Show cover for Parenthood

The Best Episodes of Parenthood Season 1

Every episode of Parenthood Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Parenthood Season 1!

Parenthood is an American comedy-drama series based on the 1989 film of the same name. Executive produced by Ron Howard, the series aired for one season on NBC. Parenthood was one of many failed movie-to-TV adaptations in the fall of 1990 which included Working Girl, Baby Talk, Ferris Bueller and Uncle Buck.

Genres:DramaComedy
Network:NBC

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "Parenthood" season 1 is "Pilot", rated 6.9/10 from 170 user votes. It was directed by Allan Arkush and written by N/A. "Pilot" aired on 8/20/1990 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "My Dad Can Beat Up Your BMW".

  • Pilot
    6.9/10 170 votes

    #1 - Pilot

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 8/20/1990

    Garry hopes his dad will appear at his baseball team's championship game, but Helen doubts her indifferent ex will show up; Marilyn gives Susan's childhood stewardess doll to Patty.

    Director: Allan Arkush

    Writer: N/A

  • My Dad Can Beat Up Your BMW
    7.0/10 179 votes

    #2 - My Dad Can Beat Up Your BMW

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 9/22/1990

    The kids get chicken pox.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Joss Whedon

  • The Plague
    7.1/10 179 votes

    #3 - The Plague

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 9/29/1990

    Gil volunteers to help untangle his father's finances; Patty freezes during a ballet recital.

    Director: Betty Thomas

    Writer: N/A

  • I Never Invested for My Father
    7.1/10 172 votes

    #4 - I Never Invested for My Father

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/6/1990

    Julie walks out on Tod when she discovers he's planning the formal wedding they never had.

    Director: Allan Arkush

    Writer: Russ Woody

  • Love Stinks
    6.8/10 176 votes

    #5 - Love Stinks

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/13/1990

    Gil's jealous when Max prefers to spend time with Grandpa; Helen is attracted to a housepainter who's like an older Tod.

    Director: Alan Myerson

    Writer: N/A

  • Cards & Cars
    7.3/10 174 votes

    #6 - Cards & Cars

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/20/1990

    Gil and Karen's plans for an old-fashioned Hallowe'en make the kids feel dowdy next to their Ninja Turtled friends.

    Director: Allan Arkush

    Writer: N/A

  • Hollow Halloween
    6.5/10 171 votes

    #7 - Hollow Halloween

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 10/27/1990

    Helen finds Garry kissing a girl in his room; Gil and Karen try to get rid of a pesky raccoon.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Joss Whedon

  • Small Surprises
    6.9/10 178 votes

    #8 - Small Surprises

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 11/3/1990

    With the kids away, Gil and Karen anticiapte a romantic 11th anniversary—until Gil's mom shows up on their doorstep.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Take My Parents, Please
    6.6/10 169 votes

    #9 - Take My Parents, Please

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 11/10/1990

    A Thanksgiving to remember at the Buckman house.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Thanksgiving with a T that Rhymes with B that Stands for Basketball
    8.0/10 171 votes

    #10 - Thanksgiving with a T that Rhymes with B that Stands for Basketball

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 11/19/1990

    Building an outdoor deck makes Gil a hero to Kevin—making it difficult for Gil to quit as he'd like.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Gil vs. the Deck
    7.1/10 176 votes

    #11 - Gil vs. the Deck

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 12/16/1990

    Tod's stripper mother visits; Frank locks horns with Nathan over child-rearing.

    Director: Allan Arkush

    Writer: Joss Whedon

  • Fun for Kids
    7.2/10 174 votes

    #12 - Fun for Kids

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 8/11/1991

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A