8 Simple Rules

Name: 8 Simple Rules
Genre: Comedy
Released: September 17, 2002
Rating: 53
Cast: Kaley Cuoco, David Spade, Katey Sagal, John Ritter, James Garner

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Mixed or average reviews based on 28 Critic Reviews

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Series Details & Credits

ABC | Release Date: September 17, 2002

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, David Spade, Katey Sagal, John Ritter, James Garner, Martin Spanjers, Amy Davidson

Summary: It's a time for healing and learning to deal with life without family patriarch Paul (the late John Ritter), as the Hennessys discover the frailties of life and the strength of the family unit, on 8 Simple Rules. Cate (Katey Sagal) now finds herself in the precarious position of raising three teenagers on her own while holding down a fullIt's a time for healing and learning to deal with life without family patriarch Paul (the late John Ritter), as the Hennessys discover the frailties of life and the strength of the family unit, on 8 Simple Rules. Cate (Katey Sagal) now finds herself in the precarious position of raising three teenagers on her own while holding down a full time job as a hospital nurse near their Detroit-area home. She does, however, get a little relief, thanks to her father, Jim (James Garner), who's been staying at the house since Paul's death. Retired and separated from his wife, Jim mostly spends his days making home improvements to the house - with arguably mixed results - and, in his own inimitable way, gives comfort and guidance to his daughter and grandchildren during their time of need. But the family is thrown for a loop when Cate's wayward nephew, C.J. (David Spade), moves in and finds it hard to resist getting himself into trouble or offering questionable advice to the kids.

Now more than ever, Cate needs to be there for her kids - particularly her daughters. Oldest daughter Bridget (Kaley Cuoco) has matured into a beautiful and popular teenager - especially with the boys. But since her father's death, she has begun to question the importance of running with the "in crowd" at school. By contrast, middle child Kerry (Amy Davidson) is intelligent and cute, but her continued lack of self-confidence has led her to hide behind a mask of sarcasm - which makes it difficult for her to get in touch with her true feelings. And youngest child Rory (Martin Spanjers), fondly referred to as "The Boy," is trying to fill his father's shoes by becoming the man of the family, while at the same time entering the world of puberty and discovering one of life's true mysteries - girls.

Dating boys and fitting in with their peers will once again become a top priority for the girls. But no matter what, Cate will continue to enforce Paul's number one rule - "If you make my daughters cry, I'll make you cry."

In Memory Of John Ritter (1948-2003). You will be missed! You are (and always will be) the funniest!… Expand

Genre(s): Comedy

Recent Episodes

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S3:E24. Ditch Day
Air Date: April 15, 2005
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S3:E23. The Sleepover
Air Date: April 8, 2005
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S3:E22. The Teachers Lounge
Air Date: April 1, 2005

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Ed Bark

Jul 3, 2014

Season 1 Review: Ritter is still quite adept at broad, keep-it-simple comedy, and this one plays to his strengths. [17 Sep 2002]

Rob Owen

Jul 3, 2014

Season 1 Review: Not flashy, not spectacular, "8 Simple Rules" is a cute show that will appeal to its intended audience. Read full review

Ann Hodges

Jul 3, 2014

Season 1 Review: Ritter has a well-honed sense of comedic timing, and some of the lines are clever, for a change. This one could grow on you. [15 Sep 2002]

Howard Rosenberg

Jul 3, 2014

Season 1 Review: This is one of those broadly played comedies that needs reining in and writing sharper than having Ritter play super dad in what, essentially, is a single-parent comedy. Read full review

Scott D. Pierce

Jul 3, 2014

Season 1 Review: Ritter and Segal are better than their material, but this is the sort of show (like "Home Improvement" or "Full House") that ABC used to do so well. [13 Sep 2002]

Gail Pennington

Jul 3, 2014

Season 1 Review: Moments of sweetness, but too few laughs - and way too many sexual references. [8 Sep 2002]

M.S. Mason

Jul 3, 2014

Season 1 Review: It is just offensive to hear a middle-aged man ask his daughter about her bodily functions. [13 Sep 2002]

SEE ALL 28 REVIEWS

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Seasons & Episodes

53

Series Overview
Season 3

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- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: September 24, 2004
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  S3:E24. Ditch Day
  Air Date: April 15, 2005
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  S3:E23. The Sleepover
  Air Date: April 8, 2005
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  S3:E22. The Teachers Lounge
  Air Date: April 1, 2005
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  S3:E21. The After Party
  Air Date: March 4, 2005
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  S3:E20. C.J.'s Real Dad
  Air Date: February 18, 2005
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  S3:E19. Torn Between Two Lovers
  Air Date: February 11, 2005
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  S3:E18. Freaky Friday
  Air Date: February 4, 2005
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  S3:E17. Volleybrawl
  Air Date: January 28, 2005
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  S3:E16. Closure
  Air Date: January 21, 2005
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  S3:E15. Old Flame
  Air Date: January 14, 2005
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  S3:E14. C.J.'s Temptation
  Air Date: January 7, 2005
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  S3:E13. The Sub
  Air Date: January 7, 2005
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  S3:E12. A Very C.J. Christmas (a.k.a. A Very Cool Christmas)
  Air Date: December 17, 2004
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  S3:E11. Princetown Girl
  Air Date: December 10, 2004
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  S3:E10. Vanity Unfair
  Air Date: December 3, 2004
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  S3:E9. Thanksgiving Guest (a.k.a. Thanksgiving)
  Air Date: November 26, 2004
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  S3:E8. Secrets
  Air Date: November 12, 2004
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  S3:E7. Coach (a.k.a. Tennis Coach)
  Air Date: November 5, 2004
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  S3:E6. Halloween
  Air Date: October 29, 2004
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  S3:E5. Car Trouble
  Air Date: October 22, 2004
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  S3:E4. Out of the Box
  Air Date: October 15, 2004
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  S3:E3. School Nurse
  Air Date: October 8, 2004
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  S3:E2. Changes
  Air Date: October 1, 2004
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  S3:E1. First Day of School
  Air Date: September 24, 2004
Season 2

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- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: September 23, 2003
Season 1

53
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: September 17, 2002