Relying on the tried-but-true odd-couple set up, Perfect Strangers focuses on the comical lives of Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) and Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot). Larry is an uptight American who has moved away from his family's Wisconsin home for his own apartment in Chicago. His life is changed forever when his childlike cousin Balki--a sheepherder from the fictional island of Mypos--shows up on his doorstep with the goal of becoming a U.S. citizen. A hit sitcom for ABC that ran from 1986 to 1993, Perfect Strangers offers some heartwarming storylines, a few laughs, and some genuine chemistry between the two leads. The first few years of the comedy are among the show's best, as Larry and Balki get accustomed to each other's ways. Linn-Baker plays the straight man who sets Pinchot up to deliver the best lines. While Pinchot definitely has the showier "fish out of water" part--and "Don't be ridiculous!" tag line that became a catchphrase for a year or two--Linn-Baker creates the more relatable character. He's working in a small shop, but his dream is to become a photojournalist. The show actually does a nice job of making sure Larry never loses sight of his goals, even as Balki is dragging him from one adventure to another.

Cast and Characters

• Bronson Pinchot as Balki Bartokomous
• Mark Linn-Baker as Larry Appleton
• Melanie Wilson as Jennifer
• Rebecca Arthur as Mary Anne
• Sam Anderson as Mr. Sam Gropley (1987-1992)
• F.J. O'Neil as Mr. Wainright (1989-1992)
• Belita Moreno as Edwina Twinkacetti (1986-1987)
• Jo Marie Payton-France as Harriet Winslow (1987-1989)
• Ernie Sabella as Mr. Donald Twinkacetti ("Twinkie") (1986-1987)
• Alisan Porter as Tess Holland (1900)
• Eugene Roche as Harry Burns (1987-1988)

Broadcast History, Episode Guide & TV Schedule

First Telecast: March 25, 1986
Last Telecast: August 6, 1993
Number of Seasons: 8
Number of Episodes: 150
Original Network: ABC
Original Primetime TV Schedule:

• dates here

Theme Song Lyrics and Intro

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now" by Jesse Frederick and Bennett Salvay, peformed by David Pomeranz.

Sometimes the world looks perfect, Nothing to rearrange. Sometimes you get a feeling Like you need some kind of change. No matter what the odds are this time, Nothing's going to stand in my way. This flame in my heart, And a long lost friend Gives every dark street a light at the end. Standing tall, on the wings of my dream. Rise and fall, on the wings of my dream. The rain and thunder v The wind and haze I'm bound for better days. It's my life and my dream, Nothing's going to stop me now.

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Perfect Strangers On DVD

Seasons 1 & 2


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