Amen

The new head of Philadelphia's First Community Church, Rev. Rueben Gregory, finds dealing with the headstrong, opinionated, and unethical Deacon Ernest Frye--who works as a lawyer when not tending to church business--won't make his job easy.

Genre: Comedy

Cast:Sherman Hemsley , Clifton Davis , Anna Maria Horsford , Roz Ryan , Jester Hairston , Barbara Montgomery , Tony T. Johnson , Elsa Raven , Bumper Robinson , Rosetta LeNoire , Montrose Hagins , Franklyn Seales , Sheekeena Smith , James Avery , Lynnie Godfrey , Nicholas Rutherford , Hakeem Abdul-Samad , Jane White

1Season 1

S1.E1 ∙ Pilot

Sat, Sep 27, 1986

Ernest Frye, a holier-than-thou Deacon, is seeking a new minister for the First Community church.

2Season 1

S1.E2 ∙ The Courtship of Bess Richards

Sat, Oct 4, 1986

Deacon Frye tries to woo a gospel singer to sing at his church, but she thinks he wants to marry her.

3Season 1

S1.E3 ∙ The Morning After

Sat, Oct 11, 1986

Poor Thelma's cooking leaves Reverend Gregory intoxicated by her wine-soaked dinner.

4Season 1

S1.E4 ∙ The Deacon Delivers

Sat, Nov 1, 1986

The Deacon winds up delivering a baby from the unwed teenager in the Church choir.

5Season 1

S1.E5 ∙ Rolly Falls in Love

Sat, Nov 8, 1986

Rolly asks the Deacon to ask out a waitress for him, and the Deacon decides to ask her out himself.

6Season 1

S1.E6 ∙ Retreat, Heck!

Sat, Nov 15, 1986

Deacon Frye decides to go to a church retreat so he can avoid an angry former client who is now getting out of jail.

7Season 1

S1.E7 ∙ Sermon from the Cell

Sat, Nov 22, 1986

The Deacon is jailed for contempt after defending Reverend Gregory who has been giving refugees sanctuary.

8Season 1

S1.E8 ∙ Maitre D'eacon

Sat, Nov 29, 1986

A church member leaves bequeaths her restaurant to them with the stipulation that they cannot sell it as long as it is successful.

9Season 1

S1.E9 ∙ Reuben's Romance

Sat, Dec 6, 1986

Reverend Gregory has a guilty conscience after a widow he is consoling becomes a little more to him.

10Season 1

S1.E10 ∙ After the Fall

Sat, Dec 13, 1986

After Rolly falls at the bank, the Deacon makes sure Rolly is awarded a settlement, but Rolly refuses it.

11Season 1

S1.E11 ∙ Your Christmas Show of Shows

Sat, Dec 20, 1986

Church members work hard to try and finish the preparations for the Christmas pageant which could end up on TV, but snow dampens the festive mood.

12Season 1

S1.E12 ∙ Frye for the Defense

Sat, Jan 10, 1987

A fund-raiser replete with rigged games, tainted salad and a lawsuit against the church brings more trouble than reward for the good Reverend.

13Season 1

S1.E13 ∙ Thelma's Choice

Sat, Jan 17, 1987

The new man in Thelma's life seems like Mr. Right to everyone, even the Deacon.

14Season 1

S1.E14 ∙ Betting on the Boy

Sat, Jan 24, 1987

The Deacon is glad to be a Big Brother when he realizes his charge may help him win bets.

15Season 1

S1.E15 ∙ Casting the First Stone

Sat, Feb 7, 1987

Lorenzo admits to an affair with an unnamed woman, which starts the congregation speculating and creates embarrassment for Reverend Gregory.

16Season 1

S1.E16 ∙ Yes Sir, That's Your Baby

Sat, Feb 14, 1987

The Hetebrink sisters adopt a baby, but an 18-year-old shows up.

17Season 1

S1.E17 ∙ Into the Night

Sat, Feb 21, 1987

Deacon Frye is stuck escorting Reverend Gregory's aunt out on the town, but winds up loosening her up too much so that she ends up in jail.

18Season 1

S1.E18 ∙ The Divorce Lawyer

Sat, Feb 28, 1987

The Deacon devotes himself to his law practice when the board appoints Rolly as its new chairman.

19Season 1

S1.E19 ∙ The Rival

Sat, Mar 7, 1987

Reverend Gregory falls in love with the new Sunday-school teacher, leaving Thelma heartbroken.

