Watch Eight Is Enough

TV-PG
1977
5 Seasons
6.6 (3,438)

Eight Is Enough is a family drama series that aired on ABC from 1977 to 1981. It revolves around a columnist named Tom Bradford (Dick Van Patten) and his wife Joan (Diana Hyland), who have eight children, ranging in age from 7 to 23 years old. The family is based in Sacramento, California, and the show explores their daily struggles, challenges, and triumphs as they navigate through their personal and professional lives. Tom Bradford, the patriarch of the family, is a devoted father who always puts his family first. He is a well-known newspaper columnist who offers advice to his readers about love, family, and other topics. Tom has a close relationship with each of his children and tries to guide them through life's challenges. Joan, on the other hand, is the glue that holds the family together. She is a loving wife and mother who balances her responsibilities at home with her work as a nurse. Joan is fiercely protective of her children and often has to mediate conflicts between them. The Bradford children come from a diverse range of personalities and interests. The eldest son, David (Grant Goodeve), is a medical student who struggles to balance his studies and his love life. Elizabeth (Connie Needham) is the brainy daughter who excels academically but has a hard time connecting with her peers. Joanie (Laurie Walters) is the free-spirited daughter who dreams of being a singer. Mary (Lani O'Grady) is the responsible daughter who takes care of the younger siblings. Nicholas (Adam Rich) is the precocious and curious youngest son. Tommy (Willie Aames) is the mischievous teenager who often gets himself into trouble. And finally, Susan (Susan Richardson) is the athletic daughter who excels in sports. Throughout the series, the Bradford family faces a variety of challenges and issues, including teenage pregnancy, divorce, drug addiction, and medical emergencies. Despite these difficulties, they always manage to come together and support each other. The show features a talented cast of actors, including Dick Van Patten, who is known for his roles in shows like The Love Boat and Happy Days. Diana Hyland, who played Joan, tragically died after the first season, and her role was replaced by Betty Buckley. Grant Goodeve, who played David, went on to become a popular country singer. Eight Is Enough was a popular show during its run, and it remains a beloved classic among fans of family dramas. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of family life and its ability to tackle sensitive topics with sensitivity and grace. The show's catchy theme song, "Eight is Enough," also became a hit in its own right. Overall, Eight Is Enough is a heartwarming and entertaining show that explores the joys and challenges of family life. It remains a beloved classic that has stood the test of time.

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22. Father Knows Best?

May 23, 1981

Finally ready to be a father, Jeremy's father returns for a visit and wants to take him back to Los Angeles. David relives old memories when four of his old high school buddies return to Sacramento for their 10 year high school reunion. Tom and Abby fight with Jeremy's dad for custody of Jeremy.

21. Goals

May 16, 1981

Merle suffers a career-ending shoulder injury and doesn't know what to do if he can't play baseball. Merle comes upon Nicholas and his friends playing ball. He is offered a job of assistant coach of the High School team. One of Mary's patients falls in love with her and won't leave her alone. Eager to earn more money, Jeremy gets a job convincing people to try experimental products.

20. Starting Over

May 9, 1981

Jeremy is suspicious when he finds a skull while digging in the garden. David and Janet consider getting back together. Nicholas assumes he's a shoo-in for the basketball team when Elizabeth dates the coach.

19. The Idolbreaker

April 18, 1981

Ellen tells Tommy that she doesn't want to marry him and Tommy isn't sure what he wants to do. At the last minute, they both realize it is not the right thing to do. Joannie is jealous when the station hires a female anchor. Jeremy drops hints about his upcoming birthday. Nicholas plans a surprise birthday for Jeremy.

18. The Idolbreaker

April 11, 1981

Just as Tommy's career is about to take off, his old girlfriend returns to tell Tommy she is pregnant after it is announced that his band has been booked for a national tour. Nicholas wins a girl's heart by standing up to a bully. Mary, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Joannie adopt a bum named Max, and bring him home for dinner.

17. Yet Another Seven Days in February

April 4, 1981

This year it's the boys' turn to meet new women. Tommy dates the daughter of a radio station owner in order to get his band some air time. Jeremy runs himself ragged trying to keep up with a beautiful sports athelete. David dates an older woman, Tommy's date's divorced mother.

16. The Best Little Telethon in Sacramento

March 28, 1981

Jeremy wants to manage Tommy's band and tries to get him a gig. Joannie is chosen to organize a charity telethon and tries to get celebrities to appear on the show. She recruits the family to perform and Nicholas saves the day with his on-the-air speech and performance. David gets a new roommate to save money on the rent.

15. If the Glass Slipper Fits

March 11, 1981

Nancy's modeling career is about to take off but she needs to make an important decision as she later finds out she has to pose topless for a jeans ad. Elizabeth is trying to attract Alan Anderson, who only sees her as a friend. David hires Nicholas to find him a new apartment.

14. Vows

March 4, 1981

Jeremy meets a new girlfriend at a Fred Astaire film festival. Tom and Abby decide to renew their marriage vows on their 3rd anniversary and they agree to let the kids handle the arrangements. David and Janet try to hide the fact that they have split up

13. The Way We Were

February 4, 1981

Tommy and Ernie, back from college with a "preppy" look, run into Jill, Tommy's old girlfriend. When Jill picks Ernie over Tommy, David helps him realize that reliving the past is not the real world. David moves into a singles-only apartment building. Upset by Tom's refusal to give him money, Nicholas gets a job delivering a rival newspaper

12. David's Rib

January 28, 1981

Joannie involves David in the renovation of an old opera house. However, Janet is the legal counsel for the developer who wants to build low-income housing on the site. Nicholas gets a horse from Joe Simons and Abby help him find a way to keep it. Merle returns home from the New York Mets, but Susan is too tired from taking care of Sandra Sue to enjoy his visit.

