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Head of the Class is an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network. The series follows a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore. The program was ostensibly a vehicle for Hesseman, best known for his role as radio DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Hesseman left Head of the Class in 1990 and was replaced by Billy Connolly as teacher Billy MacGregor for the final season. After the series ended, Connolly appeared in a short-lived spin-off titled Billy. The series was created and executive produced by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias. Rich Eustis had previously worked as a New York City substitute teacher while hoping to become an actor.
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Cast & crew
Episodes
5 seasons · 114 episodesSeason 122 ep. · 1986–1987
Episode 1: Pilot
Sep 17, 1986
A high school substitute teacher takes over a class of geniuses.
Episode 2: Back to the Future
Sep 24, 1986
The class imagines life 20 years in the future
Episode 3: Charliegate
Oct 1, 1986
Dennis misquotes Mr. Moore for the school newspaper
Episode 4: Love at First Byte
Oct 22, 1986
Charlie receives a love note from a secret admirer he suspects is in the IHP.
Episode 5: The Outsider
Oct 29, 1986
Janice feels left out in class and decides to throw a party to make friends. Charlie dates a model.
Episode 6: Teacher's Teacher
Nov 5, 1986
Charlie is upset when the IHP's regular teacher announces his return from sick leave.
Episode 7: Volleyball Anyone?
Nov 12, 1986
Arvid tries to impress a girl by challenging the school basketball players to a volleyball match against the IHP class.
Episode 8: Critical Choices
Nov 19, 1986
Charlie tries his hand at ""Hamlet""
Episode 9: Cold Turkey
Nov 26, 1986
Mr. Moore spends Thanksgiving with Dr. Samuels
Episode 10: You've Got a Friend
Dec 3, 1986
After their team project wins them a trip to Washington, D.C., Sarah and Arvid develop slight feelings for each other. But things aren't necessarily a bed of roses between them.
Episode 11: As Time Goes By
Dec 10, 1986
Charlie's ex-flame evaluates the class
Episode 12: The Way We Weren't
Dec 17, 1986
When doing reports on their ancestry, both Alan and Darlene find things out that they don't want to.
Episode 13: Rebel Without a Class
Jan 7, 1987
Eric makes trouble for another teacher
Episode 14: Ode to Simone
Jan 14, 1987
Simone receives a discouraging letter from her favorite poet....after his death. Dennis tries to give up sarcasm and pranks.
Episode 15: Past Imperfect
Jan 21, 1987
Charlie must pass a test in Macro Economics in order to keep his teaching license. The IHP attempt to help him.
Episode 16: A Problem Like Maria
Jan 28, 1987
Maria dates the captain of the opposing team
Episode 17: The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming!
Feb 4, 1987
The IHP faces their Russian counterparts in an academic tournament. Eric must join the team to replace an ailing Jawaharal.
Episode 18: Valentine's Day
Feb 11, 1987
The class has problems on Valentine's day.
Episode 19: Video Activity
Feb 18, 1987
The class makes a music video for a time capsule
Episode 20: Privilege
Feb 25, 1987
Charlie sets Arvid up with a job at a hot nightclub, which causes Arvid to develop a cocky, image-conscious attitude.
Episode 21: Crimes of the Heart
Apr 1, 1987
Episode 22: The Secret Life of Arvid Engen
May 6, 1987
Arvid starts to daydream about Lori and it affects his schoolwork
Season 222 ep. · 1987–1988
Episode 1: Science Fair-Weather Friends
Sep 23, 1987
Sarah, Arvid, and Dennis compete and deceive to win the science fair.
Episode 2: The Write Stuff
Sep 30, 1987
Charlie encourages the class to revitalize the school's literary journal, and the class votes Simone as editor-in-chief. Unfortunately, the power this position gives Simone slightly goes to her head. Meanwhile, Eric fabricates a memoir for the journal, which dishonestly wins him more attention from Simone.
Episode 3: The Big Squeeze
Oct 7, 1987
The IHP are concerned when they learn a transfer student might join their class, making it necessary for one of them to leave. They fight over who it should be.
Episode 4: Child of the 60's
Oct 14, 1987
Dennis holds a sit-in for better cafeteria food after Charlie teaches a lesson on the rebelliousness of the '60s.
