List of Growing Pains episodes

Last updated

This is a list of episodes for the American television sitcom Growing Pains . The series aired on ABC from September 24, 1985, to April 25, 1992, with a total of 166 episodes produced, spanning seven seasons.

Contents

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedRankRating
First airedLast aired
1 22September 24, 1985 (1985-09-24)May 13, 1986 (1986-05-13)1719.5 [lower-alpha 1]
2 22September 30, 1986 (1986-09-30)May 19, 1987 (1987-05-19)822.7
3 26September 18, 1987 (1987-09-18)May 4, 1988 (1988-05-04)521.3
4 22October 18, 1988 (1988-10-18)May 3, 1989 (1989-05-03)1317.6 [lower-alpha 2]
5 26September 20, 1989 (1989-09-20)May 2, 1990 (1990-05-02)2115.4
6 24September 19, 1990 (1990-09-19)April 24, 1991 (1991-04-24)2714.3 [lower-alpha 3]
7 24September 18, 1991 (1991-09-18)April 25, 1992 (1992-04-25)75 [1] 8.6 [1]
Television films November 5, 2000 (2000-11-05)October 16, 2004 (2004-10-16)TBATBA
  1. Tied with Knots Landing
  2. Tied with L.A. Law
  3. Tied with Baby Talk and Davis Rules

Episodes

Season 1 (1985–1986)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
11"Pilot" John Pasquin Neal Marlens September 24, 1985 (1985-09-24)20674018.5/28 [2]
Maggie goes back to work as a journalist, leaving Jason to take care of the kids. When Mike gets arrested for crashing into a police car, Jason takes his anger and disappointment out on everybody and everything around him.
22"Springsteen"John Pasquin David Kendall October 1, 1985 (1985-10-01)18580319.6/30 [3]
Mike tries desperately to get tickets to a Bruce Springsteen concert and is ecstatic when Jason gets them. However, he does not seem as enthusiastic when a news report shows Mike with his father enjoying the concert.
33"Jealousy"John Pasquin Carol Black & Neal MarlensOctober 8, 1985 (1985-10-08)18580121.5/32 [4]
Jason becomes suspicious that Maggie is doing more with a co-worker (Tom O'Rourke) than working on a story.
44"Carol's Article"John PasquinSybil Adelman & Martin SageOctober 15, 1985 (1985-10-15)18580421.0/31 [5]
Carol auditions for her school paper, but is angered when her mother doesn't give her a good review. Meanwhile, Mike and Ben get on a winning streak betting on horses.
55"Superdad!"Nick HavingaTom Walla & Dave WollertOctober 29, 1985 (1985-10-29)18580518.6/28 [6]
With Maggie's increased workload, Jason takes on more responsibilities at home and gives Carol boy-trouble advice. Maggie is uptight with Jason for being more involved with the kids...after she urged Jason to do just that.
66"Mike's Madonna Story"John PasquinCarol Black & Neal MarlensNovember 5, 1985 (1985-11-05)18580220.4/29 [7]
Mike becomes romantically attracted to a "Madonna look-alike" (Dana Plato), which worries Maggie; Ben accidentally ruins Carol's plant project.
77"Weekend Fantasy" John Tracy Arnold Margolin November 12, 1985 (1985-11-12)18580818.6/27 [8]
Jason and Maggie leave Mike in charge while they go on a weekend trip. But when there's no answer when Maggie and Jason call home, they jump to practically every conclusion except the right one.
88"Slice of Life"John TracyRich ReinhartNovember 19, 1985 (1985-11-19)18580918.8/27 [9]
After Jason reviews a marriage-compatibility test for his work, he and Maggie take it. They're in for some unpleasant surprises. (Ami Dolenz) as Mike's almost karate partner.
99"Carol's Crush"John TracyStephen J. CurwickNovember 26, 1985 (1985-11-26)18581018.7/27 [10]
Carol has blooming romantic feelings for an older family friend, including jealousy when he's romantically attracted to someone else.
1010"Dirt Bike"John Tracy Kerry Ehrin & Ali Marie MathesonDecember 3, 1985 (1985-12-03)18581115.8/23 [11]
Mike rides a dirt bike against his parents' wishes while camping with Boner.
1111"Standardized Test"Nick HavingaCarol Black & Neal MarlensDecember 10, 1985 (1985-12-10)18580617.0/25 [12]
Mike completely disregards an IQ test and gets a score that worries his parents.
1212"A Christmas Story"John TracyStory by: Carol Black & Neal Marlens
Teleplay by: Tom Walla & Dave Wollert
December 17, 1985 (1985-12-17)18581218.5/28 [13]
On Christmas Eve, Ben is having second thoughts about Santa Claus; a patient of Jason's (Alan Blumenfeld) threatens to commit suicide by head-firsting down their chimney.
1313"The Love Song of M. Aaron Seaver"John TracyArnold MargolinJanuary 7, 1986 (1986-01-07)18581421.5/31 [14]
Mike falls for a culturally refined and worldly, new student (April Lerman), whom he impresses with a post-modern poem written by Carol. Their next date is on an annual family bowling night.
1414"First Blood"John TracyMark FinkJanuary 14, 1986 (1986-01-14)18581320.4/29 [15]
Ben's hockey team unfortunately features father-son bullies, the father being the team's coach (Dan Lauria); things only get worse when Ben's father gets involved. At home, Maggie teaches Mike how to ballroom-dance so he can escort his girlfriend to a family wedding.
1515"Slice of Life II"John TracyTom Walla & David KendallJanuary 21, 1986 (1986-01-21)18581520.6/30 [16]
When Maggie tells Jason she might be pregnant, Jason realizes he might not be emotionally ready.
1616"The Seavers vs. the Cleavers"John TracySusan BeaversJanuary 28, 1986 (1986-01-28)18581723.2/33 [17]
Mike and Carol don't want their parents chaperoning a dance, so they're glad when they are actually told not to – until Carol finds out the PTA's objection to them. Guest starring Annette Funicello as Mrs. Hinkley.
1717"Charity Begins at Home"John TracyDan Guntzelman & Steve MarshallFebruary 18, 1986 (1986-02-18)18581622.0/32 [18]
Ben does not have enough money to buy Jason the really good present he thinks he deserves, but Mike's advice causes him to accidentally commit a crime.
1818"Reputation"John TracyDavid KendallFebruary 25, 1986 (1986-02-25)18581918.7/27 [19]
After writing answers on the bottom of his Reebok sneakers, Mike gets a 94 on his American History exam, stunning the class, his family and his teacher, who accuses him of cheating. Mike must retake the exam to prove he knew the material.
1919"The Anniversary That Never Was"John TracyTimothy JamesMarch 4, 1986 (1986-03-04)18581821.4/32 [20]
Mike, Carol, and Ben want to give their parents a relaxing anniversary, but Maggie gets called to Washington for business. Farce occurs when Maggie flies home and Jason is on his way to her. (Richard Sanders) as wacky airline passenger.
2020"Be a Man"John TracyRich ReinhartMarch 11, 1986 (1986-03-11)18582022.5/34 [21]
Home alone while the rest of the family goes to visit Maggie's parents, Mike throws an unsupervised party. The Malones (Gordon Jump, Betty McGuire) are having financial trouble and will not accept money from anyone, including their son-in-law. (Ami Dolenz) as party guest.
2121"Career Decision"John TracyStory by: Bob Brush
Teleplay by: Tom Walla
May 6, 1986 (1986-05-06)18582119.7/33 [22]
When Maggie brings Carol to work, Carol has to witness Maggie's humiliation over a mistake she made in an article. Meanwhile, Mike realizes that the world does not revolve around him, while watching TV reruns of Gilligan's Island.
2222"Extra Lap"John TracyStephen J. CurwickMay 13, 1986 (1986-05-13)18580718.8/31 [23]
Jokester Uncle Bob dies in his sleep during a visit; after the funeral, Mike believes that he is seeing his ghost (James Callahan).

