March 15th, 1977 - "Eight is Enough" premiers on ABC-TV

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Several of the characters were played by different actors in the pilot: Kimberly Beck (Nancy), Chris English (Tommy), and most famously, Mark Hamill (David). I wonder if the show would've still been a success had they stayed on.

This is a show I would love to see get released on DVD! As for the actors who only appeared in the pilot it's hard for me to imagine anyone other than Dianne Kay, Willie Aames, and Grant Goodeve in those roles!

It's still hard for me to accept that Lani O'Grady (Mary Bradford) is gone (1954-2001). Sept. 25, 2011 will mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

There have been several tragic losses among the Fedderson family of actors: Don Grady's loss of his sister Lani, the very untimely death of Anissa Jones (Family Affair), Brian Keith's suicide (and his real-life daughter's), and the more recent death of Gregg Fedderson (also of Family Affair) to name a few.

Eight is Enough's unavailable status as far as DVD release is a real omission of the era.

Lani was/is my favorite because I can relate to her - as a fellow sufferer of panic disorder. Plus, she seemed like such a sweetheart from everything I have heard and read about her. She was so much fun in the All-Star Family Feud episodes, now on DVD. God rest her. :(

P.S. You're so right. It IS a travesty that EIE is not available on DVD. :mad:

Here are a couple of screen shots from the pilot episode, featuring Mark Hamill and another wonderful lady gone from us too soon, Diana Hyland. It's so funny, because I can't imagine anyone else beside Grant Goodeve in the role of David.

I loved and watched the show every week. Shout needs to get a hold of this great show and release it for the fans.

YES!!!!

'Eight is Enough' was 70's cheese at its cheesiest, but it was a a great show and needs to be on DVD.

Exactly. It harkens back to those simpler days - and nostalgia. While they're at it, release the rest of Family!!!

^ I would also love to see this series on DVD. I would get all 5 seasons. I used to watch it when I was younger. Great show.

Here's another pic of the cast on Family Feud: