List of The Partridge Family episodes
The following is a list of episodes for the American television sitcom The Partridge Family. All four seasons have been released on DVD by Sony Pictures.
Series overview
| Seasons | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||
| 1 | 25 | September 25, 1970 | March 19, 1971 | |
| 2 | 24 | September 17, 1971 | March 17, 1972 | |
| 3 | 25 | September 15, 1972 | March 23, 1973 | |
| 4 | 22 | September 15, 1973 | March 23, 1974 | |
Episodes
Season 1 (1970–71)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "What? And Get Out of Show Business?" | Jerry Paris | Bernard Slade | September 25, 1970 | |
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When their mother (Shirley Jones) fills in for a sick singer, The Partridge Family is born. Danny (Danny Bonaduce) persuades Reuben Kincaid (Dave Madden) to manage them and they play their first performance, which might also be their last. Cameo appearance made by: Johnny Cash Songs: "Let the Good Times In"; "Together (Havin' a Ball)" | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "The Sound of Money" | Peter Baldwin | Martin Ragaway | October 2, 1970 | |
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A minor fender bender turns into a major pain for the Partridges when they decide to fight a fraudulent lawsuit from Whiplash Willie. Guest Stars: Harry Morgan as 'Whiplash' Willie Larkin, and Farrah Fawcett Song: "I'll Leave Myself a Little Time" | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Whatever Happened to the Old Songs?" | Jerrold Bernstein | Bernard Slade | October 9, 1970 | |
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Shirley's dad is having a mid-life crisis and decides to hit the road with the band to pursue his long-lost dream of being a star, but will his act appeal to the new generation? Guest Stars: Ray Bolger and Rosemary DeCamp as Fred and Amanda Renfrew Songs: "Baby I Love Love, I Love You"; "Together (Havin' a Ball)"; "On the Road"; "Bye Bye Blackbird" | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "See Here, Private Partridge!" | Claudio Guzmán | Gordon Mitchell, Lloyd Turner | October 16, 1970 | |
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Just as they're about to record their first album, the Partridges have a bomb dropped on them: ten-year-old Danny's been drafted into the Army. Guest stars: Jack Riley as Corporal Wrzesinski, Jonathan Daly as Officer Moody Song: "On the Road" | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "When Mother Gets Married" | Ralph Senensky | Bernard Slade | October 23, 1970 | |
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Shirley begins dating an old flame but the kids are suspicious of him, especially when they see him leave a jewelry store with a beautiful young woman. Guest Stars: John McMartin as Larry, Jaclyn Smith as Tina Songs: "I Really Want to Know You" | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Love at First Slight" | Bob Claver | Steven Pritzker | October 30, 1970 | |
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Now that their record is out, Keith finds himself with major girl trouble: he cannot keep them away from him! But his troubles really begin when he falls for the one who doesn't care who he is. Guest stars: Lane Bradbury as Janet, Claire Wilcox as Cathy Song: "Somebody Wants To Love You" | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Danny and the Mob" | Jerrold Bernstein | Ron Friedman | November 6, 1970 | |
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While performing in Las Vegas, Danny tutors the beautiful girlfriend of a mob boss in finances so she can leave town and finds himself with a new hit but one that has nothing to do with music. Guest Stars: Pat Harrington Jr. as Harry, Barbara Rhoades as LaVon LaVerne, Richard Bakalyan as Skee, Vic Tayback as Rocco Song: "That'll Be the Day" | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "But the Memory Lingers On" | E.W. Swackhamer | Bernard Slade | November 13, 1970 | |
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The Partridge Family is about to leave a different kind of lasting impression on their audience after a skunk hitches a ride on their bus and leaves them . . . and all their clothes . . . covered with the unpleasant scent. Songs: "I Think I Love You", "Brand New Me" | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Did You Hear the One About Danny Partridge?" | Paul Junger Witt | Ron Friedman | November 20, 1970 | |
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After a mishap onstage leaves the audience laughing, Danny takes it upon himself to provide a little comic relief to their show. Unfortunately, he's not as funny as he thinks he is. Guest Stars: Morey Amsterdam as Ziggy Shnurr, Jackie Coogan as Max Pepper Songs: "Somebody Wants to Love You", "All of the Things" | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Go Directly to Jail" | Claudio Guzmán | Dale McRaven | November 27, 1970 | |
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The Partridge Family find themselves with a captive audience when they perform at a prison, but then find themselves being held captive by a prisoner who wants them to hear his songs. Guest Star: Stuart Margolin as Hank Songs: "Singin' My Song", "Only a Moment Ago" | ||||||
