Every season of Empty Nest ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Empty Nest!

Harry is proposed to eighteen months after the death of his wife.

Pilot

Carol gets all dolled up for a date with her contemptible ex-husband. Harry thinks Dreyfuss may be sick.

The Check Isn't In the Mail

Harry tries to get Barbara to give up her police career after she is shot.

Barbara Gets Shot

Neighbor Blanche thinks she is in love with Harry and comes on strong when showing her affection. An old friend of the family dies after an illness. Carol decides to move in and take care of her father.

Fatal Attraction

Harry is ecstatic when Barbara accepts her surgeon boyfriend's marriage proposal, but she has second thoughts the night before the wedding.

Father of the Bride

Harry thinks he has become a burden on Carol and Barbara when they send him away on a vacation, despite his objections.

Harry's Vacation

When husband Nick is traded to a Japanese baseball team, Laverne is forced to quit. A sick Charley camps out on Harry's couch.

Tinker to Evers to Tucson

Harry makes plans to accompany Carol to see her photographs displayed in an art gallery, and also to attend a ceremony honoring Barbara with a gold medal of valor. The problem is, both events are on the same day.

What's a Father to Do?

Harry isn't too happy when Carol begins dating his old friend.

Harry's Friend

An organ that Libby ordered before dying finally arrives at the house and Harry becomes determined to learn to play it in time for his and Libby's anniversary. Barbara and Carol worry that he is going too far. A patient asks Harry for birth control.

Libby's Gift

Harry is encouraged to spend a weekend alone with his girlfriend. Jeffrey Millstein's imagination runs wild after he sees a scary movie.

The First Time, Again

Financial trouble forces Barbara to move back in with Harry but it's not all fun and games. A lonely Carol soon decides to move in as well.

Full Nest

Harry doesn't understand why no one likes his new girlfriend, but soon realizes they were right. When the relationship ends, Carol, who actually liked the lady, questions her own instincts.

Here's a Howdy-Do

Carol falls in love with a South American freedom fighter and announces she's going away with him. Jeffrey Millstein falls in love with Laverne.

Strange Bedfellows

Carol becomes public relations director of the hospital and causes a multi-million dollar lawsuit when she reveals the mental problems of local celebrity Poko the Clown at a press conference. Charley convinces Barbara to pose as his fiance to get a promotion.

Tears of a Clown

The Westons laugh when Charley says the full moon will bring love, but then realize he could be right. A rude doctor catches Harry's eye. Carol's finds romance when a man returns run-away Dreyfuss (who in turn finds love in the man's female dog). A stake-out leads Barbara into the arms of a high-school boyfriend.

Blame It on the Moon

Barbara falls in love with neighbor, Dorothy's nephew, but is surprisingly not phased when he dumps her. Dorothy and Harry have an argument when Dorothy blames Barbara for the breakup.

Dumped

The hospital's new owner forces Harry to move his practice after 25 years in the same office. Meanwhile, Carol tries to amend the past after reading Emily's old diary and Charley tries out a new look.

The More Things Change...

When Harry receives a Man of the Year award, his estranged father comes to town for the ceremony, but Harry gets upset when he learns that his father didn't think he could make it as a doctor. Carol overhears the conversation and thinks her grandfather is dying.

Man of the Year

Harry gives Charley advice on how to impress a new girlfriend, who turns out to be the same lady Harry is seeing. When a relative dies and leaves Barbara and Emily money, Carol is anxious to see what she'll be getting but isn't too thrilled when it arrives.

Cyrano de Weston

Harry promises to take Carol and Barbara with him to Paris if the two can go one month without fighting. Charley wins a greyhound in a card game.

My Sister, My Friend

Harry sees five patients: a week-old baby, a five-year-old whose father denies the boy's onset diabetes; a seven-year-old curious about sex; an eleven-year-old having the cast removed from his arm; a belligerent 14-year-old who uses drugs; and an 18-year-old picking up his medical records before going away to college. The end of the episode reveals that all of these have been the same patient at different ages.

A Life in the Day

Carol's new boyfriend is all for marriage, but not consummation.

Settling

When Harry is inducted into the hospital's hall of fame, he forgets to thank Laverne in his acceptance speech. Meanwhile, two young patients announce their wedding plans and Charley asks to be buried with the Westons.

Harry Snubs Laverne

His recurring dream (which includes running from a tiger, a pink kimono, and Ed McMahon) keeps Harry and the girls up all night, trying to decipher it's meaning. They end up at an all-night diner where they run into Laverne.

On the Interpretation of Dreams

Barbara finds out that her new police partner, whom Carol is dating, is married.

Between a Cop and a Hard Place

An old patient returns and asks Harry to be the father of her child.

