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Show TV series titles index…8 Simple Rules
also known as “8 Simple Rules… for Dating My Teenage Daughter”
2002–2005 (3 seasons, 76 episodes)
| Moral Rating: | Caution |
| Primary Audience: | Teen to Adult |
| Genre: | Sitcom |
| Length: | 30 min. |
Starring: John Ritter, Katey Sagal, Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson, Martin Spanjers
This American sitcom television series originally starred John Ritter and Katey Sagal as middle-class parents Paul and Cate Hennessy, raising their three children. Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson, and Martin Spanjers co-starred as their teenage kids: Bridget, Kerry, and Rory Hennessy. The first season focused on Paul being left in charge of the children after Cate takes a full-time job as a nurse, with comedic emphasis on his often strict rules concerning his daughters and dating. The series’ name and premise were derived from the book 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter by W. Bruce Cameron.
The rules are:
- Use your hands on my daughter and you'll lose them after.
- You make her cry, I make you cry.
- Safe sex is a myth. Anything you try will be hazardous to your health.
- Bring her home late, there's no next date.
- If you pull into my driveway and honk, you better be dropping off a package because you’re sure not picking anything up. (Alternative rule #5: Only delivery men honk. Dates ring the doorbell. Once.)
- No complaining while you're waiting for her. If you’re bored, change my oil.
- If your pants hang off your hips, I’ll gladly secure them with my staple gun.
- Dates must be in crowded public places. You want romance? Read a book.
viewer comments…
Usually Okay—This is a fabulous show!! My whole family (dad, mom, 14 year old me, 11 year old brother) loves it. There's no profanity, and very little sexual innuendo. Family members get into occasional fights, as family members do, but everything is always resolved in the end. And this show is simply hilarious. There are so many witty jokes. We tune in every week. If you have preteen or teenage kids, you should watch it, cause you'll like it!!!
Emily
Caution—The episode I saw was not funny at all. Not one laugh. Zero. None. The children were obnoxious, rude, disrespectful, horribly stereotyped. John Ritter is always fun to watch, but he's got absolutely nothing to work with here. It may get better, so judge for yourself. However, I won't be tuning in anytime soon.
Jeff South, age 35
Comments from young people
Usually Okay—I love 8 Simple Rules. This is a great show. The family is so funny and the humor is great. My 10 year old sister loves this show too. She has some downloaded pictures of the “8 Simple Rules” family on her wall and so do I. This is my favorite show. It is a big winner with my age group.
Christine, age 13
Usually Okay—This is one of the best new shows on television this fall! Not only is there tons of witty dialogue, but the storylines and actors do a great job. There is almost no profanity and little innuendo. I hope this one stays around for a while.
Dustin Foree, age 15