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COLLECTION · Series · 2002

8 Simple Rules

Paul and Cate are raising their three children -- Bridget, Kerry and Rory -- which is no easy task. Oldest daughter Bridget is traversing the dating scene. Kerry is cute and smart, but she has a hard time getting in touch with her true feelings because of her lack of self-confidence. The youngest of the three children, and only boy, Rory is beginning to discover one of life's greatest mysteries -- girls.

Source: TMDB
* 6.8 (204)ComedyDramaUnited States
Creators
Tracy Gamble
Countries
United States
Studios
ABC · Shady Acres Entertainment · Flody Co. · Touchstone Television · Tracy Gamble Productions
Age rating
TV-PG
Release
17/09/2002
Score
6.8 / 10 (204)

Awards and nominations

  • Winner at Primetime Emmy Awards — Bruce L. Finn (episode: "Goodbye”)
  • Nominated at Primetime Emmy Awards — John Ritter (posthumously)
  • Nominated at Primetime Emmy Awards — Kaley Cuoco
  • Nominated at Primetime Emmy Awards — Kaitlin Callum
  • Winner at Primetime Emmy Awards — Martin Spanjers
  • Winner at Primetime Emmy Awards — Episode – "Finale: Part Deux"
  • Nominated at Katey Sagal — Episode: "Consequences"
Where to watch
Streaming
Disney PlusDisney Plus
Seasons and episodes
Specials
Specials
1 episodes
Episode 1. Season 1 Gag Reel
22 min

No synopsis

Season 1
Season 1
28 episodes · 2002

The first season of 8 Simple Rules aired on ABC between September 17, 2002, and May 20, 2003, and consists of 28 episodes. On August 7, 2007, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released the complete first season on DVD on a 3-disc set.

Pilot
Episode 1. Pilot
2002-09-17 · 22 min

As Cate decides to go back to work as a nurse, Paul undertakes the responsibility of watching the kids.

Wall of Shame
Episode 2. Wall of Shame
2002-09-24 · 22 min

Paul is left home alone with the kids while Cate is at a seminar on the day of the big Michigan/Ohio State football game. But much to Paul's dismay, the game soon takes a backseat when Bridget is accused of shoplifting and Kerry gets…

Bridget's First Job
Episode 3. Bridget's First Job
2002-10-01 · 22 min

After seeing how much money Bridget spends on keeping up with the latest fashions, Paul tells her to go out and get a job to learn how to be fiscally responsible. But when she lands a job at a trendy mall clothing store that offers its…

Wings
Episode 4. Wings
2002-10-08 · 22 min

Bridget takes drastic measures when an overprotective Paul keeps coming up with excuses to delay her from taking her driver's test. Meanwhile, after convincing a less-than-confident Kerry that she has the talent to enter an art…

Son-In-Law
Episode 5. Son-In-Law
2002-10-15 · 22 min

A sports-struck Paul lets Bridget do whatever she wants when she starts dating Travis, star basketball player and son of baseball legend Steve Smith. Meanwhile Kerry resents the fact that Paul still thinks of her as a little girl.

Cheerleader
Episode 6. Cheerleader
2002-10-22 · 22 min

Bridget is ecstatic when the cheerleading squad has an opening for a new member. But after telling Kerry that she is not cut out to be a cheerleader, Bridget is completely dumbfounded when her sister tries out and is chosen for the team.…

Trick or Treehouse
Episode 7. Trick or Treehouse
2002-10-29 · 22 min

Paul seems to be the only one looking forward to a family Halloween, as Bridget, Kerry and Rory make plans to spend the spooky evening away from home and with their friends. But Paul's wish to relive the past by having the family get…

By the Book
Episode 8. By the Book
2002-11-05 · 22 min

In an effort to win back the love and respect that his daughters used to show him when they were young, Paul turns to a parenting book for some quick advice. But when Bridget and Kerry discover Paul's teaching tool, they try to use it to…

Two Boys for Every Girl
Episode 9. Two Boys for Every Girl
2002-11-12 · 22 min

After Paul convinces Bridget to tell Kyle the truth about her date with another boy, Kyle breaks up with her. Meanwhile, Kerry's first date turns out to be a dream, but she is devastated when the boy doesn't call her back.