| 11 | 11 | "This Is My Song" | Jerry Paris | Richard De Roy | December 4, 1970 | |
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While Keith struggles with a creative dry spell, Danny attempts to write his first hit. Their sibling rivalry peaks when Danny writes a great song just as Keith has a breakthrough with the exact same tune. Songs: "To Be Lovers" | ||||||
| 12 | 12 | "My Son, the Feminist" | Peter Baldwin | Richard De Roy | December 11, 1970 | |
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Keith promises his feminist girlfriend that the Partridge Family will perform at an upcoming rally, which puts them under attack from the morality watchdog group in their neighborhood. Guest Star: Jane Actman as Tina Song: "I Think I Love You" | ||||||
| 13 | 13 | "Star Quality" | Harry Falk | Bernard Slade | December 18, 1970 | |
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When Danny gets singled out in a review by a prominent journalist, the praise goes to his head and he decides to go solo. But he changes his mind when he sees his family happily auditioning for his replacement. Guest Stars: Dick Clark as himself, Mitzi Hoag as Sheila Faber Song: "Singin' My Song" | ||||||
| 14 | 14 | "The Red Woodloe Story" | Peter Baldwin | Coslough Johnson | January 1, 1971 | |
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During a stopover in a small town, the Partridges offer to revive the career of a folk legend who's been out of circulation for twenty years, but find that he would rather sing in church than be in the spotlight. Guest Star: William Schallert as Red Woodloe Songs: "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat", "Find Peace in Your Soul" | ||||||
| 15 | 15 | "Mom Drops Out" | Harry Falk | Peter Meyerson | January 8, 1971 | |
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Reuben books a European tour but there's one condition: the groovy promoter thinks Shirley's too old. She quits the band, but discovers she has fans there after all. Guest Star: Gino Conforti as Logan Mays Songs: "Baby I Love Love, I Love You"; "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat" | ||||||
| 16 | 16 | "Old Scrapmouth" | Herbert Kenwith | James S. Henerson | January 15, 1971 | |
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Laurie gets braces right before a television show comes to film the band. As if that isn't bad enough, when they begin to play, her braces pick up radio signals and all she can hear is The Rolling Stones! Guest Star: Mark Hamill as Jerry Song: "The Love Song" | ||||||
| 17 | 17 | "Why Did the Music Stop?" | Alan Rafkin | Bernard Slade | January 22, 1971 | |
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Shirley has doubts about what being on the road is doing to the Partridges' lives so she suggests they take a break and start living like a normal family again. But she forgets one thing: they're not a normal family. Guest Star: Richard Mulligan as Dr. Jim Lucas Songs: "I'm Here, You're Here"; "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat" | ||||||
| 18 | 18 | "The Soul Club" | Paul Junger Witt | Harry Winkler, Harry Dolan | January 29, 1971 | |
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Due to a booking mix-up, two Detroit club owners expecting the Temptations get the Partridge Family instead. Can they find an audience in Motown? Guest Stars: Richard Pryor as A.E. Simon, Louis Gossett Jr. as Sam Simon Song: "Bandala" Note: In 1997, TV Guide ranked this episode #78 on its list of the 100 Greatest Episodes.[1] | ||||||
| 19 | 19 | "To Play or Not to Play" | Ralph Senensky | Stan Cutler, Martin Donovan | February 5, 1971 | |
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Laurie refuses to cross the picket line and play when the hotel workers where they're scheduled to perform go out on strike. Guest Stars: Harvey Lembeck as Marino, Michael Lembeck as Marc Songs: "There's No Doubt in My Mind"; "Umbrella Man" | ||||||
| 20 | 20 | "They Shoot Managers, Don't They?" | Peter Baldwin | Gordon Mitchell, Lloyd Turner | February 12, 1971 | |
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The Partridges are happy for Reuben when he falls in love and decides to marry, even though his new life doesn't include managing the band – but the band quickly finds they can't manage without him. Guest Star: Nancy Malone as Cathleen Song: "She'd Rather Have the Rain" | ||||||
| 21 | 21 | "Partridge Up a Pear Tree" | Ralph Senensky | Gordon Mitchell, Lloyd Turner | February 19, 1971 | |
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Danny forces Keith to put the brakes on his spending when his car drains his finances and he realizes he may not be able to afford to take his girlfriend to the prom. Guest Stars: Annette O'Toole as Carol, Carl Ballantine as Pitchman Song: "You Are Always on My Mind" | ||||||
| 22 | 22 | "Road Song" | Alan Rafkin | Dale McRaven | February 26, 1971 | |
