The worst episodes of Parenthood
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
Tension between Dylan and Max reaches a fever pitch at the Chambers' Academy Open House. Kristina and Adam find themselves tangled in the conflict. Hank is thrilled to see Ruby excited about her school play, but an unexpected encounter with Mark Cyr rocks the boat. Meanwhile, Zeek recruits Drew for help with a secret mission.
- 02
Zeek and Camille discover a bundle of old rolls of film, and they ask Max to develop the mysterious photos. Sarah overanalyzes Hank's offer with Julia, and the sisters spew their relationship fears. Adam decides the future of the Luncheonette with Crosby, but Jasmine unexpectedly intervenes.
- 03
Adam and Kristina struggle to balance the pressures of daily life combined with her ongoing treatment. Camille and Crosby take on additional responsibility to alleviate the couple's burdens. Amber and Ryan's relationship develops causing Sarah and Zeek to be concerned. Zeek knows too much about Ryan's past and worries about his granddaughter. Meanwhile, Julia continues to focus on Victor's happiness and how to better connect with her new son. Drew tries to connect with Amy after their recent break up.
- 04
Camille and Zeek make a decision concerning Zeek's health. Sarah makes a big decision and shares some good news with her dad. Adam and Crosby clash over differing business opinions, and Adam stands his ground, deepening the tension between the brothers. Amber rushes to the hospital with labor pains, and the Bravermans flock to her side.
- 05
The Braverman family gathers for a family portrait before Haddie departs for college, while Kristina, Adam and Max have a hard time digesting the new change. Meanwhile, Julia and Joel struggle to adjust to their newly adopted son's behavior and worry about their family's future. Newlyweds Jasmine and Crosby disagree on the spiritual beliefs they should teach Jabbar. Mark proves his commitment to Sarah by altering a Braverman tradition, while she attempts to prove her worth as an assistant to photographer Hank Rizzoli. Also, Amber navigates a new job at The Luncheonette.
- 06
Jasmine and Crosby work as a parenting unit to teach Jabbar an emotional lesson earlier than expected which may change the family dynamic. Despite Adam's reservations, Kristina encourages Max to extend himself even though she may be too preoccupied to help him. Sarah becomes more sensitive to her new boss Hank while entertaining his daughter, and Zeek finds a potential friend in young Ryan York. Victor attempts an after school activity and gives Julia and Joel a glimpse of their future family.
- 07
You Can't Always Get What You Want
Julia adjusts to her new role as a stay at home mom while supporting Joel's ambitions. Crosby encounters a disruptive neighbor that may threaten the future of the Luncheonette. Sarah and Mark disagree about parenting and relationship issues. Max is forced to make a difficult decision as the new student council President while Kristina and Adam encourage him to take advantage of new experiences. Amber tries to help Ryan with his career.
- 08
The holiday incites a mix of emotions as Adam and Kristina experience a health scare while Crosby and Jasmine celebrate their first Christmas together as a family. Sarah is torn between her feelings for Mark and her evolving relationship with Hank. Amber and Ryan face challenges in their relationship. Meanwhile, Zeek helps to restore belief in a childhood hero.
- 09
Jasmine and Crosby help a family member who is experiencing money problems. Kristina surprises Adam with a new look and a spontaneous night on the town. Sarah and Hank experience an interesting evening together. Meanwhile, Victor is disappointed after Julia gives him news about his mother.
- 10
The Braverman family is on high alert when Amber's ex-boyfriend Damien arrives from Fresno. Zeek takes Adam on a road trip for investment advice and some father-son bonding. Meanwhile, Julia and Joel worry that Sydney might be suffering from Asperger's and Crosby wants to help plan Jabbar's birthday party.
- 11
Zeek lands his first commercial, prompting Camille to reflect on her own achievements. Sarah and Mark take their friendship to a new level while Haddie and Alex grow apart. Meanwhile, Crosby and Adam disagree over a minor parenting crisis, Drew's first date with Amy doesn't go as planned and Jabbar and Max hit a rough patch in their friendship.
- 12
After offering to let Seth stay at her apartment once he is released from rehab, Amber begins to understand what Sarah has been going through all these years; Meanwhile, Adam attempts to get intimate with Kristina for the first time since Nora's birth; Elsewhere, Crosby struggles with the prospect of a new father figure in Jabbar's life; and Drew and Amy take their relationship to a new level.
