Network: ABC
Episodes: 76 (half-hour)
Seasons: Three
TV show dates: September 17, 2002 — April 15, 2005
Series status: Cancelled/ended
Performers include: Katey Sagal, Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson, Martin Spanjers, James Garner, David Spade, John Ritter, Billy Aaron Brown, Adam Arkin, Larry Miller, Nikki Danielle Moore, Liam Kyle Sullivan, Cole Williams, Nicole Mansour, Thad Luckinbill, Artie Anderson, Howard Alonzo, Amanda MacDonald, Daniella Monet, Marisa Theodore, Wendie Jo Sperber, John Ratzenberger, and Suzanne Pleshette.
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TV show description:
Based on the writings of humor author W. Bruce Cameron, this sitcom revolves around the Hennessys, a typical middle class family living in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan.
Sportswriter and father Paul Hennessy (John Ritter) feels guilty about missing out on his children’s’ early years. So, when his wife Cate (Katey Sagal) returns to work as a full-time nurse, Paul decides to quit his job, begin running the household, and to start to “take care of the kids.”
The problem is that they aren’t still the adorable little children that he remembers; they’re a trio of independent teenagers — beautiful and popular Bridget (Kelly Cuoco); sarcastic middle child Kerry (Amy Davidson); and Rory (Martin Spanjers), the scheming and smart-alecky younger brother.
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Feeling overwhelmed and missing his days as a sports columnist, Paul begins writing a column from home about his struggles as a stay-at-home parent and to offer advice to others who are experiencing the same challenges.
When Ritter unexpectedly died in 2003, the producers decided to keep the show going and his character died off-camera on the show. Cate’s father, a man in the middle of his own divorce crisis, Jim Egan (James Garner), moves in to help his grieving daughter and grandchildren adjust to their new life.
Cate’s very immature nephew, C.J. (David Spade), moves into the house’s basement with Grandfather Jim and frustrates him and the rest of the family to no end.
Episode 76 — Ditch Day
Cate and Principal Gibbs’ relationship starts to get serious and the family “enjoys” Ditch Day at school. Read a full description of this last episode.
First aired: April 15, 2005.
There’s been no news of plans to revive the show.
Behind the Scenes
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| • | The second season ranked 46th in the ratings but dropped to 90th for the third season. The fall in ratings convinced the network that it was time to cancel the program. |
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| • | Nicole Richie appears in the series finale as an ill-tempered detention detainee. |
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Hello!!!
I can only say that I love John Ritter.
I miss him so so much!
I love the couple Sagal & Ritter and I am looking for every shows, interwievs, videos with them!!
for example I will pay any price to see:
8 Simple Rules behind the scenes
8 Simple Rules promos (2002)
8 Simple Rules billboard Entertainment Tonight (2002)
Christmas in Aspen (2002)
8SR bake sale fundrasier (2003)
Who can help me in this search?
Thank you!
Dear ABC Family
I like that show. The reason I buy that show because my father the characters in that show.
sincerely
John Hill
This was a warm and funny show before and after John’s early departure. The Writers and Producers did a great job in re-working the show and adding in the right characters to make up for the void that John left. I never missed an episode and was sad to hear it wasn’t coming back for a fourth season. I believe that this was John Ritter’s best comedy series well over “Three’s Company.” He was a great talent and will continue to be missed…