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The Partridges find themselves in the middle of a domestic squabble when they give a ride to a teenage girl—who turns out to be a serial runaway, with the police hot on her trail. Guest Stars: Laurie Prange as Maggie Newton, Sandy Kenyon as Maggie's Father, Ian Wolfe as Grandpa Song: "Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque" | ||||||
| 23 | 23 | "Not with My Sister, You Don't!" | Mel Swope | Dale McRaven | March 5, 1971 | |
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The rumor mill starts buzzing at school when a hot new guy arrives on campus. Keith initially sees him as a rival until Laurie, who doesn't believe the rumors, accepts a date with the alleged Lothario. Guest Star: Michael Ontkean as Lester Braduck Song: "I'll Meet You Halfway" | ||||||
| 24 | 24 | "A Partridge by Any Other Name" | Harry Falk | Ron Friedman | March 12, 1971 | |
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A series of coincidences leads Danny to believe he was adopted and there doesn't seem to be anything anyone can say to convince him he's a natural-born Partridge. Guest Stars: Bernard Fox as Marty Burnes, Ned Glass as Detective Harry Klein, Art Metrano as Mike Young Songs: "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted"; "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat" | ||||||
| 25 | 25 | "A Knight in Shining Armor" | Earl Bellamy | Bernard Slade | March 19, 1971 | |
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When the Partridges introduce a hip, multi-talented musician to a square, tone-deaf poet, no one expects them to score a hit—but somehow they manage to do just that. Guest Stars: Bobby Sherman as Bobby Conway and Wes Stern as Lionel Poindexter Song: "Stephanie" Notes: This was Jeremy Gelbwaks' final episode as Chris Partridge. Back-door pilot for the short-lived series Getting Together. An unaired version of this episode, titled "Words And Music", runs 33 minutes, and guest-stars Farrah Fawcett and Pat Boone. | ||||||
Season 2 (1971–72)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 1 | "Dora, Dora, Dora" | Ralph Senensky | Gordon Mitchell, Lloyd Turner | September 17, 1971 | |
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The Partridges learn that Reuben has booked them as backup for a beautiful 18-year-old girl who can't sing a single note on key. Guest stars: Robyn Millan as Dora Kelly, Jack Burns as Stillman Kelly Song: "I Woke Up In Love This Morning" Notes: Brian Forster's first episode as Chris Partridge. This episode debuts "Come On, Get Happy" (which used the same tune as "When We're Singing") as the new opening theme. | ||||||
| 27 | 2 | "In 25 Words or Less" | Richard Kinon | Martin Ragaway | September 24, 1971 | |
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In order to boost publicity for the family, Reuben stages a contest in which the winner will spend a week with the Partridges. Unfortunately, the winner is a 60-year-old Jewish mother. Guest star: Kay Medford as Gloria Neugast Songs: "Echo Valley 2-6809" | ||||||
| 28 | 3 | "A Man Called Snake" | Richard Kinon | Alan Mandel, Bernard Slade | October 1, 1971 | |
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A motorcycle gang member develops a crush on Laurie, and she shocks everyone when she agrees to go out with him. Guest Star: Rob Reiner as Snake Song: "Listen To The Sound" | ||||||
| 29 | 4 | "The Undergraduate" | Ralph Senensky | Susan Silver | October 8, 1971 | |
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When Shirley enrolls in college, one of her male classmates develops a crush on her, much to the chagrin of his parents. Guest stars: Michael Burns as Paul Bruner, Norman Fell and Ann Morgan Guilbert as Mr. and Mrs. Bruner Song: "Brown Eyes" | ||||||
| 30 | 5 | "Anatomy of a Tonsil" | Lou Antonio | Coslough Johnson | October 15, 1971 | |
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Danny has to have his tonsils out and as the operation approaches, he believes he is going to die. Afterward, he believes he has lost his singing voice. Guest star: Gary Dubin in his first of several appearances as Danny's best friend Punky Lazaar Song: "Love Is All That I Ever Needed" | ||||||
| 31 | 6 | "Whatever Happened to Moby Dick?" | E.W. Swackhamer | Peggy Chantler Dick | October 22, 1971 | |
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Danny wants to add a singing whale to the act in order to cash in on the ecology movement. Guest stars: Bert Convy as Dr. Whelander, Dub Taylor as Flicker and Howard Cosell as himself Song: "Whale Song" | ||||||
| 32 | 7 | "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Partridge" | Mel Swope | William S. Bickley | October 29, 1971 | |
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Keith is determined to be a good influence on his brothers and sisters, but goes overboard with his good intentions. Song: "Summer Days" Note: Keith reveals his middle name is Douglas | ||||||
| 33 | 8 | "Days of Acne and Roses" | Richard Kinon | Dale McRaven | November 5, 1971 | |
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The Partridges help a young, awkward delivery boy build up his confidence in the dating department. Song: "I'm On My Way Back Home" | ||||||
| 34 | 9 | "Tale of Two Hamsters" | Roger Duchowny | Gordon Mitchell, Lloyd Turner | November 12, 1971 | |
