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Perfect Strangers

  • TV Series
  • 1986–1993
  • TV-PG
  • 30m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
12K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,797
1,244
Bronson Pinchot and Mark Linn-Baker in Perfect Strangers (1986)
Official Trailer
Play trailer1:32
1 Video
99+ Photos
Buddy ComedySitcomComedyFamily

A high-strung and cynical man's life is never the same when his naive but good-natured cousin comes to America to live with him.A high-strung and cynical man's life is never the same when his naive but good-natured cousin comes to America to live with him.A high-strung and cynical man's life is never the same when his naive but good-natured cousin comes to America to live with him.

  • Creator
    • Dale McRaven
  • Stars
    • Bronson Pinchot
    • Mark Linn-Baker
    • Melanie Wilson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    12K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,797
    1,244
    • Creator
      • Dale McRaven
    • Stars
      • Bronson Pinchot
      • Mark Linn-Baker
      • Melanie Wilson
    • 78User reviews
    • 7Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys
      • 2 wins & 5 nominations total

    Episodes151

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    Videos1

    Perfect Strangers
    Trailer 1:32
    Perfect Strangers

    Photos377

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Bronson Pinchot
    Bronson Pinchot
    • Balki Bartokomous…
    • 1986–1993
    Mark Linn-Baker
    Mark Linn-Baker
    • Larry Appleton
    • 1986–1993
    Melanie Wilson
    Melanie Wilson
    • Jennifer
    • 1986–1993
    Rebeca Arthur
    Rebeca Arthur
    • Mary Anne
    • 1986–1993
    Belita Moreno
    Belita Moreno
    • Lydia…
    • 1986–1992
    Sam Anderson
    Sam Anderson
    • Mr. Sam Gorpley…
    • 1986–1992
    Jo Marie Payton
    Jo Marie Payton
    • Harriette Winslow
    • 1987–1989
    Ernie Sabella
    Ernie Sabella
    • Mr. Donald 'Twinkie' Twinkacetti
    • 1986–1987
    F.J. O'Neil
    • Mr. Wainright
    • 1988–1992
    Lise Cutter
    • Susan Campbell
    • 1986
    Robert G. Lee
    • Delivery Man…
    • 1990–1992
    Eugene Roche
    Eugene Roche
    • Harry Burns
    • 1987–1988
    Jim Doughan
    • Jimmy…
    • 1987–1991
    George Wyner
    George Wyner
    • Marvin Berman…
    • 1989–1992
    Candi Milo
    Candi Milo
    • Gina Morelli
    • 1986
    John Del Regno
    John Del Regno
    • Vince Lucas
    • 1986–1988
    Scott Marlowe
    Scott Marlowe
    • Marco Madison
    • 1990
    Steve Vinovich
    Steve Vinovich
    • Customer #1…
    • 1986–1988
    • Creator
      • Dale McRaven
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews78

    7.211.7K
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    Featured reviews

    9hellraiser7

    Imperfect Company

    This show is another childhood gem of mine, it's also another under the radar gem, it was really popular for it's time but as I said for it's time as time went on its became slightly forgotten. It was one of the first comedies/sitcom shows I've ever watched when I was about 7 or 8; it's also kind of one of the first buddy comedies as well. The Buddy cop/comedy genre back in the 80's was a really big thing from films like "Lethal Weapon", "48 Hours", you name it; so, it's no surprise this show would come along.

    Not much to say really, it's just a simple premise like any buddy comedy on two very different people living together and trying to make it together. I really like both characters they have really good back and forth, both actors Bronson Pinchot and Mark Lynn Baker are really solid it's too bad both didn't have much else afterward. Both characters are well rounded and are easy to emphasize with.

