10 Iconic Quotes from The Nanny

The Nanny has entertained viewers for six seasons with its hilarious characters, fun storylines, and great fashion. Fans of the show got to watch the evolution of Fran Fine and the Sheffield family, as they welcomed her into their lives. Let’s let’s take a look at 10 iconic quotes from USA’s The Nanny.

“Ms. Fine, you spend so much time up this creek, I should think by now you’d have bought a paddle.” – Niles

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While The Nanny may follow the story of Fran Fine (Fran Drescher) and Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy), one of the most iconic characters of the show is Niles the butler (Daniel Davis). Niles is never short of a quippy remark, and this season one line he says after Fran fears getting fired is just one example of the hilarity he brings to the show. 

“I find it very unseemly of Maxwell to start dating again. Isn’t the customary period of mourning 10 years?” – C.C. Babcock

C.C. Babcock’s (Lauren Lane) one-sided infatuation with Maxwell never fails to bring a smile to fans’ faces. C.C. never fails to voice her opinion on Mr. Sheffield’s romantic life, especially since that life does not involve her. 

“You’re off your bloody rocker, you know that? Thank God you’re not operating heavy machinery, just raising my children.” – Maxwell Sheffield

Mr. Sheffield puts up with all of Fran’s antics, but that doesn’t mean he has to like them. This iconic line from The Nanny season two comes from when Fran tried to warn Mr. Sheffield that her sister was trying to make a move on him. It seems that the love for Maxwell Sheffield runs in the family. 

“But I’ve got style! I’ve got flair! How did I become the nanny?” – Fran Fine

It’s no secret that Fran Fine is a fashion icon. From fun patterned vests to colorful dresses her outfits are always to die for. This iconic quote references the opening theme of the show, which details that her style and flair are exactly why she got the job. And thank goodness for that because who else could have helped the Sheffield family the way Fran has?

“Yetta! These aren’t Fran’s children! Fran doesn’t have any children! She’s not married, SHE’S ALL ALONE!” – Sylvia Fine

It’s always a fun time when Fran’s mother Sylvia Fine (Renée Taylor) comes over. After eating all of the Sheffields’ food and watching their TV, Sylvia reminds us that you are never too old to have your mother call you out for being single. 

“I Knew It. I knew it!!…….. Andrew Lloyd Webber is God” – Maxwell Sheffield

One of the recurring jokes in The Nanny is Mr. Sheffield’s disdain for Andrew Lloyd Webber. After passing on the musical Cats years ago, Mr.Sheffield has worked hard to obtain the level of success his rival has had after deciding he would produce the musical Mr.Sheffield refused. 

“Ms. Fine and Ms. Babcock walking arm-in-arm. Isn’t that one of the Biblical signs of the Apocalypse?” – Niles

It’s no secret that C.C. is not a fan of Fran. After years of harboring feelings for Mr.Sheffield, watching Fran waltz in and capture his attention made C.C. despise her. However, they have their moments together, much to the surprise and fear of Niles.

“If God listened to my mother, I’d be living in a mansion with a handsome millionaire and gorgeous kids. (stares at the ceiling) She forgot to say “married”?!” – Fran Fine

A lot of The Nanny is Fran pursuing the idea of marriage. This is partly because her mother is equally as desperate for her to marry if not more.  In season three Fran realizes that her mother’s prayers have been answered, as she does live in a mansion with a handsome millionaire and gorgeous kids, clearly, her mother didn’t specify how she acquires those things.

“I am so bloody sick of this, year after year, ‘Niles, what am I to do? I told her I loved her, I took it back, I’m afraid of commitment, I’m worried about the children’ For God’s sake, make a move! Do something! You passed on Cats, do you want to regret this for the rest of your life too?!” – Niles

After years of having a front-row seat of Mr. Sheffield and Fran’s mess of a relationship, Niles has had enough. In season five of The Nanny we get this iconic line where Niles gives Mr.Sheffield a reality check, effectively giving him that final push into the arms of Fran for good. 

“You blew into our lives five years ago like a whirlwind; made us all feel alive again. For that alone, I’ll love you forever” – Maxwell Sheffield

The back-and-forth between Mr.Sheffield and Fran is one of the most iconic parts of The Nanny. As they danced around each other, viewers sat on edge waiting to see if they would finally get together. After years of Mr.Sheffield struggling to come to terms with his feelings, we get this iconic quote in which he tells Fran that he loves her (and doesn’t take it back this time).

Stream USA’s The Nanny on Peacock for more iconic and hilarious quotes.

About the Author

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Sydney Johnson

Sydney Johnson is a junior at Emerson College where she studies journalism with a minor in podcasting, radio, and streaming media. On campus, she is Head Online Director of Five Cent Sound Magazine and co-hosts a radio show titled The Cliche Cassette. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Sydney is a fan of all things music especially boybands.