X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

The Life of Riley Season 1 Episodes

  • 1953-1958
  • 6 Seasons
  • NBC
  • Comedy
  • Watchlist
    Where to Watch

Life at 1313 Blueview Terrace was never easy, thanks to bumbling Chester A. Riley, an Archie Bunker without the attitude whose catchphrase---'what a revoltin' development this is!'---was a national tag line in the 1950s. The family sitcom first ran on NBC in 1949-50 with Jackie Gleason in the title role and won an Emmy (beating out 'The Lone Ranger'), but didn't last. It was revived three years later, this time starring William Bendix, who had played Riley on radio and in a 1948 movie.

Season 1 Episode Guide

Season 1

26 Episodes 1953 - 1953

Episode 1

Babs' School Election

Fri, Jan 2, 1953 30 mins

Riley's method to elect Babs class president: stuff the ballot box. William Bendix. Lugene Sanders, Marjorie Reynolds.

Where to Watch

Episode 2

Riley's Gift from the Boss

Fri, Jan 9, 1953 30 mins

Riley assumes he's going to get a car from his boss. William Bendix, Tom D'Andrea, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 3

Riley's New Suit

Fri, Jan 16, 1953 30 mins

The children "borrow" Riley's old suit. William Bendix, Lugene Sanders, Wesley Morgan, Tom D'Andrea.

Where to Watch

Episode 4

The Cake Contest

Fri, Jan 23, 1953 30 mins

Riley replaces Peg's baking-contest entry with a store-bought cake. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 5

Riley's Kiss in the Dark

Fri, Jan 30, 1953 30 mins

Riley tries determining the identity of a woman who kissed him in the dark. Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 6

Riley Proves His Manhood

Fri, Feb 6, 1953 30 mins

Peg goes to work in a run-down cafe. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders, Wesley Morgan.

Where to Watch

Episode 7

Riley's Sister Cissy

Fri, Feb 13, 1953 30 mins

Riley makes a last-ditch attempt to marry off his sister Cissy. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders, Mary Jane Croft.

Where to Watch

Episode 8

Riley and the Bean Contest

Fri, Feb 20, 1953 30 mins

Riley goes all out to win a car in a bean-counting contest. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders, Tom D'Andrea.

Where to Watch

Episode 9

Riley, the Scoutmaster

Fri, Feb 27, 1953 30 mins

Riley enlists Junior's scout troop to do Peg's housework. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Wesley Morgan, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 10

Riley Invades the Fight Game

Fri, Mar 6, 1953 30 mins

Riley is pitted against boxer Lou Nova at a charity bazaar. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Wesley Morgan, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 11

Riley's Lost Weekend

Fri, Mar 13, 1953 30 mins

The Rileys swap houses with "Square Head" Malloy for three days. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 12

Junior Wins the Soapbox Derby

Fri, Mar 20, 1953 30 mins

Junior's efforts to build a racer are hampered by unwanted advice. William Bendix, Wesley Morgan, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 13

Riley's Family Reunion

Fri, Mar 27, 1953 30 mins

A radio program plans a surprise party for Riley. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds.

Where to Watch

Episode 14

Riley's Business Venture

Fri, Apr 3, 1953 30 mins

Riley tries supplementing his wages by buying a hamburger stand. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 15

Riley Camps Out

Fri, Apr 10, 1953 30 mins

Riley and Gillis regret their decision to return to nature. William Bendix. Gillis: Tom D'Andrea.

Where to Watch

Episode 16

Riley Steps Out

Fri, Apr 10, 1953 30 mins

Riley picks up two banquet tickets discarded by his boss. William Bendix.

Where to Watch

Episode 17

Riley's Operation

Fri, Apr 17, 1953 30 mins

Riley refuses to have his tonsils removed. Marjorie Reynolds.

Where to Watch

Episode 18

Riley, the Executive Type

Fri, May 1, 1953 30 mins

Riley is dismayed when his spur-of-the-moment resignation is accepted. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 19

Riley Engages an Escort

Fri, May 8, 1953 30 mins

Riley's efforts to secure a date for Babs backfire. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds. Babs: Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 20

Riley Cultivates Babs

Fri, May 15, 1953 30 mins

When Babs' friends see her out with Riley, rumors fly that she's dating a rich older man. William Bendix, Lugene Sanders, Marjorie Reynolds, Wesley Morgan.

Where to Watch

Episode 21

Riley's Uncle Baxter

Fri, May 22, 1953 30 mins

Peg's uncle captivates the Rileys with stories of his war heroism. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders, Wesley Morgan. Baxter: Alan Mowbray.

Where to Watch

Episode 22

Riley Outwits Cupid

Fri, May 29, 1953 30 mins

Riley tries dissuading Babs from going steady. William Bendix, Lugene Sanders, Marjorie Reynolds, Wesley Morgan.

Where to Watch

Episode 23

Riley Gets Engaged

Fri, Jun 5, 1953 30 mins

To avoid deportation, a French girl announces she's engaged to Riley. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds.

Where to Watch

Episode 24

Riley Punishes Junior

Fri, Jun 12, 1953 30 mins

Riley is named Father of the Month by his lodge. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Wesley Morgan, Tom D'Andrea, Lugene Sanders.

Where to Watch

Episode 25

Riley Meets a Rival

Fri, Jun 19, 1953 30 mins

Hoping to make Riley jealous, Peg invites an old flame for dinner. William Bendix, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders, Wesley Morgan. Sidney: Chick Chandler.

Where to Watch

Episode 26

Riley, the Typical Worker

Fri, Jun 26, 1953 30 mins

Riley sets out to win a "typical worker" contest. William Bendix, Tom D'Andrea, Marjorie Reynolds, Lugene Sanders, Wesley Morgan.

Where to Watch