List of Perfect Strangers episodes

Perfect Strangers is an American sitcom created by Dale McRaven which aired on ABC in the United States. It chronicles the rocky coexistence of Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) and his distant cousin Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot).

The show began in the spring of 1986, and concluded with the eighth season in summer 1993. Originally airing on Tuesdays and then Wednesdays in prime time, the show eventually found its niche as an anchor for ABC's original TGIF Friday night lineup.

The series ran for 150 episodes, concluding with the two-part series finale on August 6, 1993.

Series overview edit

SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedNielsen ratings
First airedLast aired
16March 25, 1986 (1986-03-25)[1]April 29, 1986 (1986-04-29)#13
222September 17, 1986 (1986-09-17)May 6, 1987 (1987-05-06)#31
322September 23, 1987 (1987-09-23)May 6, 1988 (1988-05-06)#48
422October 14, 1988 (1988-10-14)May 5, 1989 (1989-05-05)#38
524September 22, 1989 (1989-09-22)May 4, 1990 (1990-05-04)#34
624September 28, 1990 (1990-09-28)May 3, 1991 (1991-05-03)#32
724September 20, 1991 (1991-09-20)April 18, 1992 (1992-04-18)#61
86July 9, 1993 (1993-07-09)August 6, 1993 (1993-08-06)#19

Episodes edit

Season 1 (1986) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
11"Knock Knock, Who's There?"Joel ZwickDale McRavenMarch 25, 1986 (1986-03-25)17490221.3/33[2]
Larry Appleton of Madison, Wisconsin moves to Chicago to become a photojournalist. Meanwhile, he takes a job at a corner discount store, Ritz Discount, owned by his landlord Mr. Donald Twinkacetti. One night his distant cousin Balki Bartokomous, a shepherd from the Mediterranean island of Mypos, appears on his doorstep. Larry takes him in and helps him get a job at the store, although Twinkie is not happy about it.
22"Picture This"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenApril 1, 1986 (1986-04-01)17490121.3/32[3]
Larry attempts to teach the easily manipulated Balki to be more assertive, but it comes back to bite him in the butt, when Balki refuses to aid him in his quest to get a Paparazzi photo of "Dolly Parton" in an act of adultery, to give to the papers, and potentially advance his journalism career.
33"First Date"Joel ZwickMarty NadlerApril 8, 1986 (1986-04-08)17490320.5/31[4]
Larry takes Balki to a singles bar to teach him how to meet women, but it turns out Balki is the more adept one of the two, in getting a date.
44"Baby, You Can Drive My Car"Howard StormDoug Keyes & Chip KeyesApril 15, 1986 (1986-04-15)17490421.0/32[5]
Balki wants to get his driver's license. Mr. Twinkacetti doesn't think he can, but Larry is so confident that he can that he bets $50 and offers Balki his car.
55"Check This"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenApril 22, 1986 (1986-04-22)17490520.0/31[6]
Larry takes Balki to open a checking account, but problems arise when Balki spends without understanding how it works. Meanwhile, Mr. Twinkacetti wants Larry to cover for him to hide his gambling from his wife. Sam Anderson, who plays bank employee Harrison Harper, would become a regular in season 3 as Mr. Sam Gorpley. This was also the first of five episodes with Belita Moreno as Edwina Twinkacetti, her first of two roles on the show.
66"Happy Birthday, Baby"Joel ZwickDoug Keyes & Chip KeyesApril 29, 1986 (1986-04-29)17490718.5/31[7]
Balki reconsiders throwing Larry a last-minute surprise party on his 24th birthday after he comes home miserable after losing a photo opportunity.

