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Perfect Strangers 1986

“Now we are so happy we do the Dance of Joy!”

★ TMDB users: 6.7/10 from 117 votes TV-PG Comedy 8 seasons · 150 eps Ended
Community & Your Rating
★ 6.7/10
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Quick answer

What is Perfect Strangers?

Perfect Strangers is a television comedy series that premiered in 1986 and carries a TV‑PG rating. The program centers on the relationship between two main characters: Larry Appleton, a resident of the American Midwest, and his distant cousin, Balki Bartokomous, who arrives from the eastern Mediterranean region of Europe.

Type
TV series
Year
1986
Status
Ended
Episodes
150
First aired
Mar 25, 1986
Last aired
Aug 6, 1993
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
ABC
Genres
Comedy
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 6.7/10 from 117 votes
Format
8 seasons · 150 episodes
Status
Ended
Network
ABC
Availability by region

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Overview

Perfect Strangers is a television comedy series that premiered in 1986 and carries a TV‑PG rating. The program centers on the relationship between two main characters: Larry Appleton, a resident of the American Midwest, and his distant cousin, Balki Bartokomous, who arrives from the eastern Mediterranean region of Europe. The series presents a chronicle of their rocky coexistence, highlighting the contrast between Larry’s Midwestern background and Balki’s Eastern Mediterranean origins. By focusing on the everyday interactions of these two relatives, the show explores how differing cultural perspectives shape their joint experiences. The comedic tone is emphasized throughout, reflecting the series’ classification as a comedy. The narrative structure follows the evolving dynamic between the cousins as they navigate personal and social situations together. As a product of its 1986 debut, Perfect Strangers contributes to the landscape of American sitcoms that examine interpersonal relationships across distinct cultural backgrounds, using humor to portray the challenges and misunderstandings that arise from their divergent upbringings.

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Should you watch it?

“An American man and his European cousin navigate life together in this classic sitcom.”

Reasons to watch
  • engaging character dynamic
  • classic comedy style
Keep in mind
  • dated production values

Watch it if you enjoy sitcoms centered on the humorous friction between mismatched relatives.

The series is a lighthearted sitcom suitable for general audiences.

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Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

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17%
83%
Mytharc (25): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (125): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
Season 1 · 6 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 22 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 22 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 22 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Season 5 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →
Season 6 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →
Season 7 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →
Season 8 · 6 episodes Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

What is the premise of the show?

The show chronicles the rocky coexistence of an American man and his cousin from eastern Mediterranean Europe.

Who are the main characters?

The main characters are Larry Appleton and his cousin Balki Bartokomous.

When did the series air?

The series ran from March 25, 1986, to August 6, 1993.

How many seasons were produced?

The series consists of eight seasons.

Which network aired the show?

Perfect Strangers aired on the ABC television network.

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