20Season 1

S1.E20 ∙ The Magician

Sat, Mar 14, 1987

The Deacon's magic act flops before the church board, which is selecting entertainment for a charity bash, but it impresses a burglar out to rob the choir hall.

21Season 1

S1.E21 ∙ Glen Garry Glen Thelma

Sat, Mar 21, 1987

Thelma may lose a big commission as a real-estate agent thanks to the Deacon.

22Season 1

S1.E22 ∙ What's Up, Deacon?

Sat, Apr 4, 1987

The Deacon turns over a new leaf in an effort to be the church's nominee for a humanitarian award, which could win him and Thelma a trip to the Holy Land.

1Season 2

S2.E1 ∙ California Dreaming

Sat, Oct 3, 1987

Reverend Gregory accepts a job in California, much to Thelma's dismay.

2Season 2

S2.E2 ∙ Dancing in the Dark

Sat, Oct 17, 1987

The Deacon accepts an offer to work for his old law school rival and finds the man as competitive as ever.

3Season 2

S2.E3 ∙ You Bet Your Life

Sat, Oct 24, 1987

Amelia's old gambling habit returns after she wins a new car in the church raffle.

4Season 2

S2.E4 ∙ Dueling Ministers

Sat, Oct 31, 1987

Reverend Gregory finds himself in competition with a 12-year-old minister.

5Season 2

S2.E5 ∙ Thelma's Reunion

Sat, Nov 7, 1987

Thelma becomes very insecure as her school reunion approaches. She feels she doesn't measure up to her snobby friends.

6Season 2

S2.E6 ∙ Deacon on the Line

Sat, Nov 14, 1987

The Deacon counsels a troubled teen who phones in.

7Season 2

S2.E7 ∙ Rolly's Proposal

Sat, Nov 21, 1987

Rolly and Leola decide to move in together.

8Season 2

S2.E8 ∙ Rolly's Wedding

Sat, Nov 28, 1987

Rolly and Leola prepare for their wedding despite some reservations.

9Season 2

S2.E9 ∙ Thelma's Birthday

Sat, Dec 5, 1987

When Frye's doctor meets Thelma, he asks her out. When Gregory learns of this, he acts jealous. When they go to her place, Frye who is sick, is constantly asking the doctor to check him out. And Gregory shows up.

10Season 2

S2.E10 ∙ Thelma's Little Girl

Sat, Dec 12, 1987

Thelma prepares to adopt a child, but the Deacon wonders if she's ready for the responsibility.

11Season 2

S2.E11 ∙ The Twelve Songs of Christmas

Sat, Dec 19, 1987

The Church Choir brings joy to the Christmas festivities as well as Leola and Rolly.

12Season 2

S2.E12 ∙ Snakes Alive

Sat, Jan 2, 1988

Deacon Frye tries to help Reverend Gregory overcome his fear of snakes.

13Season 2

S2.E13 ∙ Man on a Ledge

Sat, Jan 16, 1988

Thelma regrets leaving an amorous message on Reverend Gregory's answering machine.

14Season 2

S2.E14 ∙ To Catch a Thief

Sat, Jan 23, 1988

The Deacon comes to his granddaughter's defense when she's accused of stealing money from the church collection box.

15Season 2

S2.E15 ∙ The Widow

Sat, Feb 6, 1988

Reuben becomes the object of affection from a very lonely widow.

16Season 2

S2.E16 ∙ Stranded

Sat, Feb 20, 1988

The Deacon has a spiritual reawakening at a church retreat in the mountains during a snowstorm.

17Season 2

S2.E17 ∙ Deacon Dearest

Sat, Feb 27, 1988

The Deacon becomes interested in one of the parishes couples which are talking divorce after he learns that the husband is a millionaire.

18Season 2

S2.E18 ∙ The Fantasy

Sat, Mar 5, 1988

Thelma and Reverend Gregory imagine what life would be like if they were married.

19Season 2

S2.E19 ∙ Wedding Bell Blues

Sat, Mar 12, 1988

Reverend Gregory is sued for negligent marriage counseling.

20Season 2

S2.E20 ∙ A Slight Case of Murder: Part 1

Sat, Apr 30, 1988

Deacon Frye defends a woman accused of murdering her husband and much to everyone's surprise, falls in love with her.

21Season 2

S2.E21 ∙ A Slight Case of Murder: Part 2

Sat, May 7, 1988

Roxanne makes a surprising revelation after her wedding to Deacon Frye.

1Season 3

S3.E1 ∙ Fear of Flying

Sat, Oct 8, 1988

The church board's trip to the Bahamas is fraught with problems, including Thelma's fear of flying.