Season 2 (1986–87) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
71"Hello Baby"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothSeptember 17, 1986 (1986-09-17)17550217.3/29[8]
Balki invites Gina (Candi Milo), a pregnant friend from his citizenship class, to stay with him and Larry while her husband is out of town. Already cranky from sharing the sofa with Balki, Larry panics when he realizes that Gina could go into labor at any moment.
82"Hunks Like Us"Joel ZwickAlan MandelSeptember 24, 1986 (1986-09-24)17550417.4/29[9]
Larry and Balki join a health club: Balki to get in shape; Larry when he falls for a fellow member. The guys try to prove that they're jocks, but overdoing their workouts might spell trouble for their potential romances. Debut episode of Melanie Wilson as Jennifer Lyons and Rebecca Arthur as Mary Anne Spencer
93"The Unnatural"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothOctober 1, 1986 (1986-10-01)17551316.5/28[10]
Larry's softball team has a chance of winning the championship--until their star player becomes unavailable. Can Balki help Larry win the coveted trophy? And can Larry overcome his hesitancy and keep his promise to Balki?
104"Lifesavers"Joel ZwickJim ParkerOctober 22, 1986 (1986-10-22)17550116.2/25[11]
After Larry saves Balki from getting hit by a taxi, Balki becomes his personal servant, but it soon becomes too much for Larry. So Larry arranges for a "burglar" (Raf Mauro) to break in so Balki can save him.
115"Babes in Babylon"Joel ZwickBob KeyesOctober 29, 1986 (1986-10-29)17550814.7/24[12]
Larry and Balki win a trip to Las Vegas. Larry plans out the whole trip to prevent Balki from hitting the casinos and developing a dangerous habit, but Balki eventually talks him into a quick try at roulette, but Larry ends up becoming addicted to gambling....
126"Ladies and Germs"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenNovember 5, 1986 (1986-11-05)17550315.7/24[13]
After visiting Mr. Twinkacetti in the hospital, Larry catches a cold just before his date with a beauty queen. Balki offers a secret Myposian cure, which proves to be surprisingly potent.
137"Falling in Love Is..."Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenNovember 12, 1986 (1986-11-12)17551417.2/26[14]
Larry is suspicious of Balki's night-school girlfriend (Karen Lynn Scott), but Balki refuses to believe that she's just using him for a good grade. After ignoring Larry's advice, Balki is dumped.
148"Can I Get a Witness"Joel ZwickBob KeyesNovember 26, 1986 (1986-11-26)17551714.0/23[15]
Balki takes a job delivering packages for a racketeer named Vince Lucas (John Del Regno). After Vince is busted, he and Larry are asked to testify in court, but Vince threatens to kill them if they do.
159"Two Men and a Cradle"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothDecember 3, 1986 (1986-12-03)17551515.6/25[16]
Balki agrees to take care of Gina's baby while she goes away with her husband, but an outing to the park finds them bringing home the wrong baby.
1610"The Rent Strike"Joel ZwickMark FinkDecember 10, 1986 (1986-12-10)17550716.1/25[17]
A rent strike Balki and Larry organize to force Twinkacetti to make needed repairs turns into a battle of wills when Twinkie shuts off the utilities. This was Lise Cutter's final episode as Susan Campbell.
