Desperate Housewives: Season 1

2004
23 episodes
42m

Mary Alice Young, a seemingly perfect housewife commits suicide, fearing that a dark secret, involving her, her husband, and their son would be exposed.

Season 1 of Desperate Housewives premiered on October 3, 2004 and has 23 episodes, from "Pilot" to "One Wonderful Day". The last episode aired on May 22, 2005.

Where to watch Desperate Housewives

In the United States, you can stream Desperate Housewives on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. You can also buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home. It is on streaming services in 62 countries.

Where to watch

Episodes

Episode 1PilotAired October 3, 2004
Looking down on her friends and family isn't a way of life for Mary Alice Young. It's a way of death. One day, in her perfect house, in the loveliest of suburbs, Mary Alice ended it all. Now she's taking us into the lives of her family, friends and neighbors, commenting from her elevated POV. Her husband's acting suspicious, the neighbors are talking, and her girlfriends are wondering why one of their own would do something so rash... and so messy.
- 43m
- Directed by Charles McDougall
- Written by Marc Cherry
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Christine Estabrook Martha Huber
- Joy Jorgensen Danielle Van de Kamp
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Sherica Durdley Wendy
Episode 2Ah, But UnderneathAired October 10, 2004
Mike's dog pays the price when Edie crashes his dinner date with Susan. Meanwhile, Gabrielle realizes that her lawnboy is taking their fling to heart - and that Carlos may actually be catching on. Also, Bree goads Rex into therapy, where the doctor may be the one who needs the most help. Lynette resorts to drastic measures to keep her kids in line, but it blows up in her face.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw
- Written by Marc Cherry
Guest stars
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Christine Estabrook Martha Huber
- Sam Lloyd Dr. Albert Goldfine
- Jan Hoag Beefy Middle-Aged Woman
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Timothy Brennen Cop
- Adam Lieberman Veterinarian
Episode 3Pretty Little PictureAired October 17, 2004
The women decide to go ahead with the big dinner party that the late Mary Alice Young had planned to host, despite the more-than-minor disturbances in their own lives. Adulterous Gabrielle finds herself with a nine-year-old blackmailer who catches Gabrielle in the act in her affair with gardener John. Also, Bree struggles to keep her crumbling marriage a secret. Lastly, Susan bares all--in more ways than one--as she confronts her ex.
- 43m
- Directed by Arlene Sanford
- Written by Oliver Goldstick
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Richard Burgi Karl Mayer
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Sam Lloyd Dr. Albert Goldfine
- Anne Dudek Brandi
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Lucille Soong Yao Lin
Episode 4Who's That Woman?Aired October 24, 2004
Cash-strapped Mrs. Huber figures out that Susan had something to do with Edie's house fire and tries to blackmail her. Meanwhile, Carlos becomes suspicious that Gabrielle is seeing another man, but targets the wrong suspect---the cable guy instead of gardener John. Also, Lynette balks when the twins' teacher insists the boys have ADD but tries to salvage the matter by seprating the boys. Lastly, Bree struggles with her rebellious son Andrew after Rex moves out.
- 43m
- Directed by Jeff Melman
- Written by Tom Spezialy and Marc Cherry
Guest stars
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Mary Pat Gleason Ms. Elenora Butters
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Christine Estabrook Martha Huber
- Joy Jorgensen Danielle Van de Kamp
- Richard Roundtree Mr. Shaw
- John Newton Jonathan Lithgow
Episode 5Come In, StrangerAired October 31, 2004
A break-in on Wisteria Lane leaves the neighbors feeling vulnerable, especially Susan, who reluctantly accepts a date with a persistent policeman after Mike appears indifferent to her. Rex takes the kids away for the weekend as a lonely Bree finds herself bonding with Zach. Meanwhile, Lynette and Tom pull out all the stops to get their uncontrollable twins Porter and Preston accepted at a prestigious private school, and the unexpected arrival of Carlos' mother puts a crimp in Gabrielle's covert love life.
- 43m
- Directed by Jeff Melman and Arlene Sanford
- Written by Alexandra Cunningham
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Bob Gunton Noah Taylor
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Steven Eckholdt Officer Rick Thompson
- Betty Murphy Alberta Fromme
- Cheyenne Wilbur Bob Fisk
- Pat Crawford Brown Ida Greenberg
Episode 6Running to Stand StillAired November 7, 2004
Lynette locks horns with officious mom Maisy Gibbons at the twins' school who is trying to produce a "politically correct" play about "Little Red Riding Hood." Meanwhile, Susan continues to investigate the mystery of Zach's sudden disappearance. She soon finds out his father Paul put him in Seacrest, a mental institution. She and Julie then go to investigate. Mama Solis comes closer to discovering Gabrielle's dirty little secret of her affair, and Bree comes undone when Rex suggests they hire a sex surrogate.