2Season 3

S3.E2 ∙ Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

Sat, Oct 22, 1988

Although he's unable to commit to marriage, Rev. Gregory can't look the other way when Thelma starts dating another man to take her mind off Reuben.

3Season 3

S3.E3 ∙ Look at Me, I'm Running

Sat, Oct 29, 1988

The Deacon decides to run for State Senator and enlists the help of the church board as support staff.

4Season 3

S3.E4 ∙ Court of Love

Sat, Nov 5, 1988

The Deacon can't keep his mind on the church business when a comely legal assistant is working by his side on an insurance case.

5Season 3

S3.E5 ∙ Get 'Em Up, Scout

Sat, Nov 12, 1988

A prestigious law firm offers Deacon Frye a job.

6Season 3

S3.E6 ∙ The Minister's Wife

Sat, Nov 19, 1988

Thelma organizes a church supper to impress Reverend Gregory.

7Season 3

S3.E7 ∙ The Housekeeper

Sat, Nov 26, 1988

Thelma tired of being treated like a domestic by her father moves out and goes to Gregory. And when people learn of this, they start to talk which could be touchy for Gregory. And Frye hires a housekeeper who likes him.

8Season 3

S3.E8 ∙ Thelma's Handyman

Sat, Dec 3, 1988

A 19-year-old handyman asks Thelma on a date, and it's not long before the congregation gets the wrong idea about their relationship.

9Season 3

S3.E9 ∙ The Deacon's Donkey

Sat, Dec 10, 1988

The Deacon takes over as producer of the Christmas pageant, but problems arise when one of the star performers becomes ill.

10Season 3

S3.E10 ∙ Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Sat, Jan 7, 1989

Deacon Frye agrees to help a wealthy widower find a wife in exchange for a large donation to the church.

11Season 3

S3.E11 ∙ I Remember Mama

Sat, Jan 14, 1989

Deacon Frye recalls how he met Thelma's mother during the Korean War.

12Season 3

S3.E12 ∙ The Reverend Ernest Frye

Sat, Jan 28, 1989

Reverend Gregory becomes ill with the measles and has Thelma waiting on him hand and foot.

13Season 3

S3.E13 ∙ The Green Card

Sat, Feb 4, 1989

Inga's fiancé flees on the day of their wedding.

14Season 3

S3.E14 ∙ The Psychic: Part 1

Sat, Feb 11, 1989

Thelma consults a psychic about her future with Reverend Gregory.

15Season 3

S3.E15 ∙ The Psychic: Part 2

Sat, Feb 18, 1989

The truth about Tanya DuBois' prediction is revealed, much to Thelma's relief.

16Season 3

S3.E16 ∙ The Boxer

Sat, Feb 25, 1989

The congregation thinks the Deacon must be punch-drunk for agreeing to manage boxer Windmill Pearson, until Windmill gets into the ring with a contender.

17Season 3

S3.E17 ∙ Nothing But the Truth

Sat, Mar 4, 1989

Reverend Gregory's mother arrives for a visit and romantically pursues the Deacon.

18Season 3

S3.E18 ∙ Career Girl

Sat, Mar 18, 1989

Thelma takes a job as a receptionist and earns a big promotion during her first week on the job.

19Season 3

S3.E19 ∙ First Community Talent Show

Sat, Apr 1, 1989

The church holds a talent show to raise money for charity.

20Season 3

S3.E20 ∙ The Last Supper

Sat, Apr 8, 1989

Deacon Frye schemes to have Reverend Gregory installed in a prestigious position on the Minister's council.

21Season 3

S3.E21 ∙ Sing, Sister, Sing

Sat, Apr 15, 1989

Deacon Frye enlists himself as Amelia's talent agent when the owner of a record company shows interest in her voice.

22Season 3

S3.E22 ∙ A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Sat, Apr 22, 1989

Reverend Gregory and Deacon Frye try to help a wayward high-school student by showing him the importance of pursuing a college education.

1Season 4

S4.E1 ∙ The Engagement

Sat, Sep 23, 1989

Thelma tells a shocked Reverend Gregory to propose by noon or it's over; the whole congregation gathers outside his office waiting for his answer.

2Season 4

S4.E2 ∙ Where There's a Will

Sat, Sep 30, 1989

The Deacon's estranged father-in-law, who once disowned the Fryes, now lies on his deathbed with a last request for the Deacon.