1711"A Christmas Story"Joel ZwickDale McRavenDecember 17, 1986 (1986-12-17)17551615.7/25[18]
Balki tries to keep Larry merry when a blizzard keeps him from going home to Wisconsin.
1812"Dog Gone Blues"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsJanuary 7, 1987 (1987-01-07)1755117.9/27[19]
When Balki brings home a dog--forbidden by their lease--he and Larry plot to keep him secret from Twinkacetti.
1913"Since I Lost My Baby"Joel ZwickDoug Keyes & Chip KeyesJanuary 14, 1987 (1987-01-14)1755015.7/24[20]
Twinkie forgets his wedding anniversary for the 16th time, Edwina kicks him out, and Balki takes him in. But Twinkie makes no effort to reconcile with his wife, so Larry and Balki have to try to get them back together.
2014"Trouble in Paradise"Joel ZwickMark FinkJanuary 21, 1987 (1987-01-21)17551816.8/25[21]
Larry and Balki invite Jennifer and Mary Anne over for dinner, but don't agree on the menu: Balki wants to serve a Myposian meal.
2115"Beautiful Dreamer"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothJanuary 28, 1987 (1987-01-28)17552116.2/24[22]
When Balki has trouble sleeping, Larry tries to help him discover the source of his nightmare.
2216"Tux for Two"Joel ZwickJoel SaltzmanFebruary 4, 1987 (1987-02-04)17552215.0/24[23]
Larry takes Balki to a black-tie affair for Larry's photographer idol, Roger Morgan (James Greene), whom he wants to impress, but Balki clashes with high society.
2317"Ten Speed and a Soft Touch"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsFebruary 11, 1987 (1987-02-11)17552616.4/25[24]
Larry and Balki become 'big brothers' to a troubled teenager (Bobby Jacoby) who is always stealing. They do fine until Larry accuses him of stealing his bike.
2418"Snow Way to Treat a Lady, Part 1"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardFebruary 18, 1987 (1987-02-18)17552317.4/27[25]
Balki signs himself and Larry up for a group ski vacation. Larry doesn't want to go at first, but when he learns that Jennifer is going, he agrees because he's desperate to impress her.
2519"Snow Way to Treat a Lady, Part 2"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardFebruary 25, 1987 (1987-02-25)17552417.2/26[26]
In the aftermath of the avalanche, Larry, Balki, Jennifer, and Mary Anne are trapped in a cabin and fearing for their lives. They decide to dig a tunnel to safety.
2620"Get a Job"Joel ZwickBob KeyesMarch 4, 1987 (1987-03-04)17552516.9/26[27]
After Twinkie refuses to give them raises, Larry and Balki quit their jobs and end up at a burger joint serving to rowdy hockey fans.
2721"Hello, Elaine"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenApril 1, 1987 (1987-04-01)17552016.3/26[28]
Larry is appalled when his favorite sister, Elaine (Sue Ball), tells him that she's going to New York to become a professional pianist instead of going to college.
2822"Up on a Roof"Joel ZwickDale McRavenMay 6, 1987 (1987-05-06)17551113.4/24[29]
Larry enters a photo contest with the perfect picture in mind, but to take it, he and Balki must go shoot it from Twinkie's roof before a storm hits. Ernie Sabella makes his final appearance as Mr. Twinkacetti

