australian television information archive

Happiness

Episode 1.01
USA: June 23, 2011 (FX)
Autralia: June 28, 2011 (Eleven)
Ratings (USA): 2.55 million viewers
Ratings (Aus): 0.202 million viewers
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

After a failed suicide attempt, Ryan forms a unique connection with his neighbor's dog, Wilfred.

Special Guest Star: Ethan Suplee as Spencer

Co-Starring: Rachel Stirling as Waitress, Al Sapienza as Poochy Poochy Guy

Trust

Episode 1.02
USA: June 30, 2011
Australia: July 05, 2011
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan lies to Wilfred to do Jenna a favour and learns a disturbing secret about her in return. Ryan is also fined for taking Wilfred on the beach.

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon

Co-Starring: Katherine Disque as Mother

Featuring: Matt Kaminshky as Vet Tech

Fear

Episode 1.03
USA: July 07, 2011
Australia: July 12, 2011
Written by Eric Weinberg
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan gets into trouble when his malevolent, porn-addicted neighbour Spencer shows up looking for answers about who broke into his house.

Special Guest Star: Ethan Suplee as Spencer

With: Damon Herriman as Jesse, Gerry Bednob as Mr. Patel, K.T. Thangavelu as Mrs. Patel

Acceptance

Episode 1.04
USA: July 14, 2011
Australia: July 19, 2011
Written by Jason Gann
Directed by Randall Einhorn

While Ryan attempts to reconcile with his sister Kristen, he leaves Wilfred at a doggy day care centre.

Special Guest Star: Ed Helms as Darryl

Featuring: Gabrielle Wagner as Woman, Nikki Hahn as Little Girl

Respect

Episode 1.05
USA: July 21, 2011
Australia: July 26, 2011
Written by Michael Glouberman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

When Ryan and Wilfred volunteer at a hospice, they soon discover that Wilfred may have a remarkable secret talent.

Guest Starring: Rashida Jones as Lisa, Charles Esten as Nick, Ellia English as Ruby, E.J. Callahan as Mr Helms

Co-Starring: Irene Choi as Young Woman

Featuring: Richard Denni as Mr Gordon, Roger Vernon Burton as Patient #1, Gwen Van Dam as Patient #2

Conscience

Episode 1.06
USA: July 28, 2011
Australia: August 02, 2011
Written by David Baldy
Directed by Randall Einhorn

When Wilfred decides to get rid of Jenna's boyfriend, he convinces Ryan to help him.

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, et al

Pride

Episode 1.07
USA: August 04, 2011
Australia: August 09, 2011
Written by Jason Gann
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred's pursuit of a new love interest forces Ryan to swallow his pride — among other things.

Guest Starring: Jane Kaczmarek as Beth, Gibson Sjobeck as Tyler, et al

Anger

Episode 1.08
USA: August 11, 2011
Australia: August 16, 2011
Written by Sivert Glarum & Michael Jamin
Directed by Victor Nelli, Jr.

When Wilfred learns that Ryan feels responsible for the death of his beloved childhood dog, he goes to otherworldly lengths to help Ryan learn the truth.

Guest Starring: J.P. Manoux as Leo, Nestor Carbonell as Dr. Ramos, Jeff Holman as Delivery Man, Jared Gilmore as Young Ryan

Compassion

Episode 1.09
USA: August 18, 2011
Australia: August 23, 2011
Written by Patricia Breen
Directed by Victor Nelli, Jr.

Ryan's resentment of his eccentric mother is exacerbated when Wilfred starts treating her like the mum he never had.

Special Guest Star: Mary Steenburgen as Catherine

Guest Starring: Rhea Perlman as Mittens, John Michael Higgins as Dr Cahill

Isolation

Episode 1.10
USA: August 18, 2011
Australia: August 30, 2011
Written by Steve Baldikoski & Bryan Behar
Directed by Victor Nelli, Jr.

Wilfred uses Ryan's unhealthy habit of "isolating" as a means to rid himself of a neighbourhood pest. Who says you can't teach an old dog new mentally unstable tricks?

Guest Starring: Peter Stormare as Trashface, Gerry Bednob as Mr. Patel, George Coe as Gene, Kari Coleman as Suzy, Wayne Wilderson as Charlie, Sally Brooks as Mrs. Stevenson, Maxim Knight as Adam, Chad Morgan as Maggie; Eric Stoltz as Doug (uncredited cameo)

Doubt

Episode 1.11
USA: August 25, 2011
Australia: September 06, 2011
Written by Reed Agnew & Eli Jorné
Directed by Mark Grossan

Ryan meets someone who questions his friendship with Wilfred and begins to suspect that their friendship may be self-destructive.

