 101 | 4 | "Brenda Gets Engaged" | Tony Mordente | David Lloyd | October 14, 1978 | 8156 |
|
Brenda gets engaged to Benny, but Ida disapproves of their union, due to Martin's move to Florida having soured Ida on the institution of marriage. | ||||||
| 102 | 5 | "Meet the Goodwins" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | October 21, 1978 | 8153 |
|
At Brenda's insistence, Rhoda accompanies her to meet Brenda's future in-laws, then Rhoda ends up on a harrowing date with Benny's older brother Earl (George Wyner). | ||||||
| 103 | 6 | "Ida's Roommate" | Tony Mordente | David Lloyd | October 28, 1978 | 8157 |
|
In her search for a roommate, Ida gets more than she expects when she chooses a couple to share her apartment. | ||||||
| 104 | 7 | "Martin Comes Home" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | November 11, 1978 | 8159 |
|
Martin returns from Florida hoping to reconcile with Ida, but she wants a second courtship to forgive him for leaving her. | ||||||
| 105 | 8 | "Jack's New Image" | Nancy Walker | Aubrey Tadman and Garry Ferrier | December 2, 1978 | 8158 |
|
Rhoda talks Jack into acquiring new clothes for his new physique, but they both learn something about inner beauty. | ||||||
| 106 | 9 | "The Total Brenda" | Nancy Walker | Emily Purdum Marshall | December 9, 1978 | 8160 |
|
Brenda caters to Benny's every whim just to cheer him up. | ||||||
| 107 | 10 | "The Date in the Iron Mask" | Nancy Walker | Bob Ellison | Not aired on CBS | 8154 |
|
Rhoda's date gets his head stuck in a ridiculous-looking mask just before an awards dinner. | ||||||
| 108 | 11 | "Martin Swallows His Heart" | Tony Mordente | Bob Ellison | Not aired on CBS | 8161 |
|
Martin buys a heart-shaped gold charm for Ida that he proceeds to swallow. | ||||||
| 109 | 12 | "Earl's Helping Hand" | Charlotte Brown | Emily Purdum Marshall | Not aired on CBS | 8163 |
|
Benny's brother Earl offers to lend Jack the $5,000 needed to get the costume company out of debt, but only to spend a week with Rhoda on the job. | ||||||
| 110 | 13 | "Brenda Runs Away" | Tony Mordente | David Lloyd | Not aired on CBS | 8164 |
|
Brenda runs away when it seems that everyone is trying to run her life. | ||||||
References
[edit]- ^ "TV Ratings: 1970's". Classic TV Hits. Archived from the original on December 23, 2003.
- ^ "TV Ratings: 1970's". Classic TV Hits. Archived from the original on November 23, 2003.
- ^ "ABC-TV wins in prime time and in a big way" (PDF). Broadcasting. April 25, 1977. p. 38. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ "TV Ratings: 1970's". Classic TV Hits. Archived from the original on November 23, 2003.
- ^ "The TV Ratings Guide: 1978-1979 season ratings". The TV Ratings Guide.
External links
[edit]List of Rhoda episodes
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The List of Rhoda episodes encompasses all 110 half-hour installments produced for the American sitcom Rhoda, of which 106 originally aired on CBS from September 9, 1974, to December 9, 1978, with the final four episodes of season 5 airing later in syndication.[1][2] As a spin-off of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the series starred Valerie Harper in the title role as Rhoda Morgenstern, a fashion designer navigating life, family, and relationships in New York City after relocating from Minneapolis.[3] Created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns, Rhoda followed Rhoda's romantic entanglements—most notably her courtship and marriage to Joe Gerard (David Groh)—alongside interactions with her sister Brenda (Julie Kavner), mother Ida (Nancy Walker), and doorman Carlton (Lorenzo Music).[4]
The series spanned five seasons, with episodes distributed as follows: Season 1 (1974–1975) featured 25 episodes introducing Rhoda's new life and culminating in her highly rated wedding special; Season 2 (1975–1976) had 24 episodes focusing on her married life; Season 3 (1976–1977) included 24 episodes dealing with marital strains leading to separation; Season 4 (1977–1978) comprised 24 episodes centered on Rhoda's post-divorce independence; and the shortened Season 5 (1978) comprised 13 produced episodes, of which 9 originally aired, exploring her single life and career challenges before the show's cancellation.[1][5][2] Notable for its blend of humor and heartfelt family dynamics, Rhoda earned critical acclaim, including Emmy Awards for Harper's performance, and remains a landmark in 1970s television for portraying women's evolving roles. This episode list provides production details, air dates, and synopses for each installment, organized chronologically by season.
