Eight Is Enough (1977)
The heartwarming ABC comedy-drama that turned the Bradford family's joyful chaos into one of television's most beloved household sagas.
Eight Is Enough - Series Information
- Original Title: Eight Is Enough
- First Air Year: 1977
- Last Air Year: 1981
- Created by: Lee Mendelson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 112
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
Eight Is Enough - Plot
Eight Is Enough is an American television comedy-drama series that ran on ABC from March 15, 1977, until August 29, 1981. The show was modeled after syndicated newspaper columnist Thomas Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book with the same name.
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Eight Is Enough - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lee Mendelson
Main Cast
- Dick Van Patten
- Grant Goodeve
- Willie Aames
- Dianne Kay
- Connie Needham
- Lani O'Grady
- Adam Rich
- Susan Richardson
- Laurie Walters
- Betty Buckley
Writers
- Peter Lefcourt
- Gil Grant
- Patricia Green
- Chris Manheim
- Marion Hargrove
Eight Is Enough - FAQs
Is Eight Is Enough based on a true story?
Yes. Eight Is Enough was inspired by syndicated newspaper columnist Thomas Braden, who wrote a book of the same name about raising his eight children. The series adapted his real-life family experiences into a fictional TV family called the Bradfords, though names and specific details were changed.
What happened to Diana Hyland on Eight Is Enough?
Diana Hyland, who played family matriarch Joan Bradford, passed away from breast cancer on March 27, 1977, just weeks after the series premiered. She had filmed only four episodes. Her death prompted a storyline in which Tom Bradford's wife dies, and Betty Buckley later joined the cast as his new love interest.
Where can you stream Eight Is Enough today?
Eight Is Enough is currently available to watch on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV with ads at no cost. Episodes can also be purchased digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary by region.
Who are the main actors in Eight Is Enough?
The series stars Dick Van Patten as patriarch Tom Bradford, with Grant Goodeve, Willie Aames, Dianne Kay, Connie Needham, Lani O'Grady, Adam Rich, Susan Richardson, and Laurie Walters as his eight children. Betty Buckley joined the cast as Abby, Tom's second wife.
How many seasons and episodes does Eight Is Enough have?
Eight Is Enough ran for five seasons on ABC, comprising 112 episodes in total. Season 1 had 9 episodes, Season 2 had 26, Season 3 had 28, Season 4 had 27, and Season 5 had 22 episodes. Two additional special episodes were also produced.
When did Eight Is Enough first air on television?
Eight Is Enough premiered on ABC on March 15, 1977. The series ran continuously until its finale on August 29, 1981, spanning five seasons and becoming one of the defining family drama series of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
What is Eight Is Enough about?
Eight Is Enough follows Tom Bradford, a Sacramento newspaper columnist, as he navigates the joys and challenges of raising eight children. The warmhearted comedy-drama blends family humor with genuine emotional moments, exploring relationships, growing pains, and the everyday chaos of a large household.
Did Ralph Macchio appear in Eight Is Enough?
Yes. Ralph Macchio, who would later become famous for The Karate Kid, made a recurring guest appearance in Eight Is Enough before his breakout film role. His appearance on the series is considered one of his earliest notable television credits.
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