Diff'rent Strokes
Seen it?1978 | 8 seasons | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
People are still talking about it, but a lukewarm 7.1 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and families. If you loved The Nanny or Raising Hope, start here.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, feel-good.
- The pace
- 8 seasons, but most episodes stand on their own, so you can dip in anywhere (about 30 minutes each).
- What might put you off
- Rated TV-PG: a parent's death or loss. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1978: an older pace and style.
The series stars Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, two African American boys from Harlem who are taken in by a rich white Park Avenue businessman named Phillip Drummond and his daughter Kimberly, for whom their deceased mother previously worked. During the first season and first half of the second season, Charlotte Rae also starred as the Drummonds' housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesBelow par
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Ran for 8 seasons and reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 371K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Weeknight Watch. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 7 is the high point.
- Season 11978 · 24 episodes · 6.4 out of 10Weeknight
Season 21979 · 26 episodes · 7.0 out of 10Sunday- Season 31980 · 22 episodesNot rated yet
Season 41981 · 26 episodes · 7.7 out of 10Saturday- Season 51982 · 24 episodes · 8.0 out of 10Saturday
- Season 61983 · 24 episodesNot rated yet
Season 71984 · 24 episodes · 10.0 out of 10Friday- Season 81985 · 19 episodesNot rated yet
More like this
The Nanny Friday Night FlickAnother comedy, and a Friday Night Flick.
My Wife and Kids Sunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Family Matters Weeknight WatchAnother comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Step by Step Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Raising Hope Saturday SpecialAnother comedy.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Created by Bernie Kukoff, Jeff Harris
- Conrad BainPhillip Drummond
- Gary ColemanArnold Jackson
- Todd BridgesWillis Jackson
- Mary Jo CatlettPearl Gallagher
- Danny CookseySam McKinney
- Mary Ann MobleyMaggie Drummond