- 43m
- Directed by Arlene Sanford and Fred Gerber
- Written by Tracey Stern and Alexandra Cunningham
Guest stars
- Chris Johnson Harlan Copp (uncredited)
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Stacey Travis Jordana Geist
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Sam Lloyd Dr. Albert Goldfine
- Joy Jorgensen Danielle Van de Kamp
- Pat Crawford Brown Ida Greenberg
- Lupe Ontiveros Juanita 'Mama' Solis
Episode 7Anything You Can DoAired November 21, 2004
Susan and Edie decide to follow Mike and his houseguest Kendra on their night out together. Lynette becomes steadily more dependent on the twins' ADD medication. In the meantime Gabrielle becomes jealous of the "other" woman in John's life. And Bree's kids mutiny when they learn their dad has moved out. Tom is not happy when Lynette tries to take over his concept of new "Spotless Scrubs" to his clients.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw and Fred Gerber
- Written by Joey Murphy, Tracey Stern and John Pardee
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Elizabeth Storm Janie Peterson
- Lee Garlington Alberta Holstein
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Stacey Travis Jordana Geist
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Edward Edwards Jim Peterson
Episode 8GuiltyAired November 28, 2004
In the aftermath of tragedy with Bree's son Andrew running over Carlos' mother Juanita Solis, the residents of Wisteria Lane take stock of their lives. Meanwhile, Susan grows suspicious of Mike's real reason for moving to the street. Lynette reaches the breaking point in her addiction to the twins' ADD medication as she tries other measures like acupuncture to release her stress. The mysterious Mr. Shaw gets down to business as he develops a relationship with Edie. Lastly, Gabrielle confesses her adulterous affair to a priest while Carlos' mother Juanita is in the hospital.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw and Fred Gerber
- Written by Kevin Murphy
Guest stars
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Dayna Devon Lori Jean
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Jeff Doucette Father Crowley
- Christine Estabrook Martha Huber
- Joy Jorgensen Danielle Van de Kamp
- Richard Roundtree Mr. Shaw
Episode 9Suspicious MindsAired December 12, 2004
Looking to give her life a purpose, Gabrielle decides to organize a glamorous Halston fashion show for charity highlighting the ladies of Wisteria Lane. Bree and Rex are at odds on how to punish Andrew for putting Mrs. Solis in the hospital and finding drugs in his room. The police investigate a toy chest that Paul Young dumped in the river. Lastly, Lynette uses her business acumen to poach a nanny, Claire, but ends up getting involved between her current employer, Alexis.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw and Fred Gerber
- Written by Jenna Bans and Kevin Murphy
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Marla Sokoloff Claire
- Hamilton Camp Brian Linder
- Joyce Guy Nurse Kelly
- Joy Jorgensen Danielle Van de Kamp
- Kathryn Harrold Helen Rowland
- Brett Cullen Detective Burnett
Episode 10Come Back to MeAired December 19, 2004
Uber mom Maisy Gibbons returns, and her secret life intersects with Bree's. Meanwhile Gabrielle's predicament worsens as she gets a taste of her own medicine, courtesy of Carlos's jailhouse confession. Susan plans to take her relationship with Mike to the next level, and Lynette, suspicious (and a little jealous) of her new nanny decides to secretly videotape her. Lastly, Susan sends Zach Young back home to his father, who makes a startling admission of his own.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw and Fred Gerber
- Written by Jenna Bans and Patty Lin
Guest stars
- Tom Virtue Man
- Marla Sokoloff Claire
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Joe Rose Repo Man
- Lorna Raver Judge Sullivan
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Pat Crawford Brown Ida Greenberg
Episode 11Move OnAired January 9, 2005
Edie organizes a neighborhood search for the missing Mrs. Huber, just as the absent busybody's sister Felicia Tilman arrives on Wisteria Lane. Meanwhile, Bree resigns herself to her marital state and asks an attractive pharmacist on a date. Susan's ex Karl suddenly reappears in her life, and Lynette fears that Tom is attracted to the new nanny. Lastly, Gabrielle sinks to new depths.. she gets a job.
- 43m
- Directed by John David Coles and Fred Gerber
- Written by Patty Lin and David Schulner
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Richard Burgi Karl Mayer
- Ashley Rose Orr Julie's Friend
- Marla Sokoloff Claire
- Kyle T. Heffner Head Volunteer
- Phil Reeves Mickey Gibb
- Christine Estabrook Martha Huber
Episode 12Every Day a Little DeathAired January 16, 2005
The residents of Wisteria Lane finally learn Martha Huber's fate. After learning that Mrs. Huber left behind a journal, Susan is forced to confess to Edie about her role in the fire that burned down Edie's house. Meanwhile Bree finds her new beau, George getting a little too close for comfort. Lastly, Carlos returns, but his homecoming isn't quite what Gabrielle had in mind. He is under house arrest, making it difficult for either of them to make money.