    Larry (Mark Lynn Baker) he is bit of a workaholic, ambitious but very insecure at the same time. I can emphasize a bit with him because even I'm a bit of a workaholic, and his insecurities at times are something we all feel sometimes, and they really aren't always misplaced some of his insecurities are justified. What I really like about him is how ambitious he is, he's always trying out things or starting up ventures to get more money, get a step up, or whatever else in life. And he does actually win sometimes but what's funny is how he loses sometimes, not just from not having the luck of the draw but just letting his ambition cloud his better judgement or letting things get out of hand.

    Balki (Bronson Pinchot) is my favorite character, I can sort of emphasize a little with Balka as he's an outsider, he's has sort of childlike sensibilities but what I love about the guy is he's not afraid to be himself, he really puts his home country sensibilities and whatever he loves in life out there. It may seem strange to anyone else, but he honestly doesn't care what anyone else thinks he just want to do his thing. He really is a good for Corson as he really helps bring fun to his life which he probably never has much of and even helps guide him on the right path likewise for Corson sometimes. I really like the theme song which is an honorable mention if favorite themes songs in my book. It's memorable and perfectly reflects the show.

    And these two just get into all kinds of crazy crap, there are a lot of funny memorable episodes like one where they make a crazy amount of pastries called Biba Badkas which is once again another one of Larry's fast business ventures the results well I won't tell you but it's hilarious. Balki dressing up as a ninja and both Larry and him playful fight which is funny but really addressed the ninja craze back in the 80's. Or one where they are invited to a club but overdo it on the tanning and they look like walking oranges, though to me the highlight was seeing them move which was hilarious as even the smallest and simplest movement is painful.

    Overall if you're looking for vintage buddy comedies this is a show to check out, it's a perfect good time.

    Rating: 3 and a half stars
    RosalieBustingMyBowls

    I Can't Believe I'm The Only One Commenting On This Show!

    This is one of the all-time classic t.v. shows that stays with you forever. My whole family used to get together every Friday night to watch this show when it was on T.G.I.F. Try as I might, i can't find reruns of this show anywhere! This is the only show that I actually remember them doing the curtain call at the end of the last show, my whole family was crying! Man, those were the days.
    8Catherine_Grace_Zeh

    An absolute ABC classic!

    "PERFECT STRANGERS," in my opinion, is an absolute ABC classic! I'm not sure if I've never seen every episode, but I still enjoyed it. One of my favorite episodes is where Larry (Mark Linn-Baker) and Balki (Bronson Pinchot) get sunburned by some sunbathing beds. If you want to know how and why that happened, you'd have to have seen it for yourself. I also enjoyed the romances between them and their girlfriends (Rebecca Arthur and Melanie Wilson). Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, I hope they bring it back on the air for fans of the show to see.
    DaBears54

    Of Course not Don't be ridiculous

    This is one of my favorite shows of the 80s. I used to watch this show while I got ready to go to school in 1987. I was 8 then. I am almost 24 now and I get a kick out of watching this show. It brings back memories of my childhood.
    Monika-5

    Now we are so happy, we do the dance of joy!

    This show was CLASSIC! Mark Linn-Baker and Bronson Pinchot worked brilliantly together, and the writing and direction were both fresh and hysterical. Even though I haven't seen a rerun in so long, I still know how to do the Dance of Joy! Also I remember so many of the great lines, compliments of Balki: "Get out of the city!" "Woooo-wow!" "Well, of course not don't be ridiculous!" "Well, paint me gold and call me Oscar!" "Well, paint me green and call me Gumby!"

    GREAT SHOW!!!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Balki was originally named "Vev". Bronson Pinchot came up with the name Balki after his sister's dog who was named "Balcony" and nicknamed "Balcy".
    • Quotes

      Balki Bartokomous: Now we are so happy, we do the Dance of Joy!

    • Connections
      Featured in The 39th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1987)
    • Soundtracks
      Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now
      Written by Jesse Frederick and Bennett Salvay

      Performed by David Pomeranz

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    FAQ18

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 25, 1986 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • The Greenhorn
    • Filming locations
      • Chicago, Illinois, USA
    • Production companies
      • Lorimar Productions
      • Lorimar Telepictures
      • Lorimar Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 4:3

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