Karen is a fictional character portrayed by Natascha McElhone in the TV series Californication.
In the first episode they appeared in, titled Pilot (season 1), they were 35 years old.
They appear in all 84 aired episodes and have accumulated 6238 positive votes.
The character of Karen is mainly associated with Hank Moody, Becca Moody and Marcy Runkle.
Episodes84
Pilot
episode S1.E1 august 2007Hank is dismayed when he sees the film version of his acclaimed novel, agrees to a blind date arranged by his agent, and learns that his ex-girlfriend Karen is engaged to another man. Series premiere.
Hell-A Woman
episode S1.E2 august 2007Hank reluctantly accepts a blogger gig for a hip L.A. web site, and endures a dinner party with Karen and her finance Bill that yields a scandalous romp with a sexy Scientologist.
The Whore of Babylon
episode S1.E3 august 2007Hank ponders whether to continue his blogging job after he discovers the identity of the web site's owner, and reconnects with Meredith, his one-time blind-date disaster; Charlie's relationship with his assistant takes a surprising turn.
Fear and Loathing at the Fundraiser
episode S1.E4 september 2007The fiercely apolitical Hank is dragged to an environmental fundraiser at Charlie's agency, where he briefly displays his gallant side to both Meredith and Karen, and inadvertently discovers his agent's dirty little assistant secret.
LOL
episode S1.E5 september 2007A point of modern linguistic style comes between Meredith and Hank, who also guest-lectures Mia's creative writing class; Becca and Karen both crush on a cool guitar teacher but Mia breaks both their hearts.
Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
episode S1.E6 september 2007Becca's impressive musical performance at a rock concert leads to a romantic, booze-fueled moment for Hank and Karen, but it doesn't last; Charlie's dalliance with his assistant is nearly discovered by Marcy.
Girls, Interrupted
episode S1.E7 september 2007Hank makes peace with his archenemy Todd and lands Karen a designing gig, but a dilemma with Mia interrupts their temporary bliss; Charlie attempts a disastrous threesome with his wife and assistant.
California Son
episode S1.E8 october 2007Hank receives bad news about his father and embarks on a grief-stricken bender of booze, drugs and even a prostitute as he remembers the last time they saw each other.
Filthy Lucre
episode S1.E9 october 2007A manuscript for a new novel and a royalty check from his movie inspire Hank to go on a spending spree, but his purchases don't have the desired effect on his life; Marcy drops a bombshell on Charlie.
The Devil's Threesome
episode S1.E10 october 2007A creative meeting about a gig writing a female boxing movie turns into a mini-orgy for Hank and his new "roommate" Charlie, but their ecstasy soon turns to agony; Dani and Mia have a creative meeting of their own.
Turn the Page
episode S1.E11 october 2007Bombshells drop on all fronts: Hank discovers Mia is peddling his book as her own, and she threatens to reveal their one-night stand if he reclaims his work; Becca tells Karen she wants to go live with her father.
The Last Waltz
episode S1.E12 october 2007The wedding of Karen and Bill provides the impetus for emotional revelations that threaten to derail the entire ceremony unless Hank can put everything right. Season finale.
Slip of the Tongue
episode S2.E1 september 2008Hank and Karen plan to move back to New York together, but their reunion is short-lived thanks to a series of drunken incidents and Hank's subsequent arrest. Season premiere.
The Great Ashby
episode S2.E2 october 2008Hank befriends a legendary record producer in jail and considers writing the man's biography; Charlie loses his job when his scheming former assistant Dani betrays him.
No Way to Treat a Lady
episode S2.E3 october 2008Hank's first day as Lew Ashby's biographer is complicated when a hooker acquainted with both men claims that Hank is better in bed; Karen comes under the spell of a self-help guru; Charlie pitches himself as agent to a porn actress.
The Raw & the Cooked
episode S2.E4 october 2008Hank and Karen's dinner party is derailed by Hank's botched marriage proposal to Karen, the revelation that Hank is likely the father of their friend Sonja's baby, and Lew's near-death from an allergic reaction to sushi.
