Eight Is Enough follows the Bradford family, headed by newspaper columnist Tom Bradford (played by Dick Van Patten) and his wife Joan (played by Diana Hyland in season one and later Betty Buckley). The couple has eight children, ranging in age from toddlers to adults. The eldest, David (played by Grant Goodeve), is a college student, while the youngest, Nicholas (played by Adam Rich), is still in elementary school.
The show tackles various issues faced by families, such as teenage rebellion, sibling rivalry, divorce, and adoption. Each member of the family has their own story arc, but the show focuses mainly on the challenges faced by Tom and Joan in raising their large and diverse family.
Other main characters include Betty Buckley as Abby the schoolteacher, Willie Aames as Tommy the middle child, and Laurie Walters as Joanie the oldest daughter.
The show was popular in its time and featured guest appearances by notable actors such as Nancy Reagan, Ray Bolger, and Desi Arnaz Jr. It also spawned a spinoff series, Eight Is Enough: The Next Generation, which aired for one season in 1987.