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8 Simple Rules
RELEASED·SERIES·EN

8 Simple Rules

Tue, Sep 17, 2002
  • Comedy
  • Drama
Series · Synopsis

Synopsis

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.

Trailer

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Where to watch

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  • ABC↗
Cast

Top of the call sheet

  • Katey Sagal
    Katey Sagal
    as Cate Hennessy
  • Kaley Cuoco
    Kaley Cuoco
    as Bridget Hennessy
  • Amy Davidson
    Amy Davidson
    as Kerry Hennessy
  • Martin Spanjers
    Martin Spanjers
    as Rory Hennessy
  • James Garner
    James Garner
    as Jim Egan
  • David Spade
    David Spade
    as C.J. Barnes
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Episodes

3 seasons · 76 episodes

Ended · 76 aired
Season 1
28 episodes · 28 aired
▾
  • E1
    Pilot
    Aired · Wed, Sep 18, 2002 · 30m

    Bridget doesn't tell the truth about where she's going and Kerry is suspended from school.

  • E2
    Wall of Shame
    Aired · Wed, Sep 25, 2002 · 30m

    Paul's goal to watch a football game runs into interference from the kids.

  • E3
    Bridget's First Job
    Aired · Wed, Oct 2, 2002 · 30m

    Bridget gets a job at a clothing store to learn the value of a dollar, but she's more interested in the value of the employee discount.

  • E4
    Wings
    Aired · Wed, Oct 9, 2002 · 30m

    Paul keeps trying to prevent Bridget from taking a driver's test; Kerry enters an art competition.

  • E5
    Son-in-Law
    Aired · Wed, Oct 16, 2002 · 30m

    Paul fully approves of Bridget's new boyfriend, whose father is a baseball legend.

  • E6
    Cheerleader
    Aired · Wed, Oct 23, 2002 · 30m

    Bridget jumps at the chance to try out for an opening on the school's cheerleading squad.

  • E7
    Trick or Treehouse
    Aired · Wed, Oct 30, 2002 · 30m

    The rest of the family tries to get out of spending one last family Halloween in their treehouse, while Paul tries everything to make them stay.

  • E8
    By the Book
    Aired · Wed, Nov 6, 2002 · 30m

    When they find out that Paul is reading a book on parenting, the girls try to get a chapter ahead of him.

  • E9
    Two Boys for Every Girl
    Aired · Wed, Nov 13, 2002 · 30m

    After learning about Kyle's new job, Bridget dates another boy; Kerry wants to be allowed to have a first date.

  • E10
    Give It Up
    Aired · Wed, Nov 20, 2002 · 30m

    Paul starts a contest to see who in the family can last the longest without a favorite thing. The winner chooses their vacation site.

  • E11
    Paul Meets His Match
    Aired · Wed, Nov 27, 2002 · 30m

    Paul meets his new editor, who has twice as many daughters and double Paul's concerns.

  • E12
    All I Want for Christmas
    Aired · Wed, Dec 11, 2002 · 30m

    As the Hennessys prepare for Christmas, Paul wants to have the brightest house lights and Kerry finds a stray dog.

  • E13
    Rory's Got a Girlfriend
    Aired · Wed, Dec 18, 2002 · 30m

    The girls are not pleased when Paul bends the rules that applied to them and allows Rory to go on a date.

  • E14
    Career Choices
    Aired · Wed, Jan 8, 2003 · 30m

    Bridget says that, instead of going to college, she wants to attend beauty school; Paul shows Kerry's artwork to the principal.

  • E15
    Kerry's Big Adventure
    Aired · Wed, Jan 22, 2003 · 30m

    Paul agrees to let Bridget attend a party only if she brings Kerry, who's unhappy after breaking up with her boyfriend.

  • E16
    Come and Knock on Our Door
    Aired · Wed, Jan 29, 2003 · 30m

    Paul has a dream in which his daughters are living "Three's Company"-style with Kyle.

  • E17
    Drummer Boy: Part 1
    Aired · Wed, Feb 5, 2003 · 30m

    Bridget's upset because Paul won't let her date a drum instructor; Kerry's angry at Jason over a compliment.