Season 3 (1987–88) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Rating/share
(households)
291"All the News That Fits"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardSeptember 23, 1987 (1987-09-23)17650315.2/27[30]
Larry gets a job at the Chicago Chronicle as a reporter and has to write an article by the next morning. He brings Balki in to find a job and Mr. Burns, the city editor, hires him for the mailroom, to the annoyance of mailroom boss Mr. Gorpley, who tries to get him fired. Sam Anderson, who made a guest appearance in the first season, makes his regular-cast debut as Mr. Sam Gorpley. Jo Marie Payton also debuts on the show as elevator operator Harriette Winslow, and Eugene Roche makes his first of four appearances as Larry's boss, Mr. Harry Burns
302"Weigh to Go, Buddy"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothSeptember 30, 1987 (1987-09-30)17650116.3/28[31]
When Larry discovers that he has gained 7 pounds, he diets unsuccessfully, prompting Balki to give him a Myposian diet.
313"Sexual Harassment in Chicago"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothOctober 7, 1987 (1987-10-07)17651017.0/28[32]
The editor of the Chronicle's Sunday magazine (Holland Taylor) makes a play for innocent Balki, who is not interested. But she won't take no for an answer and threatens to get Balki fired.
324"Taking Stock"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsOctober 14, 1987 (1987-10-14)17650416.8/27[33]
After buying one share of stock in a cereal company, Balki discovers that there aren't the advertised number of raisins in a box. He decides to go to head office to complain that the company is cheating the public.
335"Your Cheatin' Heart"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardOctober 28, 1987 (1987-10-28)17650913.6/21[34]
Jennifer and Balki are trying to surprise Larry with a new typewriter, but Larry misunderstands their secretive actions and suspects that they're having an affair.
346"The Horn Blows at Midnight"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenNovember 4, 1987 (1987-11-04)17650816.5/27[35]
When a famous psychic (Brandis Kemp) visits the Chronicle, she goes into a trance and makes an elaborate prediction ending in Larry's death. Then the first part happens.
357"The Karate Kids"Joel ZwickJames O'Keefe & Alan PlotkinNovember 11, 1987 (1987-11-11)17650518.1/28[36]
Humiliated after getting roughed up in front of Jennifer, Larry and Balki decide to take karate lessons, but Larry's desire for revenge might be his undoing.
368"Night School Confidential"Joel ZwickBarry O'BrienNovember 18, 1987 (1987-11-18)17651417.5/29[37]
Balki is cheated by a con artist (Lee Arenberg) who sells him counterfeit watches; when the police are no help, he and Larry go undercover to expose the crook themselves.
379"Future Shock"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsNovember 25, 1987 (1987-11-25)17651213.9/25[38]
Jennifer faces a promotion that would send her to Los Angeles, but Larry still can't quite tell her how he feels about her and ask her to stay.
3810"Couch Potato"Joel ZwickBob KeyesDecember 2, 1987 (1987-12-02)17651116.5/28[39]
When Larry and Balki get cable TV, an entranced Balki becomes a serious couch potato. Belita Moreno, who appeared as Edwina Twinkacetti in five second season episodes, returns to the show as newspaper advice columnist Lydia Markham.
3911"The Break-In"Joel ZwickDave Ketchum & Tony DiMarcoDecember 9, 1987 (1987-12-09)17650213.2/21[40]
When Balki accidentally delivers Larry's joke article to the publisher, the two break into his office late at night to retrieve it.
4012"To Be or Not to Be"Joel ZwickRobert BlairJanuary 6, 1988 (1988-01-06)17651617.3/26[41]
Larry and Balki are chosen to be in a commercial for the Chronicle.
4113"My Lips Are Sealed"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothJanuary 13, 1988 (1988-01-13)17651518.7/28[42]
Larry soon regrets chastising Balki for telling Mr. Gorpley what's in the company's mail when he suddenly must know about his impending raise to buy his dream car.
4214"The Pen Pal"Joel ZwickBob KeyesJanuary 27, 1988 (1988-01-27)17651717.1/27[43]
Larry fears for his life when Balki invites the just-paroled Vince Lucas—whom the duo testified against—to their apartment.
4315"Just Desserts"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardFebruary 3, 1988 (1988-02-03)17651817.1/27[44]
After Balki serves Larry, Jennifer, and Mary Anne some "bibi babkas", Larry looks for a way to rush the product into production for a fast profit.
4416"Better Shop Around"Joel ZwickBob KeyesFebruary 10, 1988 (1988-02-10)17650616.4/26[45]
Balki is thrilled to win a grocery-shopping spree, but Larry plans every purchase in hopes of reselling the goods and buying an air-conditioner.
4517"Pipe Dreams"Joel ZwickBob KeyesMarch 4, 1988 (1988-03-04)17652214.2/24[46]
Jennifer asks Larry to get a plumber to fix her showerhead. Larry decides to impress her by fixing it himself--but can he?
4618"The Defiant Guys"Joel ZwickStory by : Michael Mauer
Teleplay by : John B. Collins
March 11, 1988 (1988-03-11)17650712.6/22[47]
Larry is not speaking to Balki, so Balki handcuffs them together before Larry's big meeting with the Chronicle publisher—and he doesn't have the key. This was Eugene Roche's last of four episodes as Harry Burns and the debut of F.J. O'Neil as Larry's new boss Mr. Wainwright.
4719"My Brother, Myself"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsMarch 18, 1988 (1988-03-18)17652012.4/22[48]
Hoping to upstage his successful braggart brother (Ted McGinley), Larry fibs about his job at the Chronicle, and dupes Balki into helping.
4820"You Gotta Have Friends"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardMarch 25, 1988 (1988-03-25)17651312.7/23[49]
When Balki claims to have met—and loaned money to—Carl Lewis, Larry thinks Balki's been taken advantage of again.
4921"The Graduate"Joel ZwickRobert BlairApril 29, 1988 (1988-04-29)17652111.6/23[50]
Larry seeks a way to help after Balki is crestfallen to learn there's no graduation ceremony for his completing night school.
5022"Bye Bye Biki"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenMay 6, 1988 (1988-05-06)1765199.8/20[51]
Larry has to break bad news to Balki: his centenarian grandmother, whom they'd been expecting to come for a visit, has died en route.

