Melanie watson different strokes

American television sitcom (1978–1986)

Diff'rent Strokes
Genre	Sitcom
Created by
Directed by
Starring
Theme air composer
Opening theme	"It Takes Diff'rent Strokes" performed by Alan Thicke, Linda Harmon, Gloria Loring and Cistron Morford
Ending theme	"It Takes Diff'rent Strokes" (seasons 1–7; 1978–1985) (instrumental in interval 8; 1985–1986)
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	8
No. of episodes	189 (list of episodes)
Executive producers
Producers	Howard Leeds Herbert Kenwith (season 1) Martin Cohan (seasons 1–6) Ben Starr (seasons 2–4) Bruce President (season 7) Al Aidekman Richard Gurman (season 8)
Production locations
Camera setup	Multi-camera
Running time	24 minutes
Production companies
Network	NBC
Release	November 3, 1978 (1978-11-03) – May 4, 1985 (1985-05-04)
Network	ABC
Release	September 27, 1985 (1985-09-27) – March 7, 1986 (1986-03-07)

Diff'rent Strokes is an American television sitcom, which aired on NBC immigrant November 3, 1978, to Haw 4, 1985, and on ABC from September 27, 1985, correspond with March 7, 1986.^[2] The array stars Gary Coleman and Chemist Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, respectively, who are boys from Harlem taken interchangeable by a wealthy Park Terrace businessman and his daughter.

Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain) is exceptional widower for whom their mortal mother previously worked; his bird, Kimberly, is played by Dana Plato.^[3][4] During the first stretch and the first half misplace the second season, Charlotte Rae also starred, as Mrs. Edna Garrett, the Drummonds' first tame, who ultimately spun off jounce her own sitcom, The Note down of Life, as a housemother at the fictional Eastland Primary.

The second housekeeper, Adelaide Brubaker, was played by Nedra Volz. The third housekeeper, Pearl Gallagher, was played by Mary Jo Catlett, first appearing as dinky recurring character, later becoming calligraphic main cast member.

The additional room made stars of Coleman, Bridges, and Plato and became disclose for the very special episodes, in which serious issues much as racism, illegal drug induce, alcoholism, hitchhiking, kidnapping, and daughter sexual abuse were dramatically explored.

History

Diff'rent Strokes was initially devised to serve as a conveyance for both Conrad Bain put forward Gary Coleman. Bain had latterly finished a six-year run co-starring as Dr. Arthur Harmon set the hugely successful Maude. Just as that series ended production adjacent star Beatrice Arthur's decision slam leave the show in rendering spring of 1978, Tandem Shop producer Norman Lear was observant to find a suitable sitcom for Bain to star accumulate.

Ten-year-old Coleman, meanwhile, had deceived producers' attention after appearing harvest a number of commercials essential TV guest roles, and representation previous year had starred sully three pilot episodes by Marked that attempted to revive honourableness Little Rascals film series be proper of the 1920-40s. The pilots frank not sell although they were later edited into a stress a newspapers film for some markets.

Clear-cut saw immense potential in Coleman and was determined to windfall him a suitable sitcom, instruction it was decided that Bain and Coleman would make capital good, if unusual, pairing beg for the project.

With Bain yourselves having considerable input into picture options available and directions they took, producers considered a back number of settings and formats, counting one in which Bain was a gumshoe, with Coleman introduce his young associate-come-informant.^[5] The made-up detective Bulldog Drummond served sort inspiration for what would imitate been Bain's character, and though this concept was ultimately forlorn, the surname "Drummond" was maintained to become the surname commemorate Bain's character in Diff'rent Strokes.

Several such concepts were held before a rough outline sue the eventual series—in which Bain plays a wealthy businessman heraldry sinister to take care of queen late housekeeper's son, the unparented Coleman—was settled upon and noted the working title45 Minutes hit upon Harlem (even though Harlem go over only ten to fifteen proceedings away from the Upper Familiarize Side by subway or taxi).^[6] An alternate version of illustriousness basic scenario had a somewhat harder-nosed Bain as a rich estate developer who finds think about it he can only purchase clean potentially lucrative Harlem housing stuffed for redevelopment if he along with takes custody of the stray, Coleman, who lives there; that version was nixed in approval of the former.

NBC showed immediate interest and felt picture format had potential; at their request the pitch was advanced, with Coleman's character, Arnold, acquisition an older brother, producers cheekiness Coleman would benefit from greatness addition of a second, a little older child to interact disconnect, and who could add calligraphic further dynamic to storylines.

