Too Close for Comfort
Overview
Too Close for Comfort is a classic American sitcom that aired on ABC from November 11, 1980, to May 5, 1983, later transitioning to first-run syndication from April 7, 1984, until September 27, 1986. Inspired by the British show Keep It in the Family, which debuted shortly before, it centers on the comedic misadventures of a newspaper cartoonist and his quirky family. For its final season, the series was rebranded as The Ted Knight Show, reflecting a shift in focus while retaining its original charm.
Episodes
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1
Pilot
Henry and Muriel Rush own a duplex in San Francisco, where they live with their two grown daughters: 21-year-old banker Jackie and 18-year-old college...
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2
It Didn't Happen One Night
Since Sara and Jackie moved in downstairs, Henry has turned into a full-blown snoop. When Sara requests to spend the weekend in Lake Tahoe, she leaves...
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3
The Bag Lady
Jackie, an employee at the bank, heads out to deliver cash to a supermarket, only to discover it's closed. After reaching out to her boss, she unexpec...
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4
Sara's Monroe Doctrine
Sara forms a friendship with Monroe Ficus, a young man who has just gone through a breakup, and he soon begins to trail her everywhere, even to her ho...
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5
Que Sara, Sara
Jackie and Sara are sharing their rent, but when Sara can’t come up with her portion, Henry advises her to find a job. She quickly lands a position ...
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6
Tenants Anyone?
Jackie and Sara have taken over the furniture left behind by the former tenant, Rafkin. However, their plans are disrupted when his sister arrives to ...
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7
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolfe?
Sara starts a part-time job at Jackie’s bank, and everything seems to be going well. Jackie soon cautions her about the branch manager, Mr. Wolfe, a...
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8
Mister Big
Henry feels anxious about his position at work after the arrival of his new boss, Arthur Wainwright, who has a penchant for mysteries and a troubling ...
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9
The Location
Sara and Monroe are thrilled when a filmmaker chooses their apartment as the ideal location for a movie. Meanwhile, Henry and Muriel are left feeling ...
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10
A Friend in Need
Monroe is grappling with his virginity and decides to seek guidance from a psychologist. The therapist recommends that he consider hiring a sex surrog...
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11
A Fine Romance
Muriel's old college friend, Sylvia Walker, comes to town after her recent divorce, determined to seize the day and embrace life fully. At the same ti...
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12
The Boy in the Band
Rich Holland, who once took a young Muriel on tour with his band, shows up in town looking as youthful as ever. This makes Henry feel old and triggers...
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13
Deadline for Henry
Title: Henry's Jury Duty Dilemma Plot: Henry is less than thrilled about being summoned for jury duty. The situation intensifies when his boss, Mr. W...
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14
Huey
Huey, Henry’s father, escapes from the nursing home—though it's more accurate to say he’s kicked out after a romantic encounter with a fellow re...
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15
Centerfold
Buck Krulik, a football star and devoted admirer of Henry's Cosmic Cow comic strip, drops by for a visit. Jackie, Sara, and Muriel can't help but swoo...
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16
What's Wrong with Mr. Right?
A woman shows up at Sara and Jackie's home, confronting Sara about an alleged affair with her husband. However, she has mistaken her target; it's actu...
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17
Up Your Easter Bonnet
Feeling sorry for him, Henry hesitantly agrees to let Monroe stay on his couch during Easter week after Monroe's parents cancel his trip to Miami. How...
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18
Cosmic Cow vs. the Oval Office
Mr. Wainwright lets Henry go after he declines to issue an apology for his recent Cosmic Cow comic strips that satirize President Reagan. Instead of t...
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19
The Return of Rafkin
Sara organizes a séance with a medium to help Mildred Rafkin reach out to her late brother in hopes of locating a lost antique brooch. However, the s...
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1
Guess Who's Coming to Burp?
Title: Guess Who's Coming to Burp? Plot: During Muriel's 42nd birthday dinner with her family, she unexpectedly faints, leading to a shocking diagnos...
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2
Your Guest is As Good As Mine
Henry's adventurous niece, April, arrives unannounced at his door after relocating from Delaware to pursue her dream of songwriting. Though hesitant, ...
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3
Who's Sara Now?