Season 4 (1988–89) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
511"The Lottery"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardOctober 14, 1988 (1988-10-14)17750118.1[52]
Larry tries to warn Balki that the lottery is too much of a longshot--then a frantic search ensues when Balki's lost ticket just might have won him the $28-million jackpot.
522"Assertive Training"Joel ZwickRobert BlairOctober 21, 1988 (1988-10-21)17750219.8[53]
Larry takes assertiveness training, and promptly goes overboard in using his lessons to speak his mind.
533"Aliens"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothOctober 28, 1988 (1988-10-28)17751218.7[54]
Larry and Balki throw a Halloween party, and after 6 hours of watching horror movies, Larry awakens to discover that Balki is an alien from "Planet Mypos" who is turning everyone into Mypiots by putting vests on them. The episode shares many details with The Dick Van Dyke Show episode "It May Look Like a Walnut!"
544"Piano Movers"Joel ZwickRobert BlairNovember 4, 1988 (1988-11-04)17750620.3[55]
Balki volunteers himself and Larry to move Lydia's piano up 10 flights so she can sing for her record-producer date (Michael DeLano), but Larry's back protests.
555"High Society"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothNovember 11, 1988 (1988-11-11)17750519.5[56]
Larry tries to get into a party the Chronicle owners are hosting so he can present an idea to them. Balki getting mistaken for the Crown Prince of Mypos may be his ticket inside.
566"Up a Lazy River, Part 1"Joel ZwickJames O'Keefe & Alan PlotkinNovember 18, 1988 (1988-11-18)17751022.3[57]
Larry wants to take Jennifer on the Chronicle's camping trip, but she's hesitant when she remembers the ski trip.
577"Up a Lazy River, Part 2"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardNovember 25, 1988 (1988-11-25)17751121.7[58]
After the gang gets lost in the woods, Larry embraces the chance to impress Jennifer by leading them safely back to camp.
588"College Bound"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael Warren and Paula A. RothDecember 9, 1988 (1988-12-09)17751621.0[59]
Larry prepares a surprise party for Balki who is taking his college entrance exams; awaiting Balki's return, Larry reminisces about things they've been through together and ponders on which one of them has really been of more help to the other.
599"The Gift of the Mypiot"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsDecember 16, 1988 (1988-12-16)17750819.0[60]
Mr. Gorpley's a wet blanket at Balki and Larry's Christmas party, but Balki insists on cheering him up.
6010"Maid to Order"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyJanuary 6, 1989 (1989-01-06)17751726.0[61]
Larry's working late, Balki's in college, and household chores are being neglected, so the guys hire a maid (Doris Roberts) who is soon acting too much like a mother for Larry's tolerance.
6111"That Old Gang of Mine"Joel ZwickRobert BlairJanuary 13, 1989 (1989-01-13)17751425.2[62]
When Mary Anne's promotion to London leaves Balki heartbroken, Larry suggests that he get a hobby--but is not prepared for what Balki takes up.
6212"Crimebusters"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsJanuary 20, 1989 (1989-01-20)17751523.1[63]

