Perfect Strangers

Network: ABC
Episodes: 150 (half-hour)
Seasons: Eight

TV show dates: March 25, 1986 — August 6, 1993
Series status: Cancelled/ended

Performers include: Bronson Pinchot, Mark Linn-Baker, Melanie Wilson, Rebeca Arthur, Belita Moreno, Sam Anderson, JoMarie Payton, Ernie Sabella and F.J. O’Neil

TV show description:
To pursue the American dream, naive sheepherder Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot) travels from the Mediterranean island nation of Mypos to Chicago. He arrives, unexpectedly, at the door of his distant cousin Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker), an aspiring photographer and recent transplant from Madison, Wisconsin.

Balki’s only knowledge of the U.S. comes from various bits of pop culture so Larry takes him under his wing and the two become roommates and friends. The two initially work as clerks for the Ritz Discount Store that’s run by their gruff landlord, Donald Twinkacetti (Ernie Sabella), and his wife Edwina (Belita Moreno).

Later on, the two are hired by the Chicago Chronicle newspaper. Larry works as a reporter under editor Harry Burns (Eugene Roche) and publisher Mr. Wainright (F.J. O’Neil). Lydia Markham (Belita Moreno, again) is the paper’s red-headed, high-strung advice columnist. Balki works in the mailroom under nasty Sam Gorpley (Sam Anderson).

Running the building’s elevator is wise-cracking Harriette Winslow (Jo Marie Payton) who went on to her own spin-off called Family Matters.

Larry and Balki date and eventually marry Jennifer Lyons (Melanie Wilson) and Mary Anne Spencer (Rebeca Arthur) who are roommates, stewardesses, and life-long best friends.