6 seasons with so many amazing episodes.
The Nanny is an iconic sitcom from 90s television. Fran Drescher starred as Fran Fine, a fashionable and enthusiastic Jewish woman who becomes the nanny to a wealthy Broadway producer’s three children. Fran’s lively personality soon earns the children’s love as she develops feelings for their father.
Acclaimed by critics and beloved by audiences, The Nanny lasted six seasons and produced one hundred and forty-six episodes. Most of these were embraced by critics and audiences; however, a few are far more memorable and hilarious than others, with a few ranking highly in the online database IMDb.
“The Bank Robbery” – Season 4, Episode 16
“The Bank Robbery” sees Fran and Sylvia held hostage during a bank robbery. However, Fran soon realizes the criminal, Leslie, is clumsier than expected, prompting her to empathize with his struggle. She attempts to help him, not without trying to help the hostages too.
“Fran’s Gotta Have It” – Season 4, Episode 26
Fran and Maxwell had one of television’s best will-the-won’t-they relationships. They almost committed to each other in the season 4 episode, “Fran’s Gotta Have It,” in which she follows him to London for a romantic getaway. However, their trip is cut short after Niles suffers a heart attack.
“A Fine Family Feud” – Season 3, Episode 4
Maggie’s sweet sixteen party descends into chaos after Fran’s relatives bring their unique brand of Fine chaos. “A Fine Family Feud” sees Fran trying to plan the perfect party for Maggie; however, her Aunt Freida’s rivalry with Sylvia threatens to derail the event.
“The Two Mrs. Sheffields” – Season 3, Episode 9
Maxwell’s mother, the imperious Elizabeth Sheffield, comes to visit, much to Maxwell’s annoyance. When C. C. tells Elizabeth that Fran is interested in Maxwell, Elizabeth demands she be fired. Instead, Maxwell proposes to Fran, who decides to mess with him after learning he only popped the question to annoy his mother.
“Strange Bedfellows” – Season 2, Episode 24
Six-time Emmy winner and television icon Tyne Daly guest stars in the season 2 episode “Strange Bedfellows.” The plot centers on the retirement party of Fran’s fellow nanny, Mona, who will apparently go back to her mother and grandmother after the children she cared for are grown, sending Fran into a disenchanted life crisis.
“Schlepped Away” – Season 1, Episode 16
“Schlepped Away” puts the Sheffield family out of their comfort zone. When their trip to the Caribbean was delayed due to a snowstorm, they sought refuge in Sylvia’s home in Queens. “Schlepped Away” is the first time the Sheffields bond with Fran’s family, especially her overbearing mother, Sylvia.
“I Don’t Remember Mama” – Season 1, Episode 22
One of the most sentimental episodes in The Nanny, “I Don’t Remember Mama” sees Gracie entering a mother-daughter beauty pageant with Fran on Mother’s Day. When the other contestants make her cry, Gracie reveals she doesn’t remember her mother, Sarah.
“A Fine Friendship” – Season 2, Episode 19
“A Fine Friendship” follows Fran becoming close friends with a male nanny, Kurt, thinking he is gay. However, things get overly complicated when he reveals his attraction to her. Elsewhere, Gracie believes she is pregnant after falling asleep next to her new friend.
“The Finale, Part 2” – Season 6, Episode 22
The Nanny has one of the highest-rated series finales on IMDb. Appropriately titled “The Finale, Part 2,” the episode sees Fran giving birth to her and Maxwell’s twins. C. C. and Niles get married in the emergency room shortly before she discovers she’s pregnant, Brighton and Maggie leave for Paris, and the family leaves New York and moves to California.
“Close Shave” – Season 2, Episode 21
“Close Shave” is among the most popular episodes of The Nanny. The plot follows Fran, who must cover for Maggie as a hospital candy striper, just as Maxwell enters the OR for an appendectomy. Thus she must prepare him for the procedure, and that includes shaving him,
Best known for the now-iconic scene where an uncomfortable Fran shaves Mr. Sheffield, “Close Shave” is a masterpiece of physical comedy courtesy of Drescher. The episode is solid, but this particularly memorable scene has become iconic, cementing the show as one of the most hilarious 90s sitcoms.
