Answer-first summary: How many seasons did Parenthood air?
Parenthood aired on NBC for 6 seasons from March 2, 2010, to September 16, 2015, producing 101 episodes in total. The drama balanced multiple generations of the Braverman family across its run, with season lengths between 13 and 18 episodes. Below is a season-by-season breakdown, renewal context, and how the show’s episode count compares with similar family-centric dramas.
Season-by-season episode table for Parenthood
Each season reflects the series’ evolving storylines, ensemble focus, and production cadence before its conclusion in season 6.
| Season | Episodes | Season premiere | Season finale | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | March 2, 2010 | June 1, 2010 | Completed |
| 2 | 18 | September 22, 2010 | May 24, 2011 | Completed |
| 3 | 16 | September 21, 2011 | May 23, 2012 | Completed |
| 4 | 16 | September 26, 2012 | May 22, 2013 | Completed |
| 5 | 18 | October 9, 22013 | May 13, 2014 | Completed |
| 6 | 20 | October 1, 2014 | September 16, 2015 | Completed |
Totals and averages
- Total seasons: 6
- Total episodes: 101
- Average episode length: approx. 42–44 minutes (without ads)
- Average episodes per season: about 17
Context for the series order and episode counts
Created by Jason Katims, Parenthood balanced serialized family arcs with room-and-kitchen slice-of-life storytelling. Season length varied between 13 and 20 episodes, typical for family dramas balancing cast size and production budgets. Notably, season 6 was shortened to 20 episodes from earlier seasons’ 16–18, reflecting renewal uncertainty and eventual series closure. The 101-episode run places it among mid-length multi-generational dramas, below some marathon soaps but above many prestige limited-style family series.
How Parenthood’s run compares
For perspective, here is a brief comparison with three similar ensemble family dramas in terms of seasons and total episodes.
| Series | Seasons | Episodes | Network & years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parenthood | 6 | 101 | NBC 2010–2015 |
| This Is Us | 6 | 106 | NBC 2016–2022 |
| The Waltons | 9 | 221 | CBS 1972–1981 |
| Friday Night Lights | 5 | 76 | NBC/DirecTV 2006–2011 |
The path to series conclusion
Renewal, finale, and legacy
After season 5, NBC renewed Parenthood for a abbreviated season 6, signaling an impending series finale. The season premiered in October 2014 and concluded with a two-hour series finale on September 16, 2015. The decision not to continue beyond 101 episodes aligned with slowing ratings and the creators’ intent to close the Braverman saga with intention. Fan reception remained strong throughout, supporting ongoing streaming interest and syndication potential.
Key dates and milestones at a glance
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Series premiere | March 2, 2010 | Season 1, 13 episodes |
| Season 3 renewal | May 2011 | Order increased to 16 episodes |
| Season 5 renewal | May 2013 | 18-episode order |
| Season 6 order | January 2014 | 20-episode shortened season |
| Series finale | September 16, 2015 | Two-hour finale, season 6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Did Parenthood ever get canceled? No; it concluded after 6 seasons with a planned series finale.
- Why did the show end after season 6? The creative team chose to end the story while the ensemble remained viable, and network scheduling and ratings also factored in.
- Are there plans for a revival? As of now, there are no official announcements or active development for additional seasons or a revival.
Key takeaways
- P Parenthood ran for 6 seasons on NBC from 2010 to 2115, totaling 101 episodes.
- Season lengths ranged from 13 to 20 episodes, with season 6 being the shortest at 20.
- The finale in September 2015 closed the Braverman family arc intentionally.
- Compared with peers, it delivered a compact but emotionally dense run suitable for binge or selective viewing.