Father Knows Best

America got its first view of the Anderson family in an episode called Bud Takes up the Dance. In it teenage Bud is preparing for his first date by studying dance steps - from a book written fifty years ago! Lucky for him, his family family teaches him some more recent dances. But will he learn in time for his big first date? Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue.

In an episode called, Lesson in Citizenship Jim Anderson is dismayed at his children's laziness and lectures them in the importance of good citizenship and cheerful volunteering. When each of them heeds his advice and try to do their part in the community, their efforts end up complicating his own life in unexpected ways. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue.

In this episode the Anderson family argues over Bud's motor scooter and Betty's lowcut dress. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards! It was a hit on both NBC and CBS. (For trivia buffs, the Andersons' kitchen had real working appliances, and the cast and crew would make coffee for themselves!)

Jim has an extra ticket to the football game but can't decide who to take. Will it be Betty? Or one of his friends? Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards! It was a hit on both NBC and CBS.

Tired of being told what to do by his parents, Bud announces he is moving out. Bud finds a place to stay and enjoys his independence -until he realizes how much work there is to being independent. Can he figure out a way to move back home? again. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards!

When he doesn't play well in a friendly game of badminton, Jim is convinced his best days are behind him. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards! It was a hit on both NBC and CBS. (For trivia buffs, the show was originally on NBC radio!)

Kathy plays with the new washing machine and keeps throwing everything in it. This time, Betty's items for Girls in Government Club are included as well as a letter to Bud from the police. Betty's items are ruined and Bud gets a surprise. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards!

As Thanksgiving approaches, Kathy's poem is selecte as the best in her class. But when she reads it to her parents, she's surprised by the reaction. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards! It was a hit on both NBC and CBS.

Jim and Margeret plan a second honeymoon trip, and decide Betty and Bud are old enough to watch the house and Kathy by themselves. However, they become suspicious when the children are anxious for them to get out of the house. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards! It was a hit on both NBC and CBS.

Jim overhears bits and pieces of a conversation and suspects Betty of planning to elope with a boy. Starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue. Lauren Chapin, and Billy Grey. This classic 1950s TV show won six primetime Emmy Awards! It was a hit on both NBC and CBS. (For trivia buffs, the show was originally on NBC radio!)

Jim and Margaret go their separate ways when Margaret signs up for dancing lessons.

Jim is disappointed by his family's attitude toward Christmas and decides to do something about it.

A wet and sickly sparrow turns a rainy day into a fulfilling one for the Andersons.

When Jim gets a traffic ticket, his court day coincides with Bud's appointed day as judge.

A total stranger arrives at the Anderson household on the verge of a birthday celebration.

When Bud's shyness with girls causes a misunderstanding, he is branded a snob.

Jim promises to build a playhouse for Kathy if she promises to take her medicine.

Jim goes through an identity crisis when he decides he wants to lead a simple life.

The Anderson children enter an essay into a contest nominating Jim as "Father of the Year."

Jim finds his life being controlled by circumstance when he buys a mink coat for Margaret.

Margaret plays matchmaker for her shy cousin.

Bud's refusal to help out in a wedding rehearsal plays an important part in a couple's reunion.

Jim tells his family that their lack of courage is responsible for his lack of confidence.

Jim learns what it's like to deliver papers when Bud is ordered to bed for a few days.

Jim refuses to interfere when Kathy sets her sights on Betty's boyfriend.