List of Doogie Howser, M.D. episodes

Last updated

The episode list for the television series Doogie Howser, M.D. , including descriptions, given in broadcast order on its original network ABC. There are a total of 97 episodes produced and broadcast among its four seasons from September 20, 1989, to March 24, 1993.

Contents

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedRankRating
First airedLast aired
1 26September 19, 1989 (1989-09-19)May 2, 1990 (1990-05-02)2814.5 [a]
2 25September 12, 1990 (1990-09-12)May 1, 1991 (1991-05-01)2414.7
3 24September 25, 1991 (1991-09-25)May 13, 1992 (1992-05-13)34 [1] 12.9 [1]
4 22September 23, 1992 (1992-09-23)March 24, 1993 (1993-03-24)57 [2] 10.2 [2]

Episodes

Season 1 (1989–1990)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot" Rick Wallace Steven Bochco & David E. Kelley September 19, 1989 (1989-09-19)110131.7 [3]
Dr. Douglas "Doogie" Howser takes the test to get his driver's license and helps a victim of a car accident. Doogie had to go through a tough lesson about being a doctor when he lost his first patient.
22"The Ice Queen Cometh" Betty Thomas Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo September 20, 1989 (1989-09-20)110321.5 [3]
Victoria Burke (Elyssa Davalos), the beautiful new chief of radiology wants Doogie's genes to have a child. Doogie misunderstands her offer and is worried she is asking him to sleep with her.
33"A Stitch Called Wanda"Rick WallaceSteven Bochco & David E. KelleySeptember 27, 1989 (1989-09-27)110222.6 [4]
Doogie performs an operation in violation of hospital policy. It also causes tension between him and Wanda, since he had to do a pelvic exam before diagnosing her with an appendicitis.
44"Frisky Business" Johanna Demetrakas Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinOctober 4, 1989 (1989-10-04)110423.7 [5]
Vinnie convinces Doogie to throw a party while his parents are away. Doogie drinks a beer at the party and is later arrested while on the way to the hospital for an emergency.
55"The Short Goodbye" Rob Thompson Phil Kellard & Tom MooreOctober 11, 1989 (1989-10-11)110523.5 [6]
Doogie, feeling that he is unjustly treated by his parents moves out of the house, but due to his lack of credit he can only lease a room at a flophouse. Vinnie, in an attempt to meet the rock star Charmagne (Nana Visitor), poses as Doogie.
66"Simply Irresistible"Sheldon LarryStory by: Michael Lazarou
Teleplay by: Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee Katlin and Michael Lazarou
October 18, 1989 (1989-10-18)110723.5 [7]
After spending over forty hours in the hospital, missing a concert with Wanda, and feeling under-appreciated at the hospital, Doogie considers an offer from an upscale Brentwood pediatric private practice.
77"Vinnie Video Vici" Sandy Smolan Linda Morris & Vic RauseoOctober 25, 1989 (1989-10-25)110823.9 [8]
The hospital agrees to let Vinnie film a documentary about Doogie. However, his annoying techniques and intrusive behavior annoy Doogie who must tell a family that their daughter (Thora Birch) might have cancer.
88"Blood and Remembrance" Matthew Diamond Jill GordonNovember 1, 1989 (1989-11-01)110621.8 [9]
Doogie and Wanda break up after learning that Wanda went on a date with another guy. A man needs a blood transfusion from his wife that he is divorcing.
99"She Ain't Heavy, She's My Cousin"Stephen CraggPhil Kellard & Tom MooreNovember 8, 1989 (1989-11-08)110922.5 [10]
Vinnie goes on a date with Yvette (Lesley Boone), Wanda's obese cousin. Vinnie gets along with her, which surprises him. Doogie treats a woman (Anne Bloom) who is obsessed with plastic surgery, and is bothered by it. Both boys learn about dealing with people who have problems with appearance.
1010"My Old Man and the Sea" Gabrielle Beaumont Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinNovember 15, 1989 (1989-11-15)111121.4 [11]
Doogie reluctantly accompanies David, his father, on their annual fishing trip after being invited to Palm Springs with Wanda and her family.
1111"Tonight's the Night"Rob ThompsonLinda Morris & Vic RauseoNovember 22, 1989 (1989-11-22)111217.8 [12]
At the hospital, Doogie treats Caroline (Terri Ivens), a seventeen-year-old girl who gives birth and then abandons the baby, leaving the child on Doogie's doorstep. Doogie and Wanda decide that they should take the big step in their relationship and have sex, but his experience with Caroline causes him to think twice.
1212"Every Dog Has His Doogie"Sheldon LarryPhil Kellard & Tom MooreNovember 29, 1989 (1989-11-29)111322.6 [13]