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When the Partridge kids decide to raise hamsters and their little pets keep multiplying, the family is forced to bring them along on tour. Guest star: Gordon Jump as Albertson Songs: "24 Hours A Day"; "I Woke Up In Love This Morning" Note: Brian Forster's Chris Partridge is seen autographing a copy of the family's debut LP, "The Partridge Family Album", although it is the first Chris (Jeremy Gelbwaks) in the group photo on the back cover. | ||||||
| 35 | 10 | "The Forty-Year Itch" | Ralph Senensky | Steven Pritzker | November 19, 1971 | |
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Shirley's mom and dad are about to split up over his new hip lifestyle, so the family devises a plan to get them back together. Guest Stars: Ray Bolger and Rosemary DeCamp as Fred and Amanda Renfrew Songs: "Together"; "My Best Girl" | ||||||
| 36 | 11 | "I Can Get It for You Retail" | Russ Mayberry | Bernard Slade | November 26, 1971 | |
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In order to buy his mom a mink coat for her birthday, Danny starts stealing and selling off Keith's possessions to his lovesick fans. Song: "Every Little Bit O' You" | ||||||
| 37 | 12 | "Guess Who's Coming to Drive?" | Ralph Senensky | Bob Rodgers | December 10, 1971 | |
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The Partridges hire a temporary bus driver who turns out to be an ex-con. Guest star: Milt Kamen as Johnny Song: "Rainmaker" | ||||||
| 38 | 13 | "Don't Bring Your Guns to Town, Santa" | Richard Kinon | Bernard Slade | December 17, 1971 | |
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When their bus breaks down in a ghost town, it looks like the family will miss Christmas, so a prospector entertains them with a Christmas tale set in the Old West. Guest star: Dean Jagger as Charlie Song: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" | ||||||
| 39 | 14 | "Where Do Mermaids Go?" | Lou Antonio | Peggy Chantler Dick | December 31, 1971 | |
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A free-spirited girl leaves the Partridges one million dollars, and suddenly their lives are turned upside down as they deal with their newfound wealth. Guest Star: Meredith Baxter as Jenny Song: "It's Time That I Knew You Better" | ||||||
| 40 | 15 | "Home Is Where the Heart Was" | Jerry London | Dick Bensfield, Perry Grant | January 7, 1972 | |
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After Chris and Tracy are scolded for leaving a mess, they decide to run away . . . to Reuben's apartment. Songs: "I Would Have Loved You Anyway", "Summer Days" | ||||||
| 41 | 16 | "Fellini, Bergman, and Partridge" | Jerome Courtland | Martin Cohan | January 14, 1972 | |
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Keith tries to prove he is a great filmmaker, but not everyone thinks so . . . until a movie theater agrees to show his "masterpiece". Song: "Hello, Hello" | ||||||
| 42 | 17 | "Waiting for Bolero" | Jerry London | Martin Cohan | January 21, 1972 | |
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In order to be independent, Keith moves into a room in the house next door. Song: "Every Song Is You" | ||||||
| 43 | 18 | "I Am Curious . . . Partridge" | Lou Antonio | Bob Rodgers | January 28, 1972 | |
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Keith and Shirley get some unsavory publicity when Danny writes a story about them for the local paper. Song: "If You Ever Go" | ||||||
| 44 | 19 | "My Heart Belongs to a Two-Car Garage" | Jerry London | William S. Bickley | February 4, 1972 | |
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A Russian handyman, who claims to be a world-class artist, paints a nude woman on the family's garage that puts the neighborhood in an uproar. Guest Star: Arte Johnson as Nicholas Minsky Pushkin Song: "Last Night" | ||||||
| 45 | 20 | "H-e-l-l-l-l-l-p!!!" | Paton Price | Dale McRaven | February 11, 1972 | |
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When the Partridge women go camping in the wilderness, the Partridge men decide to follow them, just in case they need to be rescued. Song: "I'm On My Way Back Home" | ||||||
| 46 | 21 | "Promise Her Anything, But Give Her a Punch" | Bob Claver | Dale McRaven | February 18, 1972 | |
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Danny is in love for the first time. But the 11-year-old girl he would like to ask to the sixth grade dance would rather go with Keith. Guest Star: Patti Cohoon as Gloria Hickey Song: "I Would Have Loved You Anyway" | ||||||
| 47 | 22 | "The Partridge Papers" | Jerry London | William S. Bickley | March 3, 1972 | |
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Danny donates Laurie's diary to the school auction by mistake, and the editor threatens to publish it in the high school paper. This includes a Mission: Impossible send-up. Song: "It's One of Those Nights (Yes Love)". | ||||||
| 48 | 23 | "All's War in Love and Fairs" | Mel Swope | John Wilder | March 10, 1972 | |
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A married couple tries to get the Partridges to perform at a benefit in order to aid Native Americans. Guest star: Harry Morgan as Cal Songs: "Come On, Love", "Rainmaker" | ||||||
