How to watch
Parenthood Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch the Parenthood movie and TV series in order
Last updated: November 11 2026
Written by: ChronoChris
Parenthood began as Ron Howard's hit 1989 family comedy and was adapted twice for television, including Jason Katims' beloved six-season drama. Here's how to watch every version.
Ron Howard's Parenthood (1989) starred Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis, Keanu Reeves and a young Joaquin Phoenix as members of the sprawling Buckman family. Its honest, funny take on raising kids led to a short-lived 1990 NBC series, featuring a young Leonardo DiCaprio, and later a 2010 NBC drama about the Braverman family that became a critical favorite.
π Release Order
Here's the complete Parenthood franchise in release order.
- Parenthood (1989)
- Parenthood TV series (1990)
- Parenthood Season 1 (2010)
- Parenthood Season 2 (2010)
- Parenthood Season 3 (2011)
- Parenthood Season 4 (2012)
- Parenthood Season 5 (2013)
- Parenthood Season 6 (2014)
The 1990 series adapts the movie's Buckman family directly, while the 2010 series reinvents the premise with new characters, led by Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Monica Potter, Dax Shepard and Craig T. Nelson.
π Story Chronology
There are two separate continuities: the Buckmans, from the film and its 1990 series, and the Bravermans of the 2010 series.
- Parenthood (1989) β the Buckman family
- Parenthood TV series (1990) β continues the Buckmans
- Parenthood Seasons 1β6 (2010β2015) β the Braverman family
Which Order Should You Choose?
Start with the 1989 movie β it's a warm, funny classic and only takes two hours. Then move straight to the 2010 series, which is the main event, with six seasons of emotional storytelling about siblings, marriages and kids. The 1990 series is hard to find and only lasted a few months, so treat it as optional trivia.
π Related Guides
Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!