Give It Up
Episode 10. Give It Up
2002-11-19 · 22 min

When no one can agree on where the family vacation should take place, Paul challenges the Hennessey clan to give up their bad habits for a week and the winner gets to choose the vacation spot. But the family's vices soon get the better of…

Paul Meets His Match
Episode 11. Paul Meets His Match
2002-11-26 · 22 min

Paul becomes quick friends with his new editor Nick when he discovers they both are married fathers of teenage girls. But Paul soon learns that they both have the reputation of being an overprotective psycho dad. Meanwhile, Paul wants to…

All I Want for Christmas
Episode 12. All I Want for Christmas
2002-12-10 · 22 min

Paul tries to find perfect gifts for the family to make up for last year's Christmas fiasco. Kerry finds a stray dog during the holidays. Cate is overjoyed when she is asked to sing a solo at the church's midnight service, but fears that…

Rory's Got a Girlfriend
Episode 13. Rory's Got a Girlfriend
2002-12-17 · 22 min

When a proud Paul lets thirteen-year-old Rory go out on his first date, Bridget and Kerry accuse him of unfairly changing the rules because they were never allowed to date at that age. Kerry is shocked when Bridget receives a higher score…

Career Choices
Episode 14. Career Choices
2003-01-07 · 22 min

Paul and Cate are shocked when they are called into the principal's office and informed that Bridget wants to skip her college prep classes in order to become an esthetician. Meanwhile, Paul is so impressed with Kerry's sketches of The…

Kerry's Big Adventure
Episode 15. Kerry's Big Adventure
2003-01-21 · 22 min

After Kerry and her boyfriend break up, Paul tries to cheer her up by getting Bridget to take her little sister with her to a party. Meanwhile, Paul and Cate try to discover what is hidden in Rory's secret box.

Come and Knock on Our Door
Episode 16. Come and Knock on Our Door
2003-01-28 · 22 min

After discovering that boyfriend Kyle kissed Kerry at a party, Bridget gives her sister the silent treatment which is anything but quiet for Paul. But real life merges with fantasy when Paul has a dream that lands him in familiar…

Drummer Boy (1)
Episode 17. Drummer Boy (1)
2003-02-04 · 22 min

Bridget defies the rules of the house after Paul forbids her from going out on a date with Ben, her college-age drum instructor. Meanwhile, Kerry is mad at Cate when her ex-boyfriend confesses that he thinks her mother is pretty.

Drummer Boy (2)
Episode 18. Drummer Boy (2)
2003-02-11 · 22 min

Bridget takes the car and follows her older boyfriend, drum instructor Ben, to his college dorm.

Cool Parent
Episode 19. Cool Parent
2003-02-18 · 22 min

After a party at Tommy's house is broken up by the police, Paul chastises his friend and unwittingly volunteers to host the next one. But when the party gets out of control too, the kids think of him as a cool parent, while the…

Every Picture Tells A Story
Episode 20. Every Picture Tells A Story
2003-02-25 · 22 min

When Paul is asked by race car driver Carter Tibbits (Jason Priestley, "Beverly Hills 90210") to write a book about him, Paul brings the family to Tibbits' mansion to meet the driving legend and his sarcastically dry-witted butler, Cody…

Kerry's Video
Episode 21. Kerry's Video
2003-03-11 · 22 min

Kerry devotes her school video project to sister Bridget to illustrate the hypocrisy that life is much easier for the beautiful people. But when Bridget discovers that the video makes her look shallow, she takes Paul's advice to enrich…