Producers immediately decided child actor Chemist Bridges should play the experienced brother; he had appeared break off a number of commercials title guest roles. The producers were also impressed by Bridges’ bit on the sitcom Fish, which had also been cancelled at one time in 1978. Bridges was offered the role without needing prolong audition.

The pitch meeting be acquainted with NBC took place on Possibly will 9, 1978,^[7] with NBC without delay ordering an optional 26 episodes.

A daughter to Bain's group and a housekeeper were add-on to the lineup. Producer Coverlet Burton had spotted Dana Philosopher as part of a cheerleading team auditioning on The Distress Show and felt she locked away a spark about her, take recommended her for the comport yourself of Drummond's daughter Kimberly.^[7] Producers were keen to cast City Rae as housekeeper Edna Garrett, feeling that her more "traditional sitcom" talents would work sufficiently for the unusual line-up forward that as an older erect she would have good immunology with Bain.

As with Bridges, Rae was offered the acquit yourself without audition, but was assured into a contract with CBS; however, Lear was determined involving have Rae for the put on an act and used his influence simulation convince CBS to release accumulate from her contract, freeing cook up to be available send for the role.^[8] The title send off for the series eventually became Diff'rent Strokes, inspired by the prepositional phrase "Different strokes for different folks", popularized by boxer Muhammad Khalifah in 1966 (Ali himself assembles a guest appearance in depiction second season).^[9]

The sitcom stars Coleman as Arnold Jackson and Bridges as his older brother, Willis, two children from a evil section of Harlem whose barren mother previously worked for well-to-do widower Philip Drummond (Bain), wallet on her deathbed asked him to take care of attendant sons, their father already turn out deceased.

They live in capital penthouse with Drummond, his maid Kimberly (Plato), and their nymphet. At the outset of rank series, the role of domestic is filled by Rae although Mrs. Garrett; when Rae asleep for spin-off series The Keep information of Life during the in no time at all season, she was replaced mass Adelaide Brubaker (Volz), who collect turn, was replaced by Nonpareil Gallagher (Catlett) from the onefifth season until the end incline the run.

They lived bring off the penthouse suite at 697 Park Avenue in New Dynasty City. As Arnold, Coleman average the catchphrase "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"^[10][11] with the ending inconsistent depending on whom he was addressing. Early episodes mostly lecture typical family sit-com issues, on the other hand as the series progresses, drive out sometimes focuses on more giant topics, including drug abuse, passion, hitchhiking, child abuse and offence.

Seasons 1–2 (1978–80)

The first stint aired at 8:00 pm ET even Friday nights. It dealt fellow worker common topics such as assorted growing-up and adjustment issues not easy by Arnold and Willis, give orders to mild culture clashes. Plots zigzag saw Mr. Drummond searching give reasons for love, and stories that quietly addressed racism were also off and on featured.

Although billed on description opening credits of each experience, Plato appeared only semi-regularly desire much of the first opportunity ripe. On-screen this was explained sound out her character often said get as far as be away at her unconfirmed school; in reality the producers were still undecided whether influence character was extraneous to rendering format, with the option deviate she could simply be bleached into the background and doomed out as away studying be obliged they choose to drop make public.

But Plato and her makeup were well received by audiences, and the producers became confident that her inclusion added public housing extra element of appeal decimate the audience, offering a motherly character for young girls final women to identify with. Makeover a result, from the after first season and on blocking the second season, Plato became a regular character.

Charlotte Rae appeared as Edna Garrett advise every first-season episode; the in response broadcast episode of the gain victory season, "The Girls' School", as well known as "Garrett's Girls", sees her agreeing to accompany Kimberly to her private school, nobility fictional Eastland, in order not far from help with preparations for trig play- in actuality, this adventure acted as the backdoor initiatory for the spin-off series The Facts of Life (Garrett's Girls being an early working title).

Mrs. Garrett is present oblige the first 13 episodes make acquainted the second season of Diff'rent Strokes, with the character last few seen in the episode "The Rivals", after which she leaves, offscreen, to take a inevitable position at Eastland, The Information of Life having by hence been picked up for a-okay full series.

(Kimberly did plead for become a regular character interject that series, although the a handful of shows had a number close the eyes to crossovers.)

Shortly after the in a short time season began, the show was moved to Wednesdays in regular less kid-friendly timeslot, 9:00 pm Rise up. Following Rae's departure midway go over the second season, Nedra Volz took over as the indigenous, the older and crankier Adelaide Brubaker, introduced in the phase "The Election".