Larry is promoted to the Chronicle's investigative team and he hopes that Harriette's policeman husband will help him get a major scoop.

This episode introduces Reginald VelJohnson as Harriette's husband Carl, setting up the premise for Family Matters.
6313"Games People Play"Joel ZwickBill Rosenthal & Noah TaftFebruary 3, 1989 (1989-02-03)17751824.3[64]
Larry and Balki appear on the game show "Risk it All". Larry forgets his game plan to avoid the risky stunts and just answer questions when the big prize is a Caribbean cruise.
6414"Come Fly with Me"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardFebruary 10, 1989 (1989-02-10)17752021.3[65]
A Myposian snack grounds Jennifer and Mary Anne, so Larry and Balki must steward a flight to Hawaii.
6515"Blind Alley"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyFebruary 17, 1989 (1989-02-17)17752124.0[66]
When Mr. Gorpley cheats to win the big bowling tournament, Balki steps up and shines--until his trip to the ophthalmologist.
6616"The King and I"Joel ZwickRobert BlairFebruary 24, 1989 (1989-02-24)44522226.7[67]
Lydia's boyfriend, a hypnotherapist, accidentally hypnotizes Balki into thinking he's Elvis Presley. Things only get worse when he goes in for his tax audit
6717"Prose and Cons"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsMarch 10, 1989 (1989-03-10)17752318.9[68]
Larry and Balki are tossed in jail with some unsavory cellmates after refusing to reveal their source for a financial market scandal.
6818"Car Wars"Joel ZwickWilliam Bickley & Michael WarrenMarch 17, 1989 (1989-03-17)17752422.0[69]
Balki's happy to finally have enough money to buy a used car, but Larry squeezes the fun out of the process with his family's rating system.
6919"Just a Gigolo"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardMarch 31, 1989 (1989-03-31)44522622.4[70]
Balki unwittingly sets up the recently-heartbroken Lydia with a gigolo who cons women out of their money.
7020"Seven Card Studs"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothApril 14, 1989 (1989-04-14)44522519.2[71]
After Balki gets cheated out of his money at Mr. Gorpley's poker game, Larry claims to be a poker expert and plays to win back Balki's money.
7121"Teacher's Pest"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyApril 28, 1989 (1989-04-28)17752219.0[72]
Recruited to teach journalism, Larry soon alienates the class (including Balki) by imposing ridiculously high standards for their work.
7222"Wedding Belle Blues"Joel ZwickRobert BlairMay 5, 1989 (1989-05-05)44522819.4[73]
On Balki's 25th birthday, he must go through with the marriage his mama pre-arranged, although he's in love with Mary Anne. Larry and Jennifer try to save him. This was Jo Marie Payton's final appearance on the show as she left to star in the spinoff series Family Matters

Season 5 (1989–90) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
731"Good Skates"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsSeptember 22, 1989 (1989-09-22)44575323.5[74]

Larry agrees to participate in a charity skate-a-thon to impress Jennifer, but little does she know he can't skate.

