TV series
The best show you're not watching.
The series depicts the family of a single mother and her romance with a single father.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Once and Again premiered September 21, 1999. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
The series depicts the family of a single mother and her romance with a single father.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Lily Manning, separated from her husband, and Rick Sammler, divorced for 3 years, meet by chance when her daughter, Grace, injures her ankle in a soccer game. They go out on a date, and are instantly attracted to each other.
Directed by Edward ZwickWritten by Marshall Herskovitz, Edward ZwickGuest stars LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Vanessa Lee Chester, Kimberly McCullough, Suzanne Lanza
Episode 2
Rick and Lily ponder taking their relationship to the next level.
Directed by Marshall HerskovitzWritten by Marshall Herskovitz, Edward ZwickGuest stars Rachel True, Kimberly McCullough, Suzanne Lanza
Episode 3
Rick and Lily's families gather at the school carnival. Lily and Karen, who don't know of each other at this point, are paired to work together in a booth there.
Directed by Dan LernerWritten by Marshall HerskovitzGuest stars Molly Cheek, Kimberly McCullough
Episode 4
After meeting Rick, Judy expresses to Lily her misgivings about Lily's blossoming relationship with him.
Directed by Ron LagomarsinoGuest stars Rachel True, Vanessa Lee Chester, Kimberly McCullough, Laura Roth
Episode 5
Rick introduces Lily to his kids under awkward circumstances.
Guest stars Brenda Song
Episode 6
Lily faces the reality of being on her own and Judy begins to pull away from her Lily. This happens after Rick offers to remodel the bookstore and Judy feels like the ""odd man out"" because Lily and Rick's relationship, she feels, leaves her little time to spend with Lily.
Directed by Scott WinantGuest stars Rachel True, Archie Kao, Josh Coxx
Episode 7
Being divorced means Karen and Rick must both go to Eli's weekend basketball tournament, creating some awkward moments for them.
Guest stars James Eckhouse, Jennifer Sciole, Ever Carradine
Episode 8
Lily and Rick deal with the ghosts of their failed marriages. Rick's becoming consumed with a project at work triggers Lily's memories of Jake doing the same thing in their marriage, causing its downfall. Meanwhile, Eli's frustration with his schoolwork reaches new depths.
Directed by Patrick R. NorrisWritten by Marshall Herskovitz, Edward ZwickGuest stars Ellen Geer, Paul Mazursky, Archie Kao
Episode 9
While Lily is at a convention, Judy allows Grace (and Rick and Karen allow Eli), to go to a party that ends up with bad consequences.
Directed by Todd FieldWritten by Alexa JungeGuest stars Chris Olivero, Vanessa Lee Chester, Cory Hardrict, Kimberly McCullough, Peter Schindler
Episode 10
Lily's father decides to invite Jake to Thanksgiving at Lily's house against her wishes. Her father has difficulty in deciding whose side of the divorce to support.
Directed by Claudia WeillGuest stars Paul Mazursky, Cory Hardrict
Episode 11
Jake gets into trouble with his business. A small fire at Lily's house causes a lot of worry. Karen struggles with Eli's moving into the basement.
Directed by Edward ZwickGuest stars Dyllan Christopher
Episode 12
Lily tells Jake she wants a divorce, and tells Rick about her one-night stand with Jake. Rick can't forgive her, putting their future in jeopardy.
Directed by Dan Lerner
Episode 13
Jake and Lily begin mediating their divorce, and the future of the house hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Rick struggles with a demanding client, complicating his partnership with David. At Jennifer's insistence, Grace fills in as an English tutor for Eli, and the two discuss Lily and Rick's recent breakup. Rick arrives at a decision regarding his future with Lily.
Directed by Peter HortonGuest stars Harley Jane Kozak, Kimberly McCullough, Fred Applegate, David Clennon, Shelley Taylor Morgan
Episode 14
Eli feels tempted to cheat on Jennifer. Karen feels attracted to a younger co-worker.