Vaginatown
episode S2.E5 october 2008The newly-single-again Hank moves into Lew's mansion, where his host arranges a sexual encounter for him with an annoying celebrity chef; Charlie becomes a major investor in his newest client's upcoming porn movie.
Coke Dick & First Kick
episode S2.E6 november 2008Hank sets out to track down Lew's long-lost first love, and discovers Sonja and her self-help guru boyfriend Julian have an "open" relationship; Mia spends a day trailed by a "Rolling Stone" reporter; Charlie's house becomes a porn set.
In a Lonely Place
episode S2.E7 november 2008Hank meets an attractive new love interest in Becca's English teacher, but it turns out she's also the mother of Becca's boyfriend; Charlie discovers that Marcy has been hiding a financially devastating secret.
Going Down and Out in Beverly Hills
episode S2.E8 november 2008Hank tries to get the truth about Ashby from his former flame, while Karen confronts the record producer about his relationship with Mia; while Marcy detoxes at her mother's house, Charlie succumbs to temptation with house guest Daisy.
La Ronde
episode S2.E9 november 2008Hank declines an offer of sex, while Karen goes on a date with Ashby; Charlie and Daisy bond over "Dirty Dancing" while Marcy remains on the mend in rehab.
In Utero
episode S2.E10 november 2008Hank nervously awaits medical test results while reflecting on the early days of his romance with Karen, which coincided with a famous grunge rocker's overdose; Charlie begs Daisy not to move out.
Blues from Laurel Canyon
episode S2.E11 december 2008Ashby hosts a party to celebrate the publication of Mia's book; Charlie announces to Marcy, who has just completed rehab, that he wants a divorce; Becca is devastated to catch Damien cheating on her.
La Petite Mort
episode S2.E12 december 2008Hank completes his biography of Ashby; Charlie is reduced to working at a car dealership; Sonja gives birth; Karen accepts a job offer back home in New York, forcing Hank and Becca to make painful choices. Season finale.
Wish You Were Here
episode S3.E1 september 2009Hank struggles to fulfill his duties as a now-single father to the increasingly rebellious Becca, who brings him into the orbit of an academic circle; Charlie moves back in with Marcy even as they work out a divorce. Season premiere.
The Land of Rape and Honey
episode S3.E2 october 2009Hank becomes a reluctant college professor and immediately lands in hot water over a too-honest critique of a student's work; Charlie becomes overly involved in Marcy's romantic life, with negative results.
Verities & Balderdash
episode S3.E3 october 2009Hank attends a university mixer and consoles his jilted assistant the only way he knows how; Charlie celebrates his first talent signing at his new agency by falling into the arms of his boss, Sue Collini.
Zoso
episode S3.E4 october 2009Hank objects to Becca's new, more adult fashion sense, and drags Charlie to a strip club in an effort to discover the secret life of a talented student; Charlie and Marcy's house sale goes awry for an unexpected reason.
Slow Happy Boys
episode S3.E5 october 2009Hank spends a bachelor weekend with an old buddy and shows him a debauched good time at a party hosted by Sue Collini and her eccentric husband; the rekindled relationship of Charlie and Marcy hits a speed bump.
Glass Houses
episode S3.E6 november 2009A weekend visit from Karen is interrupted by trouble with Becca and her best friend Chelsea; Charlie is crushed when Marcy consummates her girlhood crush on rocker Rick Springfield.
So Here's the Thing...
episode S3.E7 november 2009Hank tries to set things right with Karen but his multiple romantic entanglements become ever more entangled; Becca calls out her father on the terrible example he sets for her; Charlie fights to keep Sue's favorite client.
The Apartment
episode S3.E8 november 2009A night of hedonistic abandon with one of his students and a pair of strippers ends badly when Hank is besieged by Charlie, an angry Rick Springfield, two of his other lovers, and his boss - resulting in an epic showdown.
Mr. Bad Example
episode S3.E9 november 2009Hank's exploits with his boss's wife are exposed when Becca and Chelsea get into a campus brawl; Charlie scrambles to keep Marcy away from cocaine-addicted client Rick Springfield, jeopardizing his job.