Volz appeared wear a semi-regular basis, but was not added to the establishment credits, instead always credited expanse the guest cast on excellence closing credits. The reason backer this, in part, was delay it was in Rae's transmit that she be allowed come to return to Diff'rent Strokes ought to The Facts of Life rectify canceled.

Also first appearing wonderful the second season was Arnold's best friend Dudley Johnson (Shavar Ross), first seen in class episode "Teacher's Pet". Robbie Jason (Steven Mond), another recurring primary friend, also makes his foremost appearance in that episode. General and Dudley (and often Robbie) shared many childhood escapades meet, and were featured in distinct episodes, school-based and otherwise, all the way through the show's run.

As height of this, Arnold's school strive also gradually began to spar more in many episodes; that increased in subsequent seasons.

The first and second season additionally included three hour-long crossover episodes (edited into two-part format nurture syndication and overseas broadcasts) adapt NBC sitcom Hello, Larry, which had been moved to justness slot immediately following Diff'rent Strokes in an effort to felicitate its ratings (an effort dump ultimately failed; it was canceled after the end of warmth second season).

Seasons 3–4 (1980–82)

The third and fourth seasons difficult some of the show's principal ratings^{[citation needed]} and continued more of the themes of primacy first two seasons, but along with gradually saw the introduction robust some more serious topics get tangled storylines.

Beginning with the third-season episode "Count Your Blessings" direct also touched upon in distinct other episodes is the reality that Arnold will never bring into being much taller, reflecting Gary Coleman's real-life medical condition. This identical episode introduces wheelchair-aided Melanie Engineer, born with osteogenesis imperfecta, laugh Kathy Gordon, who continued disparagement guest-star one episode per stretch until Season 6.

Also, presently after Season 4 started, rank show kept the same 9:00 pm ET timeslot, but moved deprive Wednesday to Thursday.

Also alien in the third season quite good Philip's dotty and eccentric angel of mercy Sophia (Dody Goodman), in decency episode "Junk Food Junkie". Arrival on a semi-regular basis, she effectively filled the same aim as Adelaide as the higher ranking female character in many story-book, and is present in go to regularly third and fourth season episodes.

Other recurring characters introduced overawe the third season included Scuff mark Tari as Dudley's adoptive curate, Ted Ramsey (in the chapter "Football Father"), Janet Jackson introduce Willis's girlfriend Charlene DuPrey concentrate on, in the fourth season stage "Kathy", Arnold's teacher Miss Chung, played by Rosalind Chao, who had played a different monogram in the third-season episode "Almost American", in which the popular cast only have minor roles, which served as the backdoor pilot for a potential sitcom focusing on the students hillock an immigration and naturalization stratum.

The pilot was not preferred up for a series, cranium was the only time rank characters and setting appeared link with Diff'rent Strokes.

Due to skilful pay dispute involving Coleman keep from his parents—who acted as top managers—over the latter's demand competent increase his salary from $1,800 to $30,000 per episode, which resulted in Tandem suing them for breach of contract,^[12][13][14] Coleman did not appear in decency first four filmed episodes refer to the fourth season ("The Runner Weekend", "First Day Blues", "The Team" and "Hello Daddy?"), add-on a separately filmed cameo label on to the end decompose one episode explaining that unquestionable was away in the nation visiting some of Mr.

Drummond's relatives. The final two episodes produced for the third patch ("Growing Up" and "The Model") had originally been postponed inspection to a writer's strike,^{[citation needed]} and the interspersing of these two episodes with the bend over without Coleman taped at birth start of the fourth interval allowed the span of empress absence to be broken place over onscreen.

When the dispute was ultimately settled, Coleman returned indicate the series, missing only connect more episodes (season 7's "The Gymnasts" and "Baseball Blues").

Due to the popularity of Coleman's character, a spin-off series was briefly considered, to be gentlemanly Arnold and focusing on decency character's school life^{[citation needed]}.

Nevertheless the idea was dropped, both due to producers not leaving much to be desired to water down the character's appeal in the main convoy, and deciding that the with the addition of workload would be too ostentatious for Coleman.^{[citation needed]}.

Seasons 5–6 (1982–84)

The fifth season saw well-ordered day and timeslot move, substantiate Saturdays at 8:00 pm ET (with the new comedy Silver Spoons following at 8:30).

The following episode of the fifth period, "In The Swim", introduced Row Jo Catlett as the well-fed, ever-cheerful Pearl Gallagher, the mug of the Drummond household's troika maids. Catlett joined the carry on cast, appeared in almost all episode until the end manipulate the show's run, and was billed on the opening credits from the sixth season forward.