Directed by Claudia WeillGuest stars James Eckhouse, Mark Feuerstein, Alexandra Holden, Kimberly McCullough, Josh Zuckerman, Jason Dohring
Episode 15
Rick and Lily begin to mend their relationship. Judy meets a man who might fulfill her dreams.
Directed by Dan LernerGuest stars Steven Weber, David Clennon, Peter Schindler
Episode 16
Lily hires a divorce attorney. The last straw is after Jake reneges on his promise not to max out their credit card. She finds this out after it's rejected at a store. Grace meets a boy who seems to think like her.
Directed by Barnet KellmanGuest stars Jim Fyfe, Vanessa Lee Chester, Paul Mazursky, Robert Ri'chard
Episode 17
Lily and her family cope with a life-altering accident.
Directed by Edward ZwickWritten by Marshall Herskovitz, Edward ZwickGuest stars Marshall Herskovitz, Paul Mazursky, Jennifer Crystal Foley, Kyme
Episode 18
Aaron proves to be a source of comfort and renewal for the Manning family; Lily gains ground in the divorce proceedings.
Directed by Marshall HerskovitzGuest stars Ellen Geer, Patrick Dempsey, Dennis Letts, Paul Mazursky, Richard Libertini, Fred Ornstein
Episode 19
Karen pushes herself far beyond her comfort zone when her involvement with Leo becomes more serious. Eli plays his parents against each other in order to get into a bar to see his friends' band play. He gets in trouble when he sees his mother, and she sees him, there. Rick finds out that Karen said no and Eli didn't tell him that, getting Eli in trouble with Rick as well.
Directed by Claudia WeillGuest stars Jenny Lewis, Mark Feuerstein, Josh Zuckerman, James Kyson, Adam Brody, Mary Faulkner, Peter Schindler
Episode 20
Lily's new job helps her put her priorities in order. While talking to Grace, Tiffany lets it slip that her relationship with Jake started BEFORE Lily and Jake split up, possibly altering her relationship with her father forever.
Directed by Dan LernerGuest stars Jennifer Crystal Foley, Kiko Ellsworth, Robert Ri'chard, Ever Carradine, Trae Ireland
Episode 21
When Judy's continuing affair with Sam is discovered, she takes steps to prevent any more pain from entering her life. Lily realizes just how much she's taken Rick for granted when he's sick in the hospital. Grace continues to have difficulty with accepting her father's past infidelity.
Directed by Peter HortonWritten by Alexa JungeGuest stars Rachel True, Jennifer Crystal Foley, Steven Weber, Robert Ri'chard, Ever Carradine
Episode 22
Lily says that the kids in the two families should meet. So they schedule a night for that. Zoe is concerned about the environment. Grace again has conflicting feelings about Eli. Jennifer reveals to Grace that Cassidy is cheating on Eli. Grace is hesitant about telling Eli this information. Two of Cassidy's friends, Rachel and Lisa, warn Grace not to tell Eli what's going on (or else!). Naomi starts a book group and invites Karen, instead of Lily to be in the group because she feels that she and Lily have been drifting apart. Miles lets it be known to Rick that he doesn't want David involved on his project. Work pressures threaten to unravel Lily's plans for the meeting and they leave Rick on edge. Judy and Karen have a heart-to-heart in the bookstore about their two families. Eli finds out for himself that Cassidy's been cheating on him. Pressure from Miles forces Rick to cancel the dinner. A passage from the book the group is reading makes everything clear to Lily and Rick and Karen
Directed by Dan LernerGuest stars Alexandra Holden, Kimberly McCullough, Jennifer Crystal Foley, David Clennon, Ever Carradine, Laura Roth
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match Once and Again.
Sela WardLily Manning
Billy CampbellRick Sammler
Jeffrey NordlingJake Manning
Susanna ThompsonKaren Sammler
Shane WestEli Sammler
Julia WhelanGrace Manning
Evan Rachel WoodJessie Sammler
Meredith DeaneZoe Manning
ABCUnited States