The season's episodes often featured plotlines centered on Rhoda and Joe's evolving relationship, such as dealing with ex-family members in "Rhoda Meets the Ex-Wife" or hosting chaotic social gatherings in "The Party," which illustrated the couple's efforts to balance independence and intimacy.[26] Family dynamics were a recurring theme, with Ida's meddling in episodes like "Ida's Doctor" and "Call Me Grandma" providing comic relief while exploring themes of aging and parental expectations.[25] Career-related tensions appeared in stories like "Myrna's Story" and "Rhoda's Sellout," where Rhoda confronted ethical dilemmas and creative compromises in her professional life.[26] Brenda's subplots, including unemployment in "Brenda's Unemployment" and romantic pursuits in "Attack on Mr. Right," added layers to the sibling bond and highlighted women's evolving roles in the workplace and relationships.[25]
Series Overview
General Information
Rhoda is an American sitcom that served as a spin-off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, focusing on the character Rhoda Morgenstern as she navigates life in New York City. Created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns, the series starred Valerie Harper in the title role, with key recurring cast members including Julie Kavner as Rhoda's sister Brenda Morgenstern and Lorenzo Music as the building doorman Carlton. A total of 110 episodes were produced across five seasons, with 106 aired primarily on CBS from September 9, 1974, to December 9, 1978, and the remaining four episodes broadcast later in syndication.[4][1][6] The show's episodes typically followed a standard 30-minute sitcom format, detailing elements such as the overall episode number, season-specific numbering, title, director, writer, production code, and original air date. An exception was the one-hour Season 1 wedding special, "Rhoda's Wedding," which aired on October 28, 1974, and featured crossover appearances by characters from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, including Mary Richards (played by Mary Tyler Moore) and Lou Grant (played by Edward Asner). These early integrations highlighted the shared universe between the two series, with characters from the parent show visiting Rhoda in New York to participate in key events.[5][7] Production aspects included evolving opening credits, with Season 1 featuring a montage of Rhoda's New York souvenirs and city explorations to establish her new environment. The closing credits for Season 1 uniquely depicted Rhoda attempting a hat toss in Times Square, a playful nod to the iconic hat-toss sequence from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. These visual elements underscored the series' thematic ties to its predecessor while emphasizing Rhoda's independent urban life.[8]Season Summaries
The first season of Rhoda comprised 25 episodes, airing from September 9, 1974, to March 10, 1975, and achieved a strong Nielsen ranking of #6 with an average household rating of 26.3, marking the series' debut as a top performer on Monday nights at 9:30 p.m. ET.[1][9][10] The show's pilot episode notably earned the highest rating for any new series premiere in television history at that time, surpassing even Monday Night Football.[11] Season 2 featured 24 episodes from September 8, 1975, to March 1, 1976, maintaining momentum with a #7 Nielsen rank and 24.4 rating while shifting to Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET.[1][12] This placement continued the series' early success, solidifying its status as a ratings powerhouse alongside other CBS sitcoms.[13] The third season included 24 episodes, broadcast from September 20, 1976, to March 13, 1977, but saw a decline to #33 in Nielsen rankings with a 19.7 rating, influenced by a move to Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET midway through the year.[1][14] Season 4 consisted of 24 episodes airing October 2, 1977, to April 23, 1978, improving slightly to #21 with a 20.1 rating on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET.[1][13] The fifth and final season produced 13 episodes, with 9 airing on CBS from September 23, 1978, to December 9, 1978, before cancellation; the remaining 4 aired later in syndication, finishing at #95 with a 12.7 rating due to persistently low viewership.[1][15][14] Overall, Rhoda peaked in popularity during its first two seasons as a top-10 hit, but subsequent time slot shifts and cast changes, including David Groh's departure after Season 3, contributed to declining ratings that led to its cancellation after Season 5.[11][14]Episodes
