1.01 – Prototype (aired on September 17, 1996)
Directed by Thomas Schlamme | Written by Gary David Goldberg & Bill Lawrence

A woman (Gwen Humble) sends her daughters (Alison Elliott, Carla Gugino) to London in hope of easing their entry into New York society.

1.02 – The Great Pretender (aired on September 24, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Sarah Dunn

Mike is named Sexiest Man in New York by Manhattan magazine and the staff must deal with Mayor Winston’s problematic wife during an important dinner.

1.03 – The Apartment (aired on October 1, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Bill Lawrence

The continuing dilemma of the garbage strike keeps Mike and Ashley too busy to spend time together at their new apartment. Stuart makes a blunder when left in charge of the office.

1.04 – Pride and Prejudice (aired on October 8, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones

During a television interview, Mike makes an insensitive joke about his working relationship with Ashley. Carter goes over Mike’s head and encourages the Mayor to support a controversial policy on HIV. A reporter (Gretchen Mol) is attracted to James.

1.05 – The Rivals (aired on October 15, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Amy Cohen & Michelle Nader

The Mayor feels responsible for the death of his predecessor. Mike and Ashley try to avoid their new neighbors.

1.06 – A Star is Born (aired on October 22, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Kirk J. Rudell

The Mayor’s low approval ratings sink even lower when the Winston Administration supports a nominee with a checkered past.

1.07 – Grand Illusion (aired on October 29, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Amy Cohen & Michelle Nader

Carter stages a mock wedding with Nikki, in protest of the Mayor’s stance against same-sex marriage. Ashley is unhappy with the quality of her assignments at her new job.

1.08 – The High and the Mighty (aired on November 12, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Kirk J. Rudell

Mike asks a powerful land developer (George Wendt) for a favor. As the Winston Administration celebrates a reduction in crime rates, Paul gets mugged.

1.09 – Meet Tommy Dugan (aired on November 19, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Tim Hobert

A janitor at a local public school (Woody Harrelson) surprises the staff by winning the “New York City Mayor for a Day” contest. The Mayor tries to conform his image to the guidelines of a focus group. The second consecutive episode guest starring a Cheers alumnus.

1.10 – The Competition (aired on November 26, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Sarah Dunn

The Mayor’s staff compete with the City Council as to who can serve the most homeless people on Thanksgiving. James tries to break up with his high school sweatheart (Jennifer Garner) who visits from Wisconsin. (Guest stars: Stephen Colbert as Frank, and former mayor Ed Koch as a city councilman.)

1.11 – Dog Day Afternoon (aired on December 10, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Jeff Lowell

Paul and Carter lose the body of a beloved police dog on its way to burial. Mike buys an air hockey table to help the staff relax.

1.12 – Criss Cross (aired on December 17, 1996)
Directed by Lee Shallat-Chemel | Written by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones

When the Mayor comes down with a cold, Mike must debate Ashley on a political talk show.

3.05 – It Happened One Night (aired on October 20, 1998)
Directed by Andy Cadiff | Written by Gayle Abrams

Mike considers adopting an abandoned baby.