After being angered over the hospital refusing to admit a homeless man, Doogie operates on a dog using hospital resources to prove his point. This causes him to run afoul of his superiors, as well as his father, who warns being a doctor does not instantly grant one knowledge of all biology.
1313"Doogie the Red-Nosed Reindeer"Betty ThomasJill GordonDecember 13, 1989 (1989-12-13)111024.0 [14]
Doogie is forced to work a shift on Christmas Eve, despite pressure from Vinnie to go to a party.
1414"Greed Is Good"Johanna DemetrakasJill GordonJanuary 3, 1990 (1990-01-03)111424.3 [15]
Doogie won on a game show and advances to the finals, but everyone encouraging him to use his knowledge to win big bucks and fancy prizes is bothering his conscience. His sole sober perspective is from an elderly black patient of his who had been a boxer in the 1950s, giving Doogie insight on the true meaning of victory.
1515"Attack of the Green-Eyed Monster"Rob ThompsonNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinJanuary 10, 1990 (1990-01-10)111523.0 [16]
A former female patient Krista (Josie Bissett) makes a pass at Doogie, making Wanda jealous. Doogie's parents stop talking to each other over a problem with flirting.
1616"It Ain't Over Till Mrs. Howser Sings"Stephen CraggLinda Morris & Vic RauseoJanuary 17, 1990 (1990-01-17)111620.5 [17]
After having a breast cancer scare, Doogie's mom, Katherine, takes a new job singing at a nightclub. Both Katherine's husband and son are surprised by this turn of events, and try to convince her appreciating life is not always doing wild things.
1717"Tough Guys Don't Teach" Charles Haid Michael SwerdlickJanuary 31, 1990 (1990-01-31)111823.1 [18]
Doogie goes back to high school to teach sex education and ends up fighting a school jock after school.
1818"I Never Sold Shower Heads for My Father" Bruce Green Phil Kellard & Tom MooreFebruary 7, 1990 (1990-02-07)111720.1 [19]
Vinnie's father, Carmine (Don Calfa) wants Vinnie to get into the showerhead family business, but Vinnie is recalcitrant, saying he wishes to be a filmmaker. When Carmine is rushed to the hospital one day after suffering a moderate infarction, he reveals he knew about his heart problems but hid them out of concern, and Vinny shows his father some of his amateur films; test commercials for Delpino showerheads.
1919"Doogie's Awesome, Excellent Adventure" David Carson Jill GordonFebruary 14, 1990 (1990-02-14)111920.7 [20]
After saving a popular guy's life, Doogie gets new cool friends and forgets about Vinnie. Doogie takes David's car to go a party he was invited to by the popular guy, with the car later being towed away.
2020"Use a Slurpy, Go to Jail" Michael Fresco Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinFebruary 28, 1990 (1990-02-28)112023.3 [21]
Vinnie took a job in convenience store. When Doogie makes a milk run, the store gets robbed by Raymond, a.k.a. Z-Man (Markus Redmond), a gang member from Compton. The botched robbery soon becomes a police standoff, with Doogie trying to convince Z-Man to do the right thing and surrender. Doogie and Vinnie make friends with Raymond and also learn what it is like to be him and why he is doing this.
2121"Whose Mid-Life Crisis Is It Anyway?"Rob ThompsonMichael SwerdlickMarch 14, 1990 (1990-03-14)112121.4 [22]
David decides to quit his medical practice, after learning that the medical thesis that he worked for years on has already been done.
2222"Vinnie's Blind Date" Scott Goldstein Linda Morris & Vic RauseoMarch 25, 1990 (1990-03-25) [23] 112222.7 [24]
Vinnie romances Bernadette Callen (Amanda Peterson), a blind girl that Doogie introduced him to at the hospital. Vinnie later fears that Bernadette will lose interest in him, once she gets her eyesight back.
2323"And the Winner Is..."Charles HaidPhil Kellard & Tom MooreMarch 28, 1990 (1990-03-28)112321.8 [25]
Doogie and Jack hear a rumor that they are both in the running for Resident of the Year, forcing the two doctors to compete against each other.
2424"Breaking Up Is Hard to Doogie" Kevin Hooks Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinApril 4, 1990 (1990-04-04)112422.3 [26]
Realizing that his relationship with Wanda has stalled, Doogie ponders whether to break it off.
2525"The Grass Ain't Always Greener"Rob ThompsonMichael SwerdlickApril 25, 1990 (1990-04-25)112521.3 [27]
Fresh off his breakup with Wanda, Doogie scores a date with a Lakers cheerleader and contemplates spending the night with her.
2626"Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give a Grand"Stephen CraggNick HardingMay 2, 1990 (1990-05-02)112618.8 [28]
Vinnie comes down with tonsillitis, on the same night he planned on losing his virginity to Janine. Wanda tells Doogie that she is spending the summer in Europe with a male student and Doogie does not take the news well.