Special Guest Star: Dwight Yoakam as Bruce

Guest Starring: Katy Nixon as Angelique

Featuring: Jennifer Bolton Lee as Karaoke Singer

Sacrifice

Episode 1.12
USA: September 01, 2011
Australia: September 13, 2011
Written by Sivert Glarum & Michael Jamin
Directed by Randall Einhorn

A beautiful woman strikes an interest in Ryan and he feels his luck is finally turning around, that is until Wilfred piles on a guilt trip and urges Ryan to sacrifice his newfound happiness for a greater good.

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Gabriella Pession as Cinzia, Gerry Bednob as Mr. Patel, J.P. Manoux as Leo, Charles Esten as Nick, E.J. Callahan as Mr Helms, Chip Chinery as Stanley, Kari Coleman as Suzy, Kylie Davis as Budtender, Ellia English as Ruby, Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon

Co-Starring: Tom Yi as Cal Fukazaki

Identity

Episode 1.13
USA: September 08, 2011
Australia: September 20, 2011
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan and Wilfred face an existential crisis after the former ignores the latter's advice.

Guest Starring: Ray Wise as Colt St. Cloud, Chris Klein as Drew, J. P. Manoux as Leo, Keegan-Michael Key as Dick Barbian, Gerry Bednob as Mr. Digby, Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon

Articles: TV Review: Wilfred - "Identity", Wilfred Wraps Up First Season With Dramatic Flourish!

Progress

Episode 2.01 (14)
USA: June 21, 2012 (FX)
Australia: July 10, 2012 (Eleven)
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan realizes the consequences of not having Wilfred in his life.

Special Guest Stars: Robin Williams as Dr. Eddy, Allison Mack as Amanda

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Steven Weber as Jeremy, Rob Riggle as Kevin, Francesca P. Roberts as Felicia, Brian Michael Jones as Ricky, Brian Baumgartner as Orderly #2, Amanda Troop as Stacey, Diane Robin as Nurse

Letting Go

Episode 2.02
USA: June 28, 2012
Australia: July 17, 2012
Written by Reed Agnew & Eli Jorné
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred refuses to help Ryan with his problems as a result of his belief that their relationship is one-sided due to Ryan's selfishness. Ryan prepares Wilfred for the Incredible Dog Challenge.

Special Guest Star: Allison Mack as Amanda

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Don Swayze as Shady Guy, Steve Solomon as Clay, Glenn Herman as Muscular Guy, Tiley Chao as Woman

Dignity

Episode 2.03
USA: July 05, 2012
Australia: July 24, 2012
Written by Cody Heller & Brett Konner
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Problems emerge for Ryan as result of Wilfred's popularity.

Special Guest Star: Allison Mack as Amanda

Guest Starring: Steven Weber as Jeremy, Rob Riggle as Kevin, Francesca P. Roberts as Felicity, Brian Michael Jones as Ricky, Amanda Troop as Stacey

Guilt

Episode 2.04
USA: July 12, 2012
Australia: July 31, 2012
Written by Steve Tompkins
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred becomes embattled with an unlikely foe, forcing Ryan to intervene.

Special Guest Star: Allison Mack as Amanda

Guest Starring: Nestor Carbonell as Arturo, John Alton as Paramedic #1

Now

Episode 2.05
USA: July 19, 2012
Australia: August 07, 2012
Written by David Baldy
Directed by Randall Einhorn

A traumatic experience causes Wilfred to lose his sense of smell, sending him into a spiral of loathing and self-pity.

Guest Starring: Bob Gunton as Warner, Rob Riggle as Kevin, Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon, Christian Gutierrez as Thug #1

Control

Episode 2.06
USA: July 26, 2012
Australia: August 14, 2012
Written by Scott Prendergast
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan's plans to introduce Amanda to Jenna are complicated by Wilfred.

Special Guest Star: Allison Mack as Amanda

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew

Avoidance

Episode 2.07
USA: August 02, 2012
Australia: August 21, 2012
Written by Jason Gann
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred and Ryan find themselves in a sticky situation which hinders their relationship.

Guest Starring: Eugene Byrd as James, Katie Wallack as Instructor, Derick Alexander as Bouncer

Truth

Episode 2.08
USA: August 09, 2012
Australia: August 26, 2012
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan's world is turned on his head when Wilfred's true nemesis returns to town and Ryan must question his feelings for Amanda.

Special Guest Stars: Dwight Yoakam as Bruce, Allison Mack as Amanda

Service

Episode 2.09
USA: August 16, 2012
Australia: September 02, 2012
Written by Reed Agnew & Eli Jorné
Directed by Randall Einhorn

After a shocking incident at work, and with Kristen's baby almost due, Ryan decides to join his eccentric mother on an impromptu road trip.

