8 Simple Rules

Overview

The first season focused on Paul (John Ritter) 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.

While 8 Simple Rules was renewed for a second season and production had begun, John Ritter’s sudden death on September 11, 2003, left the series in an uncertain position. After a hiatus, the series returned and killed off his character. James Garner and David Spade later joined the main cast as Cate’s father Jim Egan and her nephew C.J. Barnes.

Notable Queer-Centric Episodes

Season 3, Episode 21 “The After Party” – Before Prom, Kerry is asked out by a girl and gets the impression Monica is into-her, into-her, and not just wanting to turn heads “for the cause”. Meanwhile, Rory’s date turns out to be a lesbian.