Season 2 (1990–91)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
271"Doogenstein" Eric Laneuville Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo September 12, 1990 (1990-09-12)120223.2 [29]
Doogie realizes that he is missing out on his life because of his job after being called to the hospital during his seventeenth-birthday party.
282"Guess Who's Coming to Doogie's"Stephen CraggNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinSeptember 19, 1990 (1990-09-19)120125.1 [30]
Raymond, a.k.a. Z-Man, the robber who held Doogie and Vinnie hostage previously before becoming friends with them, has been released from prison and Doogie invites him to dinner, but Katherine is still upset over the crime. Doogie then get Raymond an orderly job at the hospital, which does not go smoothly.
293"Ask Dr. Doogie"Win PhelpsPhil Kellard & Tom MooreSeptember 26, 1990 (1990-09-26)120423.8 [31]
Doogie becomes an instant celebrity after he appears in MTV-influenced public service announcements. His fame soon starts to interfere with his work, when he is trying to find a bone marrow match for Candace (Mayim Bialik), a cancer patient.
304"C'est la Vinnie" Joan Darling Michael SwerdlickOctober 3, 1990 (1990-10-03)120524.4 [32]
Vinnie ends up stuck in an elevator with his pregnant French teacher (Mimi Kuzyk).
315"Car Wars" Brad Silberling Nick HardingOctober 10, 1990 (1990-10-10)120725.9 [33]
Doogie argues with his dad over whether he can buy a 1957 Chevrolet convertible. Doogie must convince a mentally disabled man to seek treatment.
326"Doogie Sings the Blues"Eric LaneuvilleStory by: Nat Bernstein & Mitchel Lee Katlin
and Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo
Teleplay by: Michael B. Kaplan
October 17, 1990 (1990-10-17)120822.9 [34]
Doogie treats Blind Otis Lemon (Joe Seneca), a legendary blues player, who needs surgery to remove a tumor. However, the after-effects of the surgery may leave the man deaf.
337"Academia Nuts" Ed Sherin Nick HardingOctober 24, 1990 (1990-10-24)120326.1 [35]
After stealing an old biology paper of Doogie's and getting caught by Doogie soon after, Vinnie decides to drop out of high school. Dr. Canfield asks that Doogie lie to Beatrice Portmeyer (Carol Bruce) a hypochondriac woman, who is rich and has given generously to the hospital in the past and is willing to give the hospital more money based on how satisfactory her service is.
348"Revenge of the Teenage Dead"Win PhelpsNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinOctober 31, 1990 (1990-10-31)120921.6 [36]
Doogie assesses Gregory Pelzman (Christopher Pettiet), a thirteen-year-old prodigy to determine if he is a good candidate for medical school. Doogie then tries to convince Gregory to enjoy life as a kid. Vinnie attempts to make a horror movie, then chooses Gregory to star in it.
359"Nautilus for Naught" Matia Karrell Nick Harding & Tara Ison & Neil Landau November 7, 1990 (1990-11-07)121123.2 [37]
Doogie feels uncomfortable when Wanda takes a living art class with Greg (Jason Brooks), a nude model, with Wanda later setting up a date with Greg. The hospital holds its annual bachelor auction with Doogie participating for the first time. Doogie treats Sasha Larkin (Martha Byrne), a fashion model whose career is on the wane and is resorting to bulimia.
3610"Don't Let the Turkeys Get You Down" David Carson Nick HardingNovember 14, 1990 (1990-11-14)121423.9 [38]
Katherine's parents Don and Irene (Tim O'Connor and Gloria Henry) come to visit for Thanksgiving, with Don still being resentful of David, due to Katherine and David's fifteen-year age difference. Vinnie is offended by Janine's family and Janine herself, for her family making her dump Vinnie for a new car, with Janine strongly considering getting the car.