Note: This episode coincided with the series premiere of its spin-off, Family Matters.
742"Lie-Ability"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardSeptember 29, 1989 (1989-09-29)44575121.2[75]
Larry needs money to help his sister Elaine attend Juilliard, and thinks he has found the perfect way to do it when he is in a car accident.
753"The Newsletter"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyOctober 6, 1989 (1989-10-06)44575421.4[76]
Balki's in charge of the company newsletter, but things go awry when Larry encourages him to dig deeper for the "real stories".
764"Tooth or Consequences"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothOctober 13, 1989 (1989-10-13)44575520.3[77]
Balki has a cavity, so Larry takes him to the dentist, where they find out that a trip to the dentist can be fun when there is laughing gas involved.
775"Dog Day Mid-Afternoon"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardOctober 20, 1989 (1989-10-20)44575822.4[78]
Larry does all the work on an exposé of a money-laundering scheme, but gets none of the credit. A disgruntled accountant (George Wyner) arrives at the Chronicle with a bomb, upset that he has not gotten credit for his work on the scheme.
786"Poetry in Motion"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsNovember 3, 1989 (1989-11-03)44575920.7[79]
Larry tears up the apartment in an attempt to find a rare poem that he believes to be valuable.
797"Father Knows Best???, Part 1"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsNovember 10, 1989 (1989-11-10)44575620.5[80]
Larry's father comes to visit, and Larry worries that nothing he does is ever good enough for his father (James Noble). But that gets put aside when they are trapped in a rapidly flooding basement.
808"Father Knows Best???, Part 2"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyNovember 17, 1989 (1989-11-17)44575718.8[81]
Larry must get the group out of the water-filled basement, and make amends with his father (James Noble) before it is too late.
819"Hello Ball"Joel ZwickCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienNovember 24, 1989 (1989-11-24)44576020.5[82]
Larry tries not to win at golf, in order to win over Jennifer's father (Robert King), but Balki is better at the game than Larry had thought.
8210"Almost Live from Chicago"Joel ZwickCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienDecember 1, 1989 (1989-12-01)44575220.6[83]
At Larry's urging, Lydia attempts to overcome her fear of cameras to star in her own TV talk show.
8311"Home Movies"Joel ZwickTom AmundsenDecember 8, 1989 (1989-12-08)44576121.8[84]
Balki wants to put together a movie of his life in America to show his Mama, but when Larry takes over the project, it bears no resemblance to Balki's real life.
8412"Everyone in the Pool"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyDecember 15, 1989 (1989-12-15)44576220.2[85]
When it comes time for the football pool at the Chronicle, Larry finds that Balki has a remarkable ability to pick the winners, and tries to capitalize on it.
8513"Because They're Cousins"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardJanuary 5, 1990 (1990-01-05)44576323.9[86]
Balki gets a visit from his Myposian cousin Bartok (Bronson Pinchot in a dual role), only to discover he's become a California dude with a ripoff scam.
8614"Disorderley Orderlies"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsJanuary 12, 1990 (1990-01-12)44576422.4[87]
Larry feigns interest in volunteering at a hospital with Balki, in order to get an interview with an injured football player.
8715"The Selling of Mypos"Joel ZwickTerry HartJanuary 26, 1990 (1990-01-26)44576522.9[88]
Balki and Larry try to negotiate the sale of Myposian land to a corporation, until Balki questions their motives.
8816"Nightmare Vacation"Joel ZwickCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienFebruary 2, 1990 (1990-02-02)44576723.5[89]
Against the group's better judgement, Balki, Jennifer and Mary Anne agree to let Larry plan another vacation, hoping this one won't be a disaster like their previous ones.
8917"Three's a Crowd"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyFebruary 9, 1990 (1990-02-09)44576820.8[90]
Mary Anne moves in with the guys after an argument with Jennifer threatens their friendship.
9018"A Blast from the Past"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsFebruary 16, 1990 (1990-02-16)44577023.1[91]
Marvin Berman (George Wyner), who previously had tried to blow up the Chronicle with Larry and Balki (in the earlier episode "Dog Day Mid-Afternoon") wants to take the guys out to dinner to thank them for saving him, but Larry is afraid for his life.
9119"He's the Boss"Joel ZwickHoward Adler & Robert GriffardFebruary 23, 1990 (1990-02-23)44576920.5[92]
A new manager at the Chronicle (Sanford Jensen) gives Balki what seems like a good promotion, until Larry discovers it is a token job with no real responsibilities.
9220"Here Comes the Judge"Joel ZwickStory by : Paul Chitlik & Jeremy Bertrand Finch
Teleplay by : Tom Devanney
March 9, 1990 (1990-03-09)44576619.6[93]
Balki joins the Chronicle's grievance committee; however, when Larry finds himself charged with a grievance, he tries to turn the hearing against Balki.
9321"This Old House"Joel ZwickTerry HartMarch 30, 1990 (1990-03-30)44577120.9[94]
Larry and Balki try to make money buying and renovating an old house (in which the exterior shots are the same ones used as Mork and Mindy's house from Mork & Mindy). However problems arise when Larry's greed causes them to attempt more extensive remodeling than they can handle.
9422"Bye, Bye Birdie"Joel ZwickTom DevanneyApril 13, 1990 (1990-04-13)44577221.2[95]
Balki's pet bird Georgi flies away after Larry leaves the window open, leaving a heartbroken Balki awaiting the bird's return.
9523"Digging Up the News"Joel ZwickCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienApril 27, 1990 (1990-04-27)44577319.3[96]
Balki and Larry visit the set of a children's TV show to interview the host, "Uncle Shaggy" (Rick Hurst); but when Larry takes a picture of him against his wishes, it could cost Uncle Shaggy his job.
9624"Eyewitless Report"Joel ZwickJohn B. CollinsMay 4, 1990 (1990-05-04)44577419.8[97]
On a company trip to the Big Piney National Forest, Larry, Balki, and Gorpley all offer different accounts of an encounter with an escaped killer (Rick Zumwalt).

