Worst Episodes
Comedy about one big happy family and their sometimes awkward, often hilarious and ultimately beautiful milestone moments as told by its various members. Of the three siblings, middle child Matt may have just found his true love, his co-worker, Colleen; his coddled youngest brother, Greg, and his wife, Jen, are overwhelmed by the birth of their first child; and the eldest, Heather, and her husband, Tim, are dreading their impending empty nest so much, they're considering having another baby. Their parents are Joan the family's adoring matriarch who would do anything for her kids - as long as she agrees with it - and John, the gregarious patriarch who's searching for ways to soften the blow of turning 70. As the family's lives unfold in four short stories each week, they try to savor these little pieces of time that flash by but stay with you forever, because these moments add up to what life's all about.
Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 16, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
The siblings congratulate Greg after word spreads that he stood up to Joan for passive-aggressively questioning Jen’s parenting skills. Also, Chad insists on having one last meal with Colleen’s grandmother before heading off to jail, Matt and Greg discourage Tim from beating John at a round of golf and Sophia gets a peanut stuck up her nose.
The episode was rated 7.47 from 640 votes.
When Matt and Colleen catch Chad trying to kidnap her beloved pup, Princess, Chad uses the opportunity to pitch them his new business venture. Also, Jen and Greg try to be intimate for the first time since having a baby, Heather “breaks up” with her longtime hairstylist, Lynette, and Tim ruins Samantha’s birthday party.
The episode was rated 7.46 from 570 votes.
Jen and Greg hire Edna—the cleaning lady who has worked for John and Joan for years—but Jen is horrified at her strange habits. Matt, Heather and Greg race to find the valuable souvenir pens John brought them when they were kids. Lucas is terrified of Joan. When Tim invites Matt over to watch a sporting event on television, it takes a weird turn.
The episode was rated 7.46 from 206 votes.
Tyler and Tim realize they are in over their heads when Heather tasks them with buying a bra for Samantha. Joan asks Jen to submit a recipe for the family cookbook, prompting Jen to steal one from her favorite restaurant. John gets Samantha and Sophia hooked on gambling while babysitting for them. Colleen and Matt obsess about their surrogate’s unhealthy lifestyle.
The episode was rated 7.45 from 299 votes.
When Colleen and Matt host the family tailgate party at the L.A. Rams game, they invite former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner to spice up their so far dismal event. Also, Tim's in danger of missing the game when Sophia makes him take her to the restroom.
The episode was rated 7.44 from 703 votes.
When Heather tells Sophia she has to get rid of her stuffed animals, Sophia stages a musical with them to see if she can change her mother’s mind. Also, Colleen babysits Lark, and Jen comes home to find her dolled up in Colleen’s old pageant dress; Joan’s bike is stolen from the driveway so she enlists Matt, Greg and Tim to join her in tracking it down; and Tyler and Clementine get John’s help to sell their homemade beef jerky at the farmer’s market.
The episode was rated 7.40 from 315 votes.
When Jen sings in Tyler's band, she gets caught up in the excitement and creates an awkward situation for him. Also, John and Greg decide to brew beer together, Matt donates one of his paintings to a silent auction for Tim's medical charity, and Heather becomes jealous of Joan's friendship with a classmate.
The episode was rated 7.37 from 366 votes.
As the Short family's lives unfold in four brief stories each week, they try to savor the moments that add up to what life’s all about.
The episode was rated 7.37 from 1054 votes.
When Jen is offered a custom painting as payment from a hot new artist, she is thrilled until she sees the final product. Also, Sophia convinces Matt and Colleen to use her idea for a children's book but it isn't a new concept; Tyler and Clementine advertise their tiny house as a rental property; and John and Joan fall prey to a sleazy IRS scam.
The episode was rated 7.33 from 315 votes.
When Matt helps Grandpa Mort efficiently book a family trip to the Bahamas, the family is super impressed, so Greg reserves a cabana at the pool to outdo Matt. Tim saves the life of a fellow hotel guest. Matt and Colleen take an excursion to a private island. John learns some astonishing news about his father.
The episode was rated 7.31 from 201 votes.