Just You and My Kid

Carol and Barbara are witnesses to a mall robbery and surprisingly it's Carol who nabs the thief, not police officer, Barbara. Neighbor Rose hits Harry's car and offers to pay for the damages.

Rambo of Neiman Marcus

Carol objects when Harry asks her to tutor a boy she used to baby-sit, until she sees how handsome he has become. Carol feels guilty after the two end up sleeping together. Laverne misses best friend, Lurlene's birthday party because of a double work load at the office.

You Are 16 Going on 17 and I'm Not

Laverne moves in with the Westons after a fight with Nick and proceeds to take control of the house. A young patient who can't get a date for a school dance asks Harry to take her.

The R.N. Who Came to Dinner

Harry enlists the help of Carol when he is asked to write a children's book, but he soon finds out that Barbara has better ideas. Charley is smitten with another juror during jury duty.

Green Eggs and Harry

Carol gets a job at a library, where she meets an obnoxious college professor. Charley joins a Big Buddy program. Barbara teaches Dreyfuss to play Frisbee.

Overdue for a Job

The Westons prepare for their annual holiday skiing trip until Dreyfuss runs away. Laverne refuses to accept Christmas gifts from Harry.

A Christmas Story

An overworked Harry has an angina attack but refuses to slow down and rest.

Change of Heart

Harry is thrilled when Barbara quits the police force, but feels he may have pushed her into a different job. Carol tries to save enough money to pay for Harry's birthday present: an oil portrait of herself.

Harry's Choice

Tired of her complaining, Barbara persuades Carol to go with her on a spontaneous adventure. Harry and Laverne recall the day she came to work for him, but their stories have several variations.

Complainin' in the Rain

Harry tries to avoid a reporter who is doing a story on him. A young patient is on the verge of death and no one can figure out why.

M.D., P.O.V.

Harry's visiting niece starts dating Charley. Laverne's friend Lurlene visits and accuses Laverne of being ""citified.""

Everything But Love

Harry feels ready to rekindle an old romance.

Timing

Laverne is told that Nick is having an affair so she tells him she is dating Harry. When she finds out she was misinformed, Nick refuses to believe that she made up the story about her affair. Meanwhile, Carol and Barbara disagree on how to get rid of a mouse in the house.

It Happened Two Nights, Four Costume Changes

Carol dates a blind man and focuses only on his disability, ignoring the fact that he is rude and obnoxious. Jeffrey Millstein is nervous about a chess tournament.

Love is Blind

The Westons come home to find that Charley is having a party in their house. When Harry tells him to leave and never come back, he moves away. Meanwhile, Harry unknowingly throws away Laverne's lucky hot dog wrapper while cleaning up the office.

Goodbye, Mr. Dietz

A student has a crush on Barbara, who is working undercover at a high school. Meanwhile, Charley takes up golf, Harry teaches Dreyfuss to fetch the paper, and Laverne is convinced she'll become fat after looking at a family album.

Lessons

Carol and Barbara hire a maid, and then realize the family silver is missing. A young patient in need of a father sets Harry up on a date with her mom.

Take My Mom, Please

Harry helps Nick buy a bar. The Westons take in a lost dog and then blame Dreyfuss for all the damage it does.

Did You Ever See a Dream Dying?

Harry realizes that his new girlfriend takes too good care of him, which is something he doesn't need anymore. Charley auditions to become a television weatherman. Jeffrey Millstein seeks Harry's advice on how to make friends in public school.

Still Growing After All These Years

Harry is uncomfortable dating a more successful woman, a world-famous brain surgeon; Carol and Barbara plot revenge on an inconsiderate man who met Carol on a plane and promised to phone but never did.

A Flaw is Born

Harry looks forward to his golf game until he has to cancel to help Barbara with her taxes and Carol with her car. Tired of having no time for himself, he follows a globe-trotting friend to Pamplona for the running of the bulls.

Harry's Excellent Adventure

Carol is drawn to Barbara's sensitive, intelligent new boyfriend and can't figure out why he would be interested in Barbara. Harry is bored by his new girlfriend, a lady who seems perfect for him. Laverne grows attached to a dog that Nick brings home.

There's No Accounting

Barbara fears she has no motherly instincts when babysitting her boyfriend's young kids. Carol volunteers at the zoo and finds that the pandas only mate when she is around. Harry is reluctant to let Laverne give him a flu shot. Charley attempts to write his autobiography.

Barbara the Mom

When a patient is depressed after his best friend moves away, Harry gives him a pet turtle. The boy becomes more upset when the turtle dies soon after. Carol talks Barbara into taking an art class with her. Charley tries new ways to meet women.