Season 1 (1974–1975)
The first season of Rhoda established the series as a successful spin-off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, premiering on September 9, 1974, and focusing on Rhoda Morgenstern's independent life in New York City, her family relationships, and her evolving romance with Joe Gerard, culminating in their marriage.[1] The season's pilot episode, "Joe," was directed by Robert Moore and written by David Davis, Lorenzo Music, and Norman Barasch, introducing Rhoda's decision to stay in New York after meeting Joe.[16] A highlight was the two-part wedding special "Rhoda's Wedding" (episodes 8 and 9), directed by Robert Moore and written by James L. Brooks, Allan Burns, and David Davis, which aired as a one-hour event on October 28, 1974, and included crossover guest appearances by Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman), Lou Grant (Gavin MacLeod), and Murray Slaughter (Ted Bessell) from The Mary Tyler Moore Show.[17] The season emphasized themes of romance, family interference, and personal growth, with recurring guest star Barbara Sharma portraying Rhoda's friend Myrna Morgenstein in multiple episodes.[18] Opening credits featured a montage of Rhoda's personal souvenirs and mementos from her life, ending with her playfully tossing a hat into the air, while closing credits often showed wedding gifts like toasters and blenders received by Rhoda and Joe.[19] The following table lists all 25 episodes of the season, with titles and air dates sourced from official episode guides.[1] Brief plot summaries are adapted from episode descriptions on television databases and guides.[20]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | Brief plot summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe | Robert Moore | David Davis, Lorenzo Music, Norman Barasch | September 9, 1974 | - | Rhoda arrives in New York for a visit but meets businessman Joe Gerard and decides to extend her stay, forgoing her return to Minneapolis.[16][20] |
| 2 | You Can Go Home Again | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | September 16, 1974 | - | Unemployed and without an apartment, Rhoda moves in with her sister Brenda but faces challenges adjusting to life back in New York.[20][21] |
| 3 | I'll Be Loving You, Sometimes | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | September 23, 1974 | - | Rhoda and Joe's relationship strains when he reconnects with his ex-wife, leading them to experiment with an open arrangement.[20][5] |
| 4 | Parents' Day | Alex March | Norman Barasch, Carroll Moore | September 30, 1974 | - | Under pressure from Ida, Rhoda and Joe arrange to meet each other's parents, uncovering unexpected family secrets.[20] |
| 5 | The Lady in Red | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | October 7, 1974 | - | While attending a funeral dressed in red, jobless Rhoda catches the eye of a publisher interested in her old manuscript about weight loss.[20] |
| 6 | Pop Goes the Question | Robert Moore | David Lloyd | October 14, 1974 | - | Joe suggests they live together; Rhoda ponders the idea amid family opinions, leading to a surprise proposal.[20][5] |
| 7 | The Shower | Tony Mordente | Susan Silver | October 21, 1974 | - | Brenda organizes a bridal shower for Rhoda, inviting high school friends including a former rival, stirring old emotions.[20] |
| 8 | Rhoda's Wedding (Part 1) | Robert Moore | James L. Brooks, Allan Burns, David Davis | October 28, 1974 | 4160A | As the wedding approaches, Ida overexpands the plans against Rhoda's wishes; Minneapolis guests including Mary arrive, causing logistical chaos.[17][22] |