Season 2 (1986–1987)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
231"Jason and the Cruisers" John Tracy Tom WallaSeptember 30, 1986 (1986-09-30)18596222.7/34 [24]
Maggie reunites Jason with his former band when he starts to feel old.
242"Fast Times at Dewey High"Dan Guntzelman David Kendall October 21, 1986 (1986-10-21)18596321.4/31 [25]
Mike finds himself with two dates for the school dance.
253"Long Day's Journey Into Night"John TracyDavid KendallOctober 28, 1986 (1986-10-28)18596122.5/34 [26]
Carol is overjoyed when a popular girl (Katy Boyer) at school starts hanging out with her – until she finds out she is only interested in Mike.
264"Call Me"John Tracy Tim O'Donnell November 11, 1986 (1986-11-11)18596524.8/36 [27]
Maggie and Jason recall how Ben got into trouble by calling a pornographic hotline, then blaming a neighbor kid for giving out the number.
275"Employee of the Month"John TracyTom WallaNovember 18, 1986 (1986-11-18)18596722.2/33 [28]

Mike tries to help a co-worker (Olivia d'Abo) by taking responsibility for her frequent mistakes; after he is fired, he acts like he is still going to work.

Danny Nucci guest stars as Mike's boss.
286"Dream Lover"John TracyTim O'DonnellNovember 25, 1986 (1986-11-25)18597020.6/31 [29]
Carol tutors the captain of the football team, Bobby (Kevin Wixted). They begin to feel attracted to each other.
297"Do You Believe in Magic?"John TracyMelody RowlandDecember 2, 1986 (1986-12-02)18596920.3/29 [30]
After being conned out of $10 by Mike, Carol and Ben (with their parents' help) hatch an elaborate scheme to get it back.
308"Jason's Rib"John TracyTom WallaDecember 9, 1986 (1986-12-09)18597119.6/29 [31]
Maggie feels belittled by Jason when they disagree about a school dress code during a parents' meeting.
319"The Kid"John TracyTim O'DonnellDecember 16, 1986 (1986-12-16)18597224.1/36 [32]
Overwhelmed by the holiday spirit, Ben brings home a homeless teen (Hallie Todd). The teen, who snidely identifies herself as "Nancy Reagan", cops an attitude with the Seavers and sees a chance to rob their house. Has Ben made a mistake in being considerate, or will the Seavers' hospitality set the teen runaway straight?
3210"The Breakfast Club"John TracyDavid Tyron KingJanuary 6, 1987 (1987-01-06)18596624.0/34 [33]
After Maggie insists that Mike be grounded for lying, she is caught in a lie herself and Jason suggests that she should ground herself to teach Mike a lesson. But this is one of those times when a punishment hurts the parent more than the child – Maggie will be missing a concert in Atlantic City by one of her favorites! While Maggie stays with Mike, Carol goes to Atlantic City with Jason so that the tickets will not go to waste.
3311"Choices"John TracySusan BeaversJanuary 13, 1987 (1987-01-13)18596424.0/33 [34]
Maggie and Carol are thrilled when Carol gets a chance to skip a grade. Then Maggie wonders if her life choices might have given her daughter the wrong idea.
3412"Higher Education"John TracySusan BeaversJanuary 20, 1987 (1987-01-20)18597324.2/34 [35]
Mike is blackmailed by a girl who helped change his grade on an English test so he would be allowed to go on a ski trip. When Jason and Maggie have colds, Carol runs the house a bit too well for Jason's liking.
3513"Some Enchanted Evening"John TracySusan BeaversJanuary 27, 1987 (1987-01-27)18597625.4/37 [36]
Carol is eager for Bobby to invite her to the Dewey High winter formal, but he does not seem so eager. Meanwhile, Mike has three girls courting him to be their date.
3614"Thank You, Willie Nelson"John TracyDavid KendallFebruary 3, 1987 (1987-02-03)18597423.0/34 [37]
Maggie's father sells his house without his wife's approval, causing a controversy between them. Mike and Ben attempt to find ways to mess with Carol's slumber party, against hers and their parents' wishes. In the end, it's Mike who gets messed with by the girls.
3715"Thank God It's Friday"John TracyDan Guntzelman & Steve MarshallFebruary 10, 1987 (1987-02-10)18597524.3/36 [38]