3711"Oh Very Young"Joan DarlingLinda Morris & Vic RauseoNovember 28, 1990 (1990-11-28)121024.1 [39]
Doogie is chosen as one of five doctors to work with a highly respected reconstructive surgeon; however, the surgeon has other ideas. Nurse Spaulding and Dr. Canfield go out on a date, puzzling everyone else around them.
3812"TV or Not TV" Joan Tewkesbury Phil Kellard & Tom MooreDecember 5, 1990 (1990-12-05)121221.7 [40]
Vinnie poses as an orderly to try and meet Bradford Eisner (Jeff McCarthy), the head of ABC television who is staying at the hospital, wanting Mr. Eisner to give him a letter of recommendation for New York University.
3913"A Woman Too Far" Victoria Hochberg Phil Kellard & Tom MooreDecember 12, 1990 (1990-12-12)120620.4 [41]
Doogie is attracted to Lisa (Heather McAdam), a nursing student who he asks out behind Wanda's back. Doogie learns that a trucker (Michael McManus) with stomach pains caused by stress has two wives (Candice Azzara and Patty McCormack) and two families, unbeknownst to each other.
4014"Presumed Guilty"Stephen CraggPhil Kellard & Tom MooreJanuary 2, 1991 (1991-01-02)121523.2 [42]
Vinnie takes Doogie's car out for a spin, and it gets smashed by a falling piano. Doogie and Vinnie get into even more trouble by not telling David. A college basketball player with spine problems, who is also a friend of Raymond's, refuses medical attention, thinking it will ruin his chances of going pro.
4115"To Live and Die in Brentwood" Scott Goldstein Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinJanuary 9, 1991 (1991-01-09)121328.0 [43]
When her mother dies in a car accident, Wanda keeps her distance from Doogie. Wondering about his own death, Vinnie creates a video will and testament.
4216"Air Doogie" Rob Thompson Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinJanuary 23, 1991 (1991-01-23)121722.5 [44]
Doogie fakes an injury so he does not have to play in an exhibition basketball game against a rival hospital. Guilty over his actions, he hallucinates seeing pro basketball player Julius Erving. Raymond romantically flirts with Trish Andrews (Jada Pinkett), a patient admitted for leg surgery, who has no interest in him whatsoever.
4317"A Life in Progress" Sandy Smolan Hollis RichJanuary 30, 1991 (1991-01-30)121621.0 [45]
Jeff Moore (Robert Clohessy), an artist with AIDS is hired to decorate a mural inside the children's center. However, the revelation of his disease has parents pulling their children from working with him.
4418"My Two Dads" Bill D'Elia Nick HardingFebruary 6, 1991 (1991-02-06)121822.3 [46]
Feeling neglected by his own father, Vinnie convinces Doogie and David to take him on their annual fishing trip.
4519"Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition"Stephen CraggNick HardingFebruary 13, 1991 (1991-02-13)122023.0 [47]
Katherine's parents make an unannounced visit with Katherine's father Don driving the kitchen contractor away. It leaves Don, Doogie and Vinnie to complete the kitchen work, which Doogie is less than thrilled about. Doogie tells a couple with a family history of miscarriages that they are having a baby.
4620"Fatal Distraction" Gabrielle Beaumont Phil Kellard & Tom MooreFebruary 20, 1991 (1991-02-20)121918.1 [48]
Still grieving over the death of her mother, Wanda has no time to go out with Doogie, so they break up. Doogie uses the opportunity to ask out Michele Faber (Robyn Lively), a new nursing student.
4721"The Doctor, the Wife, Her Son and the Job"Brad SilberlingHollis RichMarch 13, 1991 (1991-03-13)122122.2 [49]
Katherine takes a job as a patient advocate at the hospital, unintentionally causing Doogie embarrassment.
4822"Planet of the Dateless" Kristoffer Siegel-Tabori Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinMarch 20, 1991 (1991-03-20)122223.2 [50]