Dogtown
episode S3.E10 november 2009Hank takes Charlie on a bender to console him over losing his job, but they both end up having a near-death experience during a convenience store robbery; Karen hosts Becca and Marcy on a girls night out.
Comings and Goings
episode S3.E11 december 2009An end-of-semester mixer at his boss's house results in a Civil War-style duel between the host and Hank, which ends in catharsis for all concerned; Charlie and Marcy's house is sold on the same day their divorce papers arrive.
Mia Culpa
episode S3.E12 december 2009Hank is surprised by a visit from Mia and her slimy boyfriend-manager (James Frain), which results in Karen learning Hank's of long-hidden dalliance with her stepdaughter; Charlie faces losing Marcy for good. Season finale.
Exile on Main St.
episode S4.E1 january 2011Hank is bailed out of jail to find that his literary sex scandal has made him the toast of Hollywood and the target of a lawsuit - as well as estranged him from Karen and Becca. Season premiere.
Suicide Solution
episode S4.E2 january 2011Hank polishes off a day of flaky neediness with a creative meeting about his potential new movie that ends with him hiding in a starlet's bathroom and accidentally overdosing on booze and sleeping pills.
Home Sweet Home
episode S4.E3 january 2011Hank takes advantage of the misperception that he tried to commit suicide and moves back home with Karen and Becca, but his daughter knows the truth; Charlie sets out to reach a sexual benchmark while a wealthy producer pursues Marcy.
Monkey Business
episode S4.E4 january 2011A meeting to discuss Hank's recently completed movie script ends with a billionaire dead in a bathroom; Marcy suspects that she might be pregnant; Karen meets a potential new boyfriend in the artist father of one of Becca's bandmates.
Freeze-Frame
episode S4.E5 february 2011Charlie discovers that his vasectomy was botched and that Marcy's baby could be his; Hank's relationship with lawyer Abby gets more personal but a good deed yields a compromising photo that could ruin Hank's life.
Lawyers, Guns and Money
episode S4.E6 february 2011A sensational photo derails Hank's case and threatens to destroy his movie project until his sincere love for Becca rescues his career, while Karen resuscitates her ex-husband's relationship with his beautiful lawyer.
The Recused
episode S4.E7 february 2011Forced by her relationship with Hank to recuse herself as his lawyer, Abby pitches the case to a senior partner on the golf course; Hank is dismayed by Karen's growing relationship with artist Ben.
Lights, Camera, A**hole
episode S4.E8 february 2011Hank takes a gig rewriting dialogue on a zombie sequel but threatens his job when he hooks up with a sexy woman with close ties to the film's female lead; Marcy tells Stu she's pregnant but not that the baby may be Charlie's.
Another Perfect Day
episode S4.E9 march 2011Evicted from his apartment, Hank moves back in with Karen and Becca while he prepares for his trial and teaches his daughter to drive; while Karen's out on a date with Ben, Becca and Pearl steal the Porsche and wreck it.
The Trial
episode S4.E10 march 2011A nervous Hank panics when his trial turns into an all-out character assassination, with even friendly witnesses Charlie and Karen unable to portray him as anything other than a drunken lout.
The Last Supper
episode S4.E11 march 2011Found guilty of statutory rape, Hank buys a used Porsche and considers fleeing from Los Angeles, but instead enjoys one last night in the company of his friends and family.
...And Justice for All
episode S4.E12 march 2011As Hank awaits sentencing, the lines between his real life and the movie based on his life blur as the film's star hits on his ex-wife and he feels stirrings of passion for the actress hired to play Karen. Season finale.
JFK - - > LAX
episode S5.E1 january 2012A few years have passed when Hank accepts an invitation from Charlie to return to Los Angeles and write a film starring rapper/actor Samurai Apolcaypse, then reunites with Karen, her husband, and his daughter Becca. Season premiere.