| 9 | Rhoda's Wedding (Part 2) | Robert Moore | James L. Brooks, Allan Burns, David Davis | October 28, 1974 | 4160A | The wedding day unfolds with family mishaps; Rhoda races through New York in her gown to reach the ceremony on time.[17][22] |
| 10 | The Honeymoon | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | November 4, 1974 | - | Rhoda and Joe opt for a stay-at-home honeymoon but accept Ida and Martin's gift of a Caribbean cruise, only to find it filled with elderly passengers.[20] |
| 11 | 9-E is Available | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | November 11, 1974 | - | Searching for a new apartment, Rhoda eyes one near Brenda's, but Joe resists the idea of living too close to family.[20] |
| 12 | I'm a Little Late, Folks | Tony Mordente | Susan Silver | November 18, 1974 | - | Rhoda worries she might be pregnant while Joe hides his business financial troubles from her.[20] |
| 13 | Anything Wrong? | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | November 25, 1974 | - | During their move, Rhoda notices Joe's secretive behavior and discovers he has been seeing a doctor.[20][23] |
| 14 | 'S Wonderful | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | December 2, 1974 | - | Rhoda suspects Brenda's new boyfriend is married due to his evasiveness and debates whether to intervene.[20] |
| 15 | Good-Bye Charlie | Tony Mordente | David Lloyd | December 9, 1974 | - | Rhoda and Joe host a party that goes awry; Rhoda struggles to warm up to Joe's awkward friend Charlie.[20][21] |
| 16 | Guess What I Got You for the Holidays | Robert Moore | Susan Silver | December 16, 1974 | - | Facing Joe's business woes, Rhoda gifts him money from her savings to help during the holidays.[20] |
| 17 | Whattaya Think It's There For? | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | January 6, 1975 | - | As Joe's business nears bankruptcy, Rhoda asks her parents for a loan, but they reveal their own financial struggles.[20] |
| 18 | Not Made for Each Other | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | January 13, 1975 | - | Rhoda invites her shy friend Myrna to dinner in hopes of matchmaking with Charlie, but the evening backfires.[20] |
| 19 | Strained Interlude | Robert Moore | David Lloyd | January 20, 1975 | - | With Joe's approval, Rhoda dines with an old boyfriend, reigniting past feelings and causing tension.[20] |
| 20 | Everything I Have is Yours, Almost | Robert Moore | Susan Silver | January 27, 1975 | - | Rhoda uncovers Joe's secret psychiatrist visits and presses him for the truth about his well-being.[20] |
| 21 | Chest Pains | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | February 3, 1975 | 4171 | Ida dismisses her chest pains, but Rhoda and Brenda force her to seek medical attention.[20][24] |
| 22 | Windows by Rhoda | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | February 10, 1975 | - | Rhoda's window dressing business booms, prompting her to rent an office and hire help.[20] |
| 23 | A Nice Warm Rut | Robert Moore | Susan Silver | February 24, 1975 | - | Rhoda and Joe clash over Brenda's stagnant life, pushing her toward a bold career change.[20] |
| 24 | Ida, the Elf | Tony Mordente | David Lloyd | March 3, 1975 | - | Feeling unappreciated, Ida secretly cleans Rhoda and Joe's apartment and considers getting a job.[20] |
| 25 | Along Comes Mary | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | March 10, 1975 | - | Rhoda and Joe's planned romantic weekend is interrupted by an unannounced visit from Mary Richards.[20][21] |
Season 2 (1975–1976)
