8 Simple Rules Episode Guide

Episode Guide

8 Simple Rules: Season 3 (2004 - 2005)

• Season 3 Episode 24: Ditch Day

  Cate strikes back against CJ for starting rumours about her involvement with Principal Gibb by putting him in detention. One of the fellow detainees is Bridget, who convinces Rory and Kerry to steal the mascot of a rival school. Nicole Richie guest stars

• Season 3 Episode 23: The Sleepover

  The Hennessy clan jumps to the wrong conclusion when Cate and Principal Gibb are found asleep together on the settee after watching a film. Meanwhile, Grandpa reluctantly takes the children ice-fishing

• Season 3 Episode 22: The Teachers' Lounge

  C.J. is bullied out of the teacher's lounge by the school's overzealous home economics instructor; Rory gets a makeover to impress a girl.

• Season 3 Episode 21: The After Party

  Cate's decision to hold a party at home causes embarrassment for the children. Meanwhile, Kerry tries to make a political statement by inviting a girl to the prom

• Season 3 Episode 20: CJ's Real Dad

  C.J.'s father, a motivational speaker, comes to town to reunite with his son, but when he uses the reunion to spark book sales, C.J. must make a decision.

• Season 3 Episode 19: Torn Between Two Lovers

  CJ finds himself in a predicament when he winds up with two Valentine's Day dates. Meanwhile, Bridget's excitement at being in the running to win the Queen of Hearts crown is dampened when she realises she is up against busty blonde Cheryl. Pamela Anderson guest stars

• Season 3 Episode 18: Freaky Friday

  The Hennessys watch Freaky Friday, before falling asleep. When they awake, everyone has swapped bodies with someone else - except Kerry, who enjoys her family's turmoil

• Season 3 Episode 17: Volleybrawl

  Cate's alleged antics at Kerry's volleyball game jeopardise the team's chances of winning the match. CJ develops a crush on the coach, while Bridget is less than happy when her friend begins dating her former boyfriend. Comedy, guest starring Gabrielle Reece

• Season 3 Episode 16: Closure

  Cate and CJ discover Kerry has been e-mailing a boy she met in Europe, but do not realise she has invited him to stay - and he is living in the attic. Comedy, starring Katey Sagal

• Season 3 Episode 15: Old Flame

  After growing disenchanted with her family life, Cate is whisked off her feet by an old flame, but finds that she has grown up while he has remained the same. Guest starring Ed O'Neill

• Season 3 Episode 14: CJ's Temptation

  CJ is put in an awkward position when the head teacher's new girlfriend makes advances toward him, while Cate walks in on Rory during a private moment

• Season 3 Episode 13: The Sub

  Cate is shocked to discover Principal Gibb has hired CJ to be a substitute teacher, and Rory feels awkward after being caught in a compromising position

• Season 3 Episode 12: A Very CJ Christmas

  The Hennessys re-create one of Cate's earliest seasonal memories to entice CJ to spend Christmas with them rather than alone in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Rory decides to break up with his wealthy girlfriend because he cannot afford to buy her an expensive gift. Katey Sagal and Kaley Cuoco star

• Season 3 Episode 11: Princetown Girl

  Bridget learns she cannot play in an important tennis match, due to be attended by talent scouts from Princeton, prompting Cate to consider using her influence as school nurse to help her out. With Kaley Cuoco

• Season 3 Episode 10: Vanity Unfair

  Jim tries to find out why Bridget was turned down for a role in an advert for a sports car, but is surprised to find the head of the modelling agency is an old flame, and rekindles their relationship. Guest starring Raquel Welch

• Season 3 Episode 9: Thanksgiving Guest

  The family attempt to make Thanksgiving dinner to give Cate a break, but things don't go smoothly. CJ tries to deep-fry the turkey, Bridget and Kerry clash over pie recipes, Jim has to repair the television and an unexpected guest turns up

• Season 3 Episode 8: Secrets

  Cate is pursued by a secret admirer, while Bridget and Kerry try out their fake IDs, and Rory refuses to tell anyone who beat him up

• Season 3 Episode 7: Coach

  Bridget develops a crush on the tennis coach, then learns that the coach has a crush on Cate; Kerry and Rory question the veracity of Jim's war stories.