Episode 5: Trouble in Perfectville
Oct 28, 1987
The class puts out a lampoon issuse of the school newspaper
Episode 6: Coach Charlie
Nov 4, 1987
When Dr. Samuels is ejected from the meets, he gets Mr. Moore to take his place as coach.
Episode 7: That'll Be the Day
Nov 11, 1987
The class puts on Grease
Episode 8: Poltergeist III
Nov 18, 1987
Janice says there is a poltergeist following her and soon the class begins to believe her.
Episode 9: Psyched Out at Fillmore
Nov 25, 1987
The class takes a standardized personality test and then worry about the results.
Episode 10: Revenge of the Liberal
Dec 2, 1987
Episode 11: Play it Again, Woody
Dec 9, 1987
Charlie and Arvid reflect on their love woes at a Woody Allen marathon going on at a movie theater.
Episode 12: Will the Real Arvid Engen Please Stand Up?
Jan 6, 1988
Arvid sends his penpal Eric's picture
Episode 13: On the Road Again
Jan 13, 1988
Darlene and Sarah buy a car; problems with Mrs. Samuels has Dr. Samuels rooming with Charlie.
Episode 14: Fatal Distraction
Jan 20, 1988
Episode 15: Cello Fever
Jan 27, 1988
Janice tries to get first chair in the school orchestra
Episode 16: Parent's Day
Feb 3, 1988
The IHP's parent's come to see how the class is taught
Episode 17: Love is Debatable
Feb 10, 1988
Darlene pretends to like Alan to win debates
Episode 18: For Better, For Worse
Mar 2, 1988
Ms. Meara teaches a class on marriage
Episode 19: We Love You, Mrs. Russell
Mar 9, 1988
A popular teacher has Alzheimer's
Episode 20: Don't Play With Matches
Mar 23, 1988
The class gets matched up with computer dates
Episode 21: The 21st-Century News
May 4, 1988
Dennis sees a bleak future
Episode 22: Moore Than You Know
May 11, 1988
Charlie thinks he sees his dead uncle
Season 322 ep. · 1988–1989
Episode 1: The Refrigerator of Fillmore High
Oct 19, 1988
Dennis gets to play on the football team.
Episode 2: Back in the U.S.S.R.
Oct 26, 1988
Episode 3: Mission to Moscow (1)
Nov 2, 1988
In Moscow, Dr. Samuels insists on study for an academic meet, while Charlie lobbies for more personal cultural experiences. (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 4: Mission to Moscow (2)
Nov 2, 1988
The team begins the competition without Eric, Arvid or Dennis.
Episode 5: Let's Rap
Nov 9, 1988
The class become Peer Counselors
Episode 6: Engen and Son
Nov 30, 1988
Arvid's Dad teaches the honor's math class.
Episode 7: Get a Job
Dec 7, 1988
Dennis gets a job as a waiter to help pay off debts.
Episode 8: Born to Run
Jan 4, 1989
Alan and Sarah both want to be class president
Episode 9: First Date
Jan 18, 1989 · 30 min
Eric and Simone go on their first date.
Episode 10: Partners
Jan 25, 1989
Maria hides her intelligence from a hunk she is dating
Episode 11: Arvid's Sure Thing
Feb 1, 1989
Arvid goes out with an easy girl
Episode 12: Scuttlebutt
Feb 8, 1989
An accomplished journalist alumnus visits.
Episode 13: Little Shop 'Til You Drop (1)
Feb 15, 1989
The final days before opening night are fraught with chaos: no Ronette, Mr. Mushnik MIA, one lead with laryngitis and another ready to walk just before curtain time.
Episode 14: Little Shop 'Til You Drop (2)
Feb 22, 1989
Episode 15: The Hot Seat
Mar 1, 1989
The girls don't like their gym teacher, but she likes Charlie
Episode 16: Radio Activity
Mar 8, 1989
Charlie's efforts to broaden the audience and membership of the school's radio club tune out the original fans - and its only member.
Episode 17: The Little Sister
Mar 15, 1989
Janice takes Dennis to small claims court for a ruined blouse; Charlie falls for Dr. Samuels sister.
Episode 18: Killer Coach
Mar 22, 1989
Episode 19: I Am the King
Apr 5, 1989
Charlie moonlights as a character in late night commercials for an appliance store.