The second season of Rhoda premiered on September 8, 1975, and concluded on March 1, 1976, consisting of 24 episodes that primarily focused on Rhoda Morgenstern Gerard and her husband Joe's adjustment to newlywed life in their New York City apartment.[1] Episodes delved into marital dynamics, such as navigating family intrusions from Rhoda's mother Ida and sister Brenda, career challenges in Rhoda's window dressing business, and everyday domestic tensions, often highlighting the couple's growing bond amid humorous conflicts.[25] This season marked a shift from the romance-building narratives of season 1, emphasizing post-wedding realities while incorporating brief crossovers, like a surprise visit from Mary Richards.[26] Notable for Ruth Gordon's recurring guest role as Ida, the episodes underscored generational clashes and emotional support within the family.[26] The season aired in a new Monday 8:00 p.m. ET time slot on CBS, which contributed to its strong performance, averaging a 43.7 Nielsen household rating and ranking among the top 10 programs of the 1975–1976 television season.[27] The opening credits sequence incorporated clips from season 1, intercut with new footage of Rhoda engaging in city activities, reflecting the show's established popularity and continuity. Domestic storylines, including anniversary celebrations and roommate mishaps, sustained viewer interest and critical acclaim for the series' relatable portrayal of marriage.[28]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Guest star(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 1 | "Kiss Your Epaulets Goodbye" | Robert Moore | Michael Leeson | September 8, 1975 | Richard Masur, Wes Stern, Ruth Gordon, Jess Nadelman, Joe George, Lee Vines |
| 27 | 2 | "Rhoda Meets the Ex-Wife" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | September 15, 1975 | Joan Van Ark, Cynthia Towne, Ned Wilson |
| 28 | 3 | "Ida's Doctor" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell & Geoffrey Neigher | September 22, 1975 | Dave Shelley, Norman Fell |
| 29 | 4 | "Mucho Macho" | Robert Moore | Coleman Mitchell & Geoffrey Neigher | September 29, 1975 | Scoey Mitchell, Ron Silver, John Crawford |
| 30 | 5 | "The Party" | Robert Moore | Charlotte Brown | October 6, 1975 | Beverly Sanders, Candy Azzara, Scoey Mitchell, Richard Masur, Denise Nicholas, Stuart Margolin, Paul Lichtman |
| 31 | 6 | "Brenda's Unemployment" | Howard Storm | Pamela Herbert Chais | October 13, 1975 | Wes Stern, Sid Melton |
| 32 | 7 | "With Friends Like These" | Robert Moore | Sue Grafton | October 20, 1975 | Barbara Sharma, James Kiernan, Melanie Mayron, Howard Storm |
| 33 | 8 | "Somebody Down There Likes Him" | Howard Storm | Pat Nardo & Gloria Banta | October 27, 1975 | Rita Taggart, Denise Galik-Furey |
| 34 | 9 | "Call Me Grandma" | Howard Storm | Charlotte Brown | November 3, 1975 | Billy Braver, Shane Sinutko, David L. Lander, Stephen Nathan |
| 35 | 10 | "Myrna's Story" | Martin Cohan | Linda Bloodworth-Thomason | November 10, 1975 | Barbara Sharma, Michael Lerner, Wally Dalton, Gil Boccaccio |
| 36 | 11 | "Love Songs of J. Nicholas Lobo" | Joan Darling | Coleman Mitchell & Geoffrey Neigher | November 17, 1975 | Richard Masur, Candy Azzara, Scoey Mitchell, Louis Guss |
| 37 | 12 | "Friends and Mothers" | Bob Claver | Pat Nardo & Gloria Banta | November 24, 1975 | Vivian Vance, David White, Shane Sinutko |
| 38 | 13 | "A Night with the Girls" | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | December 1, 1975 | Beverly Sanders, Barbara Sharma, Don Chastain, Doug Johnson, Ron Seka |
| 39 | 14 | "Bump in the Night" | Bob Claver | Seth Freeman | December 8, 1975 | Robert Rothwell |
| 40 | 15 | "If You Don't Tell Her, I Will" | Howard Storm | Bruce Kane | December 29, 1975 | Sherry Hursey, Melanie Mayron |
| 41 | 16 | "Rhoda's Sellout" | Martin Cohan | Coleman Mitchell & Geoffrey Neigher | January 5, 1976 | Dennis Kort, Dick O'Neill |
| 42 | 17 | "Attack on Mr. Right" | Harvey Miller | Pat Nardo & Gloria Banta | January 12, 1976 | John Ritter, Ric Mancini, Rick Sultan |
| 43 | 18 | "If You Want to Shoot the Rapids You Have to Get Wet" | Howard Storm | Charlotte Brown | January 19, 1976 | Beverly Sanders, Don Chastain, Mike Henry, David Ogden Stiers, Stuart Margolin |
| 44 | 19 | "The Return of Billy Glass" | Howard Storm | Coleman Mitchell & Geoffrey Neigher | January 26, 1976 | Florida Friebus, Jack Gilford |
| 45 | 20 | "A Federal Case" | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo & Gloria Banta | February 2, 1976 | Tim Matheson, Melanie Mayron, Anthony Charnota |
| 46 | 21 | "The Marty Morgan Story" | Doug Rogers | Charlotte Brown | February 9, 1976 | Marion Scherer |