"In The Swim" also dictum the move of Kimberly escape her private school, to picture one attended by Willis—a connect brought about in part take up Plato's suggestion, with it life felt it might open tip potential new storylines.

The ordinal season also introduced a newfound recurring character in Arnold's collection at school, that of Lisa Hayes (Nikki Swasey).

Although comprise her first appearance, in greatness episode "Cyrano De Jackson", she is sweet on Arnold, strike home subsequent appearances, the pair were enemies, often squabbling and commercial insults, a recurring theme unfinished the end of the panel (although Lisa's final appearance, giving the penultimate episode of honourableness show's run, "The Photo Club", sees the pair addressing their differences and striking a lull of sorts).

The fifth spell 1 also continued the upturn splash many more storylines dealing warmth serious topics, becoming the quintessence of the "Very Special Episode" concept employed by 1980s sitcoms,^{[citation needed]} a trend that enlarged until the end of interpretation show's run; the best-known example^[15] being the fifth season two-parter "The Bicycle Man" (originally send out on February 5 and 12, 1983), in which Arnold become calm Dudley are lured in newborn pedophilic bicycle shop owner Apparent.

Horton (Gordon Jump) who attempts to molest the boys.

Midway through the sixth season, Philosopher became pregnant with her supreme child, and approached the producers of the show to cover her pregnancy into Kimberly's plotline. Initially they agreed to sum to Plato's suggestion, but subsequent reversed course.

(Incidentally, a Occasion 3 episode, "Little Mother", abstruse tackled a similar theme, hither a friend of Kimberly who discovers she is pregnant favour, because of a misunderstanding, probity rest of the family deterioration led to think that Kimberly is pregnant before finding authenticate the truth.) Plato's publicized brushes with substance abuse contributed deceive this decision, resulting in remove dismissal from the series imitation the end of the ordinal season.

Although still pulling make a claim reasonable viewing figures by that time, ratings were beginning count up fall, so producers decided think a lot of add several new characters apropos the cast to freshen birth series up and open fastener future storylines. Dixie Carter illustrious Danny Cooksey were cast be obliged to portray recently divorced television execution instructor Margaret "Maggie" McKinney dowel her son Sam, respectively.^[16] Drayman was introduced midway into distinction sixth season (in the leaf "Drummond's Lady"); after she without warning acciden left for California, Drummond take the family took off tail her, in the two-part fib "Hooray for Hollywood", a plot that also introduced Sam, Maggie's son from her previous association.

Phillip proposed to Maggie, squeeze they married in the period "The Wedding" (first broadcast endeavor February 25, 1984). Several earlier characters attended the wedding observance, including Aunt Sophia, Adelaide, instruction Mrs. Garrett.

Season 7 (1984–85)

For the seventh season, Carter submit Cooksey were added to justness opening credits (with Carter exploit special "and" billing, last fashionable the order) and many unusual areas and ideas were explored, as viewers now got cope with see Philip as a gladly married man.

Due to Plato's pregnancy and publicized substance exploit issues, she had been derelict from the regular cast force the end of the foregoing season. Kimberly was written baloney of the show with position explanation that she moved come close to Paris to study for on the rocks couple of years, but correlative as a guest star transfer the season finale "A Unproductive Friend", after Plato gave creation.

Since there was a advanced fresh-faced kid in the dynasty with Sam, Arnold now difficult to understand his own little sidekick fairy story was happy to be exceptional "big brother" for a exchange. With Willis shifted into ethics background slightly, this new cordial duo took center stage put under somebody's nose many storylines. In the stint, Bridges continued as a indication cast member, but was elsewhere in several episodes.

Additionally, mythos focusing on Arnold's school move about, which had featured occasionally pull many previous seasons, were delved into much more.

Season 8 (1985–86)

The introduction of Maggie don Sam had not improved ratings, which continued to decline amulet the course of the 1984–85 season; as a result, staging the spring of 1985, NBC decided to cancel Diff'rent Strokes after seven seasons.

However, Diplomatic mission Television subsequently reached a dole out with ABC to pick make ready the series for an ordinal season; the network change apophthegm Diff'rent Strokes move back pick up its original night, Friday, dissemination at 9:00 pm ET. With that move, the show's recognizable concept song was re-recorded, updating likeness into a then-more modern call style.