- 13
Seeking his mother's approval, Zeek demands the entire family caravan on a road trip where they encounter many road blocks along the way. While spending time on the road, Adam connects with Haddie, Sarah confronts an embarrassing issue with Drew and Julia learns to appreciate Crosby's odd personality. Meanwhile, Kristina struggles to enforce a harsh punishment she gave to Max for acting out.
- 14
Julia struggles to detach herself from getting too involved in Zoe's life, Kristina reacts to Amber and Bob Little's plans to go off on a weekend business trip together and Max tries to use his Asperger's as an excuse to get out of P.E. Meanwhile, Sarah and Mark's plan to have a baby elicits an unexpected reaction from Drew.
- 15
Zeek is rushed to the hospital and the entire family hurries to his side. As Adam and Crosby nervously await news of Zeek's health, a serious emergency at The Luncheonette pulls them away. At the hospital, Joel sticks by Julia, offering unwavering support, and further blurring the lines of their relationship.
- 16
As the family adapts to their new son, Julia communicates her love in an unusual way to Victor. Meanwhile Crosby and Jasmine work as a couple to add structure and boundaries to their marriage. Also, Sarah's new boss Hank unexpectedly helps her understand Drew's feelings. And Kristina convinces Adam to fill a missing void in the household and receives news that may change her life forever.
- 17
Kristina and Adam cope with emotional news and turn to family and new friends for support. Meanwhile, Zeek's behavior with his grandchildren triggers doubts concerning his health and Sarah confronts her new boss and receives an unexpected outcome. Also, Max attempts to adapt to a new school, but may lose his only friend in the process.
- 18
Kristina is at a loss when she learns Max must give his speech in his bid for class president on the same day as her surgery as Adam struggles to contain his nervous energy. Meanwhile, Drew is upset with Sarah's decision to move them into Mark's apartment, Joel is concerned for Julia's health and well-being as she attempts to be "super mom," and Ryan asks Amber out on a date.
- 19
Crosby and Jasmine continue to adjust to life as a married couple as they organize an event for Jabbar's school. Amber learns more about Ryan's past during a spontaneous road trip. Adam and Kristina plan a sleepover for Max. Meanwhile, Julia and Joel try to accommodate the differing needs of Victor and Sydney. Sarah and Mark encounter a parenting dilemma that sparks questions about their relationship.
- 20
Sarah puts her energy into helping Hank mend his relationship with his family, leaving Mark increasingly impatient with his status in Sarah's life. Julia is concerned with Victor's frustration with school and seeks advice from Kristina on how to provide encouragement. Joel reluctantly hires Ryan on his construction site despite Ryan's lack of experience. Crosby and Adam enter a legal battle to save the Luncheonette while attempting to record an album for Academy Award winning musician Glen Hansard.
- 21
Drew and Amy receive news that will forever change their relationship, leading Mark to express his concerns to Sarah. Adam and Kristina are presented with new parenting dilemmas as they help Max navigate through life as a teenager. Crosby is growing increasingly impatient with his mother-in-law Renee causing conflict with Jasmine. Victor is confrontational towards Julia and Joel causing them to question their parenting abilities.
- 22
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
As Victor's adoption deadline draws near, Julia and Joel contemplate the long term effects of this decision. Renee oversteps her boundaries and intrudes on Crosby and Jasmine. Upon advice offered by Zeek and Amber, Ryan seeks to make amends with Joel. Meanwhile, Mark and Sarah discuss their relationship, concerning Hank. Kristina supports Max with a unique campaign.
- 23
All That's Left Is the Hugging
Amber addresses Ryan about his issues with her hanging out with the band and struggles on whether or not to lean on Sarah for support. Drew asks his uncle Crosby for advice on girls. Meanwhile, Julia and Joel put their best foot forward for their family's sake and Adam shows his support for his wife Kristina.
- 24
Julia gets confronted by Ed and Joel steps in. Zeek makes a new friend while Camille is away. Drew remembers old feelings and Natalie gets jealous. Carl attends a fundraiser with Sarah and she is pleasantly surprised to learn more about him.
- 25
Sarah gets some good news about a job, which prompts Hank to question her. Crosby opens his house to Oliver Rome after the band hits a breaking point and Jasmine is less than thrilled. Meanwhile, Joel and Peet work closely to finish their project and Amber deals with an extremely painful reality.
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