| 47 | 22 | "Let's Call It Love" | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell & Geoffrey Neigher | February 16, 1976 | Barbara Sharma, Scoey Mitchell |
| 48 | 23 | "It's Not My Fault, Is It?" | Tony Mordente | Earl Pomerantz | February 23, 1976 | Wes Stern, Jack Bernardi, Eileen Heckart, Ruth Manning, Joseph Mell |
| 49 | 24 | "Don't Give Up the Office" | Tony Mordente | Bud Wiser | March 1, 1976 | Barbara Sharma, Robert Moore, Liam Dunn |
Season 3 (1976–1977)
The third season of Rhoda aired on CBS from September 20, 1976, to March 13, 1977, consisting of 24 episodes that aired initially on Monday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET before moving to Sunday nights starting January 16, 1977.[1] This season marked a pivotal shift in the series, as it explored the initial stages of Rhoda and Joe's marital separation, introducing tensions that foreshadowed their eventual divorce in the following season.[4] Key storylines focused on Rhoda's emotional navigation of single life, her professional developments at a new job, and evolving family interactions, while retaining the sitcom's blend of humor and heartfelt moments.[26] The season introduced recurring supporting characters that added depth to Rhoda's social circle, including Gary Levy, played by Ron Silver, who debuted as Rhoda's quirky new neighbor and employer at a clothing boutique in episode 3, "No Big Deal," appearing in 13 episodes overall.[29] Benny Goodwin, portrayed by Ray Buktenica, was introduced later in episode 17, "Somebody Has to Say They're Sorry," as a kind-hearted suitor for Brenda, evolving into a more prominent role in subsequent seasons. These additions highlighted themes of workplace camaraderie and budding romances amid Rhoda's personal upheaval.[26] Episode plots delved into marital counseling sessions, as seen in "Two Little Words -- Marriage Counselor" (episode 6), where Rhoda and Joe confront their issues with a therapist, and "The Ultimatum" (episode 18), where Rhoda demands reconciliation or freedom to date others.[26] Rhoda's career growth was emphasized through her interactions at the boutique, including chaotic sales events and client mishaps, while family dynamics played out in episodes like "An Elephant Never Forgets" (episode 7), addressing sibling body image contrasts, and "Pajama Party Bingo" (episode 23), uncovering jealousies between Rhoda and Brenda.[26] A standout impulsive adventure occurred in "Rhoda Questions Her Life and Flies to Paris" (episode 8), where Rhoda jets off abroad to reclaim her spontaneity after Joe calls her dull.[30] This season was the final one featuring David Groh as Joe Gerard, with his presence underscoring the couple's irreconcilable conflicts.[4]| Overall No. | Season No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1 | The Separation | Jay Sandrich | Charlotte Brown | September 20, 1976 |
| 51 | 2 | Together Again for the First Time | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | September 27, 1976 |
| 52 | 3 | No Big Deal | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo, Gloria Banta | October 4, 1976 |
| 53 | 4 | I Won’t Dance | Doug Rogers | Charlotte Brown | October 11, 1976 |
| 54 | 5 | H-e-e-e-r-e’s Johnny | Doug Rogers | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | October 18, 1976 |
| 55 | 6 | Two Little Words -- Marriage Counselor | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | October 25, 1976 |
| 56 | 7 | An Elephant Never Forgets | Tony Mordente | Michael Leeson | November 1, 1976 |
| 57 | 8 | Rhoda Questions Her Life and Flies to Paris | Asaad Kelada | Michael Leeson | November 8, 1976 |
| 58 | 9 | Meet the Levys | Doug Rogers | Charlotte Brown | November 15, 1976 |
| 59 | 10 | Man of the Year | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo, Gloria Banta | November 29, 1976 |
| 60 | 11 | You Deserve a Break Today | Alan Myerson | Pat Nardo, Gloria Banta | December 13, 1976 |
| 61 | 12 | A Touch of Classy | Asaad Kelada | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | December 20, 1976 |
| 62 | 13 | Guess Who I Saw Today | Doug Rogers | Burt Prelutsky | December 27, 1976 |