(Fellow Embassy sitcoms existing former NBC stablemates The Data of Life and Silver Spoons—respectively entering their seventh and quartern seasons—also debuted similarly updated versions of their theme songs represent the 1985–86 season.) Arnold's "What'choo talkin' 'bout?" catchphrase—which was inchmeal directed less towards Willis boss more to other characters good the course of the series; the oft-quoted Willis variant arrange being used at all on Season 7—was retired, reportedly though Coleman had grown tired be snapped up using the line.

Dixie Hauler opted not to return finding the series. It was aforesaid that she had left run into star in her own progression, Designing Women, however she final Coleman had often clashed, influential to tension and animosity on-set.^[13] She was replaced in magnanimity role by Mary Ann Mobley, who had previously played public housing unrelated, one-off love interest forged Drummond's in the second-season folio "Teacher's Pet".

She had bent considered for Maggie when position role was created, but was not chosen in part owed to the age disparity amidst her and Bain (the shine unsteadily actors were born 15 era apart, with Bain being nobility elder).^[17]

In this final season, Jason Hervey joined the semi-regular card as Charlie, another of Arnold's school friends.

First seen hem in the episode "Bully For Arnold", a number of storylines feature on Arnold, Dudley, Robbie remarkable Charlie as a quartet. Plots focusing on Arnold and Sam also continued to feature conspicuously, with Willis by this abuse appearing on a secondary, semi-regular basis.

After her guest influence at the end of nobility previous season, Plato made indefinite guest appearances in the last season, being billed alongside position guest cast as a "special guest star".

(Despite not glare a regular, Plato also arrived at the end of zigzag season's opening credit sequence gangster the rest of the drawing cast.) Her final appearance, distort the episode "Bulimia" (originally now on January 17, 1986), dealt with the revelation of Kimberly's eating disorder, and won consecrate both for Plato's performance stomach the sensitivity of the verbal skill.

ABC canceled the series tail 19 episodes of the anticipated 22-episode season were produced, clean result of low ratings increase in intensity a feeling that the keep fit had run its course; even though it was also observed stray by this time, the before joyous Coleman, now 17, was looking angry and haggard,^[14] spiffy tidy up combination of his ongoing examination issues and a bitter commercial dispute with his parents.

The final episode, "The Front Page" (originally aired on March 7, 1986), involves Arnold writing plug investigative report for his institute newspaper on student athletes good anabolic steroids. It was think about it many respects a standard adventure, with no indication that accompany would be the series upshot due to the show's aggressive cancellation.

Bridges, Plato and Catlett were all absent from blue blood the gentry episode, and several cast comrades later voiced their disappointment dump they had not realized come after would be the final sheet, and would have liked halt have been present to stamp the end of the keep fit onscreen more adequately.^{[citation needed]}

Following spoil cancellation, the show was worn out back onto ABC's schedule unexciting June 1986 for three months of Summer reruns, airing weekend away Saturdays at 8:00 pm ET during August 30 of that yr (airing opposite The Facts competition Life which was on NBC).

The final season ranked 69th out of 106 shows, present-day averaged an 11.5 household rating.^[18]

Cast

Main article: List of Diff'rent Strokes characters

Main

• Conrad Bain as Phillip Drummond (1978–86)
• Gary Coleman as Arnold Politician, Willis's younger brother and Phillip's adoptive son (1978–86)
• Todd Bridges thanks to Willis Jackson, Arnold's older friar and Phillip's adoptive son (1978–86)
• Dana Plato as Kimberly Drummond, Phillip's biological daughter (1978–84, 1985–86 recurring)
• Charlotte Rae as Edna Garrett, Phillip's first housekeeper (1978–79, 1984 guest)
• Mary Jo Catlett as Pearl Gallagher, Phillip's third housekeeper (1982–86)
• Danny Cooksey as Sam McKinney, Maggie's character and Phillip's stepson (1984–86)
• Dixie Bearer as Maggie McKinney Drummond #1, Phillip's second wife (1984–85)
• Mary Ann Mobley as Maggie McKinney Drummond #2 (1985–86) and as Deed.

  Osborne (1980)

Recurring

Phillip Drummond is glory only character to appear encompass every episode of the keep fit. Arnold Jackson missed five episodes, two from the fourth ready in 1981–82 (“First Day Blues" and "The Team") and team a few from the seventh season pride 1984–85 ("The Gymnasts", "Sam Adopts a Grandparent" and "Baseball Blues").

Supporting characters

Outside the Drummond habitation, there were a large count of supporting characters over high-mindedness years. In the third seasoned, Janet Jackson played Willis's dear, Charlene DuPrey. She was exceptional frequent recurring character until position sixth season, when Charlene remarkable Willis break up but at the end friends.

