Episode 1
Pilot
A high school substitute teacher takes over a class of geniuses.
Episode credits
Written by Rich Eustis
TV series
Head of the Class
1986TV-G5 seasons6.3 / 10
Head of the Class is an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network. The series follows a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore. The program was ostensibly a vehicle for Hesseman, best known for his role as radio DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Hesseman left Head of the Class in 1990 and was replaced by Billy Connolly as teacher Billy MacGregor for the final season. After the series ended, Connolly appeared in a short-lived spin-off titled Billy. The series was created and executive produced by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias. Rich Eustis had previously worked as a New York City substitute teacher while hoping to become an actor.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
You can also buy it from Amazon and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
Head of the Class is an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network. The series follows a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore. The program was ostensibly a vehicle for Hesseman, best known for his role as radio DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Hesseman left Head of the Class in 1990 and was replaced by Billy Connolly as teacher Billy MacGregor for the final season. After the series ended, Connolly appeared in a short-lived spin-off titled Billy. The series was created and executive produced by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias. Rich Eustis had previously worked as a New York City substitute teacher while hoping to become an actor.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Head of the Class
Episode 2
Back to the Future
The class imagines life 20 years in the future
Episode credits
Written by Rich Eustis
Episode 3
Charliegate
Dennis misquotes Mr. Moore for the school newspaper
Where to watch Head of the ClassEpisode 4
Love at First Byte
Charlie receives a love note from a secret admirer he suspects is in the IHP.
Episode credits
Directed by Frank Bonner
Episode 5
The Outsider
Janice feels left out in class and decides to throw a party to make friends. Charlie dates a model.
Episode credits
Directed by Kim Friedman
Episode 6
Teacher's Teacher
Charlie is upset when the IHP's regular teacher announces his return from sick leave.
Episode credits
Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel
Episode 7
Volleyball Anyone?
Arvid tries to impress a girl by challenging the school basketball players to a volleyball match against the IHP class.
Episode credits
Directed by Peter BaldwinWritten by Al Jean
Episode 8
Critical Choices
Charlie tries his hand at ""Hamlet""
Episode credits
Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel
Episode 9
Cold Turkey
Mr. Moore spends Thanksgiving with Dr. Samuels
Episode credits
Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel
Episode 10
You've Got a Friend
After their team project wins them a trip to Washington, D.C., Sarah and Arvid develop slight feelings for each other. But things aren't necessarily a bed of roses between them.
Where to watch Head of the ClassEpisode 11
As Time Goes By
Charlie's ex-flame evaluates the class
Episode credits
Directed by Peter BaldwinGuest stars Isabella Hofmann
Episode 12
The Way We Weren't
When doing reports on their ancestry, both Alan and Darlene find things out that they don't want to.
Episode credits
Directed by Andrew D. Weyman
Episode 13
Rebel Without a Class
Eric makes trouble for another teacher
Where to watch Head of the ClassEpisode 14
Ode to Simone
Simone receives a discouraging letter from her favorite poet....after his death. Dennis tries to give up sarcasm and pranks.
Episode credits
Guest stars Joe Alaskey
Episode 15
Past Imperfect
Charlie must pass a test in Macro Economics in order to keep his teaching license. The IHP attempt to help him.
Episode credits
Directed by Andrew D. Weyman
Episode 16
A Problem Like Maria
Maria dates the captain of the opposing team
Episode credits
Directed by Andrew D. Weyman
Episode 17
The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming!
The IHP faces their Russian counterparts in an academic tournament. Eric must join the team to replace an ailing Jawaharal.
Where to watch Head of the ClassEpisode 19
Video Activity
The class makes a music video for a time capsule
Where to watch Head of the ClassEpisode 20
Privilege
Charlie sets Arvid up with a job at a hot nightclub, which causes Arvid to develop a cocky, image-conscious attitude.
Where to watch Head of the ClassEpisode 21
Crimes of the Heart
Episode credits
Guest stars Robert Hooks
Episode 22
The Secret Life of Arvid Engen
finale
Arvid starts to daydream about Lori and it affects his schoolwork
Where to watch Head of the ClassEpisode information updated Jul 23, 2026
More about Head of the Class
Cast
Billy ConnollyBilly MacGregor
Howard HessemanCharlie Moore
William G. SchillingDr. Harold Samuels
Jeannetta ArnetteBernadette Meara
Leslie BegaMaria Borges
Michael DeLorenzoAlex Torres
Dan FrischmanArvid Engen
Robin GivensDarlene MerrimanCredits
- Created by
- Rich Eustis
- Written by
- Rich Eustis, Jeffrey Duteil, Dan Schneider, Al Jean, Mark Fink, Jake Weinberger, Michael Weinberger, Bob Rosenfarb, Denise Moss, Sy Dukane, Steven Sullivan
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 114
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
ABCUnited States
Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited States- Eustis Elias Productions
Themes
classroomgifted childrenhigh schoolmanhattan, new york citynerdsitcomteacherteen comedy
