March 15, 1977 (1977-03-15) – May 23, 1981 (1981-05-23)
Related
Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion (1987)
Eight Is Enough: A Wedding (1989)
Eight Is Enough is an American comedy-drama 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 Bradford, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
Synopsis
The show centers on a Sacramento, California, family with eight children (from oldest to youngest: David, Mary, Joanie, Susan, Nancy, Elizabeth, Tommy, and 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, played by Diana Hyland) was a homemaker and took care of the children.
In early 1977, Hyland was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a mastectomy when doctors discovered the 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; fourth 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.
In the pilot, 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 unhappy with the performances of Beck and English, who were let go and replaced by Dianne Kay and Willie Aames. Hamill sought to get out of his five-year contract on Eight Is Enough to take the opportunity to star as Luke Skywalker in George Lucas's Star Wars; Lorimar Productions granted his request and the role was re-cast with Grant Goodeve.[2]
The cast of Eight Is Enough (seasons 2–5) Top row (left to right): Kay, Van Patten, Goodeve, and Walters Middle row: Richardson, Newton, and Buckley Bottom row: Rich, O'Grady, and Aames
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 St, near Lankershim Boulevard in 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
Theme
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Filming date: February 23 – March 4, 1977 A football game becomes a blood-and-guts event. Note: This episode's working title was "What Hath Roone Arledge Wrought?"
This was held back by ABC until the show moved to Wednesday nights, after the series was picked up for the fall schedule.
Season 2 (1977–78)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Prod. code
10
1
"Is There a Doctor in the House?"
Harry Harris
Teleplay by : Gwen Bagni & Paul Dubov Story by : Gwen Bagni & Paul Dubov & John Kubichan
September 14, 1977 (1977-09-14)
188367
The widowed Tom and the temporary 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.
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 (1977-09-28)
188368
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 (1977-10-05)
188379
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 (1977-10-19)
188372
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 (1977-10-26)
188369
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 (1977-11-02)
188373
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 (1977-11-09)
188377A-188377B
18
9
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 (1977-11-16)
188382
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 (1977-11-23)
188370
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 (1977-11-30)
188381
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 (1977-12-14)
188374-A/B
23
14
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 (1978-01-04)
188383
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 (1978-01-11)
188384
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 (1978-01-18)
188389
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 (1978-01-25)
188371
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 (1978-02-01)
188390
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 (1978-02-08)
188386
Dating woes: Nancy decides to convert to Judaism when she falls in love with a man she thinks 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 (1978-02-15)
188388
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 (1978-02-22)
188391
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 (1978-03-01)
188394
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 (1978-04-28)
188393
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 Wagner and Paul M. Belous & Robert Wolterstorff
May 3, 1978 (1978-05-03)
188395
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 (1978-05-10)
188392
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.
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.
Teleplay by : Bruce Shelly & Peter Lefcourt and Shirl Hendryx Story by : Shirl Hendryx & Earle Doud & John Agnew
September 13, 1978 (1978-09-13)
188655
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.
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.
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.
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 (1978-10-18)
188653
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 (1978-10-25)
188658
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 (1978-11-01)
188659
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 (1978-11-08)
188666
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 (1978-11-15)
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 (1978-11-22)
188663
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 (1978-11-29)
188657
48
13
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 (1978-12-06)
188652
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 (1979-01-10)
188660
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 (1979-01-17)
188671
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.
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.
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 (1979-01-31)
188676
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 (1979-02-14)
188673
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 (1979-02-21)
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 (1979-02-28)
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 (1979-03-07)
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 (1979-03-14)
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 (1979-05-02)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
May 9, 1979 (1979-05-09)
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 (1979-05-23)
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.
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.
When Tom makes a "losers pay for the dinners" bet on a touch football game between his family and his neighbors, 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 (1979-09-19)
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.
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 (1979-10-03)
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 (1979-10-24)
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 (1979-10-31)
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 (1979-11-07)
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.
Story by : Juliet Packer Teleplay by : Sandra Kay Siegel
November 14, 1979 (1979-11-14)
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 (1979-11-21)
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 (1979-11-28)
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 (1979-12-05)
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.
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 (1980-01-09)
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.
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".
Story by : J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley & Max Hodge Teleplay by : J. Miyoko Hensley & Steven Hensley
January 23, 1980 (1980-01-23)
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 (1980-01-30)
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.
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 (1980-02-13)
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 (1980-02-27)
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.
A visiting ex-P.O.W. revives painful memories for Abby, who leaves for Carmel to make peace with the past; Nicholas goes steady with a girl who seems to like his present to her more than she likes him; Nancy gets tired of loaning money out to her siblings.
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 (1980-03-26)
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 (1980-04-02)
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 (1980-04-09)
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 (1980-04-30)
The Bradford clan vacates the house for Tommy, Ernie and their girlfriends on Graduation Night. Eric Stoltz guest stars.
Season 5 (1980–81)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
91
1
"And Baby Makes Nine"
Unknown
Unknown
October 29, 1980 (1980-10-29)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
November 5, 1980 (1980-11-05)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
November 12, 1980 (1980-11-12)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
November 19, 1980 (1980-11-19)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
November 26, 1980 (1980-11-26)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
December 3, 1980 (1980-12-03)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
December 17, 1980 (1980-12-17)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
January 7, 1981 (1981-01-07)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
January 14, 1981 (1981-01-14)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
January 21, 1981 (1981-01-21)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
January 28, 1981 (1981-01-28)
When Joanie gets David work renovating an opera house, it generates a court battle: David versus Janet; Nicholas receives a horse as a gift, which Abby tries to help him keep; Merle comes home from New York, but finds new mom Susan is more than a little too tired to celebrate.
103
13
"Vows"
Unknown
Unknown
February 18, 1981 (1981-02-18)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
March 4, 1981 (1981-03-04)
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..."
Unknown
Unknown
March 11, 1981 (1981-03-11)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
March 28, 1981 (1981-03-28)
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?"
Unknown
Unknown
April 4, 1981 (1981-04-04)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
April 11, 1981 (1981-04-11)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
April 18, 1981 (1981-04-18)
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.
110
20
"Starting Over"
Unknown
Unknown
May 9, 1981 (1981-05-09)
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"
Unknown
Unknown
May 16, 1981 (1981-05-16)
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?"
Unknown
Unknown
May 23, 1981 (1981-05-23)
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).
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.
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
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.
Beginning in 2023, the series is available for streaming online on Tubi via the WBTV All Together Now FAST channel.[16]
International
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 francophoneCanadian audience in general.
In Spain during the same period, Con Ocho Basta (Spanish for "Eight Is Enough") ran in public network RTVE's Friday night line-up.
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.