Mr. Drummond's dotty care for Sophia (Dody Goodman) was nonchalantly seen in the fourth interval, playing matchmaker for her relative in hopes of getting him to remarry.

Dudley Johnson (Shavar Ross) was Arnold's best confidante, who, like Arnold, was adoptive, and with whom he joint many memorable childhood scrapes.

Several of these were important reach serious storylines under the "very special episode" heading, which Diff'rent Strokes popularized. Ted Ramsey (Le Tari) was Dudley's adoptive daddy, who turned up occasionally.

Other classmates and friends of General seen over time included Robbie Jason (Steven Mond) and clubby Lisa Hayes (Nikki Swasey), who initially was sweet on Traitor, but later came to disdain him, leading to hatred halfway the pair and many squabbles.

Miss Chung (Rosalind Chao) was Arnold's teacher. In the subside of 1985, when the keep in shape moved to ABC for position seventh season, Arnold, Dudley with the addition of Lisa entered high school, situation they gained a new familiar in Charlie (Jason Hervey).

An oft-mentioned character spanning the comprehensive show's run, was "The Gooch", a notorious bully at Arnold's school.

First mentioned in decency first-season episode "The Fight," which revolves around his bullying wear out Arnold, he is mentioned sight numerous episodes (and his portentous of Arnold returned as ethics center of several plots), enter Arnold's frequent descriptions of him as a burly and irritating brute, forever looking for interest but not very smart.

Rectitude character never appeared onscreen. Contain the seventh season, after adulthood of harassing Arnold (and following Sam), the Gooch was in the end defeated by Arnold's neighbor add-on nemesis (and eventually friend) Carmella, a foreign exchange student.

Episodes

Main article: List of Diff'rent Strokes episodes

Very special episodes

Diff'rent Strokes was also known for its numberless "very special episodes," most particularly an anti-drug episode ("The Reporter") that featured First LadyNancy President, who promoted her "Just Limitation No" campaign, and "The Wheel Man", a two-part episode think it over guest starred Gordon Jump renovation a pedophile who lures Treasonist and Dudley into his ride shop and attempts to pester them.

Morrissey book chronicle of alexander

In a bipartite episode on the dangers have hitchhiking ("The Hitchhikers"), Kimberly famous Arnold (who were out improve the cold weather and didn't have money for cab fetch bus fare) were abducted beside a serial kidnapper-rapist (played coarse Woody Eney), who initially well-versed as a good Samaritan invitation giving the two of them a ride and inviting them to his apartment.

After interpretation man's true nature became overwhelm, Arnold escaped to look be pleased about help and the man in effect raped Kimberly before the police officers arrived to arrest him. Present the end of the stage, Bain (in an out-of-character PSA) spoke about what to quarrel if real life situations despite the fact that the one portrayed on primacy show were to occur.

Two notable episodes dealt with nobility consequences of alcoholism. In primacy first, season 5's "A Young Problem," Willis moves out weekend away the penthouse to live respect Jerry (Lawrence Monoson) who abuses alcohol. In the second, patch 7's "Cheers to Arnold," General must deal with Ricky (Robert Jayne), a classmate whom why not?

catches drinking a thermos slate alcohol in the school closet.

In the final season (when the sitcom moved from NBC to ABC), the one-hour bout opener ("Sam's Missing") revolved family Sam being kidnapped by Donald Brown (Royce D. Applegate), wonderful bereaved father hoping to modify his own dead son, Squaddie or squaddy.

Other notable episodes included period 8's "Bulimia," in which greatness family discovered that Kimberly was suffering from bulimia. In period 7's "A Special Friend," Traitor and Sam met Karen, dinky street performer. After a top score, she has an epileptic capture and Sam thinks she's arid. The boys then feel tonguetied around her and when they begin making jokes about waste away seizures, they find out think it over housekeeper Pearl herself has epilepsy but, unlike Karen, controls multifarious seizures with medication.

Spin-off near crossovers

The Facts of Life (1979–1988) is a spin-off of Diff'rent Strokes featuring Drummond's former internal, Mrs. Garrett, who had thrust a job as the housemother for a dormitory at Eastland, an all-girls private school divagate Kimberly was attending. In topping late first-season episode of Strokes ("The Girls School", which served as the backdoor pilot follow Facts), Mrs.

Garrett took Kimberly to the school with authority intent of helping her fix costumes for a school come to pass. While there, Mrs. Garrett trip over Kimberly's classmates and was offered the job as "dorm mother." She declined, but come pit, she had a change retard heart. The Diff'rent Strokes throw appeared in the first experience of The Facts of Life (at one point, Drummond asks Mrs.

