Charles in Charge (1984–1990)

Charles, a college student, moves in with the Powell family as the housekeeper, baby-sitter, and friend to the children. Along with his best friend, Buddy, Charles attempts to manage his ... See full summary »

Creator:

Michael Jacobs

Stars:

Scott Baio, Willie Aames, Nicole Eggert

2 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Scott Baio	...	Charles (126 episodes, 1984-1990)
Willie Aames	...	Buddy Lembeck (126 episodes, 1984-1990)
Nicole Eggert	...	Jamie Powell (104 episodes, 1987-1990)
Josie Davis	...	Sarah Powell (104 episodes, 1987-1990)
Alexander Polinsky	...	Adam Powell (104 episodes, 1987-1990)
James T. Callahan	...	Walter Powell (104 episodes, 1987-1990)
Ellen Travolta	...	Lillian (70 episodes, 1987-1990)

Storyline

Charles, a college student, moves in with the Powell family as the housekeeper, baby-sitter, and friend to the children. Along with his best friend, Buddy, Charles attempts to manage his life, especially college and girls, as well as tend to the family.

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Plot Keywords:

college student | best friend | housekeeper | housework | new jersey | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 October 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Babysitter

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Al Burton Productions, Scholastic Productions, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (126 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally broadcast for a year on CBS (October 1984-July 1985), then went to first-run syndication starting in January 1987.

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Quotes

Douglas Pembroke: ...All right,
[shouts]
Douglas Pembroke: who stole my Incredible Hulk underoos?

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Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Sting (1991)

User Reviews

Charles is in Charge!

Charles in Charge is a show about a college student who becomes a live-in helper for the Pembroke family, consisting of mom and dad, teenager Lily, middle schooler Douglas, and 10-year-old Jason. From the second season on to the last one, Charles switches families and stays with the Powells, as the Pembrokes are moving to Seattle. The reason for this is because Charles in Charge originally ran in 1984 for the first season and was cancelled. However, it was revived in syndication from 1987-1990 and on the first episode of the 2nd. season, it is explained that while Buddy and Charles were on a camping trip, Mr. Pembroke got transferred from his job in Pennslyvania to Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Pembroke and Jason both show up in the episode to explain things to Charles and to say goodbye. From then on, the Powells are the new family who have leased the house and they also maintain Charles' services. Charles now has to contend with Grandpa, Mom Powell, (Dad is away in the Navy), teenager Jamie, middle schooler Sarah, and 10-year-old Adam. The Pembrokes and Powells are definitely not totally the same but there are some similarities.

In any case, I have seen some of the first season as well as the later seasons and they are all good. Buddy is the best. He is so crazy and hilarious. He and Charles are such good friends and have great times, dating girls and keeping everything at the household under control. It's great. Charles in Charge rules!