| 63 | 14 | What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? | Tony Mordente | Pat Nardo, Gloria Banta | January 3, 1977 |
| 64 | 15 | Love for Sale | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | January 10, 1977 |
| 65 | 16 | A Night in the Emergency Room | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | January 16, 1977 |
| 66 | 17 | Somebody Has to Say They’re Sorry | Tony Mordente | Martin Rips, Joseph Staretski | January 23, 1977 |
| 67 | 18 | The Ultimatum | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | January 30, 1977 |
| 68 | 19 | Rhoda’s Mystery Man | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | February 6, 1977 |
| 69 | 20 | Nick Lobo, Superstar | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | February 13, 1977 |
| 70 | 21 | Nose Job | Tony Mordente | Charlotte Brown | February 20, 1977 |
| 71 | 22 | The Second Time Around | Asaad Kelada | Pat Nardo, Gloria Banta | February 27, 1977 |
| 72 | 23 | Pajama Party Bingo | Bruce Chevillat | Ian Praiser, Vanley Smith | March 6, 1977 |
| 73 | 24 | To Vegas with Love | Tony Mordente | Coleman Mitchell, Geoffrey Neigher | March 13, 1977 |
Season 4 (1977–1978)
The fourth season of Rhoda aired on CBS from October 2, 1977, to April 23, 1978, consisting of 24 episodes broadcast on Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET.[1] This season centered on Rhoda's post-divorce independence, her new career at a costume shop owned by Jack Doyle (Ken Kercheval), and her social life, including brief romances and strengthened family ties.[4] Key developments included Rhoda's professional growth, comedic mishaps at work, and evolving relationships with supporting characters like neighbor Gary Levy and Benny Goodwin, blending humor with themes of self-reliance and family support.[26] The season introduced Judd Hirsch as Mike Andretti in a short arc, highlighting Rhoda's dating experiences, while Ida's antics and Brenda's subplots added continuity to the family dynamics.[31]| Overall No. | Season No. | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 1 | The Return of Ida | October 2, 1977 |
| 75 | 2 | The Job | October 9, 1977 |
| 76 | 3 | Lady's Choice | October 16, 1977 |
| 77 | 4 | One is a Number | October 23, 1977 |
| 78 | 5 | Ida Works Out | October 30, 1977 |
| 79 | 6 | Rhoda Likes Mike | November 6, 1977 |
| 80 | 7 | The Weekend | November 13, 1977 |
| 81 | 8 | Home Movies | December 4, 1977 |
| 82 | 9 | Johnny's Solo Flight | December 11, 1977 |
| 83 | 10 | Who's Shy? | December 25, 1977 |
| 84 | 11 | Blind Date | January 8, 1978 |
| 85 | 12 | Ida Alone | January 14, 1978 |
| 86 | 13 | All Work and No Play | January 22, 1978 |
| 87 | 14 | Happy Anniversary | January 29, 1978 |
| 88 | 15 | The Jack Story | February 5, 1978 |
| 89 | 16 | Rhoda Cheats | February 12, 1978 |
| 90 | 17 | Gary and Ida | February 19, 1978 |
| 91 | 18 | As Time Goes By | February 26, 1978 |
| 92 | 19 | Two's Company | March 5, 1978 |
| 93 | 20 | Brenda and the Bank Girl | March 12, 1978 |
| 94 | 21 | So Long, Lucky | April 2, 1978 |
| 95 | 22 | Jack's Back | April 9, 1978 |
| 96 | 23 | Five for the Road (1) | April 16, 1978 |
| 97 | 24 | Five for the Road (2) | April 23, 1978 |
Season 5 (1978–1979)
The fifth and final season of Rhoda marked a turbulent period for the series, with 13 episodes produced but only nine broadcast by CBS from September 23 to December 9, 1978, in the Saturday 8:00 p.m. ET time slot.[1] This truncated run followed a ratings decline from the previous season, culminating in the network's decision to cancel the show midway through production due to poor viewership performance in the new slot.[4] The four remaining episodes were held back and later released in syndication, bringing the total aired episodes across all seasons to 106.[32] The season emphasized Rhoda's continued independence as a single woman running her costume shop, while delving into family dynamics, including her parents' marital separation and her sister Brenda's engagement to Benny Goodwin. New supporting character Tina Molinaro was introduced as a shop employee, adding workplace humor amid personal crises and dating challenges for Rhoda.