  • E18
    Drummer Boy: Part 2
    Aired · Wed, Feb 12, 2003 · 30m

    Bridget and Kerry drive to see Ben at his dorm; Rory reads "To Kill a Mockingbird."

  • E19
    Cool Parent
    Aired · Wed, Feb 19, 2003 · 30m

    After Paul becomes a "cool parent" to his daughters' friends, Cate warns him that it may not last long.

  • E20
    Every Picture Tells a Story
    Aired · Wed, Feb 26, 2003 · 30m

    Paul's all revved up at the prospect of writing the biography of a race-car driver.

  • E21
    Kerry's Video
    Aired · Wed, Mar 12, 2003 · 30m

    When Bridget tapes over a video Kerry was using for a school project, Paul insists that Bridget cooperate on Kerry's replacement project. Kerry's theme: how the "beautiful" Bridget uses her looks to get her way. This annoys Bridget because she thinks it makes her look shallow (it does). So she takes up tennis---to give her "depth."

  • E22
    Good Moms Gone Wild
    Aired · Wed, Mar 26, 2003 · 30m

    The Hennessys vacation at Cate's parents' Florida condo, where Rory befriends a senior citizen and Cate's old boyfriend turns up.

  • E23
    Career Woman
    Aired · Sat, Mar 29, 2003 · 30m

    Cate has to work more hours at the hospital; Paul tries to interest Rory in baseball trading cards.

  • E24
    Queen Bees and King Bees
    Aired · Wed, Apr 9, 2003 · 30m

    Bridget and Paul have problems with rivalry; Bridget with Paul's boss's daughter, Paul with his boss.

  • E25
    Bake Sale
    Aired · Wed, Apr 30, 2003 · 30m

    Bridget plays mother to a sack of flour for a health-class project; Kerry gets involved in baking to raise money for charity.

  • E26
    The Doyle Wedding
    Aired · Wed, May 7, 2003 · 30m

    The annoyingly cheerful Doyles dine at the Hennessys and ask them to be part of a wedding.

  • E27
    Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman: Part 1
    Aired · Wed, May 14, 2003 · 30m

    Cate's moody sister pays a visit. Meanwhile, Bridget dates Donny Doyle; and Kerry pursues Kyle.

  • E28
    Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman: Part 2
    Aired · Wed, May 21, 2003 · 30m

    Maggie returns with a new look and a cheery disposition; and Paul finds a home pregnancy test.

Season 2
24 episodes · 24 aired
▾
  • E1
    Premiere
    Aired · Wed, Sep 24, 2003 · 30m

    The family reacts to Cate's possible pregnancy.

  • E2
    Sex Ed
    Aired · Wed, Oct 1, 2003 · 30m

    Bridget is upset when the sex-education teacher for her class is Cate; Kerry's a changed person since she's been dating Kyle.

  • E3
    Donny Goes AWOL
    Aired · Wed, Oct 8, 2003 · 30m

    The Hennessys have problems with the Doyles when Bridget breaks up with Donny.

  • E4
    Goodbye: Part 1
    Aired · Wed, Nov 5, 2003 · 30m

    Following Paul's death, Cate's separated parents come to visit and offer emotional support to the family.

  • E5
    Goodbye: Part 2
    Aired · Wed, Nov 5, 2003 · 30m

    Cate's separated parents offer emotional support to the family after Paul's death.

  • E6
    No Right Way
    Aired · Wed, Nov 12, 2003 · 30m

    Returning to school following their father's death, Bridget acts happy and Kerry feels guilty about expressing any joy.

  • E7
    What Dad Would Want
    Aired · Wed, Nov 19, 2003 · 30m

    Cate's bothered by everyone's sympathy; Kerry and Bridget agree not to argue; Jim and the family go to a memorial dinner.

  • E8
    The First Thanksgiving
    Aired · Wed, Nov 26, 2003 · 30m

    Cate wants to celebrate Thanksgiving with her kids and folks, but the girls want to be with their boyfriends.

