7.8/10232 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 6/11/2012
Michelle Simms had a promising career as a classically-trained professional dancer but was drawn to the lights of Las Vegas. Now, with a dead-end job as a 30-something showgirl, she's found the excitement of Sin City has lost its appeal, and her persistent suitor, Hubbell Flowers, is gaining it. With promises of a cushy life in his coastal town of Paradise, CA., Hubbell convinces Michelle to marry him and move away. Once in there, Michelle discovers that Hubbell forgot to mention that he lives with his mother, the strong-headed, imperious Fanny Flowers, who is not pleased that Hubbell has run off and married a stranger.
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Writer: N/A
7.5/10170 votes#2 - For Fanny
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 6/18/2012
Michelle's rocky start with her new mother-in-law finally seems to smooth out, until an unexpected occurrence turns everything on end. Michelle quickly finds herself back at odds with Fanny, but at the same time wanting to empathize with her. Inspired by Fanny's students, Michelle has an idea to help Fanny face the reality of the situation.
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
7.5/10148 votes#3 - Inherit the Wind
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 6/25/2012
When Fanny's attorney gives her shocking news, she takes it hard and makes the situation more awkward for Michelle. Making matters worse, Michelle has a run-in with the law when she takes off in Hubbell's car to blow off steam, only to break down in the driveway of a handsome, local recluse. Meanwhile, the girls compete against other dance studios in an "ugliest feet" contest.
Director: Kenny Ortega
Writer: Sarah Dunn
7.7/10139 votes#4 - Better Luck Next Year!
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 7/9/2012
A moving truck is being unloaded with everything that was in Michelle's apartment in Vegas, including things that were in the apartment that were not hers, as her landlord packed everything for her. Not having enough space for the things to be nicely put away, Michelle shoves them into the guesthouse and goes to sleep. Fanny wakes up Michelle in the middle of the night to talk and help her unpack or get organised and agrees to letting Michelle "borrow" her stove, as the kitchen in the guest house does not function. The next morning, Michelle gets caught eating chips and soda in her underwear by some of the ballet students.
Director: Daniel Palladino
Writer: Daniel Palladino
7.8/10137 votes#5 - Money for Nothing
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 7/16/2012
Michelle is concerned when she discovers that Fanny's bill-paying method includes old hat boxes and unconventional payment plans. After she finds herself in the middle of the collection process, Michelle decides to help Fanny better manage her finances. But Michelle's efforts could end up jeopardizing the upcoming Spring Flower Festival and Fanny's original ballet, "Paper or Plastic."
Director: Elodie Keene
Writer: Amy Welsh
8.0/10143 votes#6 - Movie Truck
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 7/23/2012
Michelle wants a Las Vegas style Birthday. Boo has a crush on someone.
Director: Jamie Babbit
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
8.1/10135 votes#7 - What’s Your Damage, Heather?
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 7/30/2012
When the dance studio springs a leak, Michelle lets the girls change for class in her house. But when one of them lies about stealing from her, Michelle puts her foot down. Meanwhile, the girls tease Ginny about dating the same boy since second grade.
Director: Jackson Douglas
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino, Grant Levy, Dominik Rothbard
7.9/10135 votes#8 - Blank Up, It's Time
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 8/6/2012
Michelle is thrown for a loop when she discovers Fanny has a longtime, long-distance boyfriend. And Fanny surprises Michelle again by inviting her to see a play. Meanwhile, Sasha's rebellious behavior starts to affect Fanny's class. Fanny responds by giving Boo a coveted role in an upcoming performance.
Director: Daniel Palladino
Writer: Daniel Palladino
7.7/10129 votes#9 - No One Takes Khaleesi's Dragons
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 8/13/2012
Michelle is thrilled to discover that there is another option for coffee beyond the gas station: an award-winning barista, Bash. But she soon discovers that dealing with a coffee artiste has its challenges. And Melanie tries to figure out why Ginny has suddenly begun acting different. Meanwhile, Fanny and Sasha remain in a standoff, leaving the ballet class to suffer as Fanny casts for the lead role in The Nutcracker.