Episode 20: King of Remedial
Apr 26, 1989
Fed up with Dennis' constant gags, Charlie shows him the door - to a remedial-history class, where Denn becomes the inspirational leader for an acade meet the IHP kids.
Episode 21: Labor Daze
May 3, 1989
The staff, including Charlie, go on strike
Episode 22: Exactly Twelve O'Clock
May 10, 1989
Hall monitor Arvid has daytime nightmares of a personal high noon after a bully he cited for loitering demands a showdown - at high noon.
Season 426 ep. · 1989–1990
Episode 1: Back to School
Sep 27, 1989
It's the first day back at school and there are some new additions to Mr. Moore's class.
Episode 2: Viki & Eric & Simone & Alex
Oct 4, 1989
Simone and Eric have eyes for others, but neither agrees with friends that honesty is the best policy.
Episode 3: The Ring of Darlene M.
Oct 11, 1989
Certain members of the class suspect Alex of stealing Darlene's antique ring.
Episode 4: Viki in Love
Oct 18, 1989
Viki tells Charlie she's got a crush on him, but Alan gets the impression that he's the one she wants to squeeze.
Episode 5: Blunden in Love
Oct 25, 1989
Dennis becomes smitten with a quick-witted student who reprimands him for not cleaning his science-lab work area.
Episode 6: The Bright Stuff (1)
Nov 1, 1989 · 30 min
Arvid and Dennis meet Buzz Aldrin while at the Johnson Space Center presenting their experiment, which may be included in a shuttle mission.
Episode 7: The Bright Stuff (2)
Nov 8, 1989
Arvid decides to return to Houston, where Dennis once again steps into the spotlight that should be on Arvid.
Episode 8: Gotta Dance
Nov 15, 1989
T.J. and Alex look like a shoo-in to win the all-city dance contest, until Alex takes a fall--academically.
Episode 9: Good Mourning
Nov 22, 1989
Charlie teaches the class about grief.
Episode 10: Arvid Nose Best
Nov 29, 1989 · 30 min
After hearing too many comments about his snoring, Arvid considers getting a complete nose job.
Episode 11: The Devil and Miss T.J.
Dec 6, 1989
With just one history paper keeping her from joining the honors program, T.J. makes a pact with the Devil, who delivers the paper and more--until pay-back time.
Episode 12: Why Ronnie Can't Read
Dec 13, 1989
The IHP students help the school's star athlete prepare for his college entrance exams.
Episode 13: The Joker Is Wild
Jan 3, 1990
T.J.'s first assignment as the newest member of IHP is ridiculed by Dennis.
Episode 14: Tough Guys Don't Sew
Jan 10, 1990
Viki gets much-needed help on a home-ec project from Eric, who prefers to hide his talents for fashion design and construction.
Episode 15: Reel Problems
Jan 17, 1990
Arvid goes a bit too far in trying to impress a film buff by guaranteeing he'll get a print of a rare 1950s Polish film.
Episode 16: Alan Goes Crimson
Jan 24, 1990
A condescending Alan burns some bridges with his classmates after being recommended for early admission to Harvard by a recruiter.
Episode 17: From Hair to Eternity (1)
Feb 7, 1990
The head of the English department takes some not-so-subtle action against Charlie's choice of "Hair" as the semester production.
Episode 18: From Hair to Eternity (2)
Feb 14, 1990
The spirit of "Hair" leads the cast to go on with the show in defiance of Mrs. Hartman, who explains her objection to Charlie.
Episode 19: Recruitment Day
Feb 21, 1990
In a flashback to college-recruitment day, Arvid turns into jelly, Dennis turns into Alan and Simone turns on Eric when he hesitates to join her at Sarah Lawrence.
Episode 20: The Quiet Kid
Feb 28, 1990
The IHP welcomes a brilliant new student--until he voices his opinion about the Academic Olympic team.
Episode 21: Simone Goes Overboard
Mar 14, 1990
After his sea rescue of Simone, modesty becomes Dennis, until he tastes the attention of the press--and Simone, who will do "anything" to repay him.
Episode 22: Queen, Queen, Queen for a Day
Mar 21, 1990
After promising his vote to three women, Arvid thinks he's off the hook when the dance-queen contest is cancelled.