3Season 4

S4.E3 ∙ I Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine

Sat, Oct 14, 1989

Gregory's ex shows up and she's gorgeous. When they learn that hes going to be alone with her everyone is worried except Thelma. But later she decides to go where they are. And it turns out she's making a move on Gregory.

4Season 4

S4.E4 ∙ Who Am I?

Sat, Oct 21, 1989

An amnesiac Thelma displays a new personality and begins dating another man.

5Season 4

S4.E5 ∙ Witness for the Defense

Sat, Oct 28, 1989

The Deacon discredits himself by mismanaging a murder suspect's defense.

6Season 4

S4.E6 ∙ TV or Not TV

Sat, Nov 4, 1989

A street gang threatens to stop Reverend Gregory from delivering his sermon on television.

7Season 4

S4.E7 ∙ Don't Rain on My Shower

Sat, Nov 11, 1989

Thelma goes overboard at her bridal shower to impress her high-school nemesis with reports that she's living the good life.

8Season 4

S4.E8 ∙ Thelma Says, I Do

Sat, Nov 18, 1989

It's Ruben and Thelma's wedding day. But when Ruben was about to say "I do", he passes out. Thelma wanting to get married so badly tries to find a way to get him to say "I do".

9Season 4

S4.E9 ∙ You're in the Army Now

Sat, Nov 25, 1989

After her wedding to Gregory doesn't push through, Thelma joins the Army. And after a few days she wants to leave but can't. So Gregory and Frye go there to help her.

10Season 4

S4.E10 ∙ Thelma and the D.I.

Sat, Dec 2, 1989

Thelma comes to her dad's defense when he's insulted by a drill sergeant.

11Season 4

S4.E11 ∙ Sergeant in Arms

Sat, Dec 9, 1989

Fearing he's lost Thelma to Sgt. Burke, Rev. Gregory puts up a fight when she comes home on a weekend pass with the sergeant in tow.

12Season 4

S4.E12 ∙ Thelma Frye, Dough Girl

Sat, Dec 16, 1989

Thelma is home for Christmas, which gives her the opportunity to be the wife-to-be for Reverend Gregory.

13Season 4

S4.E13 ∙ The Deacon vs. the U.S. Army

Sat, Jan 6, 1990

Thelma's wedding to Reverend Gregory may be put on hold when she receives orders to ship out to Germany.

14Season 4

S4.E14 ∙ The Roast

Sat, Jan 13, 1990

The deacon is being orated by his friends and family, which includes flashbacks from previous episodes. At the end, the deacon is actually having a dream.

15Season 4

S4.E15 ∙ The Deacon and the Mother-in-Law

Sat, Jan 27, 1990

Thelma and Rueben blame each other when the Deacon takes Rueben's mother to a hotel room in Atlantic City.

16Season 4

S4.E16 ∙ The Wedding

Sat, Feb 3, 1990

Reverend Gregory assumes a dual role at his wedding to Thelma when their minister is unable to perform the ceremony.

17Season 4

S4.E17 ∙ The Honeymoon

Sat, Feb 10, 1990

Thelma and Reuben's plans for a romantic Hawaiian honeymoon are delayed.

18Season 4

S4.E18 ∙ The Talent Show

Mon, Feb 12, 1990

The church's talent show features rap numbers, choir selections and poetry readings, plus a tribute to New York City philanthropist Mother Hale.

19Season 4

S4.E19 ∙ Moving In

Sat, Feb 17, 1990

Thelma hosts her first dinner party as Reverend Gregory's wife, but the evening ends in disaster when she sets fire to the kitchen.

20Season 4

S4.E20 ∙ Deacon's Dilemma

Sat, Feb 24, 1990

The Deacon swears off defending sleazy clients after he falls for the new assistant minister, who looks to him for inspiration.

21Season 4

S4.E21 ∙ Trouble in Paradise

Sat, Mar 3, 1990

Thelma worries that Reuben no longer finds her desirable, but he's too embarrassed to admit the real reason for his lack of passion.

22Season 4

S4.E22 ∙ Who's Sorry Now?

Sat, Mar 17, 1990

Amelia sues Deacon Frye after getting hurt following an argument between them.

23Season 4

S4.E23 ∙ The Deacon's Confession

Sat, Apr 7, 1990

Deacon Frye admits that he spent Thelma's dowry money, $25,000.

1Season 5

S5.E1 ∙ Love, Deacon Style

Sat, Nov 17, 1990

Reuben doesn't seem to notice Thelma's efforts to recapture the glow of their newlywed days.

