Growing PainsFatherhood has taken on a whole new meaning for Jason Seaver, who has assumed the chores of cooking, cleaning and minding the kids so that his wife, Maggie, can pursue a career in journalism after spending 15 years as a housewife.
CreatorNeal Marlens
Pilot
Sep 24, 1985
Maggie goes back to work as a journalist, prompting psychologist Jason to move his office into their home so he can keep his eye on the kids. Things don't get off to a great start: the first night he gets a call from the police that Mike has been picked up for illegally driving a car.
Springsteen
Oct 1, 1985
Jason embarrasses Mike at a Bruce Springsteen concert when they are interviewed together.
Jealousy
Oct 8, 1985
Jason fumes when Maggie spends long hours on a toxic waste story with handsome co-worker Fred.
Carol's Article
Oct 15, 1985
Maggie gives an honest assessment of Carol's writing of an article for her school magazine; Mike and Ben discover track betting.
Superdad!
Oct 29, 1985
Maggie accuses Jason of monopolizing the children.
Mike's Madonna Story
Nov 5, 1985
Mike's infatuation with a Madonna look-alike worries Maggie.
Weekend Fantasy
Nov 12, 1985
Jason and Maggie want to go to a mountain lodge for a weekend, but are reluctant to leave the kids alone.
Slice of Life
Nov 19, 1985
Coming across a compatibility test in Jason's office, Maggie decides she and Jason should fill it out, but her answers don't tab with his. Meanwhile, Mike feigns interest in karate when his real goal is a girl attending the course.
Carol's Crush
Nov 26, 1985
Carol develops a crush on a family friend, who thinks of her as his little sister.
Dirt Bike
Dec 3, 1985
Mike hurts more than his pride when he takes a nasty fall off a dirt bike that he promised his parents he wouldn't go near.
Standardized Test
Dec 10, 1985
Mike doodles on his aptitude test and winds up with an IQ score of 27.
A Christmas Story
Dec 17, 1985
A depressed department store Santa consulting Jason decides to commit suicide by leaping down the Seavers' chimney.
The Love Song of M. Aaron Seaver
Jan 7, 1986
Mike backs out of the family-bowling match so he can date a snobbish girlfriend.
First Blood
Jan 14, 1986
Jason faces off against Ben's hockey coach, who's teaching the boys to play dirty; Mike learns ballroom dancing.
Slice of Life II
Jan 21, 1986
Maggie casually mentions to Jason that she might be pregnant; Mike acts as a weekend servant to Ben; and Carol wants to divorce her class-project husband.
The Seavers vs. the Cleavers
Jan 28, 1986
The PTA head rejects the Seavers as dance chaperones.
Charity Begins at Home
Feb 18, 1986
Ben gives Jason a very expensive birthday present, causing speculation on how he can possibly afford it.
Reputation
Feb 25, 1986
Mike writes test answers on his shoe soles.
The Anniversary That Never Was
Mar 4, 1986
Maggie's assignment interferes with anniversary plans.
Be a Man
Mar 11, 1986
Custodian Mike watches a wild party explode in his home.
Career Decision
May 6, 1986
Reporter Maggie and psychiatrist Jason both face important career decisions.
Extra Lap
May 13, 1986
Mike's practical-joker uncle Bob visits from the hereafter.
