Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic series with a sense of humor tackles racial issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Diff'rent Strokes
What's the Story?
DIFF'RENT STROKES (1978-1985) is a groundbreaking classic comedy series that approaches racial issues with a sense of humor. When widower Phillip Drummond's (Conrad Bain) long-time housekeeper dies, he assumes guardianship of her two sons, Willis and Arnold Jackson (Todd Bridges and Gary Coleman respectively), and raises them as his own. As the African-American boys adjust to their new life in a Manhattan penthouse apartment with a white family who includes older sister Kimberly (Dana Plato), and eccentric housekeeper Mrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae), the family must face some of the challenges that come with raising two boys, as well as being an interracial family in a primarily white community. Life is never dull in the Drummond household, but together they show everyone that there are different strokes for different folks.
Is It Any Good?
The comedy series touches upon some of the issues surrounding race in America in the 1970s, including class distinctions and interracial adoptions. Later seasons of the show also address some other strong subjects, including pedophilia, sexual assault, eating disorders, and drugs. Some of the humor used to have these conversations, including some now famous one liners uttered by Coleman's character, isn't very politically correct by today's standards. But these jokes shed some light on how American society was coping with these issues at the time.
Classic television fans will surely enjoy it, but part of the attraction might also stem from the notoriety of its three young cast members, all of whom have been major sources of tabloid fodder over the last several decades. Nonetheless, the overall series has made a notable contribution to American television. It's also pretty funny, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about classic TV shows. What makes a television show a classic? Why do some of these series remain popular despite containing dated material and/or themes and humor that may not be politically correct according to today's social values?
Should child actors and/or young celebrities be viewed as role models? If so, what are some of the consequences when a child actor grows up and gets into trouble and/or leads a difficult life?
What are some of the issues surrounding race and interracial families in America today? The adoption of non-white children by celebs like Madonna, Sandra Bullock, and Angelina Jolie have been prominently discussed in the media. What are some of the issues surrounding these adoptions? Do you think their children's race made their adoptions noteworthy? How do you think the media would have talked about these events 30 years ago?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 3, 1978
- Cast : Dana Plato , Gary Coleman , Todd Bridges
- Networks : NBC , ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 14, 2020
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