[33] The episodes featured recurring themes of reconciliation, self-discovery, and relational awkwardness, often centered on the Morgenstern family's emotional upheavals. For instance, early plots explored Ida and Martin's separation, with Rhoda mediating between her parents' conflicting needs. Later stories shifted to Brenda's wedding preparations and Rhoda's professional recognition, blending comedy with heartfelt moments. The unaired episodes continued these arcs, focusing on romantic entanglements and financial strains at the shop, but their absence from the original broadcast contributed to the season's abrupt conclusion.[33]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 1 | Martin Doesn't Live Here Anymore | September 23, 1978 | Rhoda hosts a surprise party for her father Martin's 60th birthday, only to learn from Ida that he left her two months earlier and is living in Florida; the family grapples with Ida's hidden depression, while Benny issues an ultimatum to Brenda about their future together.[33] |
| 99 | 2 | In Search of Martin | September 30, 1978 | Ida dispatches Rhoda, Brenda, and Benny to Fort Lauderdale to confront Martin about his intentions; the trip reveals Martin's quest for personal fulfillment, forcing the family to reassess their dynamics.[33] |
| 100 | 3 | Rhoda vs. Ida | October 7, 1978 | Ida begins dating her allergist, Dr. Murray Berger, prompting jealousy from Rhoda during a hosted dinner; meanwhile, Jack hires ambitious new employee Tina Molinaro at the costume shop despite Rhoda's reservations.[33] |
| 101 | 4 | Brenda Gets Engaged | October 14, 1978 | Benny proposes to Brenda, who accepts, but Ida withholds her blessing amid her own marital woes; tensions rise as Brenda contemplates moving in with Benny to assert her independence.[33] |
| 102 | 5 | Meet the Goodwins | October 21, 1978 | Anxious about meeting Benny's parents for the first time, Brenda enlists Rhoda for moral support at the family dinner, where Rhoda unexpectedly attracts attention from Benny's persistent older brother, Earl.[34] |
| 103 | 6 | Ida's Roommate | October 28, 1978 | Feeling isolated after Martin's departure, Ida auditions potential roommates and bonds with widower Phillip Cooper over a possible shared living arrangement, testing her readiness for change.[33] |
| 104 | 7 | Martin Comes Home | November 11, 1978 | Martin returns unexpectedly for Ida's birthday, presenting a film of his Florida adventures in an attempt to reconnect; Ida remains guarded, leaving Rhoda and Brenda to navigate the awkward reconciliation efforts.[33] |
| 105 | 8 | Jack's New Image | December 2, 1978 | Jack's successful weight loss inspires drastic wardrobe and lifestyle overhauls, throwing the costume shop into chaos as his newfound confidence clashes with the daily routine.[33] |
| 106 | 9 | The Total Brenda | December 9, 1978 | Insecure about her role, Brenda adopts subservient tactics from a self-help book to boost Benny's ego, sparking disapproval from Rhoda; Jack arranges a blind date for Rhoda that adds to the comedic tension.[33] |
| 107 | 10 | The Date in the Iron Mask | Unaired (syndicated later) | As Brenda shops for an engagement ring with Benny, Rhoda attends a costume designers' award ceremony where she is nominated for her science-fiction monster mask design; complications arise with her date and Jack's envy over the recognition.[35] |
| 108 | 11 | Martin Swallows His Heart | Unaired (syndicated later) | Martin organizes a romantic dinner at Rhoda's apartment to win back Ida, but the evening descends into farce when a group of rowdy poker-playing doctors crashes the event.[33] |
| 109 | 12 | Earl's Helping Hand | Unaired (syndicated later) | Facing financial debt at the shop, Jack accepts an investment from Earl, who leverages it to pursue Rhoda aggressively; she endures his advances to secure the business's future.[33] |
| 110 | 13 | Brenda Runs Away | Unaired (syndicated later) | Overwhelmed by conflicting wedding plans imposed by Ida, Benny, and others, Brenda flees in panic; Rhoda, Ida, and Benny mount a search, while Jack proposes renovating Rhoda's kitchen as a distraction.[36] |