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: 2/20/2024Network: NBCStatus: Ended
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I Never Invested for My Father
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
The Plague
star
8.65
92 votes

#2 - The Plague

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

The kids get chicken pox.

Writer: Joss Whedon
Watch Now:Amazon
My Dad Can Beat Up Your BMW
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
Fun for Kids
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
Watch Now:Amazon
Thanksgiving with a T that Rhymes with B that Stands for Basketball
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.

Gil vs. the Deck
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.

Watch Now:Amazon
Cards & Cars
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
Watch Now:Amazon
Hollow Halloween
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
Watch Now:Amazon
Take My Parents, Please
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.

Watch Now:Amazon
Love Stinks
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
Watch Now:Amazon
Pilot
star
7.24
21 votes

#11 - Pilot

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

Directors: Allan Arkush
Watch Now:Amazon
Small Surprises
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
Watch Now:Amazon