Good Moms Gone Wild
Episode 22. Good Moms Gone Wild
2003-03-25 · 22 min

While vacationing in Florida at Cate's parents' home, Paul and Cate catch Bridget and Kerry on the news partying with a group of Spring Breakers. But the news runs archival footage that features a young Cate letting loose in a bar.…

Career Woman
Episode 23. Career Woman
2003-03-28 · 22 min

Paul's job as parental guardian becomes more of a full-time position when Cate is up for a promotion and has to spend more time at the hospital. After Paul introduces Rory to baseball card collecting, Rory trades the cards for something…

Queen Bees and King Bees
Episode 24. Queen Bees and King Bees
2003-04-08 · 22 min

Bridget and Paul are surprised to find themselves in similar situations when they are both alienated in their social circles. But they devise a plan to settle the score, leading Paul to crash a poker game with Tommy to get closer to boss…

Bake Sale
Episode 25. Bake Sale
2003-04-29 · 22 min

For a health class assignment, Bridget and Kyle have to take care of a sack of flour as if it were a baby. Kerry and Rory bake cookies for the Great American Bake Sale to help put an end to childhood hunger in America.

The Doyle Wedding
Episode 26. The Doyle Wedding
2003-05-06 · 22 min

After reluctantly inviting socially inept neighbors Fred and Mary Ellen Doyle and their kids over for dinner, Paul and Cate are shocked when the entire Hennessy clan is asked to take part in the Doyles' daughter's wedding. Meanwhile Kerry…

Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman (1)
Episode 27. Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman (1)
2003-05-13 · 22 min

Having learned that her sister Maggie is having marital problems, Cate is nevertheless not too thrilled when Paul invites Maggie to stay at the house. Meanwhile, Paul and Cate are impressed with how mature Bridget has become after they…

Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman (2)
Episode 28. Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman (2)
2003-05-20 · 22 min

The rivalry between Cate and Maggie comes to a boiling point when Maggie gets a sexy, new makeover and gives Bridget a water bra as a gift. Tensions between the Hennessy sisters mount when Kerry and Kyle begin dating, while Bridget's…

Season 2
Season 2
22 episodes · 2003
Premiere
Episode 1. Premiere
2003-09-23 · 22 min

Bridget finds her popularity waning because of her exclusive, long distance relationship with Donny, while Kerry's social status skyrockets because of her relationship with Kyle. But Bridget's eyes begin to stray when she meets new kid…

Sex Ed
Episode 2. Sex Ed
2003-09-30 · 22 min

Bridget is horrified when Cate is asked to fill in as the sex ed instructor in her daughter's class. But Cate is in for a shock when she tries to answer a student's written question about being pressured to have sex -- and realizes it may…

Donny Goes AWOL
Episode 3. Donny Goes AWOL
2003-10-07 · 22 min

Donny's parents ask Bridget to be a part of a video message they are sending Donny. They are shocked to discover that Bridget has broken up with their son on the tape. Donny goes AWOL to try and patch things up. Meanwhile, Paul is asked…

Goodbye
Episode 4. Goodbye
2003-11-04 · 43 min

Cate receives a phone call that Paul had collapsed and died in the grocery store. Later that evening, Cate's parents arrive to help them through their grief.

No Right Way
Episode 5. No Right Way
2003-11-11 · 22 min

Cate is unprepared for the diverse reactions exhibited by Bridget and Kerry on their first day back to school since their father's death. Meanwhile, Jim tries his best to be helpful by making some questionable home improvements to the…

What Dad Would Want
Episode 6. What Dad Would Want
2003-11-18 · 22 min

Cate persuades Rory to try out for basketball because that would've made his dad proud.

The First Thanksgiving
Episode 7. The First Thanksgiving
2003-11-25 · 22 min

While Cate plans to raise the family spirits with a special Thanksgiving dinner, Rory takes it upon himself to be the man of the house by looking after Bridget and Kerry.