Director: David Paymer
Writer: Sheila R. Lawrence
8.1/10148 votes#10 - A Nutcracker in Paradise
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 8/20/2012
Michelle and Fanny begin to grow closer and enjoy each others creative input as they prepare for Fanny's annual production of The Nutcracker. Michelle is organizing the fundraiser, advising the girls on their boy drama and feeling more at home than ever before. But their newfound harmony is soon disrupted by honest mistakes. Meanwhile, Boo decides to make a move on the guy she likes.
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
7.8/10131 votes#11 - You Wanna See Something?
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 1/7/2013
Michelle works as a magician's assistant; the dance studio is closed down; Ginny takes over her mother's business; Melanie cares for her grandfather; Boo helps to take care of her little brother; Sasha returns.
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
7.5/10110 votes#12 - Channing Tatum Is a Fine Actor
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 1/14/2013
Truly is evicted from her shop; Carl insists that Boo meet his parents; Talia sets Michelle up on a blind date; the girls are intrigued by two talented young newcomers.
Director: Daniel Palladino
Writer: Daniel Palladino
7.9/10112 votes#13 - I'll Be Your Meyer Lansky
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 1/21/2013
Michelle and Fanny need to come up with money to supplement the dance studio. Meanwhile, the girls continue to be mystified by the alluring new students, while Sasha deals with the decision to move from Paradise.
Director: Jackson Douglas
Writer: Beth Schacter
7.4/10114 votes#14 - The Astronaut and the Ballerina
Season 1 Episode 14 - Aired 1/28/2013
Michelle's brother, Scotty, comes for a visit after yet another failed marriage. Meanwhile, Melanie's new interest in roller derby leaves Ginny feeling abandoned, while Boo and Carl are overwhelmed with child care duties.
Director: Daniel Palladino
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino
7.7/10102 votes#15 - Take the Vicuna
Season 1 Episode 15 - Aired 2/4/2013
Milly opens her checkbook-and her mouth-giving notes on how Fanny should run an upcoming dance recital. Meanwhile, Sasha throws a housewarming party and Scotty takes Michelle on a road trip that makes a surprising detour.
Director: Chris Eigeman
Writer: Sheila R. Lawrence
7.6/10104 votes#16 - There's Nothing Worse Than a Pantsuit
Season 1 Episode 16 - Aired 2/11/2013
Milly is on the warpath when she discovers that the local town preservation society is arranging a meeting to discuss the new amphitheatre. Meanwhile, Sasha and Roman take their relationship public; and Talia shares some big news.
Director: David Paymer
Writer: Grant Levy, Dominik Rothbard
7.9/10104 votes#17 - It's Not a Mint
Season 1 Episode 17 - Aired 2/18/2013
Meanwhile, the girls react in different ways to the boys in their lives: Sasha and Roman get closer, Ginny can't stop staring at Frankie, Boo is caught in the middle of an unintentional triangle and Melanie is being stalked by Dez.
Director: Daniel Palladino
Writer: Daniel Palladino
8.2/10130 votes#18 - Next!
Season 1 Episode 18 - Aired 2/25/2013
The girls secretly follow Michelle to a Broadway musical audition in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Fanny returns. Michelle's brother, Scotty, pops back up unannounced. And Sasha thinks the girls need to take their relationships with their boyfriends to the next level.
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
The Best Episodes of Bunheads Season 1
Every episode of Bunheads Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Bunheads Season 1!
Michelle, a Las Vegas showgirl, impulsively marries a man, moves to his sleepy coastal town, and takes an uneasy role at her new mother-in-law's dance...
Genres:ComedyDrama
Network:ABC Family
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Bunheads" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 232 votes. Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino and written by N/A, it aired on 6/11/2012. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "For Fanny".