| 49 | 24 | "Who Is Max Ledbetter, and Why Is He Saying All Those Horrible Things?" | Christopher Morgan | Bernie Kahn | March 17, 1972 | |
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A former psychic whose business is in trouble cons Danny and Keith into lending him money by predicting bad luck during an upcoming Partridge Family concert. Guest star: John Banner as Max Ledbetter Song: "You Don't Have To Tell Me" | ||||||
Season 3 (1972–73)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1 | "This Male Chauvinist Piggy Went to Market" | Richard Kinon | Bernard Slade, Dale McRaven | September 15, 1972 | |
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Laurie embarrasses Keith by defending him from the school bully. Song: "God Bless You Girl" | ||||||
| 51 | 2 | "M Is for the Many Things" | Lou Antonio | Bernard Slade, William S. Bickley | September 22, 1972 | |
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Shirley is chosen as "Mother of The Year" by a magazine, but she and the family experience a not-so-smooth journey to the award ceremony in Sacramento. Guest stars: Edgar Buchanan as Judge McElwreath, and Rick Hurst as Deputy Haynie Song: "As Long As There's You" | ||||||
| 52 | 3 | "Princess and the Partridge" | Richard Kinon | William S. Bickley | September 29, 1972 | |
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Keith dates a princess Guest stars: Season Hubley as Princess Jennie, and Laurie Main as Frederic La Forge Song: "Together We're Better" | ||||||
| 53 | 4 | "Each Dawn I Diet" | Richard Kinon | Lloyd Turner, Gordon Mitchell | October 6, 1972 | |
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Reuben and Danny become roomies while wagering on a bet to tackle their vices. Song: "It's All In Your Mind" | ||||||
| 54 | 5 | "A Penny for His Thoughts" | Bob Claver | Dale McRaven | October 13, 1972 | |
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Biker pal Snake returns to the Partridges, desperate. He's in love, but suicidal because his beloved Penny has rejected his marriage proposal. Guest stars: Stuart Margolin as Snake, Helen Kleeb and Bryan O'Byrne as Snake's parents, and Bill Quinn as the Pastor Song: "Love Must Be The Answer" | ||||||
| 55 | 6 | "You're Only Young Twice" | Lee Philips | Susan Silver | October 20, 1972 | |
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Danny's problems in school become a problem at home, when his quest to become more "mature" alienates him from the family. Guest star: Charlotte Rae as Dr. Beecher and Bruce Kimmel as Richard Whipple Song: "Am I Losing You" | ||||||
| 56 | 7 | "The Modfather" | E. W. Swackhamer | Susan Harris | October 27, 1972 | |
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Shirley's parents try to enliven their marriage. Guest stars: Ray Bolger and Rosemary De Camp as Walter and Amanda Renfrew, Bill Zuckert as Dwight, and Gordon Jump as Minister Song: "Something New Got Old" | ||||||
| 57 | 8 | "A Likely Candidate" | Herb Wallerstein | Martin Cohan | November 3, 1972 | |
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Keith campaigns for a politician who likes Shirley. Guest star: Bert Convy as Richard Lawrence Songs: "One Day At A Time", "Ain't Love Easy" | ||||||
| 58 | 9 | "Swiss Family Partridge" | Lou Antonio | Dale Mcraven | November 10, 1972 | |
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A days-long rainstorm strands the Partridges in a remote cabin. Tempers flare as the family compete over who will get the two small beds and the meager supply of food. Song: "It Means I'm In Love With You" | ||||||
| 59 | 10 | "Ain't Loveth Grand?" | Herb Wallerstein | William S. Bickley | November 17, 1972 | |
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Laurie falls for a minister. Her mother fears their relationship is moving too fast. Guest star: Anthony Geary as Greg Houser Song: "Sunshine" Notes: This episode saw The Partridge Family surpass the number of episodes of a previous sitcom from Screen Gems concerning a made-for-TV rock band: The Monkees. | ||||||
| 60 | 11 | "Whatever Happened to Keith Partridge?" | Bruce Bilson | Susan Harris | November 24, 1972 | |
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A talent scout recruits Keith for a movie role Guest Stars: Shelley Morrison as Mrs. Kornegge, Robert B. Williams as Otis Butrum, and Mark Lambert as Dale Song: "Looking Through The Eyes Of Love" | ||||||
| 61 | 12 | "Nag, Nag, Nag" | E. W. Swackhamer | Steve Pritzker | December 8, 1972 | |
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Danny wins an insomniac racehorse. Guest star: Slim Pickens as Will Fowler Song: "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" | ||||||
| 62 | 13 | "For Sale by Owner" | Russ Mayberry | Charlotte Brown | December 29, 1972 | |
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The Partridges try to sell their house. Guest stars: Bert Freed and Lurene Tuttle as Mr. and Mrs. Sharp, Gordon Jump as one of the prospective home buyers Song: "As Long As You're There" | ||||||
| 63 | 14 | "Aspirin at 7, Dinner at 8" | Bob Claver | Susan Harris | January 5, 1973 | |
