Now that all six seasons of The Nanny are streaming on HBO Max, a whole new generation (myself included) is discovering the charm of Fran Drescher’s iconic sitcom. Though I knew about it back in the ’90s, I never gave it a chance — busy with other shows like Friends and schoolwork. But during the long months of the pandemic, the familiar humor and heartwarming antics of classic sitcoms drew me in. After rewatching favorites like Chuck, BoJack Horseman, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Nanny fit perfectly: light, hilarious, and unapologetically Jewish.
Fran Fine, the titular nanny, is unmistakably Jewish — her speech, mannerisms, and constant references to holidays and culture make that clear. Barbra Streisand worship, Yiddish phrases, and family dynamics shine throughout all six seasons. While Fran has been critiqued as a stereotype, she transcends it: loud, brash, and yet endlessly desirable, especially in her will-they/won’t-they romance with her boss, Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy). The show doesn’t always handle other minorities well, but it remains a joyful celebration of Jewish culture worth revisiting.
Here are 11 episodes that highlight the show’s Jewish humor, heart, and tradition:
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“Here Comes the Brood” (S1E5) – Fran’s influence on the Sheffield kids is clear when Gracie runs away to Queens just to see her. Fran’s quirky habits, like shouting from the living room instead of walking around, are already in full swing.
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“The Christmas Show” (S1E8) – Fran’s first-ever Christmas is a delight, highlighting her curiosity about the holiday while maintaining her Jewish identity. Her hilarious commentary on the “12 Days of Christmas” adds a timeless laugh.
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“Ode To Barbra Joan” (S1E20) – Fran’s Streisand obsession takes center stage, cementing her as the ultimate fan of Jewish pop culture icons.
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“Everybody Needs a Bubby Sometime” (S2E2) – Fran’s bubbe, Yetta, steals the spotlight with her witty, chaotic charm, and her interactions with the family showcase the love and humor in Jewish families.
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“The Dope Diamond” (S3E3) – Fran navigates Jewish dating, guilt, and expectations in a way only this show can balance: with laughter and heart.
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“The Unkindest Cut” (S3E11) – A bris episode! Fran, Sylvia, and the kids navigate cultural rituals, mishaps, and classic comedy.
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“The Kibbutz” (S3E12) – Fran introduces Maggie to Israel’s kibbutz life, complete with her own hilarious and honest reflections on youth and love abroad.
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“The Cantor Show” (S3E23) – Fran meets a handsome cantor thanks to her meddling mother, blending romance, Jewish tradition, and plenty of laughs.
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“Kissing Cousins” (S4E13) – Fran navigates a complicated love life while balancing family expectations, Jewish dating traditions, and comedy gold.
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“The Passed-Over Story” (S4E21) – A Passover seder packed with hilarious cultural details, from Niles making kreplach to Fran’s usual chaos, showcases the holiday’s humor and heart.
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“The Hanukkah Story” (S6E10) – Fran and Max, now married, celebrate their first Hanukkah as a family, combining love, Jewish tradition, and miracles in a truly heartwarming finale.
The Nanny remains a unique blend of humor, heart, and unapologetic Jewish identity. Even decades later, it’s easy to see why Fran Fine still resonates: loud, funny, bold, and endlessly charming — a cultural icon worth rewatching again and again.
