"Diff'rent Strokes" (1978) TV series 1978-1986

Creators:

Jeff Harris
Bernie Kukoff

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | unknown

Release Date:

3 November 1978 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family

Plot:

The misadventures of a rich Manhattan family who adopted the children of their late African American maid.

Plot Keywords:

Millionaire | African American | Sitcom | New York City | Cult TV

Awards:

2 wins & 30 nominations

Cast

Conrad Bain	...	Philip Drummond (189 episodes, 1978-1986)
Gary Coleman	...	Arnold Jackson (184 episodes, 1978-1986)
Todd Bridges	...	Willis Jackson (169 episodes, 1978-1986)
Dana Plato	...	Kimberly Drummond (140 episodes, 1978-1986)

Also Known As:

45 Minutes from Harlem (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

30 min | USA:30 min (189 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:TV-PG | Singapore:PG | Australia:G | Australia:PG (some episodes) | Argentina:Atp

Filming Locations:

5746 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Embassy Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

Mary Ann Mobley played Conrad Bain's love interest twice: first she played Arnold's teacher Ms Osbourne, who dates Mr Drummond in the 2nd season; then she replaced Dixie Carter as Maggie Drummond towards the end of the series.

Quotes:

[Willis has just learned his close friend has died in an auto accident]
Willis Jackson: Oh no...
[pause]
Willis Jackson: [crying] Oh no...
[Willis hangs up the phone and cries]
Willis Jackson: Look at me. Crying just like a kid.
Philip Drummond: No. Crying just like a man.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: I, Done: Part 2 (#6.24)" (1996)

Soundtrack:

Diff'rent Strokes

25th Anniversary--What You Talkin' About?

It's hard to believe, but 2003 marks 25 years since Gary Coleman asked Willis what he was talking about.

Norman Lear, who broke a lot of ground heretofore with All in the Family, Maude, The Jeffersons, and Good Times, continued his magic touch with Diff'rent Strokes. A 25th anniversary marathon on any given television station would be a great way to remember this show, notwithstanding that Miss Dana Plato is no longer of this earth.

This show made Gary Coleman Gary Coleman, and he truly made the show what it was.