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Shirley tries to ditch an ardent suitor and his mother. Guest stars: Gerald Hiken as Dr. Bernie Applebaum and Nancy Walker as Mrs. Applebaum Song: "One Day At a Time" | ||||||
| 64 | 15 | "For Whom the Bell Tolls . . . and Tolls . . . and Tolls" | E. W. Swackhamer | Dale Mcraven | January 12, 1973 | |
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After the Partridge home is burglarized, Reuben has a security alarm installed . . . with disastrous results when the alarm keeps getting set off accidentally. Guest star: Arte Johnson as Morris Tinkler Song: "Sunshine Eyes" | ||||||
| 65 | 16 | "Trial of the Partridge One" | Jerry London | Steve Zacharias, Michael Leeson | January 19, 1973 | |
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Laurie is dragged into student court at school when she's caught unwittingly returning a copy of a stolen math test to her teacher. Guest Stars: Dana Elcar as Mr. Felcher, Noah Keen as Mr. Brown, and Eric Laneuville as Judge Song: "It's You" | ||||||
| 66 | 17 | "I Left My Heart in Cincinnati" | Bob Claver | Dale McRaven | January 26, 1973 | |
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At a gig at the Kings Island amusement park outside Cincinnati, Keith finds himself falling for a PR agent, an older woman; before long, Danny also falls for her. Guest stars: Mary Ann Mobley as Audrey Parson, Johnny Bench as Pool Waiter Songs: "Together We're Better", "Girl You Make My Day" Note: This episode aired one year before The Brady Bunch made a similar visit | ||||||
| 67 | 18 | "The Eleven-Year Itch" | Richard Kinon | William S. Bickley | February 2, 1973 | |
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Shirley's old flame (Bert Convy) comes to town with his daughter Julie. As they begin to re-ignite old sparks, Julie discovers feelings for Danny. Guest stars: Bert Convy as Richard Lawrence, Jodie Foster as Julie Lawrence Song: "Walking In The Rain" | ||||||
| 68 | 19 | "Bedknobs and Drumsticks" | Herb Wallerstein | Lloyd Turner, Gordon Mitchell | February 9, 1973 | |
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Reuben signs the family up for a series of commercials in support of a fast-food chicken outfit looking to change its hokey image. Guest star: William Windom as Uncle Erwin, Elaine Giftos as Bonnie Kleinschmidt Song: "Friend & A Lover" | ||||||
| 69 | 20 | "Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex . . . but Couldn't Pronounce" | Bob Claver | Dale McRaven | February 16, 1973 | |
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Could America's "heartthrob" Keith be failing his sex-education course in school? Song: "It Means I'm In Love With You" | ||||||
| 70 | 21 | "Forgive Us Our Debts" | Bruce Bilson | Skip Webster | February 23, 1973 | |
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A purchase of a $29 cuckoo clock becomes a $2,900 headache when a computer glitch mistakenly overcharges Shirley's credit account. Guest stars: Vic Tayback as Harlan Laws, Alan Oppenheimer as Mr. Atwater, John David Carson as Tom Baker, Robert F. Simon as Mr. Gordon, Gary Morgan as Albert Song: "Maybe Someday" | ||||||
| 71 | 22 | "The Partridge Connection" | E.W. Swackhamer | Steve Zacharias, Michael Leeson | March 2, 1973 | |
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Danny finds himself in trouble when his friend Punky coerces him into shoplifting. Guest stars: Henry Jones as Mr. Phelps, Gary Dubin as Punky Song: "I Don't Care" | ||||||
| 72 | 23 | "The Selling of the Partridges" | Lee Philips | Steve Zacharias, Michael Leeson | March 9, 1973 | |
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Keith finds himself in a hotly contested battle for student-body president with a shy girl for whom Laurie is campaign manager. He finally comes to realize she is more qualified. Guest star: Holly Near as Phyllis Goldberg Song: "There'll Come A Time" Note: This storyline had also been used in episode 143 of The Dick Van Dyke Show and in episode 197 of The Andy Griffith Show. | ||||||
| 73 | 24 | "Diary of a Mad Millionaire" | Lou Antonio | Steve Zacharias, Michael Leeson | March 16, 1973 | |
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The family crosses paths with a rich recluse who is drawn to them but afraid of crowds. Guest star: John Astin as Sidney Rose Songs: "One Night Stand", "It Sounds Like You're Saying Hello" | ||||||
| 74 | 25 | "Me and My Shadow" | Jerry London | Dale McRaven | March 23, 1973 | |
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A mystery writer challenges the Partridges: if all of them can elude his search for 24 hours, he'll donate $25,000 to charity. Guest Stars: Richard Schaal as Rezo, Bruce Kimmel as Delbert, Susan Neher as "Girl" Song: "Storybook Love" | ||||||
Season 4 (1973–74)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 1 | "Hate Thy Neighbor" | Richard Kinon | George Tibbles, William S. Bickley | September 15, 1973 | |
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The Partridges come up against a new neighbor who hates show business and resorts to enforcing noise-pollution ordinances against the family. Guest stars: Nita Talbot as Doris Stevens, Ronne Troup as Donna Stevens, Teddy Wilson as Sam Mulvaney Songs: "I'll Never Get Over You", "Sooner Or Later" Note: This episode introduces Ricky Segall to the cast as Ricky Stevens | ||||||
