Watch Eight Is Enough

Eight Is Enough is a family drama series that aired on ABC from 1977 to 1981. It revolves around a columnist named Tom Bradford (Dick Van Patten) and his wife Joan (Diana Hyland), who have eight children, ranging in age from 7 to 23 years old. The family is based in Sacramento, California, and the show explores their daily struggles, challenges, and triumphs as they navigate through their personal and professional lives.

Tom Bradford, the patriarch of the family, is a devoted father who always puts his family first. He is a well-known newspaper columnist who offers advice to his readers about love, family, and other topics. Tom has a close relationship with each of his children and tries to guide them through life's challenges.

Joan, on the other hand, is the glue that holds the family together. She is a loving wife and mother who balances her responsibilities at home with her work as a nurse. Joan is fiercely protective of her children and often has to mediate conflicts between them.

The Bradford children come from a diverse range of personalities and interests. The eldest son, David (Grant Goodeve), is a medical student who struggles to balance his studies and his love life. Elizabeth (Connie Needham) is the brainy daughter who excels academically but has a hard time connecting with her peers. Joanie (Laurie Walters) is the free-spirited daughter who dreams of being a singer. Mary (Lani O'Grady) is the responsible daughter who takes care of the younger siblings. Nicholas (Adam Rich) is the precocious and curious youngest son. Tommy (Willie Aames) is the mischievous teenager who often gets himself into trouble. And finally, Susan (Susan Richardson) is the athletic daughter who excels in sports.

Throughout the series, the Bradford family faces a variety of challenges and issues, including teenage pregnancy, divorce, drug addiction, and medical emergencies. Despite these difficulties, they always manage to come together and support each other.

The show features a talented cast of actors, including Dick Van Patten, who is known for his roles in shows like The Love Boat and Happy Days. Diana Hyland, who played Joan, tragically died after the first season, and her role was replaced by Betty Buckley. Grant Goodeve, who played David, went on to become a popular country singer.

Eight Is Enough was a popular show during its run, and it remains a beloved classic among fans of family dramas. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of family life and its ability to tackle sensitive topics with sensitivity and grace. The show's catchy theme song, "Eight is Enough," also became a hit in its own right.

Overall, Eight Is Enough is a heartwarming and entertaining show that explores the joys and challenges of family life. It remains a beloved classic that has stood the test of time.

Eight Is Enough is a series that ran for 5 seasons (104 episodes) between March 15, 1977 and on ABC