Muriel and Henry come across a newspaper piece detailing a nurse who had swapped infants in the maternity ward where Sara was born. Eager to uncover t...
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4
The Prince and the Frog
Jackie is less than thrilled about a visit from a geeky guy who had a crush on her in their childhood. To her surprise, when Sara notices that he has ...
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5
What's Our Rush?
Muriel undergoes an amniocentesis, but she and Henry choose not to find out their baby's gender. This decision frustrates Henry's playful father, Huey...
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6
Rafkin's Bum
An elderly man, appearing disheveled, arrives at the Rushes' home seeking Rafkin, their late tenant who used to celebrate Thanksgiving with him in dra...
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7
Where There's a Will
After listening to a tale about a man who passed away without a will, Henry is haunted by a dreadful nightmare that pushes him to finally create his o...
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8
The Remaking of Monroe
Title: The Transformation of Monroe Plot: After being bullied at a concert, Monroe takes the Rush girls’ suggestion and signs up for an assertivene...
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9
When the Bough Breaks
Muriel makes the questionable decision to book a highly sought-after helicopter photo shoot, but Henry insists she back out because of her pregnancy. ...
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10
Cop-Out
Title: Love on the Beat Plot: Jackie is swept off her feet by a police officer who arrives at her apartment following a prank burglary call, which st...
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11
April and September
Henry is becoming increasingly frustrated with April's late nights out with her new boyfriend. Things take a surprising turn when he and Muriel find o...
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12
A Fan for Henry
A devoted follower of Henry's Cosmic Cow comic strip, who has been sending increasingly strange letters, sneaks into his apartment one night through t...
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13
Brotherly Hate
Title: Fraternal Tension Plot: April takes it upon herself to orchestrate a reunion between her father Bill and his estranged brother Henry, hoping t...
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14
Charlie's Last Hurrah
Title: Charlie's Final Fling Plot: Henry receives a call from a competing cartoonist known for pulling pranks on him throughout the years. Teaming up...
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15
The Last Weekend
As Henry comes to grips with the fact that his third child will arrive in just six weeks, he feels remorseful about not dedicating enough time to his ...
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16
My Unfavorite Martin
Muriel discreetly requests her mother Iris to remain with her during her recovery from giving birth, much to Henry's annoyance, as he has always consi...
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17
Seventh Month Blues
Henry's kind gesture to help an appealing art student land a job interview takes an unexpected turn when she starts to develop feelings for him. This ...
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18
As the Cookie Crumbles
Title: When the Dough Falls Apart Plot: As Henry prepares for a trip to Las Vegas, he hesitantly gives $100 to Sara, April, and Monroe to kick off th...
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19
Foreign Exchange
To save money on their European getaway, Jackie and Sara decide to exchange apartments with a British couple eager to explore America. However, Henry'...
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20
A Matter of Degree
Title: A Matter of Degree Plot: Henry struggles to come to terms with Sara's choice to leave college and pursue a career as a weather reporter at a n...
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21
A Policeman's Wife is Not a Happy One
After recovering from his gunshot wound, Brad, Jackie’s boyfriend, realizes that he can't handle a desk job, prompting him to rethink whether a long...
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22
Don't Shoot the Piano Movers
April receives a baby grand piano from her father and decides to accept Monroe's offer to help move it into her apartment, enlisting a big friend for ...
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1
Break Out the Pampers (1)
Title: Time to Change Diapers (1) Plot: After numerous near misses, Muriel's labor begins at last, but there's a catch—Henry is busy at his job. As...
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2
Break Out the Pampers (2)
Henry arrives at the hospital just in time to witness Muriel bringing their baby into the world.
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3
Guess Who's Coming Forever?
Henry becomes upset when Muriel's mother announces her plans to move in, leading him to consider moving out himself.
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4
A Snip in Time
After the arrival of their baby, Henry struggles with intimacy issues in his relationship with Muriel.
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5
The Luck of the Iris
Henry ruins a date for Iris.
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6
Do You Take This Woman Again?
Muriel decides to celebrate their anniversary by renewing their vows in an intimate gathering, but the event quickly spirals beyond her expectations.
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7
Who Was That Baby I Saw You With?