| 76 | 2 | "None But the Onely" | Charles Rondeau | Bernard Slade, Dale McRaven | September 22, 1973 | |
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Keith discovers his ladies-man reputation precedes him when the new girl in town refuses to go out with him. Guest star: Kathleen Cody as Dina Firmly Songs: "I've Been Alone Too Long", "Bicycle Song" | ||||||
| 77 | 3 | "Beethoven, Brahms, and Partridge" | Charles Rondeau | Bernard Slade | September 29, 1973 | |
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Keith is challenged by a new girlfriend to stop making "simple" music, so he tries to write a classical music piece to impress her. Guest stars: Barbara Sigel as Rachel, Harold Gould as Walter Yost Songs: "I'm Into Something Good", "When I Grow Up" | ||||||
| 78 | 4 | "The Strike-Out King" | E. W. Swackhamer | Bernard Slade, William S. Bickley | October 6, 1973 | |
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After becoming a pest tagging along after Keith and Laurie, Danny is encouraged by Shirley to make friends his own age by trying out for the baseball team. Guest stars: Herb Edelman as Darby Willis, Dick Balduzzi as Marv Fillmore, Gordon Jump as Zack Feldman Song: "I Wanna Be With You", "Say Hey Willie" | ||||||
| 79 | 5 | "Reuben Kincaid Lives" | E. W. Swackhamer | Steve Zacharias, Michael Leeson | October 13, 1973 | |
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Shirley encourages the kids to be a little nicer to Reuben, but the plan backfires when Reuben mistakes the show of appreciation for bad news from the doctor. Reuben's middle name is revealed to be Clarence. Guest stars: Margaret Hamilton as Clara Kincaid, Elaine Giftos as Bonnie Kleinschmidt Songs: "I Wouldn't Put Nothing Over On You", "Just Lovin' You" (ending credits mistakenly list "I've Got Your Love All Over Me") | ||||||
| 80 | 6 | "Double Trouble" | Herb Wallerstein | Dick Bensfield, Perry Grant | October 20, 1973 | |
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Keith pulls the classic boner by having two dates for the same night: one of them is the prettiest girl in school, the other a friend of Laurie's. Guest stars: Elaine Giftos as Bonnie Kleinschmidt, Bobby Kramer as Wally Benton, Cheryl Ladd as Johanna Houser Songs: "Oh No, Not My Baby", "A Little Bit Of Lovin'" Note: This marks the third appearance by a Charlie's Angels alumna on the series, following up earlier guest roles by Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith. Cheryl Ladd is shown in the end credits under her maiden name, "Cheryl Stoppelmoor". | ||||||
| 81 | 7 | "The Last of Howard" | Richard Kinon | Bernard Slade, Dale McRaven | October 27, 1973 | |
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Laurie is the object of a rich admirer on a cruise ship, but all is not exactly how it appears. Guest star: Bruce Kimmel as Howard Crump Song: "When Love's Talked About" | ||||||
| 82 | 8 | "The Diplomat" | Herb Wallerstein | Paul Lichtman, Howard Storm | November 3, 1973 | |
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A smitten ambassador asks Shirley out on a disastrous first date, but his quest for a second date turns her world upside down after she refuses. Guest stars: Richard Mulligan as Howard Lipton, Pat Harrington as Roger Harper Songs: "How Long Is Too Long", "What Kind Of Noise Do You Make" | ||||||
| 83 | 9 | "Heartbreak Keith" | Charles Rondeau | Bernard Slade, Bill Manhoff | November 10, 1973 | |
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Keith enrolls in a college sociology course, but finds himself infatuated with an older (and very happily married) co-ed. Guest star: Brooke Bundy as Dory Kimmel Songs: "I Heard You Singing Your Song", "A Secret In My Heart" | ||||||
| 84 | 10 | "A Day of Honesty" | Ross Bowman | Lloyd Turner, Gordon Mitchell | November 17, 1973 | |
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After Danny gets caught sneaking into a movie theater, Shirley tries teaching him a lesson by enforcing 24 hours of total honesty for the whole family. Songs: "Roller Coaster", "If I Were A Monkey" | ||||||
| 85 | 11 | "Al in the Family" | Charles Rondeau | Bernard Slade, William Bickley | November 24, 1973 | |
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Reuben's nephew, an aspiring comedian, tries to fill in for the absent manager, with nightmarish results for the Partridges. Guest stars: Alan Bursky as Alan Kincaid, Gino Conforti as Maître D' Songs: "That's The Way It Is With You", "I'm Into Something Good" | ||||||
| 86 | 12 | "Maid in San Pueblo" | Charles Rondeau | Bernard Slade, William J. Keenan | December 8, 1973 | |
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After her parents start fighting again, Shirley unwittingly hires her mother as the family's new maid. Guest stars: Jackie Coogan as Walter Renfrew, Rosemary DeCamp as Amanda Renfrew Songs: "Workin' On A Groovy Thing", "Grandma (We Love You Just The Way You Are)" Note: Final appearance of Ricky Segall as Ricky | ||||||
| 87 | 13 | "Art for Mom's Sake" | Ross Bowman | Bernard Slade, Michael Leeson | January 12, 1974 | |