• Season 3 Episode 6: Hallowe'en

  In her role as president of the student body, Bridget has to organise the school Hallowe'en dance, but she is in danger of being distracted by Pete. CJ admits he dislikes the day's traditions and Jim is attacked by a rowdy gang of trick-or-treaters

• Season 3 Episode 5: Car Trouble

  Bridget and Kerry are allowed to use the minivan on the strict understanding they chauffeur Rory wherever he needs to go - but fail to keep their promise, prompting him to take matters into his own hands. Comedy, starring Kaley Cuoco and Amy Davidson

• Season 3 Episode 4: Out of the Box

  Kerry is annoyed when Bridget inadvertently mocks one of her art exhibits at the mall, but an attractive fellow artist takes her mind off it. Meanwhile Jim tries speed-dating and finds himself a success with the ladies - much to CJ's dismay

• Season 3 Episode 3: School Nurse

  The girls grow suspicious of Cate's motives for taking the job as school nurse, but Rory is pleased that his mother will be on hand to rescue him from his bully. Meanwhile, Kerry's secret is accidentally broadcast to the whole school

• Season 3 Episode 2: First Day of School

  Rory faces embarrassment in the showers on his first day at high school. Bridget interferes in Kerry's personal affairs and Principal Gibb offers Cate a job as a school nurse. Comedy, starring Katey Sagal and Amy Davidson

• Season 3 Episode 1: Changes

  The girls grow suspicious when they return from holiday to find Cate has bought a new bed and changed her hairstyle. After a fling abroad, Kerry is unsure what to do about her current boyfriend. Comedy, starring Katey Sagal and Amy Davidson

8 Simple Rules: Season 2 (2003 - 2004)

• Season 2 Episode 24: Finale : Part Deux

  Part two of two. Cate finds out the truth about the sit-in and pledges to set the record straight with Principal Gibb, while Jim heads for Florida in a bid to win back his wife. Meanwhile, Kerry is annoyed when Bridget is elected Student Body President

• Season 2 Episode 23: Finale : Part Un

  Part one of two. Cate is forced to eat humble pie in front of Principal Gibb when she forgets to return an important document to school. Rory plays a devious joke on CJ when he sets him up with girlfriend Missy's engaged sister. Guest starring Adam Arkin

• Season 2 Episode 22: The Principal

  Cate leaves a bad impression on Bridget and Kerry's new head teacher, completely forgetting they attended high school together. Katey Sagal and Kaley Cuoco star

• Season 2 Episode 21: Mother's Day

  Cate grows suspicious as Bridget and Kerry try to arrange a Mother's Day surprise for her. Jim falls in love with a classic car - putting his mechanical skills to the test. Katey Sagal and James Garner star

• Season 2 Episode 20: CJ's Party

  Cate is furious with Bridget for going to CJ's college party, and Jim has to take a written driver's test after being stopped by police and found to be driving with an expired licence. With Katey Sagal and David Spade, and guest star Erik von Detten

• Season 2 Episode 19: Let's Keep Going - Part Two

  Part two of two. Shocked at the sight of Cate with another man, Bridget and Kerry decide not to visit their grandmother and take to the open road in a bid to sort out their feelings

• Season 2 Episode 18: Let's Keep Going - Part One

  Part one of two. When the family decide against taking their holiday at the cabin, Bridget and Kerry are sent to stay with their grandmother. However, en route to stay with their relative, the girls are shocked to find Cate at their father Paul's favourite bar talking to a stranger

• Season 2 Episode 17: Mall in the Family

  Kerry is promoted to assistant manager at a fast-food restaurant in the mall, but soon finds herself having to decide whether to fire Jim. CJ is employed as a security guard and apprehends Bridget for sneaking into a film without paying, while Cate catches Rory selling worthless family items on the internet

• Season 2 Episode 16: Daddy's Girl

  Jim's wife leaves him, and Kerry annoys Bridget by dying her hair blonde. Meanwhile, the family therapist convinces Cate that she should pursue her dream of becoming a singer

• Season 2 Episode 15: Opposites Attract - Part Three: Night of the Locust

  Part three of three. Jim falls for PTA member Ms McKenna. Bridget is emotionally torn about her feelings for Jeremy when her former boyfriend arrives in town, and Kerry is outraged to discover provocative dancing has been banned from the high-school formal. Tatum O'Neal guest stars

• Season 2 Episode 14: Opposites Attract - Part Two

  Part two of three. Bridget tries to start a relationship with new tutor Jeremy, while Jim clears out the basement to create some space of his own - only to find himself forced to share it with a homeless CJ. Starring David Spade and James Garner

• Season 2 Episode 13: Opposites Attract - Part One

  Bridget's friends suspect she is falling for her shy, brainy tutor (Jonathan Taylor Thomas); Kyle indulges in old-fashioned romance on St. Valentine's Day; Jim sends C.J. on an errand that takes him to Canada.

• Season 2 Episode 12: Consequences

  Rory steals a police dog to make a name for himself at school, then the dog sniffs out marijuana in Kerry's bag; Bridget refuses to wear a helmet while riding on her boyfriend's motorcycle.