- 43m
- Directed by David Grossman and John David Coles
- Written by David Schulner and Chris Black
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Bob Gunton Noah Taylor
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Christine Estabrook Martha Huber
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Erin Matthews Lauren
- Roger Bart George Williams
Episode 13Your FaultAired January 23, 2005
When Lynette's father-in-law pays a visit to to the family, she unwittingly learns a family secret. Meanwhile, Susan is disturbed by Julie's growing romance with Zach. Rex attempts to reconcile with Bree as she tries to play hard-to-get. Lastly, Gabrielle is shocked when John's parents ask her for a favor in convincing John to move back home as he officially turned eighteen and no longer wants to live at home and trying to pursue a relationship with Gabrielle.
- 43m
- Directed by David Grossman and Arlene Sanford
- Written by Chris Black and Kevin Etten
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Ryan O'Neal Rodney Scavo
- Karen Austin Lois McDaniel
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Mark Harelik Bob Rowland
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Kathryn Harrold Helen Rowland
Episode 14Love Is in the AirAired February 13, 2005
It's Valentine's Day on Wisteria Lane, and love is all around (sort of), as Susan looks forward to a romantic date with Mike, until she learns a surprising fact about her favorite plumber. Meanwhile, after reconciling their relationship, Bree discovers something new about her husband Rex when it comes to his sexual needs. Lynette's neighbor accuses the Scavo twins of thievery as Lynette tries her best to handle the situation. Lastly, Gabrielle's work adventures continue as she gets a gig as a mattress model.
- 43m
- Directed by Jeff Melman and Arlene Sanford
- Written by Tom Spezialy and Kevin Etten
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Kathryn Joosten Karen McCluskey
- Timothy Davis-Reed Doctor
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Sam Lloyd Dr. Albert Goldfine
- Jon Polito Charles Skouras
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
Episode 15ImpossibleAired February 20, 2005
Mike Delfino is questioned about Mrs. Huber's murder by police and is arrested. John's friend, Justin attempts to blackmail Gabrielle with his knowledge of their affair. Meanwhile, Tom wants a big promotion, but Lynette fears that she'd be home alone with the kids more than ever and tries her best in discouraging him in taking the job. Also, Bree is shocked when she finds a condom. Zach Young plans a pool party for the teens on Wisteria Lane, and things get out of hand. Finally, someone comes out of the closet.
- 43m
- Directed by Jeff Melman and Larry Shaw
- Written by Tom Spezialy and Marc Cherry
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Elizabeth Storm Janie Peterson
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Bob Gunton Noah Taylor
- Nick Chinlund Detective Sullivan
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Joy Jorgensen Danielle Van de Kamp
Episode 16The Ladies Who LunchAired March 27, 2005
Maisy Gibbons' series of unfortunate events shock the residents of Wisteria Lane when she is finally caught and arrested for prostitution. This leaves unexpected consequences for Bree and Rex when Maisys' little black book becomes public of all her clients. Gabrielle and Carlos also face a crisis of their own when the sewer system goes out at their house. Also, Lynette braves a scandal herself when it's rumored that the twins started the school's head lice epidemic. Meanwhile, as Susan sinks into depression over her breakup with Mike, she finds a surprising ally.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw and Arlene Sanford
- Written by Alexandra Cunningham
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Glenn Taranto Undercover Cop
- Cheyenne Wilbur Bob Fisk
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Mary-Pat Green Nurse Abagail
- Pat Crawford Brown Ida Greenberg
Episode 17There Won't Be TrumpetsAired April 3, 2005
The residents of Wisteria Lane all attend the unfortunate funeral of Juanita Solis as Carlos and Gabrielle fret over their financial and court issues. Lynette befriends a deaf woman, Alisa Stevens, whose children also attend Barcliff Academy with Porter and Preston, but her newfound friendship is quickly put to the test. Meanwhile, Bree encounters more trouble with her son Andrew when it comes to disciplining him and lastly, Susan finds herself attracted to Edie's hunky new contractor, but Edie doesn't want her to go with him as a favor to their fragile friendship.
- 43m
- Directed by Jeff Melman and Arlene Sanford
- Written by Joey Murphy, John Pardee and Alexandra Cunningham
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Marlee Matlin Alisa Stevens
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Dagney Kerr Nurse Ruth Ann Heisel
- Albie Selznick Dennis Stevens
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Aria Wallace Lily Stevens
Episode 18Children Will ListenAired April 10, 2005