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Shirley takes up painting as a hobby, but while her art is panned by her family, her teacher seems to think she's the second coming of Picasso. Guest star: Alan Oppenheimer as Lorenzo Bernard Song: "I'll Never Get Over You" | ||||||
| 88 | 14 | "Two for the Show" | Charles Rondeau | Bernard Slade, William Bickley | January 19, 1974 | |
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Reuben's latest discoveries, a twin singing act, split up because of a crush on a girl: Laurie Guest stars: Andy and David Williams (nephews of singer Andy Williams), Henry Olek as Skip Radnitz Songs: "Crying In The Rain", "Say It Again" | ||||||
| 89 | 15 | "Danny Drops Out" | Roger Duchowny | Dick Bensfield, Perry Grant | January 26, 1974 | |
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Danny decides to drop out of school, and focus on songwriting as a career. Guest stars: James Gregory as Claude Tubbles, Mitzi Hoag as Miss Farrow, Gary Durbin as Punky Lazaar Song: "Lookin' For A Good Time" | ||||||
| 90 | 16 | "Queen for a Minute" | Ernest Losso | Lloyd Turner, Gordon Mitchell | February 2, 1974 | |
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When Laurie's girlfriend is denied a spot on the boys' basketball team, Laurie decides to run for homecoming queen so that people might listen to what she has to say. When Keith and Danny get wind of it, they convince a male friend to challenge her for homecoming queen. Guest stars: Tracy Brooks Swope (daughter of producer Mel Swope) as Frankie, Ken Swofford as Coach, Chris Beaumont as Jerry Bishop Song: "Money, Money" | ||||||
| 91 | 17 | "Danny Converts" | Richard Kinon | Dick Bensfield, Perry Grant | February 9, 1974 | |
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To impress a Jewish girl, Danny pretends he's Jewish, but when her father, a rabbi, mistakenly believes him, the lie begins to spiral out of control. Guest stars: Noam Pitlik as Rabbi Ben Stern, Lark Geib as Renee Stern, Gary Durbin as Punky Lazaar Song: "I Heard You Singing Your Song" | ||||||
| 92 | 18 | "Miss Partridge, Teacher" | Roger Duchowny | Art Baer, Ben Joelson | February 23, 1974 | |
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Laurie becomes a student-teacher for Danny's class, but becomes more than anyone bargained for when she overcompensates in class to not look like she's favoring him. Guest stars: Maxine Stuart as Miss Halstead, Gary Durbin as Punky Lazaar Song: "I Wouldn't Put Nothin' Over You" | ||||||
| 93 | 19 | "Keith and Lauriebelle" | Roger Duchowny | Dick Bensfield, Perry Grant | March 2, 1974 | |
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Dueling dilemmas come together: Laurie needs to get out of babysitting in order to go skiing, and Keith needs someone to make a girl he's interested in jealous. Guest stars: Sherry Miles as Karen Bailey, Jack Stauffer as George Parkington Song: "How Long Is Too Long" | ||||||
| 94 | 20 | "Morning Becomes Electric" | Richard Kinon | Lloyd Turner, Gordon Mitchell | March 9, 1974 | |
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In an attempt to become a model family for conserving electricity, Danny suggests printing the names of "energy hogs" in the news, but when the Partridge electric meter is read incorrectly, they risk being called "hogs" themselves. Guest stars: Jack Collins as Mayor Towbin, Maureen Reagan (daughter of Ronald Reagan) as Photographer Song: "Sunshine" | ||||||
| 95 | 21 | "Pin It on Danny" | Richard Kinon | Art Baer, Ben Joelson | March 16, 1974 | |
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Danny gives his mother a found brooch for her birthday, but when the rightful owner of the brooch turns out to be his teacher, he must try to find a way to give it back. Guest stars: Liam Dunn as Salesman, Kathryn Reynolds as Mrs. Bullock, Gary Durbin as Punky Lazaar Song: "I Wanna Be With You" | ||||||
| 96 | 22 | ". . . - - - . . . (S.O.S.)" | Bob Claver | Dick Bensfield, Perry Grant | March 23, 1974 | |
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When an old flame sails into town from the navy, Shirley is smitten, and everyone approves . . . except for Danny, who suspects the sailor has a girl in every port. Guest star: George Chakiris as Captain Chuck Corwin Song: "Roller Coaster" | ||||||
TV specials
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
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| 1 | "Thanksgiving Reunion with The Partridge Family and My Three Sons" | Perry Rosemond | Bo Kaprall | November 25, 1977 | |
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A one-hour celebration featuring the casts of The Partridge Family and My Three Sons discussing their current lives and memorable moments from their past shows. Songs: "Strengthen My Love", "He Touched Me", "As Time Goes By", "Moments Make the Memories" | |||||
| 2 | "Come On Get Happy: The Partridge Family Story" | David Burton Morris | Jon Denny, Jacqueline Feather, David Seidler | November 13, 1999 | |
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A two-hour biographical TV movie focusing on star David Cassidy and co-star Danny Bonaduce through the four years of the show's production. Narrated by Danny Bonaduce | |||||