Back in 1982, it was perfectly fine to refer to the 12-year-old star of Silver Spoons as Ricky Schroder. It wouldn't be until his young adult years, when he went on to star in such projects as Lonesome Dove, 24, and NYPD Blue that Schroder would try to distance himself from the sitcom that made him a household name and replace Ricky with Rick. But no matter how many plum roles Schroder gets, we will always have fond memories of Ricky--or the Rickster, as he was sometimes called on the show. The first season opens with millionaire man-child Edward Stratton III (Joel Higgins) learning that he is the father of a tween boy. Straight out of military school, little Ricky moves in with his dad and the two fill needs in each other's lives that they didn't realize needed filling. Schroder already had proven his dramatic acting chops in the 1979 theatrical release The Champ, for which he won a Golden Globe. With Silver Spoons--especially during the first couple seasons--he didn't have to do much else than look adorable (And look adorable he does). Playing the wise child to Higgins' somewhat immature (and emotionally stunted) dad, he's a natural whether helping his father land a date, dealing with a school bully, or making sure his father and grandfather come to terms with their complicated relationship.
Cast and Characters
Ricky Schroder as Ricky Stratton
Joel Higgins as Edward Stratton III
Erin Gray as Kate Summers Stratton
Leonard Lightfoot as Leonard Rollins (1982-1983)
Franklyn Seales as Dexter Stuffins
Jason Bateman as Derek Taylor (1982-1984)
Corky Pigeon as Freddy Lippincottleman (1983-1985)
Alfonso Ribeiro as Alfoso Spears (1984-1987)
Bobby Fite as J.T Martin (1983-1984)
John Houseman as Grandfather Edward Stratton II
Ray Wilson as Uncle Harry Summers (1985)
Billy Jacoby as Brad (1985-1986)
Broadcast History First Telecast: September 25, 1982 Last Telecast: March 3, 1987 Number of Episodes: 116
Number of Seasons: 5
Original Network: NBC
September 1982- September 1984, NBC, Saturday 8:30-9:00pm
September 1984- May 1985, NBC, Sunday 7:00-7:30pm
June 1985- March 1986, NBC, Sunday 7:30-8:00pm
May 1986- September 1986, NBC, Sunday 7:00-7:30pm
Syndication - October 1986 May 1987
Theme Song Lyrics and Opening Credits
"Together" by Bob Wirth and Rik Howard.
Here we are, face to face
A couple of Silver Spoons.
Hopin’ to find, we’re two of a kind
Making a go, making it grow.
Together, we’re going to find our way.
Together, taking the time each day.
To learn all about those things you just can’t buy.
Two Silver spoons together.
You and I together (We’re going to find our way)
You and I together (We’re going to find our way)
You and I together
Back in 1982, it was perfectly fine to refer to the 12-year-old star of Silver Spoons as Ricky Schroder. It wouldn't be until his young adult years, when he went on to star in such projects as Lonesome Dove, 24, and NYPD Blue that Schroder would try to distance himself from the sitcom that made him a household name and replace Ricky with Rick. But no matter how many plum roles Schroder gets, we will always have fond memories of Ricky--or the Rickster, as he was sometimes called on the show. The first season opens with millionaire man-child Edward Stratton III (Joel Higgins) learning that he is the father of a tween boy. Straight out of military school, little Ricky moves in with his dad and the two fill needs in each other's lives that they didn't realize needed filling. Schroder already had proven his dramatic acting chops in the 1979 theatrical release The Champ, for which he won a Golden Globe. With Silver Spoons--especially during the first couple seasons--he didn't have to do much else than look adorable (And look adorable he does). Playing the wise child to Higgins' somewhat immature (and emotionally stunted) dad, he's a natural whether helping his father land a date, dealing with a school bully, or making sure his father and grandfather come to terms with their complicated relationship.
