Parents' Guide to

Perfect Strangers

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Cultures clash in upbeat, slapstick '80s classic.

TV ION , Syndicated Comedy 1986
Perfect Strangers Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

Matt B.
Matt B. Adult
February 23, 2019
age 5+

Most episodes deserve TV-G

This show is appropriate for families. Today, this show would be TV-G with most episodes.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

When Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) moves to Chicago from Wisconsin to start a new life, he's unexpectedly joined by distant cousin Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot), who's emigrated from the fictitious Mediterranean island of Mypos to discover America. Rather uptight, Larry must adjust to naïve-but-always-upbeat Balki as he, in turn, adapts to the ways of his new country. Balki's unique Myposian customs sometimes cause mishap and mayhem in Larry's normally well-organized life. But despite their inevitable culture clashes, the two bachelors help each other cope with the day-to-day grind of life in the Windy City. Together they contend with their grumpy boss/landlord Donald "Twinkie" Twinkacetti (Ernie Sabella). And they find companionship in the form of attractive neighbors Jennifer Lyons (Melanie Wilson) and Mary Anne Spencer (Rebeca Arthur). Over the years, Larry and Balki forge a positive camaraderie that transcends marriage and major career changes -- including jobs at the fictitious Chicago Chronicle, where they work with interesting characters like Sam Gorpley (Sam Anderson), Harry Burns (Eugene Roche), advice columnist Lydia Markham (Belita Moreno), and elevator operator Harriett Winslow (Jo Marie Payton). Later, Mr. Wainwright (F.J. O'Neil) joins the gang.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The '80s sitcom PERFECT STRANGERS is a funny reminder of how extraordinary -- and often overwhelming -- the experience of moving to America from another country can be. While the show's humor is sometimes silly and dated, Perfect Strangers incorporates some timeless comedy traditions adapted from the works of Abbott and Costello and Laurel and Hardy. (There's also some subtle sexual innuendo, which gets stronger in later seasons.)

But what really makes this show stand out is its distinctly positive presentation of immigration and cultural differences. And while the show's "best-friend" formula isn't exactly unique, it also offers a strong example of family loyalty and friendship.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why it's funny when someone doesn't understand things that are second-nature to you. How do you think you'd feel if you moved somewhere that was totally unfamiliar? Do you think the show is laughing at Balki, or with him? What's the difference? Is it OK to laugh at people when they make innocent mistakes? How do you think this show would be different if it was being produced today?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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