Mike and his friends are pressured to take drugs at a college party.

Kirk Cameron does a PSA announcement on why Drugs are bad at the end of the episode.
3816"My Brother, Myself"John TracySusan BeaversFebruary 24, 1987 (1987-02-24)18598121.3/29 [39]
Ben hits puberty and – with advice from Mike – tries to hit on his babysitter.
3917"Jimmy Durante Died for Your Sins"John TracyChristopher Ames & Carolyn ShelbyMarch 3, 1987 (1987-03-03)18597924.6/36 [40]
After Carol's parents tell her she can only get a nose job if she gets the money for it herself, she wins it in a radio contest.
4018"Carnival"John TracySybil Adelman & Martin SageMarch 10, 1987 (1987-03-10)18596822.6/33 [41]
Maggie volunteers to help out at Ben's school carnival but starts to ignore Ben and do it only for herself.
4119"The Awful Truth"John Tracy Kate Boutilier March 17, 1987 (1987-03-17)18598025.0/37 [42]
The kids believe that Jason was married before and Mike was the product of that marriage.
4220"Born Free"John TracyTim O'DonnellMarch 31, 1987 (1987-03-31)18597825.6/38 [43]
Jason and Mike go on a guys' trip to Boston so Jason can show Mike around his old college and convince him to go to college. But before they even get there, Mike gets some serious life experience during the flight.
4321"The Long Goodbye"John TracyDavid Kendall & Tim O'DonnellMay 5, 1987 (1987-05-05)18598218.8/31 [44]
Maggie believes that the Seavers' handyman (Douglas Seale) is getting too old (he's messing up more than he's fixing) and tries to convince Jason to let him go. Then they find out that somebody else was behind the mistakes. Candace Cameron as Jenny Foster.
4422"Confidentially Yours"John TracyTom WallaMay 19, 1987 (1987-05-19)18597720.4/33 [45]
Maggie gets a job offer – from a womanizer (James Sloyan) who only wants to sleep with her.

