Our House (NBC 1986-1988, with Wilford Brimley, Deidre Hall)

True to the title, Our House was actually about a house… kind of. This family-friendly, hour-long drama centered on a beautiful old Victorian house owned by Gus Witherspoon. Gus was a grumpy old codger who was set in his ways and used to keeping his own company. However, his solitude ended when his son died and his son’s widow, Jessie, was forced by financial concerns to move in with him. Along for the ride were Jessie’s three children: fifteen-year-old Kris, twelve-year-old David, and eight-year-old Molly.

The stories revolved around how this group of people, all at different ages and stages of personal growth, learned how to co-exist peacefully under one roof. Sometimes it was difficult, but by the end of each episode, everyone—no matter how young or old—learned a little something about the art of compromise and the value of family. The show ran for just under two seasons, ending its run in June of 1988, after which young star Shannen Doherty (Kris) moved on to longer-lasting success as Brenda on Beverly Hills 90210.

production details
USA / NBC / x50 minute episodes / Broadcast 11 September 1986 – 26 June 1988

cast
Wilford Brimley as Gus Witherspoon
Deidre Hall as Jesse Witherspoon
Shannen Doherty as Kris Witherspoon
Chad Allen as David Witherspoon
Keri Houlihan as Molly Witherspoon
Gerald S. O’Loughlin as Joe Kaplan
Nicole Dubuc as Bertha
David Mendenhall as J.R. Dutton (1987-88)
Owen Bush as Crimshaw
Robert F. Hoy as Cliff
Thomas Wilson Brown as Mark (1987)