Special Guest Star: Mary Steenburgen as Catherine

Guest Starring: Steven Weber as Jeremy, Rob Riggle as Kevin, John Michael Higgins as Ricky [Dr Cahill], Francesca P. Roberts as Felicia, Kevin Symons as Cop, Amanda Troop as Stacey

Honesty

Episode 2.10
USA: August 23, 2012
Australia: September 09, 2012
Written by Jason Gann
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred indulges in a case of catnapping and engages Ryan's help in an effort to give Jenna's struggling journalistic career a boost.

Guest Starring: Troy Daniel Smith as Camera Guy [Rob]

Questions

Episode 2.11
USA: August 30, 2012
Australia: September 16, 2012
Written by Cody Heller & Brett Konner
Directed by Randall Einhorn

As Ryan struggles to cope with his breast-feeding sister, he tries to discover the truth about Wilfred through an acid trip self-examination.

Special Guest Star: Brad Dourif as P.T.

Guest Starring: Gil Birmingham as Red Wolf, Kyle Davis as The Budtender, Lindsay Caschak as Young Kristen, Shane Roney as Young Ryan

Resentment

Episode 2.12
USA: September 13, 2012
Australia: September 23, 2012
Written by David Baldy
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan becomes jealous of Drew and Jenna's wedding so Wilfred sets out to disrupt the marriage.

Special Guest Star: Allison Mack as Amanda

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew

Secrets

Episode 2.13
USA: September 20, 2012
Australia: September 30, 2012
Story by David Zuckerman
Teleplay by David Zuckerman & Scott Prendergast
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred and Ryan are confronted by shocking existential questions about life and love.

Special Guest Star: Allison Mack as Amanda

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Eugene Byrd as James, Toussaint Banks as DJ

Uncertainty

Episode 3.01 (27)
USA/Canada: June 20, 2013
Australia: Sun, September 08 (Eleven)
Written by Reed Agnew & Eli Jorné
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan and Wilfred search for Wilfred's original owner.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann

Special Guest Star: Angela Kinsey as Heather

Guest Starring: Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon

Uncertainty

Episode 3.02
USA/Canada: June 20, 2013
Written by Cody Heller & Brett Konner
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan befriends Wilfred's enemy — the mailman. Wilfred finds religion.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Zachary Knighton as Bill

Co-Starring: Jim Mahoney as Todd, Vincent M. Ward as Darren, Dixie Perkinson as Joanne

Suspicion

Episode 3.03
USA/Canada: June 27, 2013
Written by David Baldy
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan becomes suspicious of his sister's new love interest.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: James Remar as Henry, Barry Watson as Michael McDerry, Gina Gershon as Gloria

Sincerity

Episode 3.04
USA/Canada: June 27, 2013
Written by Jason Gann
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan tries to impress a woman by enrolling Wilfred in an obedience class.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann

Guest Starring: Jenny Mollen as Kim

Co-Starring: Michael James Bell as Dog Owner

Shame

Episode 3.05
USA/Canada: July 11, 2013
Written by Guy Endore-Kaiser
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan finds a roommate with Wilfred's help. Wilfred's weight gets out of control.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann

Special Guest Star: Kristen Schaal as Anne

Co-Starring: Ben Tolpin as Chris, Matt Riedy as Mr Katz, Ryan Mirvis as Fat Bearded Guy

Delusion

Episode 3.06
USA/Canada: July 18, 2013
Written by Elizabeth Tippet
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred and Ryan get a birthday gift for Jenna. Wilfred asks Ryan to write his biography.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew

Intuition

Episode 3.07
USA/Canada: July 25, 2013
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred and Ryan investigate their elderly neighbor whom they suspect has murdered his wife. Ryan is beset by dreams about his father.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: James Remar as Henry, Kristen Schaal as Anne

Guest Starring: George Coe as Gene, Randee Heller as Margot

Co-Starring: Jason Remar as Grocery Clerk

Perspective

Episode 3.08
USA/Canada: August 01, 2013
Written by Kevin Arrieta
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan tries progressive psychotherapy to better understand a past trauma.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: James Remar as Henry

Guest Starring: Lance Reddick as Dr. Blum

Co-Starring: Alex Weed as Conrad Del Fuente, Ursula Burton as Secretary

Confrontation

Episode 3.09
USA/Canada: August 08, 2013
Written by David Baldy
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred pits Ryan against his family during Christmas leading Ryan to make a confession to his father. Wilfred faces his Yule time foe.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: Mary Steenburgen as Catherine, James Remar as Henry

Guest Starring: Gerry Bednob as Mr Patel

Co-Starring: Leonard Robinson as Andre, K.T. Thangavelu as Mrs Patel

Distance

Episode 3.10
USA/Canada: August 15, 2013
Written by Jacob Young
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan, Wilfred and a wily old friend struggle to outfox one other.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Star: Dwight Yoakam as Bruce

