The BEST episodes of Parenthood

Every episode of Parenthood ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Parenthood!

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

Last Updated: 8/17/2024Network: NBCStatus: Ended
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star
9.69
65 votes

#1 - I Never Invested for My Father

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/6/1990

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

Directors: Betty Thomas
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star
8.65
92 votes

#2 - The Plague

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/29/1990

The kids get chicken pox.

Writer: Joss Whedon
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star
8.59
144 votes

#3 - My Dad Can Beat Up Your BMW

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/22/1990

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.

Directors: Allan Arkush
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star
8.52
58 votes

#4 - Fun for Kids

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 8/11/1991

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

Directors: Allan Arkush
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star
8.45
60 votes

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

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/17/1990

A Thanksgiving to remember at the Buckman house.

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star
8.43
60 votes

#6 - Gil vs. the Deck

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/16/1990

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

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star
8.40
62 votes

#7 - Cards & Cars

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/20/1990

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

Directors: Alan Myerson
Writer: Glen Merzer
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star
8.40
63 votes

#8 - Hollow Halloween

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/27/1990

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

Directors: Allan Arkush
Writer: Jerry Lacy
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star
8.33
61 votes

#9 - Take My Parents, Please

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/10/1990

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

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star
7.83
118 votes

#10 - Love Stinks

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/13/1990

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

Directors: Allan Arkush
Writer: Russ Woody
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star
7.24
21 votes

#11 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 8/20/1990

Directors: Allan Arkush
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star
7.12
60 votes

#12 - Small Surprises

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/3/1990

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

Directors: Matia Karell
Writer: Joss Whedon
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