The worst episodes of Raising Hope
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
When Virginia and Burt realize they are suffering from "empty nest syndrome", Sabrina suggests they adopt a dog. But when they are turned down by the pound, they are given a trial period as dog owners with Michael, who ends up overstaying his welcome at the Chance's home. Meanwhile, Jimmy tries to prove to Sabrina that he's still a ladies man, even when he doesn't have Hope with him to attract women.
- 02
Virginia thinks that Burt is getting her an expensive gift for their 25th anniversary, so she decides to take him to a dude ranch that is run by a crazy cowboy. But Burt isn't able to enjoy himself because of a secret he is keeping from Virginia.
- 03
Jimmy and Sabrina get a surprise when they learn that Sabrina's late grandmother has left them the family maid, who has a lifetime contract with the family. Meanwhile, Virginia gets a promotion at work that allows Burt to retire and pursue his passion – even if he doesn't know what his passion is.
- 04
Maw Maw accidentally calls a wrong number in her contact book, bringing Virginia's cousin, Delilah, back to town. When the two rivals fight nonstop, Maw Maw threatens to give everything in her will to the granddaughter who can be the most civil. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Sabrina have trouble finding a babysitter for Hope.
- 05
In trying to help Barney and Maxine's budding relationship, Burt and Virginia wind up getting in a fight. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Sabrina decide to start fencing in order to relieve some of the tension in their relationship.
- 06
Burt and Virginia introduce Natesville to a new bartering system called "Burt Bucks", that looks an awful lot like a pyramid scheme.
- 07
Maw Maw has found a new love, Hubert, who encourages her to engage in some reckless activities. When Virginia finds herself scolding Maw Maw, she fears she's become a lame adult and wants Burt to take part in more risk-taking activities with her. Jimmy and Sabrina follow suit when they find themselves spying on their own babysitter.
- 08
Virginia encourages the family to submit their own inventions in the National Invention Convention Extravaganza, so they could win the cash prize. Burt and Andrew team up to create unusual flavored yogurt, while Sabrina and Jimmy create a new baby mop.
- 09
Virginia offers to give Sabrina some much-needed cooking lessons. But when Jimmy proclaims that his wife's casserole is better than his mom's, it brings out Virginia's competitive side and she enters herself and her daughter-in-law in the Hot Dish competition. To ease the tension, Burt also invites his mother to enter the contest.
- 10
Virginia stops believing in magical things, but second-guesses herself when a ghost appears in the house. When Burt discovers that Jim Hughes has secretly been living in their house's bomb shelter, he and Jim play along with Virginia's antics in order to make her believe in the paranormal again. Meanwhile, Burt and Virginia learn some news about Jim that scares them straight.
- 11
Virginia's father Arnold returns to Natesville seeking help in planning his upcoming wedding. But Arnold surprises everyone when he reveals that the wedding Virginia has planned is really for her and Burt – the dream wedding they never got to have as teen parents.
- 12
Sabrina wants to officially adopt Hope as her own, but the official adoption process doesn't give her the "Motherhood Moment" for which she was hoping.
- 13
Burt and Virginia get new back-fence neighbors, and Burt is convinced that there is something suspicious about them.
- 14
The Chance Who Stole Christmas
Burt wants to be elected the interim Mayor of Natesville so that Virginia will have the honor of plugging in the town Christmas tree. But being mayor turns Burt into a Grinch.
- 15
When Jimmy watches a home video of himself as a thirteen-year-old, he discovers that he was a musical prodigy with a promising career as a singer and pianist until a horrible accident involving a golf putter rendered him talentless. Jimmy recruits Burt, Virginia and Maw Maw to help him rediscover his lost abilities.
- 16
Single White Female Role Model
Sabrina is arrested at a protest for civil disobedience, but her two-week sentence in jail is made even worse by a prison attendant who claims that they're old friends. Meanwhile, Virginia saves the Natesville mayor from a public scandal, but Jimmy's political encounter could threaten Sabrina's freedom.
- 17
When a raccoon decides to take residency under the Chance's porch, Virginia and Sabrina work together to try and lure the critter out. Meanwhile, Hope's misbehavior has become such an issue that Virginia and Burt suggest that it might be time for Jimmy to spank her.
- 18
Natesville parish's charitable group's insufferable chairperson Sara Louise expected another term by acclamation, but against better judgment and spousal warnings Burt decides to stand against her. So he can't refuse the perilous duty of minding blind church organist Carl's 'guide pig', which alas doesn't survive his consistent Chance incompetence. So the family desperately tries to do with a similar-looking, untrained hog Burt bought. When it can finally be returned, Sara Louise decides to steal all the glory - or is there any?
- 19
When Jimmy finds out Sabrina has a new attractive study partner, Virginia convinces him that they are doing more than just studying. Meanwhile, Burt develops an obsession with a wall figurine.
- 20
After learning that he is Jewish, Burt prepares for the bar mitzvah he never had.
- 21
Burt and Virginia decide to investigate a when strange man keeps popping up in the Chances' lives; Maw Maw reveals a secret about Virginia's past.
- 22
When Sabrina finds out that Jimmy never went on a real family vacation as a kid, she's determined to take Hope on a memorable trip.
- 23
Howdy's gets business innovator Maxine as its new owner, and all employees must come up with a big idea to change the store.
- 24
Virginia's boss Louise begins grooming her for the role of regional sales manager. But when Virginia sees what her boss' job is really like, she has second thoughts. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Sabrina are worried about Hope's lack of compassion when she feels no sadness over the death of her pet fish, and Burt and Virginia perform at the Natesville Telethon.
- 25
After being encouraged to be more of a daredevil by Burt, Jimmy jumps at the chance of showing off his bolder side at a party at Frank's house. Frank and Jimmy realize they have shared a common high school bully, and when they try to take him down, they realize their old bully has changed.
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