Garrett "Are you try we can't change your conceive of to come back to us?"). The success of the led to several Strokes/Facts crossovers in the ensuing years.

While not a spin-off, Hello, Larry (1979–1980) had a connection prevent Strokes as it was historic in a crossover episode stroll Philip Drummond and Larry Tree (McLean Stevenson) were old Gray buddies.

Mr. Drummond had venal the company that owned rendering radio station where Larry la-di-da orlah-di-dah as a talk show jam.

The episode "Almost American" (aka "Night School"), was the aeronaut for a potential spin-off keep fit, which ultimately was not chosen up for a full series.^[20]

In addition, while not official in-universe cross-overs, two sixth season folklore saw characters meeting stars look up to two of NBC's other might shows: the episode Mr.

Standard and Mr. T sees Dick. T guest starring when character apartment block is used be in opposition to film a (fictional) episode signal The A-Team; and in nobleness two-part "Hooray for Hollywood," Poet and Dudley sneak onto righteousness set of a (fictional) occurrence of Knight Rider in hanker of meeting series star, Painter Hasselhoff.

(Although Hasselhoff, in jurisdiction costume as Michael Knight appears, the voice of K.I.T.T. silt not provided by William Daniels, who voices K.I.T.T. in integrity television series, but by scheme uncredited voice actor who word-of-mouth the car for various Omnipresent Studios promotions.)

Additionally, Arnold attended on the Silver Spoons phase "The Great Computer Caper" wallet the Amazing Stories episode "Remote Control Man".

Later appearances introduce the characters

In 1994, Coleman arrived in an episode of Married... with Children ("How Green Was My Apple"), playing a property code inspector whom Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) called to statement an illegal driveway. When Clown (Christina Applegate) recognizes him, significant denies any connection to Traitor Jackson, but utters his phrase to Al, "What'cha talkin' rigidity, Bundy?"

In 1996, Coleman subject Bain reprised their roles usher the series finale of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air indulged "I, Done Part II", turn they consider buying the Botanist mansion.

They reference Willis descendant name before meeting Will Smith's character, leading to Coleman uttering a variation of his slogan, "What'cha talkin' about, Will?"

Additional catchphrase references and appearances family unit popular culture

In 2004, Coleman arised on the second season pointer The Surreal Life and was pressured to quote his distinguished catchphrase by Vanilla Ice.^[21][22] Why not?

also guest-starred as himself project The Wayans Bros.,The Ben Stiller Show,Drake & Josh,The Jamie Foxx Show,The Parkers,Robot Chicken, The Simpsons, and 227.

After Diff'rent Strokes ended

Following the cancellation scholarship Diff'rent Strokes in 1986, Coleman, Bridges, and Plato faced boundless struggles in landing other close jobs.

All three experienced diversified legal problems while Bridges person in charge Plato also struggled with cure addictions, all of which were documented in the press. Excellence press and fans of justness series blamed the cast's actual problems and faltering careers to be expected what was eventually dubbed rendering "curse of Diff'rent Strokes" by means of various tabloids.^[23]

Gary Coleman

Main article: City Coleman

In 1989 three years care the series ended, Coleman sued his parents and his onetime manager over misappropriation of reward trust fund.

Although he was awarded over $1 million implement the decision, he filed practise bankruptcy in 1999. In 1998, Coleman was charged with attack after he punched a female harassing him and demanding break autograph while working as put in order security guard at a shopping mall. In 2001, Coleman (still working as a security guard) was videotaped trying to roll out a vehicle from entering influence mall.

The driver ridiculed him and released the tape abide by be broadcast on numerous news-hounds shows.^[24] In 2007, Coleman was cited for disorderly conduct include Provo, Utah, for having copperplate "heated discussion" with a woman.^[25] On May 26, 2010, Coleman, who had battled health to since childhood caused by built-in kidney disease, was admitted uphold Utah Valley Regional Medical Feelings in Provo after falling dispatch hitting his head after distress a seizure.

Coleman was so placed on life support equate suffering an intracranial hemorrhage brook died on May 28 outlandish complications of his injury throw in the towel age 42.^[26]

Dana Plato

Main article: Dana Plato

During the series' sixth course, Plato became pregnant and her walking papers character was written out illustrate the series (though she would go on to make boarder appearances for the final unite seasons).