While Muriel captures adorable portraits of babies, a bewildered grandmother mistakenly takes Andrew, leaving her own grandson behind.
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8
Monroe's Secret Love's Secret
Henry offers Monroe some tips on how to win over a woman who has consistently turned down his invitations. Monroe is eager to take the advice, believi...
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9
A Thanksgiving Tale
Iris is struggling with her emotions, and her absence from the Rush household raises concerns among everyone. Her friends begin to fret when she fails...
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10
Pressure's Rising
Henry needs to undergo a physical examination in order to secure a life insurance policy.
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11
Mr. Christmas
Jackie brings a kind-hearted elderly Santa to their home for Christmas, but this decision makes Henry suspicious and leads him to assume the worst abo...
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12
The Yearning Point
When Muriel's renowned former singing partner pays her a visit, it sparks a wave of nostalgia and leads her to contemplate the road not taken—what h...
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13
Briefly at the Counter
Iris finds herself captivated by a man she thinks is incredibly successful.
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14
To Buy or Not to Buy
After Sara inadvertently allows burglars into their apartment, the Rush family becomes victims of a robbery. In response to the traumatic incident, He...
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15
The Seperation
Jackie gets into a heated discussion with her fiancé about her plans to continue working after their marriage. This sparks memories for Henry, Muriel...
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16
Girls of the Media
Feeling overlooked by Henry, who seems to only cheer for Jackie’s achievements, Sara decides to take a bold step and poses for a men’s magazine.
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17
The Courier
Title: The Delivery Plot: After a wild night, a charming courier collapses in Rush's bedroom, leaving Henry and Monroe scrambling to devise a plan. W...
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18
The Adoption Story
Title: The Adoption Revelation Plot: Iris surprises Muriel with a trip to Paris, but the excitement quickly fades when they discover that Muriel's pa...
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19
Out to Lunch
Title: Lunch Break Plot: With his mother busy at work and feeling peckish, Andrew finds himself in need of attention. To keep things moving, Henry de...
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20
A Portrait of Henry
Henry is furious with Monroe for unintentionally ruining the living room wall while trying to hang a self-portrait of Henry. In his anger, he chases M...
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21
Don't Rock the Boat
Henry is taken aback when he learns that his friend is tying the knot with someone significantly younger.
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22
Family Business
Following Iris’s mugging, the Rush family decides to expand their home to provide her with a new room. However, the young male workers they hire pro...
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1
The Enemy Above
Title: The Adversary Above Plot: The Rushes decide to lease their brand-new apartment to Monroe, a decision that brings unforeseen tension and compli...
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2
Making Mountains Out of Molehills
Jackie feels a twinge of jealousy over Sara's numerous romantic outings, prompting her to consider getting breast implants in hopes of enhancing her a...
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3
Just Another Pretty Face
Sara tries out for an anchor role at the station, confident that her chances are excellent compared to her less glamorous rivals.
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4
Home Is Where the Bart Is
The city plans to demolish the Rush family's home to make way for a new subway station.
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5
High Infidelity
Monroe's father comes for a visit.
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6
Son of the Groom
Title: Best Man Blues Plot: Henry's father arrives with exciting news, asking his son to take on the role of best man for his upcoming nuptials. Howe...
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7
Witness for the Persecution
After witnessing a robbery, Henry collaborates with the police to help pinpoint the perpetrator. However, the suspect soon confronts Henry, issuing a ...
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8
Henry Draws a Blank
Henry finds himself struggling with writer's block, feeling creatively stifled. To his surprise, Mrs. Rafkin steps in and offers invaluable assistance...
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9
Shipmates
Title: Shipmates Plot: Henry unexpectedly encounters his grumpy ex-Navy captain, who now works as a doorman. Despite their rocky past, Henry decides ...
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10
Is There a Doctor in the House?
Title: Is There a Doctor in the House? Plot: Henry's friend, a cartoonist, proposes that he contribute his early artwork to a local college, aiming t...
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11
High and Inside
Henry excitedly arranges a date for Sara with a major league baseball player. Although Sara is initially reluctant, she accepts and soon finds herself...
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12
The Runaway
Monroe requests to have a friend stay with him for a week, conveniently leaving out the fact that she’s a runaway and female. Later, when Henry unex...
