The BEST Episodes of Parenthood

Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!

Last Updated: Sep 16, 2021

Network: NBC

Based on the 1989 Steve Martin film, Parenthood is about grandparents Frank and Marilyn Buckman, their children, and their children's children.

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I Never Invested for My Father

#1 - I Never Invested for My Father

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired Oct 6, 1990

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

star 9.66
67 votes
Directors: Betty Thomas
Writers: David Tyron King
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The Plague

#2 - The Plague

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired Sep 29, 1990

The kids get chicken pox.

star 8.65
94 votes
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My Dad Can Beat Up Your BMW

#3 - My Dad Can Beat Up Your BMW

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired Sep 22, 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.

star 8.60
145 votes
Directors: Allan Arkush
Writers: David Tyron King
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Fun for Kids

#4 - Fun for Kids

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired Aug 11, 1991

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

star 8.52
58 votes
Directors: Allan Arkush
Writers: David Tyron King, Joss Whedon
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Thanksgiving with a T that Rhymes with B that Stands for Basketball

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

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired Nov 17, 1990

A Thanksgiving to remember at the Buckman house.

star 8.45
60 votes
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Gil vs. the Deck

#6 - Gil vs. the Deck

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 16, 1990

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

star 8.41
61 votes
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Cards & Cars

#7 - Cards & Cars

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired Oct 20, 1990

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

star 8.40
62 votes
Directors: Alan Myerson
Writers: Glen Merzer
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Hollow Halloween

#8 - Hollow Halloween

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired Oct 27, 1990

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

star 8.40
63 votes
Directors: Allan Arkush
Writers: Jerry Lacy
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Take My Parents, Please

#9 - Take My Parents, Please

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired Nov 10, 1990

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

star 8.31
62 votes
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Pilot

#10 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired Aug 20, 1990

star 8.11
19 votes
Directors: Allan Arkush
Writers: Babaloo Mandel, Lowell Ganz
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Love Stinks

#11 - Love Stinks

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired Oct 13, 1990

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

star 7.83
118 votes
Directors: Allan Arkush
Writers: Russ Woody
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Small Surprises

#12 - Small Surprises

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired Nov 3, 1990

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

star 7.12
60 votes
Directors: Matia Karell
Writers: Joss Whedon
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