8 Simple Rules (2002–2005)
"8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter" (original title)

The Hennessy clan -- mother Cate, daughters Bridget and Kerry, and son Rory -- look to one another for guidance and support after the death of Paul, the family patriarch. Cate's parents lend a hand.

Creator:

Tracy Gamble

Stars:

Katey Sagal, Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 8 wins & 12 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Katey Sagal	...	Cate Hennessy (76 episodes, 2002-2005)
Kaley Cuoco	...	Bridget Hennessy (76 episodes, 2002-2005)
Amy Davidson	...	Kerry Hennessy (76 episodes, 2002-2005)
Martin Spanjers	...	Rory Hennessy (76 episodes, 2002-2005)
James Garner	...	Jim Egan (45 episodes, 2003-2005)
David Spade	...	C.J. Barnes (38 episodes, 2004-2005)
John Ritter	...	Paul Hennessy (31 episodes, 2002-2003)
Billy Aaron Brown	...	Kyle (31 episodes, 2002-2004)

Storyline

The Hennessy clan -- mother Cate, daughters Bridget and Kerry, and son Rory -- look to one another for guidance and support after the death of Paul, the family patriarch. Cate's parents lend a hand.

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Plot Keywords:

daughter | detroit michigan | parental death | dog | eight word title | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

Kabel eins [de]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 September 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Few Simple Rules

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Television, American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Flody Co.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (76 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Plans for a spin-off revolving around Bridget going off to college never made it out of development.

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Goofs

In several episodes, characters drink "Safeway Select" colas. The Safeway Brands are only available in Safeway Company Stores in the Western US and Canada, in and around the Chicagoland area and at some select convenience stores in the Eastern US. The show takes place in Detroit, Michigan. No Safeway Company Stores exist in or around Detroit.

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Quotes

Kerry: Oh come on Dad. Do you really think that in six months I will be more prepared to date?
Paul: No, but I will.

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Crazy Credits

The opening sequence of the first season featured Kerry, Kate, Bridget and Paul each looking at Bridget's or Kerry's new date one at a time (the scene is viewed from the latter's perspective), the camera panning down to the doormat with the show's title, and finally Rory taunting the date. Rory's taunt changed in every opening sequence (although they were often repeated between non-consecutive episodes).

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Connections

Referenced in Family Guy: 8 Simple Rules for Buying My Teenage Daughter (2005)

User Reviews

John will live forever

It has been nearly five months since the passing of John Ritter and my eyes still mist at the reality that the viewing public will never again by brought to laughter or even tears by this gifted actor.

I would also like to add that in my opinion, the overall quality of situation comedies on the ABC Network has declined to a level of near-mediocrity, save maybe for shows with George Lopez, Bonnie Hunt, or Jim Belushi. But it seemed that Jonathan Southworth Ritter was the anchor, the ringleader of situation comedies on ABC.