  • E9
    The Story of Anne Frank and Skeevy
    Aired · Wed, Dec 24, 2003 · 30m

    Bridget surprises everyone when she gets the lead in the school play; Rory brings home a puppet.

  • E10
    YMCA
    Aired · Wed, Jan 7, 2004 · 30m

    Bridget gets a job at the gym and Cate suggests that the family would benefit from exercise.

  • E11
    Get Real
    Aired · Wed, Jan 14, 2004 · 30m

    The Hennessys are not pleased that Cate's nephew is back from the Army; among other things, he owes Jim money.

  • E12
    Consequences
    Aired · Wed, Jan 28, 2004 · 30m

    Inspired by C.J., Rory steals a high school's mascot, a drug-sniffing dog; Bridget won't wear a motorcycle helmet while riding on her boyfriend's bike.

  • E13
    Opposites Attract: Part 1
    Aired · Wed, Feb 11, 2004 · 30m

    On Valentine's Day, Bridget's boyfriend takes ill and Kerry awaits Kyle's gift.

  • E14
    Opposites Attract: Part 2
    Aired · Wed, Feb 18, 2004 · 30m

    Bridget tries to attract Jeremy; after his van burns, C.J. must share a bedroom with Jim.

  • E15
    Opposites Attract: Night of the Locust
    Aired · Wed, Feb 25, 2004 · 30m

    Bridget's ex-boyfriend returns; Kerry defies a ruling about dancing; Jim's attracted to a PTA member.

  • E16
    Daddy's Girl
    Aired · Wed, Mar 3, 2004 · 30m

    The family therapist advises Cate to sing; C.J. tries to bond with Jim; Bridget dyes Kerry's hair blonde.

  • E17
    Mall in the Family
    Aired · Wed, Mar 17, 2004 · 30m

    While Rory tries to make money selling stuff on the Internet, C.J. takes a job as a mall cop and Kerry works in a fast-food store, where she becomes her grandfather's boss.

  • E18
    Let's Keep Going: Part 1
    Aired · Wed, Mar 31, 2004 · 30m

    After the Hennessys decide not to vacation as usual at a cabin, the girls devise a plan and get a surprise concerning Cate.

  • E19
    Let's Keep Going: Part 2
    Aired · Wed, Apr 7, 2004 · 30m

    Cate tries to locate her daughters, who are driving but are unsure to where.

  • E20
    C.J.'s Party
    Aired · Wed, Apr 21, 2004 · 30m

    After she learns that Bridget attended one of CJ's college parties, Cate grounds her daughter and asks her nephew to move out.

  • E21
    Mother's Day
    Aired · Wed, May 5, 2004 · 30m

    Cate becomes suspicious about her daughters' actions; Rory begins a car-detailing service; Jim takes apart a car engine.

  • E22
    The Principal
    Aired · Wed, May 12, 2004 · 30m

    Adam Arkin joins the series as the girls' new high-school principal, who once dated Cate; Jim needs a massage and C.J. volunteers.

  • E23
    Finale Part Un
    Aired · Wed, May 19, 2004 · 30m

    Jim dates a bar owner and Cate sees more of the principal.

  • E24
    Finale Part Deux
    Aired · Wed, May 19, 2004 · 30m

    Jim contemplates a reconciliation and Cate making a "first date" with Ed.

Season 3
24 episodes · 24 aired
▾
  • E1
    First Day of School
    Aired · Sat, Sep 25, 2004 · 30m

    Knowing that Kerry is dragging her feet over breaking up with Kyle, Bridget takes it upon herself to do it for her sister -- which only makes matters worse for Kerry. Meanwhile, Cate is offered the position of school nurse by Principal Ed Gibb, and Rory's first day of high school proves embarrassing when he has to hit the showers after gym class.

  • E2
    Changes
    Aired · Sat, Oct 2, 2004 · 30m

    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 boy - which leaves Bridget jealous and Kerry wondering what to do about boyfriend Kyle; new high school Student Body President Bridget is convinced even further that life is a popularity contest after taking a trip to Washington, DC over the summer; and after a depressed Jim fails to win back the affections of his wife in Florida, Rory attempts to help him quit smoking -- which is complicated by Jim's discovery that C.J. was responsible for their irreconciliation.