The Way of the Fist
episode S5.E2 january 2012Hank takes a meeting with director Peter Berg, where they discover that Hank and Peter have shared more than just a love of the written word; Samurai Apocalypse tries to get rid of Tyler, damaging Hank and Becca's relationship.
Boys & Girls
episode S5.E3 january 2012Hank delivers a completed draft to Samurai Apocalypse, his attempts to leave town are thwarted when he's asked to show a night on the town to Kali, his "acquaintance" from the flight to Los Angeles; Tyler crashes with Karen and Becca.
Waiting for the Miracle
episode S5.E4 january 2012Hank receives an unwelcome surprise in the form of Carrie, his ex-girlfriend and arsonist. He reluctantly invites her along to a party with Karen, Becca, Stu, Marcy and Bates that proves to be illuminating, disturbing, and out of control.
The Ride-Along
episode S5.E5 february 2012Sam invites Hank and Charlie on a ride-along with the Santa Monica Police Department and takes them on a journey that goes sexually awry for Charlie; Richard hits the bottle at a restaurant with Karen and Becca, but Hank saves the day.
Love Song
episode S5.E6 february 2012Hank channels an earlier time when life was simpler in order to write a song that will help Sam break through his lyrical roadblock; Karen shows up at Hank's door worried that she has made a serious mistake.
Here I Go Again
episode S5.E7 february 2012Hank saves Karen from embarrassment with a drunk Richard, then covers for Richard by pretending to be dating a stripper named Holly; after she is fired, Lizzie the nanny allows her relationship with Charlie to progress.
Raw
episode S5.E8 march 2012Hank reads Tyler's screenplay, discovering hidden talent and disturbing information about the author's relationship with Hank's daughter; Charlie and Lizzie's love quadrangle with Stu and Marcy heats up.
At the Movies
episode S5.E9 march 2012Hank's rendezvous with the leading lady of his new movie puts his relationship with Sam in jeopardy on the first day of production, but Charlie luckily has a backup plan.
Perverts & Whores
episode S5.E10 march 2012Hank crashes with Karen and Becca while looking for new representation, which he may have found in power agent Larry Levine, who sets up a meeting with one of Hank's idols; Lizzie gets her big break with a small part in the movie.
The Party
episode S5.E11 march 2012Hank prepares to hit the road but is surprised when everyone he knows and loves shows up to send him on his way, but it's not a party until somebody gets hurt.
Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
episode S5.E12 april 2012Hank wonders if he's in Hell when he realizes a local bartender is his late friend Lew Ashby; Sam's jealousy on the set of "Santa Monica Cop" gives Charlie a chance to prove his loyalty; Hank's arsonist ex has a surprise. Season finale.
The Unforgiven
episode S6.E1 january 2013Hank's dreams are haunted by Carrie. Charlie and Hank meet rocker Atticus Fetch about giving "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" the Broadway treatment. A revelation about Becca prompts a tailspin. Season premiere.
Quitters
episode S6.E2 january 2013Faith, a muse to many-a-rock-star, may be Hank's light at the end of the tunnel. Charlie runs into out-and-proud movie star Robbie Mac and finds himself taking drastic action in order to land the award winner as a client.
Dead Rock Stars
episode S6.E3 january 2013Hank and Faith attend a funeral. Later, Karen finds Hank in a compromising position. Robbie Mac and Ken take Charlie out on the town, which doesn't sit well with Marcy.
Hell Bent for Leather
episode S6.E4 february 2013Hank and Charlie meet with Robbie Mac, but the project on the table is a little out of Hank's wheelhouse. Becca demonstrates that she inherited the best parts of her father during a reading of her latest work.
Rock and a Hard Place
episode S6.E5 february 2013Ken discovers Charlie's secret. Atticus sends Hank and Charlie on a hunt, so they enlist the help of Hank's daughter Becca. Marcy makes a decision about Stu that is influenced by her man-hating spiritual guide, Ophelia Robbins.
In the Clouds
episode S6.E6 february 2013Karen asks Hank to intervene with Becca. Later, the boys board Air Force 69 with Atticus Fetch, to fly to NYC to present the songs for the Broadway adaptation of "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love."