Susan's mom pays an unannounced visit to Wisteria Lane after she and her boyfriend call it quits. Meanwhile, Gabrielle faces Carlos' wrath after he learns about the hospital settlement and tries to change their prenuptial agreement in order to keep Gabrielle in check while he serves his jail sentence. Lynette and Bree experience a chill in their friendship after Bree babysits Lynette's kids and dares to discipline Porter. Also, Bree and Rex visit Andrew at the teen rehab camp where they learn some shocking news about their son. Lastly, Felicia gets closer to Zach and reveals some disturbing details about his family in the past.
- 43m
- Directed by Jeff Melman and Larry Shaw
- Written by Kevin Murphy
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Joel McKinnon Miller The Counselor
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Linda Hart Millie
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Brett Cullen Detective Burnett
Episode 19Live Alone and Like ItAired April 17, 2005
Lynette learns that no good deed goes unpunished when she momentarily befriends the mean Mrs. McClusky. Susan's mother decides to try and jump start her and her daughter's love lives. Andrew talks to a priest about his feelings, and tells him of his shocking plans for his mother, Bree. Gabrielle has her credit card declined in an upscale restaurant, and Carlos sends Gabrielle a big message about what will happen if she leaves him.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw and Arlene Sanford
- Written by Jenna Bans and Kevin Murphy
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Shawn Pyfrom Andrew Van de Kamp
- Kathryn Joosten Karen McCluskey
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Bob Gunton Noah Taylor
- Nick Chinlund Detective Sullivan
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- James M. Connor Tim
Episode 20Fear No MoreAired May 1, 2005
Gabrielle plans a big party to bid farewell to Carlos, who is about to head off to jail for eight months. Meanwhile George Williams resurfaces in Bree's life, much to Rex's displeasure. Also, Lynette is shocked to learn that Tom's old girlfriend Annabel Foster who he dumped for Lynette has been hired at his firm again. Meanwhile, Zach continues to stalk Julie while Mike tries to separate Susan from Mary Alice's past secrets. Lastly, housewife Gabrielle is suspecting that she's pregnant.
- 43m
- Directed by Jeff Melman and Arlene Sanford
- Written by Jenna Bans and Adam Barr
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Jeff Doucette Father Crowley
- Christine Estabrook Martha Huber
- Richard Roundtree Mr. Shaw
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Roger Bart George Williams
Episode 21Sunday in the Park with GeorgeAired May 8, 2005
Bree begins to feel guilty about her friendship with George while Rex's health continues to depreciate. Lynette tries to spice things up with Tom who, she fears, is losing interest. Meanwhile, Mr. Shaw consults with Paul, and ends up lying to Susan. After talking with Kendra Susan learns what Mike did. Gabrielle tells John that she is pregnant, and John doesn't take the news well. Lastly, Felicia takes action to help Zach, and to get rid of Paul for good.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw
- Written by Katie Ford
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Bob Gunton Noah Taylor
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Richard Roundtree Mr. Shaw
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- Roger Bart George Williams
- Harriet Sansom Harris Felicia Tilman
Episode 22Goodbye for NowAired May 15, 2005
Susan and Mike decide to move in together, much to Edie's displeasure. Meanwhile, Lynette takes steps to make sure Annabel doesn't come between her and Tom. Also, Bree comes to a realization about her "buddy" George the pharmacist who continues to interfere in her and Rex's lives. Carlos' legal problems take a turn for the worse, when Gabrielle decides to leave him. Mrs. Huber's journal reveals some secrets. Lastly, two new faces arrive on Wisteria Lane.
- 43m
- Directed by David Grossman and Jeff Melman
- Written by Josh Senter and Adam Barr
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Alfre Woodard Betty Applewhite
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Edward Edwards Jim Peterson
- Joy Jorgensen Danielle Van de Kamp
- Cheyenne Wilbur Bob Fisk
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
Episode 23One Wonderful DayAired May 22, 2005
Bree confides that she feels guilty because she and Rex were having a fight when he had his heart attack and that now he needs a pacemaker. Lynette's marriage takes a dramatic turn after an upset Tom vows that it is now her turn to go back to work and he'll be staying home with the kids. Carlos finally learns that John and Gabrielle have been lovers for a while, and vows revenge as he is carted off to jail. Mike takes Paul out to a deserted quarry, intending to shoot him.
- 43m
- Directed by Larry Shaw
- Written by Katie Ford, Joey Murphy, Tom Spezialy and Marc Cherry
Guest stars
- Doug Savant Tom Scavo
- Alfre Woodard Betty Applewhite
- Richard Burgi Karl Mayer
- Steve Tom Judge
- Brent Kinsman Preston Scavo
- Shane Kinsman Porter Scavo
- Zane Huett Parker Scavo
- John Newton Jonathan Lithgow