Guest Starring: Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon

Stagnation

Episode 3.11
USA/Canada: August 22, 2013
Written by Jason Gann
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Wilfred pursues a forbidden love.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Star: Kristen Schaal as Anne

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew

Co-Starring: Tess Paras as Recruiter, Melanie Jean as Masseuse

Heroism

Episode 3.12
USA/Canada: August 29, 2013
Written by Cody Heller & Brett Konner
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan is put in danger as Wilfred pursues the path to valor.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Randee Heller as Margot

Co-Starring: Kyle Mooney as Alan, Roderick McCarthy as Cop

Regrets

Episode 3.13
USA/Canada: September 05, 2013
Written by Reed Agnew & Eli Jorné
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Jenna bars Ryan from seeing Wilfred when he needs him most. Ryan's father gives him an ultimatum.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: Mary Steenburgen as Catherine, James Remar as Henry, Kristen Schaal as Anne

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew

Co-Starring: Jim Jansen as Older Man, Claire Titelman as Dog Walker, Tommy Dickie as Co-worker, Candi Milo as Secretary

Amends

Episode 4.01 (40)
USA/Canada: June 25, 2014
Written by Reed Agnew & Eli Jorné
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan gets a second chance — but will he make the same mistakes again?

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Star: James Remar as Henry

Guest Starring: Harriet Sansom Harris as Lonnie Goldsmith

Co-Starring: Sam Adler as Skinny Boy/Jimmy, Zack Shires as Chubby Boy/Derek, Olivia Rose Keegan as Cute Girl

Consequences

Episode 4.02
USA/Canada: June 25, 2014
Written by David Baldy
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan and Wilfred get an unwelcome guest during a camping trip.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Harriet Sansom Harris as Lonnie Goldsmith

Co-Starring: Marlowe Peyton as Darcey

Loyalty

Episode 4.03
USA/Canada: July 02, 2014
Written by Keith Heisler
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan and Wilfred take sides in Kristen's custody battle.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Dorian Brown

Guest Starring: Harriet Sansom Harris as Lonnie Goldsmith, Nestor Carbonell as Arturo Ramos, Julie Hagerty as Genevieve

Answers

Episode 4.04
USA/Canada: July 09, 2014
Written by Matthew Patterson
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan conducts a scientific study with Wilfred as the subject.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Star: Rutger Hauer as Dr Grummons

Guest Star: Tom Gallop as Dr Wolt

Note: there's a nice reference to the original Australian version of Wilfred with Adam Zwar's X'd out photo on the wall

Forward

Episode 4.05
USA/Canada: July 16, 2014
Written by Reed Agnew & Eli Jorné
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan and Wilfred have drastically different accounts of the same disturbing incident.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Guest Starring: Allison Mack as Amanda, Jennifer Floyd as Cheryl the Groomer, Lauren Powers as Bear, Will Vought as Dog Owner, Carole Ita White as Admission Officer

Patterns

Episode 4.06
USA/Canada: July 23, 2014
Written by Ted Travelstead
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan finds himself ensnared by the "End Game".

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann

Special Guest Star: William Baldwin as Bruce

Guest Starring: Julie Hagerty as Genevieve

Note: Bruce was played previously by Dwight Yoakam in eps 1.11, 2.08 and 3.10

Responsibility

Episode 4.07
USA/Canada: July 30, 2014
Written by Jack Kukoda
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan helps his mother adjust. Meanwhile, Wilfred faces a new enemy.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: Mimi Rogers as Catherine, John Michael Higgins as Dr Cahill

Co- Starring: Shawn Gnandt as Orderly #1

Note: Mary Steenburgen played Catherine in eps 1.09, 2.09, 3.09 & 3.13

Courage

Episode 4.08
USA/Canada: Aug 06, 2014
Written by David Baldy
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan withholds information from Jenna at Wilfred's suggestion. Ryan helps Wilfred complete his bucket list.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann

Guest Star: Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon

Resistance

Episode 4.09
USA/Canada: Aug 13, 2014
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan's hope fades in the face of difficult challenges.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: Mimi Rogers as Catherine, John Michael Higgins as Dr Cahill

Guest Starring: Chris Klein as Drew, Rodney To as Dr. Bangachon

Happiness

Episode 4.10 - series finale
USA/Canada: Aug 13, 2014
Written by David Zuckerman
Directed by Randall Einhorn

Ryan finally learns his truths about Wilfred and his life.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown

Special Guest Stars: Mimi Rogers as Catherine, Tobin Bell as Charles

Guest Starring: Randee Heller as Margot