The Dope Show
episode S6.E7 march 2013Hank returns from his trip to find Becca spiraling, but his plan to help her backfires when they go to visit Atticus and meet his current house guest.
Everybody's a F**king Critic
episode S6.E8 march 2013The reviews are in for the first draft of the musical. Hank looks for inspiration from Faith. Becca contemplates alternate careers. Charlie and Stu join forces to win back Marcy.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen
episode S6.E9 march 2013Hank gets a taste of his own medicine with Karen. Atticus tries to recreate rock and roll folklore with one of his biggest fans while Charlie reunites with The Widow.
Blind Faith
episode S6.E10 march 2013Hank seeks comfort from Faith, only to find her with someone else. Hank meets two very important people in Faith's life. On the home front, Becca has some big news.
The Abby
episode S6.E11 march 2013Hank and Faith join forces to track down Atticus. Marcy's outing with Ophelia leaves her a little tied up. Karen has an epiphany about Becca.
I'll Lay My Monsters Down
episode S6.E12 april 2013Hank makes a big decision about his future. Charlie and Marcy also make a decision. The troops are rallied to ensure Atticus makes it to the Greek Theatre for his co-headlining gig with Marilyn Manson. Season finale.
Levon
episode S7.E1 april 2014After his tour with Atticus, Hank is eager to reunite with the love of his life, but things with Karen don't go as planned. Charlie's performance anxiety leaves Marcy wondering what she's gotten herself back into. Season premiere.
Julia
episode S7.E2 april 2014Things start looking up for Charlie and Marcy when he meets Melanie, show-runner Rick Rath's new assistant. Plus, Karen gets an unexpected surprise. And so does Hank, during a visit to Levon's apartment.
Like Father Like Son
episode S7.E3 april 2014Hank is assigned to write his first episode. Levon tries to bond with Melanie. And as Charlie hopes to fix things with Marcy, Karen gets ready to throw in the towel.
Dicks
episode S7.E4 may 2014Levon hopes for some alone time with Melanie but three's a crowd with The Director in the way. Money troubles add to Charlie and Marcy's marital unrest, but new client Goldie may put Charlie back in the black.
Getting the Poison Out
episode S7.E5 may 2014While Levon has the night of his life with Nikki, Hank, Karen and Marcy are forced to endure the company of Nikki's creepy friend. Charlie may have gotten in over his head with his new client Goldie.
Kickoff
episode S7.E6 may 2014It's the 'Santa Monica Cop' kickoff party at Rath's. Hank has an intimate notes session with the show's female lead, while the male lead has his eyes on Julia. But the party's over when Levon breaks Rath's cardinal rule.
Smile
episode S7.E7 may 2014Rath demands a rewrite of Hank's script. Julia's boss gives her career advice, but Levon and Hank have other ideas. Charlie and Marcy consider Stu's offer - until Krull returns to offer an alternative solution to their money woes.
30 Minutes or Less
episode S7.E8 june 2014Hank encounters problems with Hashtag Black on his episode of 'Santa Monica Cop.' Julia proves to be a distraction. Levon gets a big opportunity. And news of Stu's offer leads to fisticuffs.
Faith, Hope, Love
episode S7.E9 june 2014Hank flashes back to his turbulent times with Karen and a confused young Becca - and their days with a happier Charlie and Marcy. A run-in with a nun, however, helps him to put things into perspective.
Dinner with Friends
episode S7.E10 june 2014Hank entices Karen into dinner, but Julia interrupts their romantic evening. Later, Charlie, Marcy, Krull, and Levon bring even more drama to the table. And Stu's assault on Charlie's manhood sends the night into chaos.
Daughter
episode S7.E11 june 2014The ratings are in for 'Santa Monica Cop' - and Hank may soon be out of a job. Marcy decides to accept Stu's offer. And Karen arrives with a special guest: Becca, who makes a big announcement.
