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The Best Episodes of The New Normal Season 1

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

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Los Angeles couple Bryan and David have successful careers and a loving relationship and are ready for a baby. Just as they start to worry that they will never be blessed with parenthood, they meet

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The New Normal Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    7.3/10(216 votes)

    #1 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    A gay couple start a family with the help of a young single mother who becomes their surrogate.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 2 - Sofa's Choice
    7.4/10(210 votes)

    #2 - Sofa's Choice

    S1:E2

    Shania is working to adapt to her new surroundings and, much to the delight of Bryan, begins impersonating Little Edie from ‘Grey Gardens.’ Later, David and Bryan reminisce about the first time they met and decide to have a night on the town like they did when they were younger. Elsewhere, Jane finds something disturbing in the boys’ room and enlists Goldie’s ex-husband Clay to try and woo her granddaughter back to Ohio. Elsewhere, Rocky mistakenly suspects Shania of misbehaving.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 3 - Baby Clothes
    7.8/10(194 votes)

    #3 - Baby Clothes

    S1:E3

    Bryan goes on a shopping spree for baby clothes, and returning them proves to be a problem. Meanwhile, Shania dresses up in baby clothes for school, forcing Goldie to have an uncomfortable interaction with Shania's teacher.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  4. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 4 - Obama Mama
    7.5/10(168 votes)

    #4 - Obama Mama

    S1:E4

    Shania's mock school election sparks political upheaval in the household when it's discovered Goldie plans to vote against Barack Obama. The guys attempt to change Goldie's mind, to staunch Republican Jane's chagrin.

    Director:Scott Ellis
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 5 - Nanagasm
    7.6/10(156 votes)

    #5 - Nanagasm

    S1:E5

    David plans a family dinner to tell his mother about the baby; mother-in-law miseries plague Goldie; Jane feels a unique sensation when she happens upon a younger man; and Shania fears that her father will win a custody battle.

    Director:Miguel Arteta
    Writer:Adam Barr

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  6. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 6 - Bryanzilla
    7.8/10(152 votes)

    #6 - Bryanzilla

    S1:E6

    Shania and a classmate pretend to get engaged and plan an imaginary wedding. As a delighted Bryan arranges the big event with help from Rocky, Jane sets out to shut down the entire ceremony. Meanwhile, David makes a game-changing decision.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 7 - The Godparent Trap
    7.8/10(137 votes)

    #7 - The Godparent Trap

    S1:E7

    David and Bryan decide they need godparents for their baby. Meanwhile, Shania worries about the future of her relationship with the guys.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 8 - Unplugged
    7.4/10(130 votes)

    #8 - Unplugged

    S1:E8

    When technology begins to interrupt their lives Bryan, David, Goldie and Shania reluctantly give up their various electronic devices for one day. Shania, however, takes it one step further by suggesting they give up all modern technology including heated toilet seats. Meanwhile, Rocky unleashes an online beast when she shows Jane how to use twitter. Hoping to gain more followers, Jane posts a private video from Bryan which was meant to surprise David on their future wedding day. Shocked at the invasion of privacy, Bryan is appalled until the cast of his show "Sing" tells him what they think of the tweet.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 9 - Pardon Me
    7.4/10(127 votes)

    #9 - Pardon Me

    S1:E9

    After recalling the disastrous dinners of Thanksgivings past, Bryan, David, Goldie, Shania and Rocky decide that this year they are going to enjoy the holiday with their new family. Later, after realizing the horrible fates of the turkeys at the farm a sensitive Shania and Bryan pardon all of them and take them home as new pets. The move prompts a meat-free dinner menu and in the spirit of the pardon encourages everyone to invite over family and friends that they need to make amends with. David invites his mother and his father, while Bryan extends an olive branch to Jane, Goldie reaches out to Clay and Rocky puts aside her political differences with her brother Clint. Though the pre-dinner festivities seem to be cheerful it doesn't take long for personalities to clash and for this Thanksgiving to go to the birds.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 10 - The XY Factor
    8.0/10(120 votes)

    #10 - The XY Factor

    S1:E10

    Bryan and David accidentally learn the baby's gender; Shania's performance at a school assembly reminds Goldie she has dreams to pursue; Shania gets suspended.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 11 - Baby Proofing
    7.8/10(112 votes)

    #11 - Baby Proofing

    S1:E11

    Bryan and David start fighting after David hires a woman to baby-proof their home; the family discovers eggnog has a pleasant effect on Jane; Bryan and Jane attend a party.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 12 - The Goldie Rush
    7.7/10(132 votes)