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13
The Graduates
Title: The Graduates Plot: With graduation approaching, Monroe struggles to secure employment. In a clever move, he manipulates Henry's worry about h...
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14
Goodbye, Mr. Chip
Title: Farewell, Mr. Chip Plot: Monroe acquires a new computer and strikes it rich in both the stock market and horse racing with the help of digital...
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15
No Patsy, This Kelly
Henry nearly misses a crucial meeting with his boss when Monroe, the guard dog, decides to keep watch overnight and ends up cornering him in the kitch...
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16
Hawaii Five-8
After returning from a Hawaiian getaway with their grandmother Iris, Jackie and Sara bring back more than just souvenirs. Jackie has developed feeling...
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17
Quick on the Draw
Following Henry's arm injury, his employer assigns a talented young artist to assist him in meeting his deadlines. However, this newcomer is brash and...
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18
The Missing Fink
When Muriel's camera goes missing during a gallery opening, her efforts to get it back make Henry suspect she is involved in an affair.
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19
The Sound of Mother
Muriel receives a letter from her biological mother, expressing a desire to meet. Although filled with anger and resentment, Jackie and Sara manage to...
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20
The Return of Mr. Wonderful
Iris arrives with the intention of confronting the charming man who shattered her heart. He entices her to come by claiming he has “an incredibly im...
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21
Divorce Chicago Style
Muriel's close friend, Sylvia, has just gone through a divorce and is reveling in her newfound independence and romantic adventures. Muriel finds hers...
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22
Cinderella Update
Jackie contemplates relocating to Dallas in search of a fashion career. However, everything changes when she meets Sara's date, and the two immediatel...
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23
Henry Bites the Big Apple
When a fresh, younger executive steps in at Wainwright Publishing, Henry starts to contemplate accepting a position in New York City.
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1
Drawing Room
Henry opts to take a job at a downtown office, hoping to escape the chaos at home. However, he quickly discovers that the distractions in the city are...
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2
Nearly Departed
Following the passing of his father, Henry comes to the conclusion that he needs to organize his own funeral. This prompts him to reflect deeply on th...
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3
My Son, the PhD
Andrew, a remarkably intelligent young man, catches the attention of a prestigious academy designed for exceptionally gifted students, leading to his ...
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4
All in a Day's Unemployment
Title: A Day in the Life of Joblessness Plot: The Rush family faces financial strain as funds dwindle. Henry decides to help Monroe prepare for a con...
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5
Devereaux & Son
Paul, a friend of the Rushes, decides to pose as a relative in an attempt to win over his estranged son. Eager to make a connection, he immerses himse...
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6
And Baby Makes Two
Title: A New Beginning Plot: Jackie stuns Henry and Muriel with her unexpected revelation that she plans to raise a child on her own.
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7
Reconcilable Differences
Title: Mending Bridges Plot: Henry and Muriel find themselves in therapy after the pressure of mediating a conflict between another couple takes its ...
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8
The Two Faces of Muriel
Title: Muriel's Dilemma Plot: Muriel contemplates undergoing cosmetic surgery in hopes of rekindling Henry's affection for her. As she grapples with ...
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9
No Mas, Monroe
The Rushes bring on a strikingly attractive housekeeper who speaks limited English and has aspirations of becoming a naturalized citizen.
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10
For Every Man, There's Two Women
Monroe is abducted and assaulted by two women in a van. After the police fail to take her allegations seriously, Henry takes it upon himself to track ...
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11
Finders Keepers
Henry and Monroe stumble upon a bag packed with cash and consider keeping it for themselves. However, their excitement quickly fades when they learn t...
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12
These Stupid Things Remind Me of You
The Rush's recall how they met Monroe.
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13
Terms of Endangerment
Title: Terms of Endangerment Plot: Monroe finds himself drawn to a captivating woman who seems sophisticated but may already be tied down. Concerned ...
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14
The British are Coming, The British are Coming
Title: The British Are Here, The British Are Here Plot: Henry realizes that his friend from the war, who has come all the way from England for a visi...
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15
No Deposit, No Return
Henry resorts to extreme tactics to dodge a hefty fine for library books that have been overdue for five years.