Season 3 (1987–1988)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
451"Aloha: Parts 1 & 2" John Tracy Story by: Tom Walla
Teleplay by: Dan Guntzelman & Steve Marshall
September 18, 1987 (1987-09-18)18610316.5/31 [46]
462186104
The Seavers journey Kahului Airport to Hawaii but the holiday does not go as Jason planned. Maggie has work problems, Mike and Carol find romance, and Ben finds a new interest. Maggie solves her problem; initially shocked that his Hawaiian girlfriend (Kelly Hu) has a daughter, Mike enjoys babysitting her; Bobby arrives.
473"Taking Care of Business"John Tracy Tim O'Donnell September 22, 1987 (1987-09-22)18610223.3/36 [47]
The family is supportive of the positive effects of Mike's job. Then Jason discovers his employers use bait-and-switch tactics.
484"Not Necessarily the News"John TracyTim O'DonnellSeptember 29, 1987 (1987-09-29)18610926.5/41 [48]
Maggie's family becomes anxious to find her a new job.
495"Michaelgate"John TracyDan Guntzelman & Steve MarshallOctober 6, 1987 (1987-10-06)18610823.1/37 [49]
Mike is nominated for student-body president.
506"Big Brother is Not Watching"John TracyDavid Tyron KingOctober 13, 1987 (1987-10-13)18610124.6/38 [50]
Ben is told that if he wants a new bike he has to put up half the cost, so he turns to Carol for ideas on how to make a fast buck. Carol organizes a raffle of Ben's old bike, but the plan is derailed when some bullies threaten anyone from buying tickets to assure themselves of the prize, and Ben and Carol get chastized by their parents, who must decide how to proceed. Summer Phoenix as Jody.
517"A Star Is Born"John Tracy Neal Marlens & David KendallOctober 27, 1987 (1987-10-27)18610725.7/38 [51]
When the girl he likes is chosen as leading lady in the high school play, Mike auditions for leading man and wins the part. He knows nothing about acting and can't recall his lines, but he loves rehearsing the kissing scenes.
528"Gone But Not Forgotten"John TracyChristopher Ames & Carolyn ShelbyNovember 3, 1987 (1987-11-03)18610523.3/35 [52]
When the Seaver house is burglarized, the family fears the perpetrators' return.
539"Who's Zoomin' Who?"John TracyTom WallaNovember 10, 1987 (1987-11-10)18611325.0/37 [53]
Carol's friends convince her to dump Bobby for the handsome new transfer student (Brad Pitt).
5410"This is Your Life"John TracyDavid KendallNovember 17, 1987 (1987-11-17)18611023.2/35 [54]
Ben is fearful of undergoing a tonsillectomy, so he escapes the surgery with the aid of a jovial taxi driver (Alan Hale Jr.). After coming home, he realizes he has been punished for his cowardice by being disinherited and replaced with a new, perfect-in-every-way Ben (Danny Cooksey).
5511"Broadway Bound"John TracyTim O'Donnell & Tom WallaNovember 24, 1987 (1987-11-24)18611520.7/31 [55]
Mike skips the local school play audition to audition for a Broadway play. Dawn Wells appears as a Casting Receptionist.
5612"The Scarlet Letter"John Tracy Kate Boutilier December 1, 1987 (1987-12-01)18610622.5/34 [56]
Carol doubts the purpose of education when she gets an A+ on an exam paper she bluffed her way through.
5713"A Reason to Live"John TracyDavid Tyron KingDecember 8, 1987 (1987-12-08)18611221.1/32 [57]
A troubled girl uses a school assignment with Mike and Boner to seek help from Jason.
5814"Nasty Habits"John TracyChristopher Ames & Carolyn ShelbyDecember 15, 1987 (1987-12-15)18611918.2/26 [58]
Mike's bad habits catch up with him and put him in danger of not graduating: he can't seem to start his English paper and even plans to go out the night before it's due.
5915"The Marrying Kind"John TracyDavid KendallJanuary 5, 1988 (1988-01-05)18611423.9/34 [59]
Jason and Maggie are shocked when Carol announces her engagement to Bobby.
6016"State of the Union"John TracyKate BoutilierJanuary 12, 1988 (1988-01-12)18612023.4/34 [60]
Jason and Maggie spend more and more time apart as Maggie's new job demands more and more of her time. Meanwhile, the family receives life-changing news: Maggie is pregnant.
6117"The Mom Who Knew Too Much"John TracyKate BoutilierJanuary 26, 1988 (1988-01-26)18611124.0/34 [61]
Carol is furious with Maggie for telling Jason one of her most intimate secrets. Jason then confides in Carol a medical problem he has been hiding from Maggie.
6218"Great Expectations"John TracyDavid KendallFebruary 9, 1988 (1988-02-09)18612224.0/34 [62]
A letter from the girl he met in Hawaii has Mike scheming to go to Los Angeles without Jason and Maggie's knowledge.Los Angeles International Airport
6319"Dance Fever"John TracyTim O'DonnellMarch 1, 1988 (1988-03-01)18611723.7/34 [63]
6420March 2, 1988 (1988-03-02)18611820.0/30 [63]
While Maggie and Jason chaperone Mike and Carol's high-school dance, Ben goes in search of his manhood. In part 2, as Ben continues his quest for manhood, the high-school dance continues: Jason and Maggie compete to see which one is the better D.J.; Mike discovers he has values; and Carol learns to think for herself instead of going along with the crowd.
6521"Bringing Up Baby"John TracyTom WallaMarch 9, 1988 (1988-03-09)18612120.0/32 [64]
While the Seavers make room for baby #4, Maggie grasps for a way to tell her boss she's pregnant.
6622"The Obscure Objects of Our Desire: Parts 1 & 2"John TracyDavid KendallMarch 30, 1988 (1988-03-30)186365A18.1/29 [65]
6723186365B
Spring cleaning breathes new life into the family's household objects, and each has a story to tell. Housecleaning turns up things from the family's past and sparks memories.
6824"How the West Was Won"John TracyDan Guntzelman & Steve MarshallApril 20, 1988 (1988-04-20) [66] 18629115.2/26 [67]
6925April 26, 1988 (1988-04-26) [68] 18629218.8/33 [69]
Mike and Boner learn that Coach Lubbock has been fired, prompting them to organize a protest. In part 2, Jason, Carol, Mike, and Boner are arrested over the demonstration of Coach Lubbock's firing.
7026"Graduation Day"John TracyDan Guntzelman & Steve MarshallMay 4, 1988 (1988-05-04)18611616.2/28 [70]
Mike's graduation stirs memories from his proud parents, who recall his birth and first day of school. (Judith Barsi plays the younger Carol)

Season 4 (1988–1989)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
711"Fool for Love" John Tracy Kate Boutilier October 19, 1988 (1988-10-19)18643328.6 [71]
Ben works up the courage to ask a girl (Candace Cameron) to a Halloween party.
722"Birth of a Seaver"John Tracy David Kendall October 26, 1988 (1988-10-26)18643430.6 [72]

Maggie goes into labor on Ben's 12th birthday.