11. Second Thoughts

January 21, 1981

Joannie is tired of not getting any serious assignments at work and Abby encourages her to take a leave of absence to evaluate her career, and falls for a co-worker. Nancy finds out fame has a price when she becomes the "Sunshine Soda Girl." Tommy needs a ticket to a rock concert and Nicholas has one to sell.

10. Darlene Dilemma

January 14, 1981

Abby is proud of the progress one of her students has made and invites her to the house for dinner. Jeremy falls for 16-year-old Darlene, who likes to flirt and cause trouble (shades of Melrose Place), and he refuses to listen to Abby's advice about her. Nancy gets a modeling job as the spokesperson for a shady heating and cooling company. Nicholas tries to impress a 12-year-old girl with his cooking ability.

9. Bradfordgate

January 7, 1981

Tom is nominated for a political post by the governor. A political appointment for him ends up more than he can live with. Joannie goes undercover to do a story on a video dating service. Nicholas tries to get rid of his "cute" image.

8. Strike

December 17, 1980

Caught up in a newspaper strike and laid-off, Tom tries to bring the feuding parties together thanks to something Nicholas says about giving and compromise.

7. The Maltese Airline Bag

December 10, 1980

Caught up in a newspaper strike and laid-off, Tom tries to bring the feuding parties together thanks to something Nicholas says about giving and compromise. To save everyone money, Nicholas starts a barter system for the family. The Bradford's have a five car pile-up in their driveway.

6. Holly

November 26, 1980

Ernie introduces Tommy to a slightly older songwriting woman who has a 4-year old son. When he falls for her, she has second thoughts. The Bradford's convert the garage into an apartment for Susan and Merle. Nicholas supervises the conversion job. Jeremy begins to feel like part of the family when Abby enrolls him in school and Tom makes him follow the household rules.

5. Generations

November 19, 1980

Susan brings the baby, Sandra Sue, home from the hospital. When Joan's parents visit the Bradford household to see the family and their great-grandchild, a conflict with Abby occurs as Joan's parents disapprove of the way Abby is raising Nicholas. Grandpa and Abby make up and finally accept Joan's death in a touching story. Tommy gets a job playing the guitar at a male strip joint

4. Welcome to Memorial, Dr. Bradford

November 12, 1980

Abby gets a job as a guidance counselor at a rough high school filled with trouble. Tom discovers his driver's license has expired and fails the renewal test. Tom drives his family crazy when they become his chauffers. Nicholas's friend dares him to shoplift a desired yo-yo.

3. And Baby Makes Nine

November 5, 1980

Abby goes to a funeral in San Francisco and returns with her nephew, Jeremy, who has nowhere else to go. His behavior upsets the family, referring the Bradfords as that other family (The Brady Bunch), but all ends well as he becomes the newest member of the Bradfords. Joannie is promoted to sports anchor. Nicholas gets into trouble for selling peeks at Mary's medical books.

2. And Baby Makes Nine

October 29, 1980

1. Jeremy

October 29, 1980

Description

Tom Bradford, the patriarch of the family, is a devoted father who always puts his family first. He is a well-known newspaper columnist who offers advice to his readers about love, family, and other topics. Tom has a close relationship with each of his children and tries to guide them through life's challenges.

Joan, on the other hand, is the glue that holds the family together. She is a loving wife and mother who balances her responsibilities at home with her work as a nurse. Joan is fiercely protective of her children and often has to mediate conflicts between them.

The Bradford children come from a diverse range of personalities and interests. The eldest son, David (Grant Goodeve), is a medical student who struggles to balance his studies and his love life. Elizabeth (Connie Needham) is the brainy daughter who excels academically but has a hard time connecting with her peers. Joanie (Laurie Walters) is the free-spirited daughter who dreams of being a singer. Mary (Lani O'Grady) is the responsible daughter who takes care of the younger siblings. Nicholas (Adam Rich) is the precocious and curious youngest son. Tommy (Willie Aames) is the mischievous teenager who often gets himself into trouble. And finally, Susan (Susan Richardson) is the athletic daughter who excels in sports.

Throughout the series, the Bradford family faces a variety of challenges and issues, including teenage pregnancy, divorce, drug addiction, and medical emergencies. Despite these difficulties, they always manage to come together and support each other.

The show features a talented cast of actors, including Dick Van Patten, who is known for his roles in shows like The Love Boat and Happy Days. Diana Hyland, who played Joan, tragically died after the first season, and her role was replaced by Betty Buckley. Grant Goodeve, who played David, went on to become a popular country singer.

Eight Is Enough was a popular show during its run, and it remains a beloved classic among fans of family dramas. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of family life and its ability to tackle sensitive topics with sensitivity and grace. The show's catchy theme song, "Eight is Enough," also became a hit in its own right.

Overall, Eight Is Enough is a heartwarming and entertaining show that explores the joys and challenges of family life. It remains a beloved classic that has stood the test of time.

Eight Is Enough is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (104 episodes). The series first aired on March 15, 1977.

Where to Watch Eight Is Enough

Eight Is Enough is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Eight Is Enough on demand at Google Play, Apple TV and Tubi TV.