Episode 23: Politics of Love
Apr 4, 1990
Infatuated with a model, Alan determines to meet her, but the result is not a model relationship.
Episode 24: The Reel Charlie Moore
Apr 11, 1990
The class sends Charlie's demo videotape to Woody Allen to get him an audition for a new film.
Episode 25: Cement Hi-Tops
Apr 25, 1990
Aristotle's work videotaping a wedding garners him interest from an agent--of the FBI, who wants a copy.
Episode 26: Teacher's Pet
May 2, 1990
Night-class students Charlie and Eric each think they are the apple of the teacher's eye when she joins them for after-class coffee.
Season 522 ep. · 1990–1991
Episode 1: Where's Charlie?
Sep 11, 1990
Charlie doesn't return for the new school year and the Kids are wondering where's Charlie? Charlie found an acting gig and left and now the students have a new teacher, Billy MacGregor.
Episode 2: Twelve Angry Nerds
Sep 18, 1990
When Alan is caught cheating, Billy has the class act as a jury to decide his punishment.
Episode 3: The Heartbreak Nerd
Sep 25, 1990
Arvid goes out with gorgeous Viki.
Episode 4: And Then There Were None
Oct 2, 1990
Arvid's infectious flu may keep the class from performing in a Shakespeare competition.
Episode 5: Getting Personal
Oct 9, 1990
Billy tries the personals ads.
Episode 6: Napoleon Blown Apart
Oct 16, 1990
Inspired by his French class, Eric goes to ""find himself"" in Paris.
Episode 7: Billy's Big One
Oct 23, 1990
Billy fakes a heart attack to circumvent a health-insurance bureaucrasy; the IHP girls try writing a romance novel.
Episode 8: Dead Men Don't Wear Pocket Protectors (1)
Oct 30, 1990
After Billy is robbe, he has the class write papers on gun control, leading Arvid to a harrowing experience when he buys a gun for the assignment. (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 9: Dead Men Don't Wear Pocket Protectors (2)
Nov 6, 1990
Bully Zach may have Arvid's missing gun. (Part 2 of 2)
Episode 10: Fillmore vs. Billy Jean's
Nov 13, 1990
The IHP class behaves obnoxiously when their bus breaks down at a rural truck stop.
Episode 11: Be My Baby . . . Sitter
Nov 20, 1990
Jasper's overprotective parents hire a babysitter for him -- and to his mortification, it turns out to be Sarah.
Episode 12: Dancing Fools
Nov 27, 1990
Billy and Bernadette take dance lessons at the studio where Alex teaches, and where he's pursued by a woman.
Episode 13: My Son the Primate
Dec 4, 1990
Arvid trains a chimp at his part-time pet store job and, rather than let it be sold, hides it in the classroom.
Episode 14: The Importance of Being Alex
Dec 11, 1990
Simone's reputation suffers when Alex lies to his friends about a romance with her.
Episode 15: Viki's Torn Genes
Dec 18, 1990
At Christmas, Billy helps Viki find her birth mother, but the woman doesn't want to see her.
Episode 16: The Last Waltz
Jan 8, 1991
T.J. turns down Aristotle's invitation to the senior prom.
Episode 17: Most Likely to Be Forgotten
Jan 15, 1991
The kids work on their yearbook, with Eric beginning to regret not having participated more extracurricularly.
Episode 18: The Strange Case of Randy McNally
May 28, 1991
To save Dennis after a prank, Billy creates a fictional student -- who apparently gets the MIT scholarship Dennis wanted.
Episode 19: My Dinner With Darlene
Jun 4, 1991
Darlene promises to treat the class to an elaborate farewell dinner, but then finds her credit card revoked.
Episode 20: The Phantom of the Glee Club
Jun 11, 1991
The class learns T.J. is more than just a contemporary-style musician when Billy discovers her operatic talent.
Episode 21: It Couldn't Last Forever (1)
Jun 18, 1991
With a wrecking ball ready to demolish the school, the IHP class waits to fund out who's to be valedictorian. (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 22: It Couldn't Last Forever (2)
Jun 25, 1991
The IHP class graduates, with T.J. as valedictorian. (Part 2 of 2, and series finale)

