Note: This is Chrissy's first appearance on the show as both a newborn and later an infant.
733"Family Ties: Part 1"John Tracy Tim O'Donnell November 2, 1988 (1988-11-02)18643129.9 [73]
Mike has a showdown with Jason over his rights as an 18-year-old college student and declares his freedom from parental rule.
744"Family Ties: Part 2"John TracyTom WallaNovember 9, 1988 (1988-11-09)18643229.6 [74]
Mike converts the storage space above the garage into an apartment and must choose whether he wants to be tenant or family member.
755"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"John TracyBecky Ayers & Joanna Kerns November 16, 1988 (1988-11-16)18643530.3 [75]
Jason learns his widowed mother has a new beau (Robert Rockwell).
766"Homecoming Queen"John TracyKate BoutilierNovember 23, 1988 (1988-11-23)18643622.6 [76]
Carol is chosen for homecoming court.
777"Nude Photos"John TracyDavid KendallNovember 30, 1988 (1988-11-30)18643729.5 [77]
Mike's photography course includes nude studies. While his friends see it as a chance to get their thrills, Mike actually gets a nagging feeling he should be a professional student.
788"Ben's First Kiss"John TracyTim O'DonnellDecember 7, 1988 (1988-12-07)18643926.8 [78]
Ben throws a party to get to know a girl (Jenny Lewis).
799"The Nanny"John TracyKevin AbbottJanuary 4, 1989 (1989-01-04)18643831.3 [79]
The Seavers hire a nanny for Chrissy, with interesting results.
8010"Mandingo"John TracyStory by: Dan Guntzelman & Mike Sullivan
Teleplay by: David Kendall & Tim O'Donnell
January 11, 1989 (1989-01-11)18644229.5 [80]
A travel snafu strands Julie with Mike.
8111"In Carol We Trust"John TracyTom WallaJanuary 18, 1989 (1989-01-18)18644130.2 [81]
Carol sneaks out of the house for a date.
8212"Mom of the Year"John TracyBecky AyersJanuary 25, 1989 (1989-01-25)18644328.1 [82]
Maggie is chosen to receive the "Working Mother of the Year" award and prepares a speech.
8313"Semper Fidelis"John TracyDavid KendallFebruary 1, 1989 (1989-02-01)18644028.3 [83]
Boner flunks out of college and joins the Marines.
8414"Feet of Clay"John Tracy Todd Thicke February 8, 1989 (1989-02-08)18644427.6 [84]

Maggie arranges for Ben to meet his favorite rock musician, Jonathan Keith (Brad Pitt), whose backstage behavior cures Ben's idolatry of him.

Note: This is Brad Pitt's second appearance in the series. He previously guest-starred as Carol's love-interest Jeff in the season-three episode "Who's Zoomin' Who".
8515"Anniversary from Hell"John TracyTim O'DonnellFebruary 15, 1989 (1989-02-15)18644626.3 [85]
The Seavers achieve their 20th anniversary, but trouble in the form of a pie fight erupts among their celebration's guests.
8616"Fortunate Son"John TracyTim O'DonnellFebruary 22, 1989 (1989-02-22)18644525.0 [86]
Maggie becomes concerned when Mike takes a job at a convenience store and may have to do dangerous night shifts.
8717"Double Standard"John TracyTodd ThickeMarch 1, 1989 (1989-03-01)18644726.5 [87]
Jason punishes Carol and Ben unequally for the same offense: sneaking out for dates.
8818"The Recruiter"John TracyTim O'DonnellMarch 15, 1988 (1988-03-15)18644927.0 [88]
To avoid going to her parents' college without disappointing them, Carol has Mike hire a homeless man (Carmen Filpi) to pose as Jason.
8919"Show Ninety – Who Knew?"John TracyKevin AbbottMarch 22, 1989 (1989-03-22)18645027.4 [89]

Jason helps Mike with his Psychology class, with unexpected results.

Note: Contrary to the episode title, this episode was the 89th episode to air, however, it was the 90th episode to be taped.
9020"Second Chance"John TracyStory by: Dan Guntzelman & Steve Marshall
Teleplay by: David Kendall
April 12, 1989 (1989-04-12)18644824.4 [90]

Carol's boyfriend Sandy (Matthew Perry) drives drunk and gets into an accident, resulting in his death.

Note: This episode ended with a message that told viewers how many alcohol-related accidents that caused injury or death in the United States occurred while the episode ran. The number increased from 29 to 30 about ten seconds later. However, this message did not generally appear in syndication.
9121"The Looooove Boat: Part 1"John TracyDavid KendallApril 26, 1989 (1989-04-26)18645121.4 [91]
Jason's mother wants to get married on a cruise ship.
9222"The Looooove Boat: Part 2"John TracyDavid KendallMay 3, 1989 (1989-05-03)18645220.3 [92]
Jason tries to calm his mother when her wedding plans nearly fail.

Season 5 (1989–1990)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
931"Anger With Love" John Tracy David Kendall & Tim O'Donnell September 20, 1989 (1989-09-20)18670426.4 [93]
Maggie disapproves of Mike and Julie's wedding plans.
942"Mike and Julie's Wedding"John TracyDavid KendallSeptember 27, 1989 (1989-09-27)18670327.7 [94]
Julie and Mike suffer prenuptial jitters.
953"Carol Meets the Real World"John TracyDavid KendallOctober 4, 1989 (1989-10-04)18670125.8 [95]
Jason demands that Carol find a job.
964"Fish Bait"John TracyRob BraginOctober 11, 1989 (1989-10-11)18670226.8 [96]
Mike's drama teacher and classmates start to intimidate him.
975"Teach Me"John TracyTim O'DonnellOctober 18, 1989 (1989-10-18)18670623.8 [97]
Carol brings a fake boyfriend to a family party.
986"Carol's Papers"John TracyTim O'DonnellOctober 25, 1989 (1989-10-25)18670524.4 [98]
Jason confronts Ben and Mike, who give conflicting versions of how Ben came to sell Carol's old term papers to students at Dewey High – and to date a seductive 18-year-old.
997"Coughing Boy"John TracyMindy SchneiderNovember 1, 1989 (1989-11-01)18670925.6 [99]
Mike attends an open casting session and wins a part on a TV cop show!
1008"The New Deal: Part 1"John TracyShelly LandauNovember 8, 1989 (1989-11-08)18670723.7 [100]
Jason gets a promising job offer.
1019"The New Deal: Part 2"John TracyShelly LandauNovember 15, 1989 (1989-11-15)18670822.7 [101]

Jason tries to hide his new job offer from Maggie.

