Episode 1
Settling
Carol's new boyfriend is all for marriage, but not consummation.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Susan Beavers
TV series
Empty Nest
19887 seasons5.9 / 10
Widowed pediatrician Harry Weston is a miracle worker when it comes to dealing with his young patients, but he's more challenged by the other people surrounding him: daughters Barbara and Carol; his wisecracking office assistant, nurse LaVerne Todd; and obnoxious neighborhood mooch Charley Dietz. Thank goodness he always finds a friendly shoulder (and a warm, wet tongue) in Dreyfuss, his enormous dog.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Empty Nest premiered October 8, 1988. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Widowed pediatrician Harry Weston is a miracle worker when it comes to dealing with his young patients, but he's more challenged by the other people surrounding him: daughters Barbara and Carol; his wisecracking office assistant, nurse LaVerne Todd; and obnoxious neighborhood mooch Charley Dietz. Thank goodness he always finds a friendly shoulder (and a warm, wet tongue) in Dreyfuss, his enormous dog.
Season 2 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Empty Nest
Episode 2
Harry Snubs Laverne
When Harry is inducted into the hospital's hall of fame, he forgets to thank Laverne in his acceptance speech. Meanwhile, two young patients announce their wedding plans and Charley asks to be buried with the Westons.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 3
On the Interpretation of Dreams
His recurring dream (which includes running from a tiger, a pink kimono, and Ed McMahon) keeps Harry and the girls up all night, trying to decipher it's meaning. They end up at an all-night diner where they run into Laverne.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 4
Between a Cop and a Hard Place
Barbara finds out that her new police partner, whom Carol is dating, is married.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 5
Just You and My Kid
An old patient returns and asks Harry to be the father of her child.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 6
Rambo of Neiman Marcus
Carol and Barbara are witnesses to a mall robbery and surprisingly it's Carol who nabs the thief, not police officer, Barbara. Neighbor Rose hits Harry's car and offers to pay for the damages.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Arnie KogenGuest stars Luis Ávalos, Betty White
Episode 7
You Are 16 Going on 17 and I'm Not
Carol objects when Harry asks her to tutor a boy she used to baby-sit, until she sees how handsome he has become. Carol feels guilty after the two end up sleeping together. Laverne misses best friend, Lurlene's birthday party because of a double work load at the office.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Susan BeaversGuest stars Brian Bloom
Episode 8
The R.N. Who Came to Dinner
Laverne moves in with the Westons after a fight with Nick and proceeds to take control of the house. A young patient who can't get a date for a school dance asks Harry to take her.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanGuest stars Mayim Bialik, Chris Demetral
Episode 9
Green Eggs and Harry
Harry enlists the help of Carol when he is asked to write a children's book, but he soon finds out that Barbara has better ideas. Charley is smitten with another juror during jury duty.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Rob LaZebnik, David SacksGuest stars Robert Trebor
Episode 10
Overdue for a Job
Carol gets a job at a library, where she meets an obnoxious college professor. Charley joins a Big Buddy program. Barbara teaches Dreyfuss to play Frisbee.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Rob LaZebnik, David SacksGuest stars Catherine Parks
Episode 11
A Christmas Story
The Westons prepare for their annual holiday skiing trip until Dreyfuss runs away. Laverne refuses to accept Christmas gifts from Harry.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Arnie Kogen
Episode 12
Change of Heart
An overworked Harry has an angina attack but refuses to slow down and rest.
Episode credits
Written by Susan BeaversGuest stars William Cort
Episode 13
Harry's Choice
Harry is thrilled when Barbara quits the police force, but feels he may have pushed her into a different job. Carol tries to save enough money to pay for Harry's birthday present: an oil portrait of herself.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Mitchell Hurwitz
Episode 14
Complainin' in the Rain
Tired of her complaining, Barbara persuades Carol to go with her on a spontaneous adventure. Harry and Laverne recall the day she came to work for him, but their stories have several variations.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanGuest stars Jack Blessing, William Phipps
Episode 15
M.D., P.O.V.
Harry tries to avoid a reporter who is doing a story on him. A young patient is on the verge of death and no one can figure out why.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Rob LaZebnik, David Sacks
Episode 16
Everything But Love
Harry's visiting niece starts dating Charley. Laverne's friend Lurlene visits and accuses Laverne of being ""citified.""
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 17
Timing
Harry feels ready to rekindle an old romance.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 18
It Happened Two Nights, Four Costume Changes
Laverne is told that Nick is having an affair so she tells him she is dating Harry. When she finds out she was misinformed, Nick refuses to believe that she made up the story about her affair. Meanwhile, Carol and Barbara disagree on how to get rid of a mouse in the house.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 19
Love is Blind
Carol dates a blind man and focuses only on his disability, ignoring the fact that he is rude and obnoxious. Jeffrey Millstein is nervous about a chess tournament.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Arnie Kogen
Episode 20
Goodbye, Mr. Dietz
The Westons come home to find that Charley is having a party in their house. When Harry tells him to leave and never come back, he moves away. Meanwhile, Harry unknowingly throws away Laverne's lucky hot dog wrapper while cleaning up the office.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanGuest stars William Phipps
Episode 21
Lessons
A student has a crush on Barbara, who is working undercover at a high school. Meanwhile, Charley takes up golf, Harry teaches Dreyfuss to fetch the paper, and Laverne is convinced she'll become fat after looking at a family album.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Susan BeaversGuest stars Paul Regina
Episode 22
Take My Mom, Please
Carol and Barbara hire a maid, and then realize the family silver is missing. A young patient in need of a father sets Harry up on a date with her mom.
Episode credits
Guest stars Jennifer Salt, Liz Sheridan, Fran Ryan
Episode 23
Did You Ever See a Dream Dying?
Harry helps Nick buy a bar. The Westons take in a lost dog and then blame Dreyfuss for all the damage it does.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode 24
Still Growing After All These Years
finale
Harry realizes that his new girlfriend takes too good care of him, which is something he doesn't need anymore. Charley auditions to become a television weatherman. Jeffrey Millstein seeks Harry's advice on how to make friends in public school.
Episode credits
Directed by Steve Zuckerman
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Available now in United States
What to watch instead
These shows are available now and closely match Empty Nest.
More about Empty Nest
Cast
Richard MulliganDr. Harry Weston
Kristy McNicholBarbara Weston
Dinah ManoffCarol Weston
David LeisureCharley Dietz
Park OverallLaVerne Todd
Paul ProvenzaPatrick Arcola
Lisa RieffelEmily Weston
Marsha WarfieldDr. Maxine DouglasCredits
- Created by
- Susan Harris
- Written by
- Arnie Kogen, Rob LaZebnik, Susan Beavers, David Sacks, Dennis Snee, David Richardson, Bob Tischler, Susan Harris, Drake Sather, Kari Lizer, Cindy Chupack, Cheryl Holliday, Don Reo, Mitchell Hurwitz, Rod Parker, Ross Abrash, Lyla Oliver
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 170
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
NBCUnited States
Touchstone TelevisionUnited States- Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions
Themes
co-workers relationshipdoctorfamilyhospitalnursepediatriciansitcom