The Story of Anne Frank and Skeevy
Episode 8. The Story of Anne Frank and Skeevy
2003-12-23 · 22 min

After Cate encourages Bridget to participate in extracurricular activities to beef up her college resume, Bridget shocks the family by landing the lead in the high school production of the story of Anne Frank. Rory's obsession with a…

YMCA
Episode 9. YMCA
2004-01-06 · 22 min

Cate orders Kerry, Rory, and Jim join the YMCA where Bridget works.

Get Real
Episode 10. Get Real
2004-01-13 · 22 min

The Hennessy household and Jim are thrown for a loop when Cate's wayward nephew C.J. stops by to pay his respects to Paul and generally keep them company.

Consequences
Episode 11. Consequences
2004-01-27 · 22 min

Rory steals a police dog when he hears about CJ's glory days of stealing his old school mascot, but Cate is shocked when the dog finds marijuana in Kerry's backpack. Meanwhile, Bridget gets brought home by the police for not wearing a…

Opposites Attract (1)
Episode 12. Opposites Attract (1)
2004-02-10 · 22 min

In need of a tutor to boost her grades, Bridget hires Jeremy, hoping to make her chance of getting into a good college better. Meanwhile, Kyle treats Kerry to an very un-corporate Valentine's Day celebration. Rory gets pointers about the…

Opposites Attract (2)
Episode 13. Opposites Attract (2)
2004-02-17 · 22 min

Bridget decides to make a move on her tutor but discovers that he may have his sights set on her debate team opponent. Meanwhile, after accidentally setting fire to C.J.'s van, Jim is not-so-thrilled when Cate forces him to share his…

Opposites Attract: Night of the Locust (3)
Episode 14. Opposites Attract: Night of the Locust (3)
2004-02-24 · 22 min

After being told that she's fickle when it comes to relationships, Bridget is afraid that she may end up hurting Jeremy's feelings when her ex-boyfriend returns to town. Meanwhile, Kerry is outraged and plans revenge when provocative…

Daddy's Girl
Episode 15. Daddy's Girl
2004-03-02 · 22 min

On the advice of the family therapist, Cate is encouraged to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. Meanwhile, C.J. and Jim find themselves trying to bond in a bar when Cate encourages C.J. to take his grandfather out after he is dumped…

Mall in the Family
Episode 16. Mall in the Family
2004-03-16 · 22 min

After Kerry is promoted to assistant manager at a fast food restaurant in the mall, Jim is hired to handle the register. Meanwhile C.J., who has been employed as a mall cop, busts Bridget for sneaking into a movie without paying, and Cate…

Let's Keep Going (1)
Episode 17. Let's Keep Going (1)
2004-03-30 · 22 min

Cate sends Bridget and Kerry to their grandmother's house for a visit after the Hennessys decide against vacationing at the family cabin. But while on their road trip to grandma's, the girls are shocked to find Cate at their father's…

Let's Keep Going (2)
Episode 18. Let's Keep Going (2)
2004-04-06 · 22 min

Upon discovering Cate in the arms of Artie, Bridget and Kerry decide to blow off their planned trip to their grandmother's and take to the open road to sort out their feelings. Meanwhile, Rory continues to pine for Rachel Sharpe, who…

C.J.'s Party
Episode 19. C.J.'s Party
2004-04-20 · 22 min

Cate banishes C.J. and grounds Bridget for going to C.J.'s college keg party. Jim has to take a written drivers exam after being pulled over with an expired license.

Mother's Day
Episode 20. Mother's Day
2004-05-04 · 22 min

After witnessing some strange behavior from Bridget and Kerry, Cate tries to find out what they are up to. Meanwhile, C.J. and Rory doubt Jim's ability to put an engine back together after he falls in love with a classic car.

