The essential episodes of Parenthood
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Parenthood — each pick states its reason.
- 01
From Executive Producers Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Jason Katims, "Parenthood" introduces us to the very large, very colorful and imperfect Braverman family. Single mother Sarah and her two children Amber and Drew are moving back home with her parents Zeek and Camille. Sarah's sister and complete antithesis, Julia is a successful corporate attorney trying to juggle work and motherhood, alongside her stay-at-home husband, Joel. Commitment-phobe Crosby, Sarah's younger brother, must accept adult responsibility when an old flame Jasmine shows up unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Adam, the oldest Braverman sibling, his wife Kristina and teenage daughter, Haddie, learn that their eccentric son and Haddie's little brother, Max, is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Although each sibling and family has its own share of life to grapple with, perhaps this reunion is the push they need to help each other pick up the pieces and focus on the everyday challenges that families face while raising children and starting over.
- 02
A family walk for autism is jeopardized when Sarah and Adam disagree over their daughters' behavior. Haddie and Amber's secret anger comes to a head and splits the family in two. Elsewhere, Julia tries to help Zeek by arranging a dinner meeting for him. Meanwhile, Crosby risks losing Jasmine to New York after she auditions for a dance company.
- 03
In the season two premiere Adam is overwhelmed by family needs and increasing demands at work from boss Gordon Flint. Zeek is overly confident in his "fix-it" skills as he tries to repair a leak in the barn and Joel is enlisted by the family to help. Elsewhere, Sarah tries to find her place in the world as Crosby prepares for a visit from Jasmine and Jabbar. Meanwhile, Kristina tries to teach Haddie how to drive and, along with behavioral aide Gaby, help their son Max through a crisis.
- 04
Adam offers an internship position to Sarah at T&S Footwear. Meanwhile, Kristina helps Suze Lessing through her divorce by babysitting Noel. Julia commits to a play date for Sydney that threatens her other friendships. Elsewhere, Jasmine and Crosby debate where Jabbar should live when Jasmine takes a new job.
- 05
Amber starts spending a lot of time with her new friend Kelsey which makes Sarah jealous. Sarah's coworker, Mike, gives her advice on the situation. Elsewhere, Julia pushes Joel for another baby. Meanwhile, Adam struggles with his relationship with Max.
- 06
Kristina learns some alarming statistics about the divorce rate of parents living with autistic children and as a result schedules a date night with Adam to keep their marriage alive. Meanwhile, Sarah sees Drew with a girl and offers him unsolicited love advice. Haddie runs for student council president and enlists her family's help with her campaign. Crosby behavior gets the best of him and he learns an important lesson about being a father.
- 07
Kristina goes to an Asperger's support group alone and later tries to convince Adam to join her. Meanwhile, Crosby and Jasmine enlist Julia's help in getting Jabbar accepted at Sydney's school. Sarah's performance at the shoe booth exceeds Gordon's expectations, causing him to make an unexpected move. Elsewhere, Zeek and Camille sign up for ballroom dancing classes with hopes of connecting on a deeper level.
- 08
Adam fears his future, and he is torn between his job and family after surprising news from Gordon. While preparing Thanksgiving dinner, Camille and Amber share a bonding moment. Meanwhile, Drew feels uncomfortable about his mom, bringing Gordon to dinner. Crosby tries to impress his future mother-in-law. Elsewhere, Julia tries to embrace her domestic side by making pies for dinner, but snaps at Sydney. M
- 09
Crosby has trouble teaching Jabbar to clean his room. Meanwhile, Zeke finds Drew drinking beer with guys from school. Adam and Kristina get to know Alex at dinner with Haddie and Max. Joel and Julia explain death to Sydney.
- 10
Sarah and the rest of the Braverman family worry about Amber's well-being after an accident. Meanwhile, Max 's behavior upsets Adam, and Julia unexpectedly plays a big role in a woman's labor and delivery. Also, Kristina helps with Haddie's transition into womanhood and Crosby tries to convince Jasmine to visit his new proprerty.
- 11
Kristina is rushed to the hospital by an unlikely accomplice, while Julia and Joel receive positive news on a possible addition to their family. Jasmine's choice of suitors begins to affect Crosby, while Sarah's ex, Seth, threatens to disrupt her relationship with Mark. Meanwhile, Amber begins to understand Max's mind and helps him mend his friendship with Jabbar.
- 12
There's Something I Need to Tell You
Kristina divulges her health news to the family, who rally around her. Meanwhile mounting anxiety and a work incident force Julia to prioritize her life and make a huge decision and Joel becomes nervous for Victor's performance at his first baseball game. Sarah is caught in a sensitive moment with Hank and demands a conversation. Also, Crosby questions his ownership share in the Luncheonette.
- 13
Haddie comes home for the summer, while Adam and Crosby reminisce about their childhood and also reenact some childish antics. Amber reunites with Ryan and struggles to let him go, meanwhile Sarah finally addresses Hank's request. Victor conquers his fears and Julia and Joel are there to support him, while Zeek surprises him with a driving lesson. Drew realizes a mistake and goes after what he wants.
- 14
Kristina struggles to accommodate the individual needs of her Chambers Academy students, and Adam gets roped into the chaos when the school's lunch vendor quits on the spot. Zeek faces a tough decision about his health, and amidst strong opinions from the other siblings, Crosby supports his dad. Joel and Julia meet with Sydney's teacher when girl drama erupts at school. Sarah wrestles with her ambivalence about Amber's big news.
- 15
May God Bless and Keep You Always
In the excitement of her big day, Sarah surrounds herself with the original Braverman clan. Meanwhile, Hank approaches Zeek for his blessing and asks Drew for a special favor. Amber adjusts to life as a new mom with a little help from her grandparents. Julia and Joel get a phone call that forces a life-changing decision. Max gets his first job, while Crosby and Adam reach an understanding about the Luncheonette. Kristina presents Adam with a new plan for the future of Chambers Academy, and for their family.
Shows like Parenthood
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of Shameless2011–2021·Paramount+ with Showtime
Shameless is a fiercely engaging and fearlessly twisted series. - 02Drama·Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of The Durrells2016–2019·ITV1
The Durrells is based upon Gerald Durrell's classic trilogy of Corfu memoirs including the much loved ‘My Family and Other Animals'. - 03Drama·Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of Girl Meets World2014–2017·Disney Channel
Girl Meets World is based on ABC's hugely popular sitcom, Boy Meets World (1993). - 04Drama·Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of The Wonder Years1988–1993·ABC
Set in 1968-1973, the series tackles the social issues and historic events of that time through the eyes of main character Kevin Arnold. - 05Drama·Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of Victorious2010–2013·NickelodeonTori Vega's thrown into the spotlight at a musical showcase and lands a spot at Hollywood Arts, the most prestigious arts high school in the country.
- 06Drama·Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of Better Things2016–2022·FXBetter Things is a semi-autobiographical vehicle for Pamela Adlon similar to the way "Louie" is for CK.