• Season 2 Episode 11: Get Real

  Cate's wayward nephew CJ drops in to pay his respects to the recently deceased Paul, but soon lands himself in trouble, while Kerry's good turn for Bridget creates an awkward situation. Starring James Garner and David Space

• Season 2 Episode 10: YMCA

  Cate orders Kerry, Rory and Jim join the YMCA; Rory falls for a yoga instructor (Lisa Rinna); Jim punches a man for making a lewd remark about Bridget.

• Season 2 Episode 9: The Story of Anne Frank and Skeevy

  Bridget lands the lead role as Anne Frank in the school play, but has misgivings about whether she is right for the role. Rory's obsession with a dummy named Skeevy provokes concern among the Hennessy family

• Season 2 Episode 8: The First Thanksgiving

  Rory discovers Bridget and Kerry are hoping to attend a party with their boyfriends during the holiday. Cate plans a Thanksgiving dinner to raise the family's spirits, and Laura visits Jim at the Hennessy house. Martin Spanjers, Katey Sagal and Kaley Cuoco star

• Season 2 Episode 7: What Dad Would Want

  Cate urges Rory to try out for the basketball team because it would have made his father proud; the sisters manage to refrain from fighting until Bridget accidentally destroys Kerry's collage honoring Paul.

• Season 2 Episode 6: No Right Way

  Cate is unprepared for the children's reactions on their first day back at school after Paul's death, and Jim finds he may have outstayed his welcome after he makes a few questionable DIY decisions

• Season 2 Episode 5: Goodbye - Part Two

  Part two of two. The Hennessy family discover the final article written by Paul before his death, and Cate reads it to her children. Meanwhile, Bridget finds it difficult to live with the last conversation she had with her father

• Season 2 Episode 4: Goodbye - Part One

  Part one of two. Cate's parents help console their daughter and grandchildren as they struggle to cope with Paul's death. James Garner guest stars

• Season 2 Episode 3: Donny Goes AWOL

  Bridget sends Donny a video message telling him their relationship is over. Paul is notified of a prankster terrorising the neighbourhood - but is unaware the culprit may be living under his roof. Family comedy, with John Ritter's final appearance as the despairing father

• Season 2 Episode 2: Sex Ed

  Cate is asked to fill in as the sex education instructor at school, while Paul and Kerry watch a foreign film - but find themselves mortified with embarrassment by its sexually explicit nature. Katey Sagal stars

• Season 2 Episode 1: Premiere

  Cate suspects she may be pregnant, but is dismayed by her family's selfish reactions. Kerry's relationship with Kyle makes her extremely popular at school, while Bridget finds herself left out in the cold

8 Simple Rules: Season 1 (2002 - 2003)

• Season 1 Episode 28: Sort of Officer and a Gentleman - Part Two

  Part two of two. Bridget finds it difficult to stay faithful to Donny, and the relationship between Cate and her sister Maggie becomes increasingly strained. Paul discovers a pregnancy testing kit in the bin, and model student Kerry gets suspended from school

• Season 1 Episode 27: Sort of Officer and a Gentleman - Part One

  Part one of two. Bridget begins to date Donny Doyle, the next-door neighbour's perfect son, but worries about committing to him with so much temptation around. Meanwhile, Paul invites Cate's sister Maggie to stay with them. Comedy, guest starring Cybill Shepherd

• Season 1 Episode 26: The Doyle Wedding

  The Hennesseys get more than they bargained for when they are invited to a neighbour's wedding. John Ratzenberger and Shelley Long guest star

• Season 1 Episode 25: Bake Sale

  Kerry joins in the Great American Bake Sale, and Bridget has to take care of a 'flour baby' for a school assignment. Comedy, starring Amy Davidson

• Season 1 Episode 24: Queen Bees and King Bees

  Bridget and Paul find themselves in the unaccustomed position of becoming alienated from their respective social circles. Unhappy in the role of outsiders, they devise a plan to settle the score. John Ritter stars

• Season 1 Episode 23: Career Woman

  Cate is offered a promotion and has to spend longer hours at the hospital, leaving Paul to take care of the children. To pass the time, he decides to introduce Rory to baseball card-collecting - but the youngster soon spices up his new hobby. Comedy, starring John Ritter

• Season 1 Episode 22: Good Mums Gone Wild

  Paul and Cate are shocked to see news footage of Bridget and Kerry's wild antics - but before they can be punished, Cate's youthful excursions come back to haunt her. Rory befriends an elderly gentleman whose stories about World War Two turn out to be more fiction than fact. Ed Marinaro guest stars

• Season 1 Episode 21: Kerry's Video

  Kerry documents a day in her sister's life in an effort to prove attractive people have a much easier time of things. Comedy, starring Katey Sagal