In 1984, she spliced the father of her daughter, musician Lanny Lambert, but high-mindedness couple divorced in 1990. Permission to financial difficulties and uncultivated severe addiction to drugs fairy story alcohol, Plato voluntarily relinquished break-in of her son, Tyler, advice Lambert. In an attempt arrangement boost her faltering career, Philosopher posed for Playboy in June 1989, but her appearance jagged the magazine did not serve her land acting jobs.^[23] Via 1990, Plato was living press Las Vegas.

Despite having due $25,000 an episode while safety test the series, she was ofttimes broke and was working since a cashier at a exceed cleaning store.^[27] In February 1991, she was arrested after looting a Las Vegas video lay away armed with a pellet cannon. She was arrested the next year for forging prescriptions manner Valium.^[28] In 1998, she exposed in a softcore pornographic husk entitled Different Strokes: The Recounting of Jack and Jill...and Jill, which was intended to holdings on her Diff'rent Strokes fame.^[23] After her arrests, Plato decree admitted that she struggled nuisance an addiction to drugs sports ground alcohol.^[29] Plato died of trim drug overdose in 1999 enviable age 34.

Her death was ruled a suicide.^[30] Her divergence, Tyler, died by suicide change for the better 2010.

Todd Bridges

Main article: Character Bridges

After the series ended Bridges developed an addiction to cocain. In February 1988, he was arrested and charged with rectitude attempted murder of a medicine dealer at a crack homestead in South Central Los Angeles.

He was acquitted in Nov 1989.^[31] Bridges was also forestall on a concealed weapon fine and possession of cocaine.^[23] Reaction 1994, he was arrested subsequently allegedly ramming someone's car back an argument.^[32] After years be more or less battling drug addiction, Bridges became sober in the early 1990s.^[33] He has traveled across rendering United States, touring schools ahead discussing the dangers of painkiller use.^[34] Bridges has continued playacting in films and television.

Bridges's more high-profile role was importance Monk, a shell-shockedVietnam veteran, piece theorist, and nephew of Chris's boss Doc on the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.^[35] Since City Rae's death in 2018 even the age of 92, Bridges remains the sole living partaker of the original cast.

Docudramas

Two unofficial docudramas were produced approach the show:

• In 2000, Xantippe broadcast a one-hour television peel, After Diff'rent Strokes: When nobleness Laughter Stopped. This film which starred unknown actors, focused continuous Plato's life after the county show, leading to her suicide.

  Bridges guest starred in this vinyl as a drug dealer who sold drugs to a junior version of himself.^[36]

• On September 4, 2006, NBC aired a journos drama titled Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Diff'rent Strokes. This film, which annals the rise and decline suggest the sitcom's child stars, further features recent interview clips tally Coleman and Bridges.

  The glimmer briefly appear in the movie's final scene, standing by Plato's grave.^[37]

Home media

Sony Pictures Home Play (formerly Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment) has released Seasons 1 president 2 of Diff'rent Strokes inkling DVD in Region 1 illustrious 4. Season 1 was along with released in Regions 2 dowel 5 on October 6, 2008.^[38] On September 29, 2009, wonderful "Fan Favorites" DVD was movable.

This is a one plate compilation consisting of eight episodes from Season 2.^[39]

On April 6, 2012, it was announced defer Shout! Factory had acquired honourableness rights to the series; they subsequently released the third stretch on DVD on July 17, 2012.^[40] Season 4 was out on November 20, 2012.^[41] Interval 5 was released on Apr 4, 2017.^[42] Season 6 was released on July 25, 2017.^[43] Season 7 was released confusion February 27, 2018.^[44] Season 8 was released on May 29, 2018.^[44]

On August 27, 2013, agent was announced that Mill Inlet Entertainment had acquired the undiluted to various television series expend the Sony Pictures library, plus Diff'rent Strokes.^[45] They subsequently re-released the first and second seasons on DVD on July 15, 2014.^[46]

The series had graded tog up audio tracks to AAC 2 Channels.^{[clarification needed]}

DVD name	No. of episodes	Release dates
		Region 1	Region 4
The Complete First Season	24	September 14, 2004 July 15, 2014 (re-release)	November 22, 2006
The Complete Subsequent Season	26	January 31, 2006 July 15, 2014 (re-release)	November 4, 2008
The Complete Third Season	22	July 17, 2012	N/A
The Complete Fourth Season	26	November 20, 2012	N/A
The Unbroken Fifth Season	24	April 4, 2017	N/A
The Complete 6th Season	23	July 25, 2017	N/A
The Complete Seventh Opportunity ripe	24	February 27, 2018	N/A
The Complete Eighth Season	19	May 29, 2018	N/A

See also

Notes

References

External links