Father Knows Best: Season 3
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Father Knows Best Season 2.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
No Apron Strings
Sep 12, 1956
Bud tries to prove he's not tied to his mother's apron strings.
Never in Twain
Sep 19, 1956
On a dude ranch, Betty falls in love with a cowboy only to discover the relationship won't last.
Betty Goes to College
Sep 26, 1956
Jim and Margaret are excited about Betty going to the state college they attended. Betty, who wants to, at first, changes her mind.
The Homing Pigeon
Oct 10, 1956
Jim tries discouraging Betty from moving into an apartment. Bud and the family await the arrival of Charlie, a homing pigeon.
Spaghetti for Margaret
Oct 17, 1956
The Andersons entertain an aspiring writer—aspiring for 30 years.
Betty's Birthday
Oct 24, 1956
After listening to a lecture in class on the origins of giving gifts, Betty announces that she doesn't want a birthday party or presents.
Bud, the Millionaire
Oct 31, 1956
To teach Bud a lesson, Jim gives him ten dollars a week for allowance, but he's not to spend the money on anyone else but himself.
Whistle Bait
Nov 14, 1956
Betty's esteem is low after another girl gets all the attention she used to get.
The Good Prospect
Dec 12, 1956
The Andersons try bringing an old man out of his dream world.
Margaret Hires a Gardener
Jan 2, 1957
A Spanish immigrant, Frank, fixes the Andersons lawn and then charges a high price.
Swiss Family Anderson
Jan 9, 1957
The Anderson family becomes shipwrecked on a deserted island.
The Lawn Party
Jan 23, 1957
Bud tells the family they are to set up for a lawn party that is tomorrow.
Short Wave
Jan 30, 1957
While listening to Bud’s short wave radio, the family overhears a distress call from a boat.
Betty and the Jet Pilot
Feb 13, 1957
Betty's new boyfriend, a jet pilot, is transferred to Alaska.
Trip to Hillsborough
Feb 20, 1957
Looking for adventure, Bud travels to a neighboring town.
An Evening to Remember
Feb 27, 1957
The Anderson home is disrupted by a visit from actor Cornel Wilde.
Safety First
Mar 20, 1957
When Bud receives a traffic ticket, he is forced to become a crossing guard.
Bud, the Hero
Mar 27, 1957
Bud…a hero? A chain reaction of events, starting with a girl who wants to use Bud to make her boyfriend jealous, leads to Bud becoming a hero of the town.
Betty, the Track Star
Apr 3, 1957
Betty becomes flower queen and wins a track race, all in the same day.
Bud, the Philanthropist
Apr 24, 1957
Kippy takes credit for a church donation Bud made, and Bud plans to get even.
Baby in the House
May 1, 1957
Jim and Margaret take care of a baby Betty is supposed to babysit, so she can go out.
Class Prophecy
May 8, 1957
Henry Pruett, a traveling salesman, knocks on the Anderson’s door. It turns out she, Jim and Henry all attended college together.
The Art of Romance
May 15, 1957
Bud gets advice from Jim on how to win over Judy, while she is asking Margaret.
Margaret Disowns Her Family
May 22, 1957
Margaret tries to help a young woman overcome her fear of having a baby.
Grandpa Retires
May 29, 1957
Jim and Margaret are called in to help Margaret's dad, who's about to hand over his printing office and retire.
Shoot for the Moon
Jun 5, 1957
Sageman helps the Andersons regain their self-confidence.