The Principal
Episode 21. The Principal
2004-05-11 · 22 min

When Bridget is busted over a school dress code violation, Cate is called upon to meet with her new principal. But Cate is in for a shock when she discovers that she went to high school with him. Meanwhile, when C.J. becomes his massage…

Final Parts Un & Deux
Episode 22. Final Parts Un & Deux
2004-05-18 · 44 min

Kerry gets in the art program in Europe in the summer, but Cate forgot to submit her medical records in time. Together they appeal to principal Gibb. C.J. falls for Missy's big sister Sissy and Gramps for a woman he has a car accident with.

Season 3
Season 3
24 episodes · 2004
First Day of School
Episode 1. First Day of School
2004-09-24 · 22 min

Knowing that Kerry is dragging her feet over breaking up with Kyle, Bridget takes it upon herself to do it for her sister. Meanwhile, Cate is offered the position of school nurse and Rory's first day of high school proves embarrassing…

Changes
Episode 2. Changes
2004-10-01 · 22 min

The kids question Cate's motives when they return from their summer getaways and discover that she has bought a new bed and changed her hairstyle. Meanwhile, after traveling through Europe over the summer, Kerry met and had a fling with a…

School Nurse
Episode 3. School Nurse
2004-10-08 · 22 min

After Cate accepts the position of school nurse, Bridget and Kerry are convinced that she only took the job to spy on them. Rory is ecstatic that his mom might be able to protect him from a school bully.

Out of the Box
Episode 4. Out of the Box
2004-10-15 · 22 min

Kerry is livid when Bridget unintentionally makes a mockery out of her art project at the mall. But she forgets about Bridget when a fellow artist asks her out on a date. While C.J. finds himself striking out at speed dating, Jim…

Car Trouble
Episode 5. Car Trouble
2004-10-22 · 22 min

Kate gives Bridget and Kerry the keys to the minivan, provided they drive Rory wherever he needs to go. But when the girls repeatedly fail to drive him, he attempts to drive himself, wrecking the car in the process.

Halloween
Episode 6. Halloween
2004-10-29 · 22 min

Kerry doubts Bridget's ability to put together the school's Halloween party as part of her Student Body President duties. C.J. is hired as the party's security guard and sets his sights on catching Rory pulling off a prank. Jim finds…

Coach
Episode 7. Coach
2004-11-05 · 22 min

Bridget is psyched to join the high school tennis team when she develops a crush on Coach Scott. But her infatuation soon turns to disgust when she learns that Scott has a crush on Cate. Meanwhile, Kerry and Rory begin to question the…

Secrets
Episode 8. Secrets
2004-11-12 · 22 min

Everyone fears the ringing of the phone when they all keep secrets from each other. Rory refuses to divulge the identity of the student responsible for beating him up at school. Bridget and Kerry use fake IDs to get into a club, where…

Thanksgiving
Episode 9. Thanksgiving
2004-11-26 · 22 min

While the family prepares Thanksgiving dinner for Cate to give her some much needed time off, she's left with nothing to do until she brings home an unexpected guest while on an errand. While C.J. deep-fries the turkey, Bridget and Kerry…

Vanity Unfair
Episode 10. Vanity Unfair
2004-12-03 · 22 min

After Bridget is turned down for a role in a sports car commercial, Jim discovers that the head of the modeling agency who rejected her is an old flame. When he tries to persuade her to reconsider his granddaughter, Jim soon finds himself…

Princetown Girl
Episode 11. Princetown Girl
2004-12-10 · 22 min

Bridget is ecstatic when she learns that tennis scouts from Princeton are coming to her school to watch her play for a possible scholarship. But when Bridget's school forbids her to play because of a poor grade, Cate has to decide whether…

A Very C.J. Christmas
Episode 12. A Very C.J. Christmas
2004-12-17 · 22 min

To keep C.J. from spending Christmas alone in Las Vegas, the Hennessy household bends over backwards to recreate one of Cate's first holiday memories to entice him to stay. Meanwhile, Rory decides to break up with his wealthy girlfriend…