    #12 - The Goldie Rush

    S1:E12

    Bryan and David discuss their future and how big they want to grow their family. The conversation leads them back to Expanding Families where Gary reveals that he wants a family of his own but he can’t seem to find the right guy. Bryan and David play matchmakers and set him up with Bryan’s ex-boyfriend and legendary party boy Monty, but their plan leads to more than they bargained for when Monty asks Goldie to be his surrogate. Elsewhere, Rocky and Jane help Shania deal with some mean girls.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 13 - Stay-at-Home Dad
    7.8/10(116 votes)

    #13 - Stay-at-Home Dad

    S1:E13

    After a failed attempt at finding a nanny, Bryan and David contemplate the idea of a stay-at-home dad. Both express interest in the role and decide to practice parenting by sending Goldie to a spa and taking in Shania. Bryan, convinced that he is the man for the job, gives Rocky a shot at her dream career by leaving her in charge at "Sing," but he soon finds that producing a child's life is much more difficult than producing a television show. Later, David confidently takes over and quickly realizes that despite his best intentions parenting is not an exact science.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 14 - Gaydar
    8.0/10(122 votes)

    #14 - Gaydar

    S1:E14

    When Shania meets Rocky's new crush, Chris, she claims that her 'gaydar' is going off and that Chris might be more interested in men. Elsewhere, Jane is wondering if her fellow realtor, Brice, is just a fashionable guy or if he is into fashionable guys. Bryan decides to throw a dinner party that doubles as a Gay or Straight fact-finding mission. Meanwhile, David is struggling with how the world will treat their future son.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 15 - Dairy Queen
    7.2/10(107 votes)

    #15 - Dairy Queen

    S1:E15

    Bryan wishes to have a natural connection to his baby-to-be. Later, Shania is upset to learn that her mother didn't breast-feed her when she was a baby, and Jane sets out to woo her sightly colleague.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 16 - Dog Children
    7.4/10(121 votes)

    #16 - Dog Children

    S1:E16

    Bryan and David get a preview of the highs and lows of parenting when their beloved puppy has a veterinary emergency. Meanwhile, Goldie meets with Shania's teacher after a class disruption; and romantic feelings between Clay and Goldie are reignited.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 17 - Rocky Bye Baby
    7.5/10(100 votes)

    #17 - Rocky Bye Baby

    S1:E17

    The gang wants to throw a baby shower for a reluctant Bryan and David, who decide to donate all their baby gifts to an adoption agency. Meanwhile, Clay and Shania agree to stage a surprise shower for Goldie.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 18 - Para-New Normal Activity
    7.4/10(105 votes)

    #18 - Para-New Normal Activity

    S1:E18

    Bryan basks in the Halloween spirit by decorating the house, going to a pumpkin patch to spot celebrities and ruling over everyone's costumes. David finally rebels when Bryan insists on having a Honey Boo Boo theme.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 19 - Blood, Sweat and Fears
    7.6/10(99 votes)

    #19 - Blood, Sweat and Fears

    S1:E19

    Bryan proposes using natural childbirth for the baby's delivery, but a classroom video may change his mind. Meanwhile, Goldie searches for new retail space for her clothing business, and Rocky faces her maternal insecurities.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 20 - About a Boy Scout
    8.1/10(112 votes)

    #20 - About a Boy Scout

    S1:E20

    Despite Bryan’s concerns, David, a former Eagle Scout, jumps at the chance to chaperone a Boy Scout overnight with his friend’s son. His skills earn him the respect of the other fathers and scouts, but when one father disagrees with his lifestyle, David’s Boy Scout membership is revoked. Elsewhere, Rocky is helping Goldie sort out her secret crush on Brice. Bebe Wood also stars.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 21 - Finding Name-O
    7.7/10(102 votes)

    #21 - Finding Name-O

    S1:E21

    Bryan and David are facing the hardest decision of their relationship, what to name their baby. The conflict prompts Goldie to reveal the origin of Shania’s name leading to brief identity crises for both of them. Later, While breezing through their wedding planning, David suggests that Bryan invite his mother Colleen, but her added opinion leads to more conflict and an unusual resolution. Meanwhile, Clay decides it’s time to let Goldie know how he feels, after receiving some unsolicited advice from Brice.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. The New Normal Season 1 Episode 22 - The Big Day
    8.1/10(116 votes)

    #22 - The Big Day

    S1:E22

    The wedding is finally here and despite all of the challenges that pop up throughout the day, Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and David (Justin Bartha) are dead set on getting married before the arrival of their baby, but their son has other plans.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "The New Normal" season 1. It scored 7.3/10 based on 216 votes. Directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/10/2012. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Sofa's Choice".