The Best Episode From Each Season of ‘The Nanny,’ According To IMDb
“But I’ve got style, I’ve got flair!”
Making waves throughout the 90s, The Nanny was a very popular sitcom that followed the life of Fran Fine (Fran Drescher), a boisterous fashionista, who unexpectedly became the nanny to the three children of Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy), a wealthy widowed Broadway producer. producer. Although an unconventional nanny at first, Fran finds her own way and eventually earns the love and respect of the entire family. Coupled with other iconic characters like Niles (Daniel Davis), the smart-mouthed butler, C.C. Babcock (Lauren Lane), Maxwell’s audacious business partner, as well as Sylvia Fine (Renée Taylor), Fran’s overbearing yet loving mother – this is an ensemble-heavy sitcom that knows how to balance it all.
“I Don’t Remember Mama” – Season 1, Episode 22
With Mother’s Day approaching, Maxwell embarks on his yearly endeavor to distract his children from thinking about their late mother. To do so, he arranged the family to join a country club and enjoy their activities. Unfortunately, things backfire as the club hosts several large-scale Mother’s Day celebrations, including a mother-daughter pageant. This forces the kids, especially young Gracie (Madeline Zima), to face their grief, something Fran believes is very important.
“Close Shave” – Season 2, Episode 21
In the highest rated episode of the entire show, Maggie (Nicholle Tom) earns a job as a hospital candy stripper. However, with a date on the line, Fran steps up and covers for her shift. Unfortunately, this leaves Fran with an uncomfortable situation as the next patient she must shave is Maxwell, who is scheduled in for an appendectomy.
“The Two Mrs Sheffields” – Season 3, Episode 9
First impressions don’t go so well when Fran realizes that the woman she had a scuffle with in the florist turned out to be Maxwell’s mother. A strong-headed woman, Mrs Elizabeth Sheffield (Dina Merril) doesn’t get along with most people, even her own son. So it’s safe to say things don’t go so well when she demands Maxwell to fire Fran. Indeed, he does the complete opposite and proposes to her just to spite his mother.
“Fran’s Gotta Have It” – Season 4, Episode 26
As Maxwell travels to London for an important meeting with Celine Dion, Fran seizes the opportunity of the city’s romantic landscape, and follows him overseas to settle their “situationship” once and for all. However, after a day of romantic endeavors, as well as some stark revelations, their trip is cut short once they are informed of Niles’ shocking heart attack.
“The Engagement” – Season 5, Episode 15
After years of a will-they-won’t they relationship, Fran and Maxwell happily return to the family to announce how Maxwell finally told Fran that he loved her – and without taking it back! What’s even more exciting is that he plans to propose. The news quickly spreads like wildfire, unbeknownst to him, but as the important dinner approaches, he is nowhere to be found.
“The Finale: Part 2” – Season 6, Episode 22
In the second half of the series finale, Fran and Maxwell see the arrival of their twins – Jonah Samuel and Eve Catherine. At the same time, capping off their legendary enemies-to-lovers romance, Niles and C.C. finally solidify their union with a surprise wedding, followed by even more surprising news. At the end, fans say goodbye to the Sheffield family as the two eldest kids leave for Europe, with the rest ready to embark on their new lives in California.
Indeed, this finale is arguably one of the greatest series finales of all time. In true sitcom fashion, everyone’s stories are wrapped up in a nice bow, but not too tightly, as they are set up for a new blossoming future. Between the new babies, two kids flying from the nest, a surprise wedding (and pregnancy), along with an across-the-country move – a lot is packed into this episode. However, it showcases everything beautifully, and wonderfully honors what made The Nanny so great. In fact, the most heartwarming moment sees Fran finding her old cosmetic kit, kick-starting a huge nostalgic trip as both Fran and the fans reflect on where it all started. It was also a really nice touch to include the final curtain call of all the cast members. A true celebration of a beloved comfort show.