After spending two weeks in Mexico helping less fortunate patients, Jack decides to resign from the Eastman practice, to become flying physician. Doogie desperately scrambles to get a date for the Eastman dance, later meeting Sara Newman (Carla Gugino), a woman who has the same interests as Jack.

Note: Final appearance of Dr. Jack McGuire (Mitchell Anderson)
4923"Doogie's Wager" Charles Haid Hollis RichApril 3, 1991 (1991-04-03)122421.4 [51]
Vinnie is nervous about possibly not getting accepted into film school. Doogie is happy that a couple is finally having a baby after many attempts, however the baby is born premature. Raymond graduates from high school.
5024"A Kiss Ain't Just a Kiss"Scott GoldsteinStory by: Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo
Teleplay by: Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee Katlin and Nick Harding
April 24, 1991 (1991-04-24)122522.8 [52]
After Vinnie cheats on Janine by going out with Phyllis Maldarelli (Jennifer Gatti), an attractive classmate, Janine goes to Doogie to be consoled, they then kiss. Raymond refuses to forgive his father (Michael D. Roberts), who walked out on him and his mother years ago.
5125"Dances with Wanda" Steve Robman Phil Kellard & Tom MooreMay 1, 1991 (1991-05-01)122318.5 [53]
Vinnie and Janine convince Doogie to ask Wanda to the prom, despite Wanda being uninterested. Kelly (Linda Larkin), an aspiring photojournalist awaiting a heart transplant, impresses Doogie by her will to keep living.