  • E3
    School Nurse
    Aired · Sat, Oct 9, 2004 · 30m

    After Cate accepts the position of school nurse from Principal Gibb, Bridget and Kerry are convinced that she only took the job to spy on them -- while Rory is ecstatic that his mom might be able to protect him from a school bully. Meanwhile, after Bridget inadvertently spills the beans about Kerry losing her virginity in Europe, a shocked Cate accidentally switches on the school's P.A. system and lets the whole student body in on their ensuing conversation.

  • E4
    Out of the Box
    Aired · Sat, Oct 16, 2004 · 30m

    Kerry is livid when Bridget unintentionally makes a mockery out of her art project at the mall. But she quickly forgets about Bridget when fellow artist and young hottie Tyler asks her out on a date. However Tyler's intentions may not be completely genuine. Meanwhile, while C.J. finds himself striking out at speed dating, Jim discovers that he's a hit with the ladies-which further humiliates his socially inept grandson.

  • E5
    Car Trouble
    Aired · Sat, Oct 23, 2004 · 30m

    Bridget and Kerry are ecstatic when Cate hands them the keys to the minivan, except for one provision -- they are responsible for driving Rory wherever he needs to go. But when the girls fail to deliver on their promise to chauffeur their little brother, he takes matters into his own hands and attempts to drive himself -- and wrecks the car in the process.

  • E6
    Halloween
    Aired · Sat, Oct 30, 2004 · 30m

    Kerry doubts Bridget's ability to put together the school's Halloween party as part of her Student Body President duties. Meanwhile C.J. is hired as the party's security guard and sets his sights on catching Rory pulling off a prank, and Jim finds himself under attack by the neighborhood kids when he refuses to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters.

  • E7
    Coach
    Aired · Sat, Nov 6, 2004 · 30m

    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 authenticity of Jim's war stories while rummaging through his war chest.

  • E8
    Secrets
    Aired · Sat, Nov 13, 2004 · 30m

    Everyone in the Hennessy family fears the ringing of the phone when they all find themselves keeping secrets from one-another. Rory refuses to divulge the identity of the student responsible for bullying and beating him up at school, which leads Principal Gibb on a mission to find the culprit and tell Cate; Bridget and Kerry use fake IDs to get into a club, where Bridget meets a cute guy and gives him her phone number -- before discovering that he's a cop; Cate doesn't want the family to know that Bridget's tennis coach, Scott, is in hot pursuit to get her to go out on a date with him; and C.J. is distracted and forgets to pick up Rory's pain medication, which leads the pharmacist to call the house to find out if Rory's OK.

  • E9
    Thanksgiving Guest
    Aired · Sat, Nov 27, 2004 · 30m

    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 -- Principal Ed Gibb. Meanwhile, while C.J. deep-fries the turkey, Bridget and Kerry spar over pie recipes; Jim disassembles the TV in a shocking attempt to repair it; and Cate finds herself with an insurance adjuster the day after the holiday to find out who was responsible for burning down the garage.

  • E10
    Vanity Unfair
    Aired · Sat, Dec 4, 2004 · 30m

    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 his old flame, Jackie. When he tries to persuade her to reconsider his granddaughter, Jim soon finds himself reminiscing about old times -- and possibly rekindling their romance. Meanwhile, Kerry and Rory discover a secret about C.J.'s past modeling experiences.

  • E11
    Princetown Girl
    Aired · Sat, Dec 11, 2004 · 30m

    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 to use her clout as school nurse to help her daughter out. Meanwhile, Jim promises a nervous C.J. that he'll give up his room if he can spend one night alone in the attic.

  • E12
    A Very C.J. Christmas
    Aired · Sat, Dec 18, 2004 · 30m

    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 when he fears that he won't be able to buy her a Christmas gift worthy of her upper class status.