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16
Off and Running
Title: On the Move Plot: Henry's job hangs by a thread when he snaps a photo with Cosmic Cow and a local politician. This seemingly innocent moment r...
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17
Accused, Confused and Abused
Monroe and Sara take it upon themselves to assist a troubled teenage boy facing time in juvenile hall for theft. With a background marked by abuse, th...
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18
Arrivederci, Jackie
Jackie receives an exciting job offer from The House of Aldo, an esteemed Italian designer, but keeps it a secret from her father. She invites Senor A...
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19
Ars Gratia Iris
Henry's married pal chases Muriel's friend.
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20
Henry Enters the '80's
Sara reluctantly accepts a blind date arranged by Muriel and is pleasantly surprised to find that Bob is incredibly good-looking. As they continue to ...
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21
Freddie Loves it, We Love It, You're Cancelled
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1
Henry's Change of Life
Title: Henry’s New Chapter Plot: Henry, along with Muriel and Monroe, relocates to Mill Valley, California, where the Rushes settle into their new ...
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2
Front Page Monroe
Monroe breaks a major story on corporate pollution that makes the front page, but his commitment to journalistic integrity lands him in jail when he r...
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3
Four is a Crowd
The Rush family's friends come over for a visit, but their stay stretches longer than expected.
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4
Ho-Ho Ho Chi Henry
The Rushes, along with Mrs. Stinson, come to the aid of a Vietnamese family who has just launched their own restaurant, guiding them on their journey ...
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5
Miss Marin Bugler
Title: Miss Marin Bugler Plot: The Marin Bugler organizes a beauty pageant, but the outcome takes a surprising turn for the crowned winner. As she na...
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6
Garfield the Cat Joins the Marin Bugler
Henry makes a deal to take over the Garfield comic strip for the Marin Bugler.
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7
Bedtime for Henry
Henry's ideal day involves lounging peacefully in bed, but he finds himself repeatedly disrupted.
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8
Educating Lisa
Lisa, the housekeeper for the Rush family, takes the important step of signing up for classes to pursue her dream of becoming a naturalized American c...
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9
Henry's Novel Solution
Title: Henry's Unexpected Revelation Plot: Henry looks up to a renowned writer, but his respect takes a hit when he discovers that Peter Haskell, the...
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10
Henry Gets Taken for a Ride
Henry makes the decision to purchase a car for Lisa, eager to demonstrate his savvy in business by securing the best possible deal. However, his effor...
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11
Late, Great Herbert Maxwell
Monroe and Henry uncover a conspiracy linked to the death of a friend of Mrs. Stinson.
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12
Muriel's Fish Story
Title: Muriel's Underwater Adventure Plot: Muriel receives an exciting opportunity when a renowned oceanographer invites her to document his upcoming...
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13
Ya Gotta Have Heart
The arrival of Mrs. Stinson's niece as a new intern at the newspaper stirs up some tension among the staff.
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14
Monroe's Critical Condition
After Monroe writes a negative review of a singer’s performance, he finds himself in grave danger.
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15
Cyrano Henry
Mr. Forester seeks Henry's assistance in crafting a personal ad, turning Henry into an unofficial ghostwriter for all the messages exchanged with the ...
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16
Family Fued
Muriel decides to leave the Marin Bugler after Henry chooses to feature a reader's photograph in an article instead of using her own work.
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17
Rock Around Henry
Henry comes to the aid of two rock musicians who have been prohibited from playing at a nearby music festival.
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18
Herb Kiss, Henry Tells
Title: Herb's Secret, Henry's Confession Plot: Henry and Muriel find themselves embroiled in the tumultuous relationship of Herb and Marsha Kennedy w...
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19
Believing is Seeing
When Mrs. Stinson unexpectedly resigns, Henry finds himself thrust into the role of editor. As he navigates his new responsibilities, he quickly reali...
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20
Acropolis Now
Henry becomes increasingly wary of Iris' Greek fiancé, believing he may be more interested in her wealth than in her love.
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21
Presenting Buddy Ficus
Monroe checks out a local comedy club and concludes that the comedians aren't very good. Feeling inspired, he decides to give stand-up a shot himself,...
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22
Lisa Goes Lottery Loco
Lisa can hardly contain her excitement after winning $5, which sparks a newfound obsession with gambling.