The Sub
Episode 13. The Sub
2005-01-07 · 22 min

Cate is shocked to discover that Principal Gibb has hired C.J. as a substitute teacher. When C.J. catches Rory cheating on a test, he is torn about reporting it as Cate tries to persuade him to look the other way. Meanwhile, when Bridget…

C.J.'s Temptation
Episode 14. C.J.'s Temptation
2005-01-07 · 22 min

While Cate finds herself becoming jealous of Principal Ed Gibb's new girlfriend, C.J. is asked by Ed to help tutor Cheryl for her GEDs -- and finds himself unwittingly being hit on by her. Meanwhile, Rory feels awkward after Cate…

Old Flame
Episode 15. Old Flame
2005-01-14 · 22 min

After sending an email to former college flame Matt to see how he's been doing over the years, Cate becomes fed up with the unreasonable demands of her family and locks herself in her room for some alone time. But she's shocked when Matt…

Closure
Episode 16. Closure
2005-01-21 · 22 min

When Cate and C.J. discover that Kerry has been e-mailing Bruno, they secretly try to snoop in her computer to find out what the two have been up to. Unbeknownst to them, Bruno is hiding in the attic, while Bridget tries her best to talk…

Volleybrawl
Episode 17. Volleybrawl
2005-01-28 · 22 min

Cate's alleged antics at Kerry's volleyball game threaten to make her team forfeit the match. Meanwhile, C.J. has a crush on Kerry's volleyball coach and Bridget becomes upset when one of her friends begins dating her ex-boyfriend.

Freaky Friday
Episode 18. Freaky Friday
2005-02-04 · 22 min

After falling asleep while watching Freaky Friday, Cate awakens to find that she and Bridget have switched bodies. C.J. and Jim have also trade places as well as Rory and his hamster. Only Kerry is spared and enjoys their predicament.

Torn Between Two Lovers
Episode 19. Torn Between Two Lovers
2005-02-11 · 22 min

Valentine's Day finds C.J. in a predicament when he commits to two different Valentine's Day dates. Meanwhile, Bridget's excitement over being elected to the court of the Valentine's Day dance quickly turns to shock when she discovers…

C.J.'s Real Dad
Episode 20. C.J.'s Real Dad
2005-02-18 · 22 min

C.J. is shocked and delighted when he meets his biological father for the first time. But Jim doesn't trust the man and thinks he may have ulterior motives for the visit.

The After Party
Episode 21. The After Party
2005-03-04 · 22 min

After turning down Bridget's request to throw an after-prom party in a hotel room, Cate decides to throw a school- sanctioned party at the house which totally embarrasses her kids. Meanwhile, Kerry tries to make a political statement by…

The Teachers Lounge
Episode 22. The Teachers Lounge
2005-04-01 · 22 min

Officially a full-time teacher, C.J. is overjoyed to finally get access to the teachers' lounge. But he soon finds himself being bullied out of the room by the school's overzealous Home Ec instructor. Rory wants to impress a girl, so…

The Sleepover
Episode 23. The Sleepover
2005-04-08 · 22 min

After Principal Gibb and Cate fall asleep at the house while watching a movie, the family catches them and falsely assumes that the two are having a relationship. Bridget, Kerry, Rory and C.J. are forced to go ice-fishing with Jim in…

Ditch Day
Episode 24. Ditch Day
2005-04-15 · 22 min

After C.J. discovers that Cate may be starting a relationship with Principal Gibb, he blabs it to Bridget. An angry Cate has Gibb put C.J. in charge of the student detention on Ditch Day, and C.J. gets even by detaining Bridget. Because…

Cast by season
Katey Sagal
Katey Sagal
Cate Hennessy
Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco
Bridget Hennessy
Amy Davidson
Amy Davidson
Kerry Hennessy
Martin Spanjers
Martin Spanjers
Rory Hennessy
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