Season 3 (1991–92)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
521"The Summer of '91"Stephen Cragg Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo September 25, 1991 (1991-09-25)130525.9 [54]
Doogie turns eighteen and feels it is finally time to lose his virginity to Wanda, before she leaves town for college. A woman with a mental condition thinks that Doogie is her deceased husband.
532"Doogie Has Left the Building: Part 1" Eric Laneuville Hollis RichOctober 2, 1991 (1991-10-02)130122.2 [55]
Doogie and Vinnie get an apartment together. Doogie ponders a decision involving a couple with their son who has cancer and the pregnancy of their second child. Doogie's parents are dealing with empty nest syndrome.
543"Doogie Has Left the Building: Part 2"Eric LaneuvilleNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinOctober 9, 1991 (1991-10-09)130222.8 [56]
Doogie and Vinnie's living arrangements begin to strain. Doogie moves ahead with a surgical procedure on a young boy with cancer and the involvement of boy's sibling who is about to be born.
554"It's a Darn Shaman"Win PhelpsNick HardingOctober 16, 1991 (1991-10-16)130321.9 [57]
Janine's family forbids her to see Vinnie. After speaking with Doogie's parents, about how they eloped, Janine tells Vinnie she wants to elope as well. A Laotian family's religious beliefs jeopardize Doogie's care of a disabled youth.
565"The Cheese Stands Alone"Stephen CraggNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinOctober 23, 1991 (1991-10-23)131021.8 [58]
Janine reveals to Doogie that she was date raped before moving to Brentwood, effecting her relationship with Vinnie, who wants their relationship to reach the sexual level. A seductive classmate in Vinnie's drama class expresses her attraction to him, with Vinnie thinking about giving in.
576"Lonesome Doog"Win PhelpsEileen Heisler & DeAnn HelineOctober 30, 1991 (1991-10-30)130421.8 [59]
Wanda comes home from art school and a handsome guy from her school meets up with her, which rubs Doogie the wrong way. Wanda and Doogie officially break up for good and decide to become good friends.
587"When Doogie Comes Marching Home"Joe Ann FogleStory by: Nick Harding & Gareth Wootton
Teleplay by: Nick Harding
November 13, 1991 (1991-11-13)130718.9 [60]
Doogie unintentionally insults David, after the two disagree on the importance of bedside manner. Doogie and Vinnie disagree on an American Civil War-inspired screenplay that the two are collaborating on.
598"Doogstruck" Brad Silberling Ellen Herman November 20, 1991 (1991-11-20)130621.3 [61]
While driving to visit Wanda in Chicago, Doogie's car breaks down in the desert, where he meets Shannon (Danielle von Zerneck), an attractive astronomy enthusiast.
609"Room and Broad" Charles Haid Nick HardingNovember 27, 1991 (1991-11-27)131117.2 [62]
Doogie's parents want him to pay room and board. Doogie helps a young nurse overcome her fear of blood. Curly's father (Paul Lambert), refuses to take medicine so that he may live longer.
6110"Doogiesomething" Joan Darling Hollis RichDecember 4, 1991 (1991-12-04)130920.1 [63]
Doogie and Wanda's efforts to be friends are tested, when Wanda asks for Doogie's advice on spending the weekend with another guy.
6211"Truth and Consequences"Charles HaidHollis RichDecember 11, 1991 (1991-12-11)131319.6 [64]
Doogie takes a liking to Cecilia (Perrey Reeves), the hospital research librarian, only after he learns she is scheduled for rhinoplasty. Raymond's old mentor (Kene Holliday) has a rare cerebral condition and refuses treatment.
6312"It's a Wonderful Laugh" Scott Goldstein Story by: Eric Gilliland
Teleplay by: Eric Gilliland & Nick Harding & Ellen Herman
December 18, 1991 (1991-12-18)130821.0 [65]
Doogie and Vinnie argue, after Doogie belittles Vinnie's interest in comedic films. Doogie tries to cheer up a boy patient by watching The Three Stooges .
6413"Dangerous Reunions"Eric LanuevilleEllen HermanJanuary 8, 1992 (1992-01-08)131221.2 [66]
Katherine relives her past by reuniting with her old band from her college days. Wally (Christopher Allport), a member of that band who Katherine also dated, reignites Katherine's old romantic feelings which concerns Doogie. After failing a test to become an emergency medical technician, Raymond falls back in with gang members from his old neighborhood.
6514"Mummy Dearest"Charles HaidEllen HermanJanuary 22, 1992 (1992-01-22)131616.9 [67]
The examination of a mummy spurs talk of a curse among the staff. The mummy shows a strange resemblance to Vinnie, convincing him the curse really exists.
6615"Double Doogie with Cheese" Bill D'Elia Hollis RichFebruary 5, 1992 (1992-02-05)131821.1 [68]
Vinnie bets that Doogie cannot last in a "mindless" fast-food job under the scrutiny of their boss Mr. L'Amour (Andrew Hill Newman). If Doogie fails he has to give up his CD player to Vinnie.
6716"The Show Musn't Go On"Scott GoldsteinNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinFebruary 12, 1992 (1992-02-12)131416.4 [69]
Rick O'Neill (David James Elliot), an egotistical actor observes Doogie's hospital procedures to make his TV series more popular.
6817"If This Is Adulthood, I'd Rather Be in Philadelphia"Stephen CraggNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinFebruary 19, 1992 (1992-02-19)131715.4 [70]
Doogie discovers what Cecilia has been hiding — Matthew (Miko Hughes), her four-year-old son.
6918"What You See Ain't Necessarily What You Get"Scott GoldsteinHollis RichMarch 11, 1992 (1992-03-11)132219.7 [71]
After taking Curly out for her thirtieth birthday, Doogie wonders about having a romantic relationship with her. Doogie clashes with Dr. Elena Spencer (Maggie Jakobson), an opinionated medical student.
7019"My Father, Myself" Gabrielle Beaumont Eileen Heisler & DeAnn HelineMarch 18, 1992 (1992-03-18)131921.1 [72]
Doogie reconsiders career specialties and considers joining David's practice. Doogie then looks back at his younger days when he first thought of joining his father's practice.
7120"Educating Janine"Joan DarlingNick HardingApril 1, 1992 (1992-04-01)131521.0 [73]
Janine decides to drop out of college to pursue a career in fashion. After Katherine gives Janine advice on her situation, Katherine is then blamed by Janine's parents for their child's sudden path.
7221"Son of the Desert"Joe Ann FogleStory by: Hollis Rich
Teleplay by: Nick Harding & Ellen Herman
April 22, 1992 (1992-04-22)132417.1 [74]
Doogie considers a fellowship in trauma surgery. Doogie and Vinnie head for Palm Springs after seeing Janine partying on television for spring break. While at Palm Springs, Doogie courts a girl who is a paraplegic.
7322"That's What Friends Are For" Michael Fresco Ellen HermanApril 29, 1992 (1992-04-29)132114.5 [75]

Wanda comes home after her dad Michael (Bill Hudson) announces he is going to sell the house and Doogie is anything but popular after he encourages her to accept her dad's new fiancé Dr. Julie Ross (Katherine Cannon). Vinnie tries nearly everything to increase his height after a hand x-ray reveals that his bones have fused.