  • E13
    The Sub
    Aired · Sat, Jan 8, 2005 · 30m

    Cate is shocked to discover that Principal Gibb has hired C.J. to be a substitute teacher at the high school. But when C.J. catches Rory cheating on a test, he is torn about reporting it when Cate tries to persuade him to look the other way. Meanwhile, when Bridget breaks her leg because of Kerry's blunder, she makes her little sister's life a living nightmare.

  • E14
    C.J.'s Temptation
    Aired · Sat, Jan 8, 2005 · 30m

    While Cate finds herself becoming jealous of Principal Ed Gibb's new girlfriend, Cheryl, C.J. is asked by Ed to help tutor Cheryl for her G.E.D.s -- and finds himself unwittingly being hit on by her. Meanwhile, Rory feels awkward after Cate accidentally interrupts him during a private moment.

  • E15
    Old Flame
    Aired · Sat, Jan 15, 2005 · 30m

    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 shows up at her window and whisks her off to re-live some adventurous, old times - then she begins to question if his rebel lifestyle is just a front.

  • E16
    Closure
    Aired · Sat, Jan 22, 2005 · 30m

    When Cate and C.J. discover that Kerry has been e-mailing Bruno -- the boy she had a fling with in Europe -- they secretly try to snoop in her computer to find out what the two have been up to. But unbeknownst to them, Bruno is in the house and hidden in the attic by Kerry, while Bridget tries her best to talk her little sister out of doing something she may regret. Meanwhile, Jim discovers Rory's clandestine poker game and decides to deal himself in to teach Rory and his friends a lesson about gambling.

  • E17
    Volleybrawl
    Aired · Sat, Jan 29, 2005 · 30m

    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.

  • E18
    Freaky Friday
    Aired · Sat, Feb 5, 2005 · 30m

    After watching the film "Freaky Friday," Cate awakens to find that she has switched bodies with Bridget, C.J. has changed places with Jim, and Rory has swapped places with his hamster. The only one not affected is Kerry - who begins to find the entire mishap amusing.

  • E19
    Torn Between Two Lovers
    Aired · Sat, Feb 12, 2005 · 30m

    Valentine's Day finds C.J. in a predicament when he commits to two different Valentine's Day dates - Principal Gibb's ex-girlfriend, Cheryl, and Bridget and Kerry's uptight math teacher, Mrs. Krupp. Meanwhile, Bridget's excitement over being elected to the court of the Valentine's Day dance -- with a chance to be crowned Queen of Hearts -- quickly turns to shock when she discovers that Cheryl is also in the running.

  • E20
    C.J.'s Real Dad
    Aired · Sat, Feb 19, 2005 · 30m

    C.J. is shocked and delighted when his biological father - a motivational speaker and "little person" - reveals himself for the first time to his wayward son. But Jim doesn't trust the man and thinks he may have ulterior motives for the visit.

  • E21
    The After Party
    Aired · Sat, Mar 5, 2005 · 30m

    After turning down Bridget's request to throw a "harmless" 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 inviting a girl to the prom, and Rory is overjoyed when a hot senior asks him to the dance.

  • E22
    The Teachers Lounge
    Aired · Sat, Apr 2, 2005 · 30m

    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, Mr. Edwards. Meanwhile Rory wants to impress a girl, so Bridget and Kerry take it upon themselves to give him a full-fledged makeover.

  • E23
    Sleepover
    Aired · Sat, Apr 9, 2005 · 30m

    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. Meanwhile, Bridget, Kerry, Rory and C.J. are forced to go ice-fishing with Jim in order to spend quality time with their grandfather - but unbeknownst to them, Jim would much rather be left alone and is forced to keep up a happy facade.

  • E24
    Ditch Day
    Aired · Sat, Apr 16, 2005 · 30m

    After C.J. discovers that Cate may be starting a clandestine relationship with Principal Gibb, he blabs it to Bridget. An angry Cate gets even by having Gibb put C.J. in charge of the detention of students on Ditch Day, and C.J. gets even by detaining Bridget. Meanwhile, because she is stuck in detention and can't complete the ditch day prank herself, Bridget convinces Kerry and Rory to steal the rival school's mascot.