• Season 1 Episode 20: Every Picture Tells a Story

  A misunderstanding leads Rory to steal a photo from the house of a racing driver - but it is Paul who comes under suspicion for the crime when a security camera films him trying to return the item. John Ritter and Martin Spanjers star

• Season 1 Episode 19: Cool Parent

  Paul falls asleep while supervising a party, which gets out of control - earning him the admiration of local youngsters. Their parents, however, are less impressed and think he's hopelessly unreliable

• Season 1 Episode 18: Drummer Boy : Part Two

  Part two of two. Bridget drives to an Ohio college with Kerry to meet up with drum instructor Ben. Meanwhile, Rory tries to find an easy way to write a book report without actually reading the assigned novel

• Season 1 Episode 17: Drummer Boy : Part One

  Part one of two. Bridget takes up the drums in the hope of realising her dream of being in an all-girl group. However, she falls for the teacher her father has hired to help and sneaks off to see him play with his band. Nick Carter guest stars

• Season 1 Episode 16: Come and Knock on Our Door

  Discovering that Kyle kissed Kerry at a party, Bridget gives her sister the silent treatment. Meanwhile, Paul has a disturbing dream. John Ritter and Kaley Cuoco star

• Season 1 Episode 15: Kerry's Big Adventure

  When Kerry and her boyfriend split up, Bridget takes her to a party to lift her mood and she finds a new, far more controversial love interest. Meanwhile, Paul and Cate investigate the items in Rory's secret box. Starring Amy Davidson and Kaley Cuoco

• Season 1 Episode 14: Career Choices

  Kerry plays a practical joke on the school principal, while Bridget decides to skip classes to concentrate on becoming a beautician - much to Paul's disappointment. Starring Amy Davidson and Kaley Cuoco

• Season 1 Episode 13: Rory's Got a Girlfriend

  Paul allows 13-year-old Rory to go on his first date - much to the dismay of Bridget and Kerry, who complain they were not allowed to go out with boys when they were his age. Kaley Cuoco and Amy Davidson star

• Season 1 Episode 12: All I Want for Christmas

  Paul tries to give the children a Christmas to remember and Kerry finds a stray dog. Meanwhile, Cate is overjoyed at being asked to sing a solo at the church's midnight service, but fears the sight of her family there will make her nervous

• Season 1 Episode 11: Paul Meets His Match

  Paul discovers he has a lot in common with his new editor (Patrick Warburton); Paul forbids the girls inviting their boyfriends to Thanksgiving Day dinner.

• Season 1 Episode 10: Give It Up

  Paul challenges everyone in the family to give up their bad habits for one week, and whoever wins gets to choose their holiday destination. However, the contest is threatened with ruin by the family's various vices. Starring John Ritter and Katey Sagal

• Season 1 Episode 9: Two Boys for Every Girl

  Kyle and Bridget to split up when one of Paul's plans backfires. Meanwhile, Kerry's first date goes well - until the boy in question doesn't return her phone calls. Starring John Spitter and Katey Sagal

• Season 1 Episode 8: By the Book

  Paul consults a parenting book in a desperate attempt to regain his daughters' love and respect - but the girls find out, and use the discovery to manipulate him into letting them attend a rock concert. John Ritter and Katey Sagal star

• Season 1 Episode 7: Trick or Treehouse

  Paul insists on having a family get-together in the old treehouse on Hallowe'en - with surprising consequences. John Ritter stars

• Season 1 Episode 6: Cheerleader

  Bridget becomes jealous when Kerry is chosen for the cheerleading team. Meanwhile, Paul tries to wean Rory off video games. John Ritter and Katey Sagal star

• Season 1 Episode 5: Son-in-Law

  Kerry is furious to learn Paul is bending the household curfew for Bridget just because she is dating the best sportsman in the state - high-school basketball star Travis 'the Rainman' Smith. John Ritter and Katey Sagal star

• Season 1 Episode 4: Wings

  Kerry plucks up the courage to enter an art competition, only to suffer the disappointment of having her work rejected. Meanwhile, Paul thwarts Bridget's attempts to take her driving test. John Ritter and Amy Davidson star

• Season 1 Episode 3: Bridget's First Job

  To boost her finances, Bridget gets a job at a fashionable clothing shop that offers a hefty staff discount - but Paul and Cate worry she is not learning the true value of money. Kaley Cuoco stars

• Season 1 Episode 2: Wall of Shame

  Cate sets off to attend a seminar, while Bridget is accused of shoplifting at a local chemist's shop and finds her picture has been exhibited for all to see on a public 'wall of shame'

• Season 1 Episode 1: Pilot

  Sports writer Paul Hennessy is forced to view fatherhood differently when his wife returns to full-time work, and their daughter Kerry is suspended from school for truancy. First episode of the American comedy, starring John Ritter, Katey Sagal and Amy Davidson