Grace
episode S7.E12 june 2014Karen massages the situation - even though Hank is still not on board with Becca's plans. Later, Hank manages to reassure Julia, urge Charlie to save Marcy, plus, make his own life-altering decision. Series finale.
- Pilot
- Hell-A Woman
- The Whore of Babylon
- Fear and Loathing at the Fundraiser
- LOL
- Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
- Girls, Interrupted
- California Son
- Filthy Lucre
- The Devil's Threesome
- Turn the Page
- The Last Waltz
- Slip of the Tongue
- The Great Ashby
- No Way to Treat a Lady
- The Raw & the Cooked
- Vaginatown
- Coke Dick & First Kick
- In a Lonely Place
- Going Down and Out in Beverly Hills
- La Ronde
- In Utero
- Blues from Laurel Canyon
- La Petite Mort
- Wish You Were Here
- The Land of Rape and Honey
- Verities & Balderdash
- Zoso
- Slow Happy Boys
- Glass Houses
- So Here's the Thing...
- The Apartment
- Mr. Bad Example
- Dogtown
- Comings and Goings
- Mia Culpa
- Exile on Main St.
- Suicide Solution
- Home Sweet Home
- Monkey Business
- Freeze-Frame
- Lawyers, Guns and Money
- The Recused
- Lights, Camera, A**hole
- Another Perfect Day
- The Trial
- The Last Supper
- ...And Justice for All
- JFK - - > LAX
- The Way of the Fist
- Boys & Girls
- Waiting for the Miracle
- The Ride-Along
- Love Song
- Here I Go Again
- Raw
- At the Movies
- Perverts & Whores
- The Party
- Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
- The Unforgiven
- Quitters
- Dead Rock Stars
- Hell Bent for Leather
- Rock and a Hard Place
- In the Clouds
- The Dope Show
- Everybody's a F**king Critic
- Mad Dogs & Englishmen
- Blind Faith
- The Abby
- I'll Lay My Monsters Down
- Levon
- Julia
- Like Father Like Son
- Dicks
- Getting the Poison Out
- Kickoff
- Smile
- 30 Minutes or Less
- Faith, Hope, Love
- Dinner with Friends
- Daughter
- Grace
Best moments10
- Hank gets a taste of his own medicine with Karen. Atticus tries to recreate rock and roll folklore with one of his biggest fans while Charlie reunites with The Widow.
- The wedding of Karen and Bill provides the impetus for emotional revelations that threaten to derail the entire ceremony unless Hank can put everything right. Season finale.
- Hank flashes back to his turbulent times with Karen and a confused young Becca - and their days with a happier Charlie and Marcy. A run-in with a nun, however, helps him to put things into perspective.
- Hank receives bad news about his father and embarks on a grief-stricken bender of booze, drugs and even a prostitute as he remembers the last time they saw each other.
- Found guilty of statutory rape, Hank buys a used Porsche and considers fleeing from Los Angeles, but instead enjoys one last night in the company of his friends and family.
- Hank channels an earlier time when life was simpler in order to write a song that will help Sam break through his lyrical roadblock; Karen shows up at Hank's door worried that she has made a serious mistake.
- Hank declines an offer of sex, while Karen goes on a date with Ashby; Charlie and Daisy bond over "Dirty Dancing" while Marcy remains on the mend in rehab.
- Hank receives an unwelcome surprise in the form of Carrie, his ex-girlfriend and arsonist. He reluctantly invites her along to a party with Karen, Becca, Stu, Marcy and Bates that proves to be illuminating, disturbing, and out of control.
- Hank nervously awaits medical test results while reflecting on the early days of his romance with Karen, which coincided with a famous grunge rocker's overdose; Charlie begs Daisy not to move out.
- A weekend visit from Karen is interrupted by trouble with Becca and her best friend Chelsea; Charlie is crushed when Marcy consummates her girlhood crush on rocker Rick Springfield.
- Mad Dogs & Englishmen
- The Last Waltz
- Faith, Hope, Love
- California Son
- The Last Supper
- Love Song
- La Ronde
- Waiting for the Miracle
- In Utero
- Glass Houses