Note: Newspaper outlets from the time period announced that this was the 100th episode. [102]
10210"Paper Route"John TracyDavid KendallNovember 22, 1989 (1989-11-22)18671019.4 [103]
Ben assumes Mike's paper route for half the money.
10311"Five Grand"John TracyTim O'DonnellNovember 29, 1989 (1989-11-29)18671325.4 [104]
Maggie's parents give each of the grandchildren $5,000 as an early inheritance.
10412"Carol's Promotion"John TracyMindy SchneiderDecember 6, 1989 (1989-12-06)18671120.0 [105]
Carol considers postponing college when she gets a promotion at work.
10513"Ben and Mike's Excellent Adventure"John TracyRob BraginDecember 13, 1989 (1989-12-13)18671222.1 [106]

When Mike takes Ben out to get supplies for a last minute project, it turns into all sorts of nighttime adventures to include a run in with the cops and girl-chasing.

Jennie Garth guest stars as Denise.
10614"The Triangle"John TracyShelly LandauJanuary 3, 1990 (1990-01-03)18671423.4 [107]
Mike falls for his leading lady.
10715"The Return of the Triangle"John TracyShelly LandauJanuary 10, 1990 (1990-01-10)18671526.2 [108]
David (David Coburn) turns to Mike for help with Kate.
10816"The Home Show"John TracyDavid Kendall & Tim O'DonnellJanuary 17, 1990 (1990-01-17)18671623.5 [109]
The Seavers' reception to raise money for a free mental-health clinic is in trouble when, having mixed-up the date, they send the caterer away, then can't get her back or find another on no notice. They must also get the house ready in 23 minutes.
10917"Jason vs. Maggie"John TracyTim O'DonnellJanuary 24, 1990 (1990-01-24)18671724.7 [110]
Jason and Maggie argue over Ben's request to get his ear pierced.
11018"Mike, Kate and Julie"John TracyDavid KendallJanuary 31, 1990 (1990-01-31)18671823.6 [111]
Mike unexpectedly sees a familiar face while on a date with Kate.
11119"Mike, the Teacher"John TracyMindy SchneiderFebruary 7, 1990 (1990-02-07)18671922.4 [112]
Mike becomes a substitute teacher.
11220"Carol in Jail"John TracyMindy SchneiderFebruary 14, 1990 (1990-02-14)18672022.8 [113]
Mike's unpaid parking tickets get Carol arrested when she is pulled over driving his car.
11321"Future Shock"John Tracy Todd Thicke February 21, 1990 (1990-02-21)18672119.3 [114]
After seeming to be the oldest parent at Chrissy's preschool (as in, the teacher thinks she's Chrissy's grandma), Maggie dreams of Chrissy as a teenager (played by Khrystyne Haje).
11422"Ben Cheats"John TracyTim O'DonnellMarch 14, 1990 (1990-03-14)18672221.9 [115]
Sly classmate Vito introduces Ben to the art of passing exams without actually studying. Ultimately, Ben's view of success in the world becomes distorted when he opts for good honest cramming, only to fail the test anyway. Then his parents ground him for flunking, which adds insult to injury.
11523"Mike, the Director"John TracyRob BraginMarch 21, 1990 (1990-03-21)18672321.1 [116]
As he prepares to graduate, Mike decides he wants to try his hand at directing.
11624"Weekend at Mike's"John TracyStory by: David Kendall & Tim O'Donnell
Teleplay by: Shelly Landau
April 4, 1990 (1990-04-04)18672521.2 [117]
The family stays at Mike's apartment while the house is being fumigated.
11725"Ben's Movie"John TracyShelly LandauApril 25, 1990 (1990-04-25)18669517.7 [118]
Ben casts a girl he likes in his home movie.
11826"Where There's a Will"John TracyDavid KendallMay 2, 1990 (1990-05-02)18669617.4 [119]
Jason and Mike journey to inspect the mountain cabin Jason has inherited from his Uncle George.

Season 6 (1990–1991)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
1191"Mike's Choice" John Tracy David Kendall September 19, 1990 (1990-09-19)18701424.4 [120]

Mike decides to quit college to fully focus on acting; Jason and Maggie disapprove.