2Season 5

S5.E2 ∙ Two Men, One Woman and a Baby

Sat, Dec 1, 1990

An abandoned baby awakens Thelma's maternal instincts; the Deacon prepares for a visit from the IRS.

3Season 5

S5.E3 ∙ Child's Play

Sat, Dec 8, 1990

The Deacon means to prove that he can handle a roomful of kids by taking over the church's day-care center.

4Season 5

S5.E4 ∙ Yo, Deak

Sat, Dec 15, 1990

The Deacon, vying for a seat on the crime commission, offers a youth help in putting his life back on track.

5Season 5

S5.E5 ∙ Miracle on 134th Street: Part 1

Sat, Dec 22, 1990

Deacon Frye defends a man claiming to the Santa Claus.

6Season 5

S5.E6 ∙ Miracle on 134th Street: Part 2

Sat, Dec 22, 1990

Santa gives him a second chance, and Frye gets the charges against him dropped.

7Season 5

S5.E7 ∙ Judge Deacon Frye

Sat, Dec 29, 1990

Thelma holds her first society luncheon fundraiser as Rev. Dr. Reuben Gregory: Deacon Frye gets appointed judge & rides on a power high only to experience the consequences negatively first hand at gun point.

8Season 5

S5.E8 ∙ The Gospel Truth

Sat, Jan 5, 1991

Reuben's niece (Siedah Garrett) chooses to be a singer rather than a minister; Laryngitis affects Amelia's (Roz Ryan) voice.

9Season 5

S5.E9 ∙ Lights, Camera, Deacon

Sat, Jan 12, 1991

A televised trial featuring a chicken-franchise king promises the campaigning Judge Frye a leg up on media exposure.

10Season 5

S5.E10 ∙ Unforgettable

Sat, Jan 19, 1991

Thelma doesn't understand when her father embarks on a May-December romance with a young environmentalist.

11Season 5

S5.E11 ∙ Ernie and the Sublimes

Sat, Feb 2, 1991

Ernest Frye is reunited with his '50s doo-wop group, the Sublimes, for a church benefit.

12Season 5

S5.E12 ∙ The Deacon's Slam Dunk

Sat, Feb 9, 1991

Deacon Frye becomes manager of a retired NBA star (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) who falls in love with a church trustee (Roz Ryan).

13Season 5

S5.E13 ∙ Three Men and a Hammer

Sat, Feb 23, 1991

Frye asks a Reverend to speak at the service and his sermon inspires Clarence to drop out of school and pursue his dream of being a rapper like his idol M.C. Hammer. In order to convince Clarence not to Frye tries to get Hammer to speak to him but they can't get in to see him. So he dresses up like a fan.

14Season 5

S5.E14 ∙ Nothin' Says Lovin'...

Sat, Mar 2, 1991

The Reverend is expectant over an anniversary trip with Thelma, while a moody Thelma might also be expectant - with baby.

15Season 5

S5.E15 ∙ My Fair Homeboy

Sat, Mar 9, 1991

Deacon Frye lines up a business deal which is endangered when Clarence begins dating the partner's daughter.

16Season 5

S5.E16 ∙ A Star Is Burned

Sat, Mar 23, 1991

Thelma is offered a television cooking show based on a meal she served, actually prepared by Amelia.

17Season 5

S5.E17 ∙ Deak-Scam

Sat, Mar 30, 1991

Prior to becoming a member, Deacon Frye blunders into a sting operation at a country club.

18Season 5

S5.E18 ∙ The Wild Deak

Sat, Apr 6, 1991

While Deacon Frye, Brother Rolley & friend are out riding motorcycles trying make memorable moments to tell his grandchild he gets into a scuffle with 2 tough bikers with a surprising outcome. Meanwhile at home Thelma has reached her limit with Rubens overly zealous excitement about the pregnancy & his attempts at making the experience joyful.

19Season 5

S5.E19 ∙ Three's a Crowd

Sat, Apr 13, 1991

Reverend Gregory tries to sympathize with Thelma during her pregnancy.

20Season 5

S5.E20 ∙ Date with an Angel

Sat, Apr 27, 1991

Darla purchases Ernest Frye at a charity auction after being separated from her jealous husband.

21Season 5

S5.E21 ∙ Deliverance: Part 1

Sat, May 4, 1991

To save the church, Deacon Frye and Clarence do some fund-raising while double-dating; Reuben has pre-birth nerves.

22Season 5

S5.E22 ∙ Deliverance: Part 2

Sat, May 11, 1991

Thelma outshrieks her father and James Brown in a "scream-off" when she goes into labor on a telethon.