8 Simple Rules (originally 8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter) is an American sitcom television series originally starring John Ritter and Katey Sagal as middle-class parents Paul and Cate Hennessy, raising their three children. Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson, and Martin Spanjers co-starred as their teenage kids: Bridget, Kerry, and Rory Hennessy. The series ran on ABC from September 17, 2002, to April 15, 2005. The first season focused on Paul being left in charge of the children after Cate takes a full-time job as a nurse, with comedic emphasis on his often strict rules concerning his daughters and dating. The series' name and premise were derived from the book 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter by W. Bruce Cameron. While 8 Simple Rules was renewed for a second season and production had begun, Ritter's sudden death on September 11, 2003, left the series in an uncertain position. After a hiatus, the series returned and killed off his character. James Garner and David Spade later joined the main cast as Cate's father Jim Egan and her nephew C.J. Barnes. After three seasons, ABC cancelled 8 Simple Rules in May 2005 because of low ratings. Premise The rules are: Use your hands on my daughter and you'll lose them after. You make her cry, I make you cry. Safe sex is a myth. Anything you try will be hazardous to your health. Bring her home late, there's no next date. If you pull into my driveway and honk, you better be dropping off a package because you're sure not picking anything up. (Alternative rule #5: Only delivery men honk. Dates ring the doorbell. Once.) No complaining while you're waiting for her. If you're bored, change my oil. If your pants hang off your hips, I'll gladly secure them with my staple gun. Dates must be in crowded public places. You want romance? Read a book. Episodes Characters Main Paul Hennessy, portrayed by John Ritter (2002–2003), was a former sportswriter who worked from home as a lifestyle columnist. He was a protective father whose protectiveness often embarrassed his children and led them to accuse him of hypocrisy. Following Ritter's death, Paul dies offscreen early in the second season. It's mentioned he collapsed in a grocery store while buying milk. Cate S. Hennessy (née Egan), portrayed by Katey Sagal, is the wife, mother, nurse, and easily the most sane and