First appearance of Ashley Johnson as Chrissy Seaver
1202"Midnight Cowboy"John TracyNick LeRoseSeptember 26, 1990 (1990-09-26)18701524.5 [121]
Mike moves into the city; Carol has a hard time with her commute to Columbia University.
1213"Roommates"John TracyBob Burris & Michael WareOctober 3, 1990 (1990-10-03)18701623.8 [122]
Mike and Carol rent an apartment in the city as Jason and Maggie wait patiently for them to return home. The wait may not to be too long as Carol gets immersed in the culture of NYC, indirectly getting her and Mike evicted, and Maggie's parents start laying down the law.
1224"Daddy Mike"John TracyElias Davis & David PollockOctober 10, 1990 (1990-10-10)18701325.8 [123]
Mike and Eddie (K. C. Martel) join a single-parents group to meet women.
1235"Ben's Sure Thing"John TracyShelly LandauOctober 17, 1990 (1990-10-17)18701221.7 [124]
At Ben's school's Parents' Night, his parents learn what he has been telling his friends about the girl that he has been dating (Andrea Barber) – and the words' effect on his popularity.
1246"Jason Flirts, Maggie Hurts"John TracyJack Weinberger & Mike WeinbergerOctober 24, 1990 (1990-10-24)18701124.8 [125]
A flirty Jason gets jealous when Maggie turns the tables.
1257"Happy Halloween"John TracyJay Abramowitz & Dan Guntzelman & Nick LeRoseOctober 31, 1990 (1990-10-31)18701720.7 [126]
1268187018
The Seavers spend a rainy Halloween night telling ghost stories – and thanks to Mike they discover that truth can be much scarier than fiction.
The Seavers' rainy Halloween night continues. Guest starring Jamie Luner – "Cindy Lubbock" of Just the Ten of Us .
1279"Let's Go Europe: Part 1"John TracyDavid KendallNovember 7, 1990 (1990-11-07)18701923.0 [127]
Jason buys an anniversary trip to Paris from travel-agent Mike, who wins a European tour that falls apart. In Paris, Maggie is bitten not by the love bug but by appendicitis.
12810"Let's Go Europe: Part 2"John TracyBob Burris & Michael WareNovember 14, 1990 (1990-11-14)18702023.4 [128]
While Maggie is hospitalized in Paris, Mike is stuck on the road with an angry customer.
12911"Let's Go Europe: Part 3"John TracyStory by: Dan Guntzelman & David Kendall
Teleplay by: Bob Burris & Michael Ware
November 28, 1990 (1990-11-28)18702223.8 [129]
Mike and Amy continue to bicker their way toward Paris.
13012"Divorce Story"John TracyElias Davis & David PollockDecember 5, 1990 (1990-12-05)18702318.2 [130]
Jason, happy to see his mother's second marriage crumbling, doesn't want to offer professional help.
13113"The World According to Chrissy"John TracyLeilani DownerDecember 19, 1990 (1990-12-19)18702416.5 [131]
Chrissy's imaginary friend is a 6-foot-tall mouse named Ike.
13214"How Could I Leave Her Behind?"John TracyJack Weinberger & Mike WeinbergerJanuary 2, 1991 (1991-01-02)18702122.2 [132]
Mike and Eddie double-date – Eddie's date is Mike's ex-girlfriend.
13315"Like Father, Like Son"John Tracy Vince Cheung & Ben Montanio January 9, 1991 (1991-01-09)18702522.9 [133]
In an intrafamily communications seminar, Mike and Jason discover how alike they are.
13416"Ben's Rap Group"John Tracy Todd Thicke January 23, 1991 (1991-01-23)18702722.6 [134]
Jason becomes Ben's business partner in rap-group management, but he uses the money he's invested to control Ben.
13517"Eddie, We Hardly Knew Ye"John TracyRich ReinhartJanuary 30, 1991 (1991-01-30)18702621.3 [135]
Maggie's father Ed dies during a visit to the Seavers.
13618"Maggie Seaver's: The Meaning of Life"John TracyJay AbramowitzFebruary 6, 1991 (1991-02-06)18702922.1 [136]
Jason takes Maggie on a tropical getaway to lift her spirits after her father's death.
13719"All the World is a Stage"John TracyDavid KendallFebruary 13, 1991 (1991-02-13)18703022.6 [137]
Mike competes with a well-established actor for a soap-opera role.
13820"Not With My Carol You Don't"John TracyLeilani DownerFebruary 20, 1991 (1991-02-20)18702816.2 [138]
Jason encourages Carol to volunteer at a clinic, then disapproves of the ex-con she meets there.
13921"Meet the Seavers"John TracyStory by: Dan Guntzelman & David Kendall & Nick LeRose & Steve Marshall & Mike Sullivan
Teleplay by: Bob Burris & Michael Ware
March 6, 1991 (1991-03-06)18703220.4 [139]
In a Twilight Zone -esque episode, Ben gets shouted at by his parents and grouses to himself how come his family is not like what he sees on TV. He awakens to discover he's Jeremy Miller, an actor on the set of the TV show "Meet the Seavers".
14022"Carol's Carnival"John TracyRich ReinhartMarch 27, 1991 (1991-03-27)18703320.5 [140]
Ben forces Carol to go on a date with the brother of his new girlfriend but he ditches her and Carol meets another man at the carnival, their date site.
14123"Home Schooling"John TracyStory by: Dan Guntzelman & Mike Sullivan
Teleplay by: Nick LeRose
April 17, 1991 (1991-04-17)18703118.7 [141]
Maggie homeschools Ben after he is suspended from school.
14224"Viva Las Vegas"John TracyShelly LandauApril 24, 1991 (1991-04-24)18703419.0 [142]
Mike and Kate accompany the eloping Eddie and a hat-check bimbette to Las Vegas.

Season 7 (1991–1992)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
1431"Back to School" Jack Shea Bob Burris & Michael WareSeptember 18, 1991 (1991-09-18)18720119.9 [143]
Mike begins his first day teaching remedial students.
1442"Stop, Luke, and Listen: Part 1"Jack SheaLiz SageSeptember 25, 1991 (1991-09-25)18720321.1 [144]
Mike learns his best student, Luke Brower (Leonardo DiCaprio), is homeless, and offers to help him.
1453"In Wine There Is Truth: Part 2"Jack SheaRich ReinhartSeptember 28, 1991 (1991-09-28)18720416.4 [144]
Mike persuades Jason and Maggie to let Luke stay with them temporarily; just as he moves in, Jason's wine collection disappears.
1464"Paper Tigers"Jack SheaLeilani DownerOctober 5, 1991 (1991-10-05)18720213.8 [145]
Jason and Maggie compete to write a newspaper column; Ben starts to hate his glasses.
1475"The Young and the Homeless"Jack SheaBob Burris & Michael WareOctober 12, 1991 (1991-10-12)18720513.0 [146]
Luke runs away from the Seavers' just as Mike is about to film his soap-opera scenes.
1486"Jason Sings the Blues"Jack SheaJerry ColkerOctober 19, 1991 (1991-10-19)18720612.4 [147]
Jason accompanies a leery Luke to the doctor, where he gets nasty news.
1497"The Kid's Still Got It"Iris DugowJerry ColkerOctober 26, 1991 (1991-10-26)18720711.2 [148]
Carol accompanies Maggie to a resort on an interesting weekend; at home, the all-male weekend is infiltrated by a female: Chrissy, who has been sent home with head lice.
1508"There Must Be a Pony"Iris DugowLiz SageNovember 2, 1991 (1991-11-02)18720812.9 [149]

Nouveau-riche neighbors move in next door and their lavish party crashes Jason's "cure" for Chrissy wanting to stay up late because she thinks her bedtime has been keeping her from big fun. Meanwhile, Ben must be Luke's "Big Brother" on his first day of high school, but he soon realizes that Luke will do fine.

Note: Hilary Swank appears as Sasha Serotsky, a classmate of Ben and Luke.
1519"The Big Fix"Iris DugowLeilani DownerNovember 9, 1991 (1991-11-09)18720912.5 [150]
Consumer advocate Maggie raps a vacuum cleaner that Ben secretly broke.
15210"Home Malone" Burt Brinckerhoff Rich ReinhartNovember 16, 1991 (1991-11-16)18721012.4 [151]
The ghost of Maggie's father Ed oversees the Seavers' visit to her childhood home.
15311"Bad Day Cafe"Renny TempleBud WiserNovember 23, 1991 (1991-11-23)18721214.6 [152]
Luke's father comes to town wanting him back.
15412"B=MC2" Gerren Keith Cathy JungNovember 30, 1991 (1991-11-30)18721111.7 [153]
Ben crams for a college entrance exam with no help from Jason.
15513"It's Not Easy Being Green"Renny TempleLeilani DownerDecember 21, 1991 (1991-12-21)18721311.7 [154]
Christmastime brings the Seavers anger and angst.
15614"The Call of the Wild" Andy Cadiff Bob Burris & Michael WareJanuary 4, 1992 (1992-01-04)18721412.4 [155]
Penniless Mike schemes to give Kate a ski-trip.
15715"Honest Abe"Burt BrinckerhoffWendy BraffJanuary 18, 1992 (1992-01-18)18721611.6 [156]

Luke's homeless friend steals a Seaver memento.

Note: Tracey Gold does not appear in this episode.
15816"Vicious Cycle"Burt BrinckerhoffCathy JungFebruary 1, 1992 (1992-02-01)18721712.5 [157]

Maggie and Jason hold Mike accountable for Luke's curfew problems.

Note: Tracey Gold does not appear in this episode.
15917"Menage a Luke"Gerren Keith Todd Thicke February 8, 1992 (1992-02-08)18721511.5 [158]

A love triangle involves Ben, Luke, and a classmate (Wendy Cox).

Note: Hilary Swank appears as Sasha Serotsky, a classmate of Ben and Luke.
16018"The Five Fingers of Ben"Burt BrinckerhoffJerry ColkerFebruary 22, 1992 (1992-02-22)18721813.6 [159]

Tired of being bullied, Ben takes karate lessons.

Note: Tracey Gold does not appear in this episode.
16119"Don't Go Changin'" Don Amendolia Leilani Downer & Rich ReinhartFebruary 29, 1992 (1992-02-29)18722010.5 [160]

Mike believes his old friend Eddie is a bad influence on Luke.

Note: Tracey Gold does not appear in this episode.
16220"The Truck Stops Here" Joanna Kerns Jerry ColkerMarch 21, 1992 (1992-03-21)18721912.3 [161]

Luke's father returns, wanting him to join him on his trucking journeys.

Note: Tracey Gold does not appear in this episode.
16321"Maggie's Brilliant Career"Gerren KeithKate BoutilierApril 4, 1992 (1992-04-04)18722113.4 [162]

Maggie wants to fulfill a dream by climbing a mountain.

Note: Tracey Gold does not appear in this episode.

Note: This episode marks the final appearance for Leonardo DiCaprio as Luke Brower.
16422"The Wrath of Con Ed"Nancy HeydornLiz SageApril 11, 1992 (1992-04-11)18722211.5 [163]
A power failure hampers Jason and Maggie's romantic evening.
16523"The Last Picture Show: Parts 1 & 2"Jonathan WeissBob Burris, Wendy Braff, Jerry Colker, Leilani Downer, Cathy Jung, Rich Reinhart, Liz Sage, Michael Ware & Dan Wilcox April 25, 1992 (1992-04-25)18722321.1 [164]
16624Bob Burris & Michael Ware187224
A senator offers Maggie a job in Washington, D.C. Should she accept?
Mike proposes to Kate and the family reminisces about good times in their home.

TV films

TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date Viewers
(millions)
The Growing Pains Movie Alan Metter David Kendall & Mike SullivanNovember 5, 2000 (2000-11-05)15.05 [165]
The Seavers help Maggie in her senate campaign against her former boss.
Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers Joanna Kerns Christina Lynch & Loren SeganOctober 16, 2004 (2004-10-16)6.89 [166]
Jason and Maggie want to sell the house and retire causing a rift with real estate agent Ben, Mike and Carol.

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