The Tortoise and the Harry

After being dumped yet again, Carol flips out and falls in love with the first man she can find: an oddball who passes out cheese samples at the mall. Laverne decides to spice up Harry's biography for a hospital newsletter.

Mad About the Boy

Laverne quits when Harry complains that she is making too many office decisions without him. Carol talks Barbara into letting her join her poker game.

Honey, I Shrunk Laverne

During a moment of weakness, Carol and Charley sleep together. Thinking perhaps their hate for one another is actually masking love, they attempt to build a relationship.

The Boy Next Door

Harry suspects that Barbara's new boyfriend is married, and when he voices his concerns Barbara gets mad. Worried that Dreyfuss is getting too fat, the Westons put him on a diet, but then end up secretly giving him junk food.

A Family Affair

Charley wants visitors during a hospital stay and when his parents can't come, he hires actors to play them. A neighbor accuses Dreyfuss of fathering his dog's puppies.

Someone to Watch Over Me

A young patient of Harry's announces she wants a nose job. Charley thinks about a career as a gigolo. The Westons decide to take a new family portrait.

Harry Knows Best

Laverne is fearful after a mugging. Carol and Barbara compete for a handsome new neighbor.

Whenever I Feel Afraid

Barbara mistakes Carol's boyfriend for a burglar and shoots him. He stays with the Westons to recuperate and only ends up getting hurt worse. Harry helps Laverne confront her fear of public speaking when she has to give a speech at an awards ceremony.

A Shot in the Dark

Carol advises Barbara on how to suck up to get a job promotion. Laverne plays matchmaker for Harry.

Sucking Up is Hard to Do

Barbara tries to get a man she likes to ask her out. Laverne must cast the deciding vote on an important Hickory issue.

The Man That Got Away

Harry realizes his mentor is getting too old to practice medicine, but is afraid to tell him. Meanwhile, Carol and Barbara prepare for a piano recital.

The Mentor

The Westons each pour their hearts out to Dreyfuss when the girls decide to move out after two years at home.

The Dog Who Knew Too Much

Harry dates a 28 year old, which upsets Carol, Barbara, and the girl's parents. Laverne shapes up a nurse trainee.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Harry dates a newspaper writer who begins writing about their relationship in her column. Charley is rendered impotent after a medical experiment backfires.

All About Harry

Harry is supposed to get Charley back to the house for a surprise party, but instead the two end up searching for Charley's old girlfriend whom he never got over. Meanwhile, Carol, Barbara, and Laverne try to entertain the party guests.

Drive, He Said

Laverne's aunt Retha will lend a house down payment only if Laverne, though innocent, will assume blame for a car accident. Carol and Barbara meet an old man in the park who is moving into a retirement home and try to make his last day of freedom something to remember.

The Last Temptation of Laverne

Harry forces Barbara to spend a week at home with him and Carol, away from the stress of police work, when a physical reveals she has a pre-ulcerous condition. But as the week progresses, Harry and Carol find it is they who are creating stress for Barbara. Laverne tries to track down a case of Harry's favorite bandages, which have been discontinued.

What's Eating You?

While on a cruise, Barbara practices for a talent show, Harry tries to avoid two ladies who won't leave him alone, and Carol finds the man of her dreams...who disappears when Charley steers the ship into the Bermuda Triangle. Meanwhile back home, Laverne redesigns Harry's refrigerator.

The Cruise

Harry looks forward to a visit from a childhood sweetheart, until a childhood rival also resurfaces. Charley wonders what FICA is when the company starts taking part of his paycheck.

The Way We Are

Laverne's cousin leaves her baby behind and runs off to find her husband, who left after a fight. So while Laverne looks for her, the Westons take care of the baby. The experience makes Barbara want her own child and she considers artificial insemination.

50 Million Men and a Baby

Harry's lust for his girlfriend sparks marital thoughts.

Almost Like Being in Love

Laverne meets another man at a banquet and goes out to dinner with him while Nick is out of town. Meanwhile, when Carol confesses that she stole Barbara's first boyfriend at camp years ago, Barbara vows to extract revenge when Carol least expects it.

Her Cheatin' Heart

Carol quits her job at the library and buys a catering business.

Food For Thought

The Westons buy guns after their house is burglarized, a choice they later regret when Carol gets a little trigger happy. Charley decides to head to the woods to do some serious thinking about his life.

Harry's Got a Gun

Harry hires a world-famous vet to operate on Dreyfuss. Charley contemplates a career change when he is offered a job at Uncle Buzzy's Pirate World.

The Dreyfus Affair

Country music star Garth Brooks offers Barbara a job as security chief on his tour. Charley moves in with the Westons while his house is being fumigated.

