8 Simple Rules (ABC Family, Syndicated)

In the first season of 8 SIMPLE RULES, viewers are introduced to Paul (John Ritter) and Cate Hennessey (Katey Sagal), a Michigan couple raising teenagers Bridget (Kaley Cuoco), Kerry (Amy Davidson), and Rory (Martin Spanjers). When Cate returns to her full-time nursing career, Paul puts his sports writing career on hold to be more involved with his kids, but he finds being a hands-on dad overwhelming, especially when his daughters start dating. He manages his stress by publishing an advice column for parents who are struggling with similar challenges. And -- much to his daughters' embarrassment -- he begins imposing rules borrowed from the resulting book, 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, on the young men brave enough to go out with his girls. The second season focuses more on the family's struggles to cope after Paul's sudden death (a plot twist precipitated by Ritter's unexpected death at the beginning of the show's second season).

The Hennesseys' lives are full of humorous, heart-warming moments as Paul and Cate help their kids (and each other) survive the journey through puberty. But when Paul suddenly passes away, Cate is faced with the challenge of raising the kids alone. Her father, Jim (James Garner), moves in to help them cope with the loss -- and to get farther from his estranged wife. Also joining them is Cate's nephew C.J. (David Spade), whose unruly but loving personality helps the family keep its sense of humor.

While 8 Simple Rules sometimes relies on clichéd comedy devices -- such as Bridget's ditzy dumb blonde persona -- this award-winning sitcom offers a positive representation of family, teens, and strong parental guidance. It's also a heart-warming and optimistic reminder of how, in times of difficult or even traumatic change, family can provide us with the strength to keep going.