Note: Final Appearance of Wanda Plenn (Lisa Dean Ryan)
7423"Thanks for the Memories" David Carson Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinMay 6, 1992 (1992-05-06)132316.2 [76]
Cherished memories get lost in the aging process for an elderly patient (Nehemiah Persoff) who relies on Doogie to help him remember.
7524"Club Medicine"Mark HorowitzNick HardingMay 13, 1992 (1992-05-13)132015.3 [77]
Doogie and David spend their annual father-son trip at a Honduran operating theater as a part of a Doctors Without Borders program.

Season 4 (1992–93)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
761"There's a Riot Going On" Eric Laneuville Nick HardingSeptember 23, 1992 (1992-09-23)140415.4 [78]
The 1992 L.A. riots overwhelm the Eastman staff's work schedule. Vinnie is left watching over children whose daycare was trashed in the riot.
772"Look Ma, No Pants" Joan Tewkesbury Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinSeptember 30, 1992 (1992-09-30)140217.3 [79]
Katherine cannot stop playing mother to Doogie. Doogie dates Katherine's boss and he brings over for skinny dipping. Doogie considers moving out.
783"Doogie Got a Gun"Stephen CraggP.K. Simonds, Jr.October 7, 1992 (1992-10-07)140715.5 [80]
After being held at gunpoint at his own doorstep, Doogie considers buying a gun, but he is haunted by memories of shooting victims that he has treated in the past.
794"Doogie Doesn't Live Here Anymore"Win Phelps Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo October 14, 1992 (1992-10-14)140816.1 [81]
Doogie buys a run-down Venice loft, angering David, who wanted him to buy an affluent condo. Vinnie has to deal with his parents getting a divorce and moving to different places.
805"The Patient in Spite of Himself"Win PhelpsHollis RichOctober 21, 1992 (1992-10-21)140114.6 [82]
A med-school project has Doogie and Dr. Spencer posing as patients. While videotaping the arrangements for an engaged couple's wedding, Vinnie becomes attracted to the bride (Emily Warfield).
816"To Err is Human, to Give Up Isn't a Bad Idea" Scott Goldstein Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinOctober 28, 1992 (1992-10-28)141017.9 [83]
Doogie experiences pressure leading his first surgical procedure. Vinnie does not know whom to vote for in the 1992 presidential election.
827"Doogie, Can You Hear Me?"Joe Ann FogleElaine AronsonNovember 11, 1992 (1992-11-11)140616.0 [84]
A hearing-impaired patient charms Doogie, who speaks her language by signing. Doogie then tries to convince her to get a cochlear implant procedure. Vinnie has a tough time coming up with a subject for a student film for his sophomore year at film school.
838"Nothing Compares 2 U" Rachel Feldman Barry Gurstein & David PitlikNovember 11, 1992 (1992-11-11)140517.8 [84]
Doogie's ego takes a beating when Laura (Eva Loseth), a pretty nurse, chooses Vinnie over him. Raymond has a hard time doing his job after being promoted to an EMT.
849"Do the Right Thing, If You Can Figure Out What It Is"Win PhelpsP.K. Simonds, Jr.November 18, 1992 (1992-11-18)141121.5 [85]
Doogie must choose the best candidate for a heart transplant, along with the fact that the patient that Doogie is vouching for, who is receiving the heart, has difficulty giving up smoking. Janine visits Vinnie, finally wanting to make love to him, however Vinnie begins to have second thoughts.
8510"The Big Sleep ... Not!"Stephen CraggElaine AronsonNovember 25, 1992 (1992-11-25)141213.7 [86]
With his parents on vacation, Doogie spends most of the time in hospital in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Vinnie stays over at Doogie's place, after days of him not getting a good night's sleep. Mrs. Fukes (Gail Edwards), a mother who recently gave birth to her third child, does not yet want to return to her stressful home.
8611"Will the Real Dr. Howser Please Stand Up?"Kenneth Frankel David Greenwalt December 9, 1992 (1992-12-09)140314.9 [87]
Doogie spots evidence of child abuse when his dad's friend brings in his injured son for care. Which is a misunderstanding, because the kid explained his side of the story that his father did not hurt him. Father can forgive David, but he cannot forgive Doogie. Vinnie encourages Doogie to try a video dating service.
8712"The Mother of All Fishing Trips"Mark HorowitzP.K. Simonds, Jr.December 16, 1992 (1992-12-16)141513.1 [88]
Katherine takes Doogie fishing when David throws his back out. Vinnie takes care of David while Doogie and Katherine are away.
8813"Roommate with a View"Joan TewkesburyNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinDecember 30, 1992 (1992-12-30)141814.6 [89]
Doogie learns a lesson about trusting the unknown from a free-spirited model, who is sharing his loft for a few days. Bert (James Pickens, Jr.), a man in need of a kidney, is offered one by Jerry (Dirk Blocker), a fishing partner he hardly knows.
8914"Spell It... 'M-A-N!'" Bill D'Elia Nick HardingJanuary 6, 1993 (1993-01-06)141315.1 [90]
Doogie begins dating Nurse Michele Faber again. Michele then retaliates against Doogie's braggadocio by spreading rumors about him. Vinnie moves in with Mark (Gil Cates, Jr.), a fellow film student, who has available space in his dorm room, only to find out that Mark is gay, which makes Vinnie feel uncomfortable.
9015"It's a Tough Job ... But Why Does My Father Have to Do It?" Bobby Houston Nick HardingJanuary 13, 1993 (1993-01-13)140916.3 [91]
David is asked to take the job of the new Head of Family Medicine, replacing Dr. Brian Horshlower (Patrick Cronin) who died during his lunch break. Vinnie refuses to accept his father's new girlfriend.
9116"The Adventures of Sherlock Howser"Paul Robert NewmanElaine AronsonJanuary 20, 1993 (1993-01-20)141613.0 [92]
Doogie as Sherlock Holmes and Vinnie as Doctor Watson play out Doogie's confusion over Michele dating other men while still seeing Doogie. Curly announces her engagement, but has some hesitation about committing.
9217"Love Means Constantly Having to Say You're Sorry"Craig BelknapNat Berntein & Mitchel Lee KatlinJanuary 27, 1993 (1993-01-27)1414N/A
Vinnie finally loses his virginity to Laura; he later reacts with jealousy to men around her. Doogie treats Kelly Phillips (Tracy Scoggins), a famous actress/philanthropist who comes down with a mysterious illness.
9318"You've Come a Long Way, Babysitter"Mark HorowitzNick HardingFebruary 3, 1993 (1993-02-03)142114.6 [93]
Rachel Miller (Chelsea Noble), Doogie's old babysitter and crush, visits him, with Doogie's old fantasies about her finally coming true. Vinnie tries to get Nathan Gage (Jeff Yagher), a big-time actor, to read his script.
9419"Love Makes the World Go 'Round...or Is It Money?"Scott GoldsteinStory by: Nat Berntein & Mitchel Lee Katlin
Teleplay by: P.K. Simonds, Jr.
February 24, 1993 (1993-02-24)142214.6 [94]
A deposit error dumping $16,000 in Vinnie's account tests his integrity. Molly Harris (Shiri Appleby), a preteen patient, develops a crush on Doogie.
9520"Dorky Housecall, M.D." [95] David Carson Nick HardingMarch 10, 1993 (1993-03-10)141715.2 [96]
Doogie treats Hank Bellamy (John Vernon), a cartoonist who has been lampooning him as "Dr. Dorky Housecall". While he ignores the teasing at first, the cartoons create tension with him and Michelle.
9621"Eleven Angry People...and Vinnie"Joe Ann FogleP.K. Simonds, Jr.March 17, 1993 (1993-03-17)141913.4 [97]
Jury member Vinnie tries to look beyond the letter of the law, when a young man is put on trial for assaulting his employer. Doogie learns that a senior doctor, Emmitt Randall (Alan Young), is actually a fraud.
9722"What Makes Doogie Run" Dennis Dugan Elaine AronsonMarch 24, 1993 (1993-03-24)142013.4 [98]
Doogie and Vinnie take acting classes. Doogie seeks inspiration outside the world of medicine and decides to travel to Rome with Vinnie.

References

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