Country Weston

A hurricane hits just as the Westons decide to sell their house. Laverne's mother-in-law visits.

Windy

Harry becomes host of a call-in radio show; Carol, Barbara, and Charley enter a chili cook-off.

Talk, Talk, Talk

Just as Carol conquers her emotional problems, she becomes jealous of Barbara, who is up for a medal of honor for saving a man's life (something she did by accident). Laverne upsets Harry when she asks for a second opinion after he diagnoses her visiting niece's symptoms as allergies.

Lonely Are the Brave

Harry hires an old friend's son as an associate, but isn't pleased with the way he practices medicine. Meanwhile, Carol begins a relationship with the new associate and realizes he is arogant and self-absorbed.

If You Knew Andy Like I Know . . .

Harry's old nurse Winifred returns to fill in while Laverne goes out of town, and a war erupts between the two ladies when Winifred reveals that she's out to get Laverne's job. While on a trip to New York with Barbara, Carol manages to annoy the entire planeload of passengers (including a nun).

My Nurse is Back and There's Gonna Be Trouble . . .

As a favor to a minister friend, Harry takes in his brilliant young son as an observer, but becomes distressed when the boy confesses it's only his father's pressure that makes him want to be a doctor. Carol is excited about catering her friend Suzanne's posh Palm Beach wedding, until the groom gets excited by Carol.

The Son of a Preacherman

Carol starts dating Barbara's ex-boyfriend, but Barbara realizes she still has feelings for him.

Ex-appeal

While Harry and Laverne are en route to a medical seminar, an escaped convict takes Barbara and Carol hostage.

The Great Escape

Harry tries to reconcile a friend and his wife. Barbara hires Carol to cater a police party.

The Mismatchmaker

"The Return of Aunt Susan" is the title of the 17th fourth season episode of the hit NBC sitcom and Golden Girls spin-off Empty Nest. The episode first aired on February 8, 1992.

The Return of Aunt Susan

Charley poses as captain of his ship to impress his visiting parents. Worried that Harry favors Barbara over her, Carol decides to keep track of how many times he does so.

The Unimportance of Being Charley

Nick leaves Laverne for a woman in Japan. Barbara goes undercover at a college sorority to catch a computer hacker.

Sayonara

The full moon on Leap Day causes strange things to happen: after throwing his back out, Harry begins to act very unusual; a series of odd occurrences leads Barbara to believe that a neighborhood repairman is actually Dreyfuss; Charley cancels a date to stay home and watch The Sound of Music.

Dr. Weston and Mr. Hyde

Carol persuades Charley to run for president of the home owner's association. While on undercover assignment at the hospital, Barbara tries to fool Harry with a number of disguises, but he sees through every one.

Charley for President

A good deed backfires on Harry when a neurotic woman refuses to leave him alone. Carol's new boyfriend seems perfect except for his hideously annoying laugh.

Good Neighbor Harry

Just as Carol nears a breakthrough, her psychiatrist dies. Harry's new patient enjoys making jokes and smart alack remarks.

Final Analysis

The Westons (and Charley) travel to England to their ancestral home Weston Castle, where Harry is to receive the Sword of Weston in a ceremony. Unfortunately he gets locked in a dungeon after following a secret passage. Meanwhile back home, Laverne tries to teach Dreyfuss to ride a skateboard. Richard Mulligan plays three roles in this episode: the usual Harry, a butler named Basil, and a relative Baroness Daphne Weston.

Roots

Barbara agrees to drop by and check up on Charley after he receives a death threat. Seeing how much they have in common, Charley becomes smitten with her . Meanwhile, after Harry lets a young patient play with Dreyfuss, the kid tries to buy him.

Why Do Fools Fall in Love?

Carol begins dating Patrick, the Westons' sprinkler man. When his apartment is condemned, Carol persuades Harry to let Patrick move into the garage.

Take My Garage, Please

Barbara sets newly divorced Laverne up on a blind date with a coroner's assistant. Carol is jealous of the friendship between Patrick and Charley (who surprisingly understands the depth of Patrick's art).

R.N. On the Rebound

Harry objects to Arthur's sudden wedding plans, which prompts Arthur to end their friendship. Carol tries to get Barbara to arrest her at a protest.

. . . Or Forever Hold Your Peace

Harry tries his best to get a lady to agree to date him, but soon wishes he hadn't bothered when she tries to control every area of his life. Laverne tries to conceal an ulcer.

The Boomerang Affair

After finding a man guilty during jury duty, Carol tires to clear her conscience by hiring a former criminal to work at her catering business.

The Best Seasons of Empty Nest

The Best Seasons of Empty Nest

Season 2

Season 1

Season 3

Season 4

Season 7

Season 5

Season 6