Season 6 (1990–91) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
971"Safe at Home"Richard CorrellCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienSeptember 28, 1990 (1990-09-28)44630119.7[98]
After a break-in at the apartment, Larry installs a state-of-the-art burglar alarm, but doesn't feel the need to read the instructions.
982"New Kid on the Block"Greg AntonacciBill DaleyOctober 5, 1990 (1990-10-05)44630318.5[99]
Balki babysits for a mischievous child (Alisan Porter), while Larry needs silence to work on an article.
993"The Break Up"James O'KeefeTerry HartOctober 12, 1990 (1990-10-12)44630419.5[100]
Larry's feigned nonchalance at Jennifer's mention of going out with a male friend (David Sederholm) threatens their relationship.
1004"A Horse is a Horse"Greg AntonacciTom DevanneyOctober 19, 1990 (1990-10-19)44630220.6[101]
Larry convinces Balki to go in with him to buy a racehorse at a discount in an attempt to win big at the track, but they soon find out the horse may be on its last legs.
1015"Family Feud"Judy PioliJohn B. CollinsOctober 26, 1990 (1990-10-26)44630620.2[102]
Zoltan Botulitis (Nicholas Kadi) travels from Mypos to engage Balki in a duel; when Larry tries to discourage the duel, he manages to insult Zoltan, who insists on fighting Larry.
1026"Call Me Indestructible"Greg AntonacciTom DevanneyNovember 2, 1990 (1990-11-02)44630520.8[103]
After Larry and Balki survive a close call in a small plane, Balki believes they are protected by Teflonos, the Myposian god of protection, and encourages Larry to take some wild risks.
1037"The Men Who Knew Too Much, Part 1"Richard CorrellTerry HartNovember 9, 1990 (1990-11-09)44630821.8[104]
The cousins are excited to travel to Los Angeles for Larry's first out-of-town assignment, but run into trouble when they inadvertently videotape a mob murder.
1048"The Men Who Knew Too Much, Part 2"Richard CorrellTerry HartNovember 16, 1990 (1990-11-16)44630921.4[105]
Larry and Balki are on the run from mobsters, while trying to hold on to the videotape that proves their own innocence in the murder.
1059"The Ring"Richard CorrellHarriet B. Helberg & Sandy HelbergNovember 23, 1990 (1990-11-23)44631020.7[106]
Larry finds a "deal" on an engagement ring for Jennifer; but when he finds out the ring is a fake, he needs to switch it for a real diamond without Jennifer finding out.
10610"Black Widow"Judy PioliTom AmundsenNovember 30, 1990 (1990-11-30)44630722.7[107]
Larry is convinced that Mary Anne is actually a convicted killer, and that Balki's life is in danger when he goes on a hiking trip with her.
10711"The Sunshine Boys"Judy PioliJohn B. CollinsDecember 7, 1990 (1990-12-07)44631120.8[108]
In an attempt to impress a snobbish acquaintance, Larry gets the idea to acquire a tan to convince him he's been to the Caribbean; however, he and Balki end up spending too much time in the tanning beds.
10812"Hocus Pocus"Judy PioliTom DevanneyDecember 28, 1990 (1990-12-28)44631222.3[109]
Balki can't convince Larry to attend a children's benefit show, until Larry discovers Margaret Thatcher is attending, giving him the perfect opportunity for a big interview. When the magician cancels, Larry convinces Balki to perform in his place.
10913"Finders Keepers"Judy PioliTom AmundsenJanuary 4, 1991 (1991-01-04)44631422.6[110]
When Balki finds a box containing $50,000, he wants to try to find the rightful owner, but Larry has other ideas.
11014"Grandpa"Joel ZwickCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienJanuary 11, 1991 (1991-01-11)44631325.1[111]
Larry's grandfather (John Anderson) comes to town for a visit acting younger than his years, but Larry tries to make sure Grandpa acts his age.
11115"Little Apartment of Horrors"Judy PioliTerry HartJanuary 18, 1991 (1991-01-18)44631521.2[112]
Balki's Mama sends Larry a plant that will cure his cold, but when Larry gets the idea to overgrow the plant as part of a money-making scheme, things go awry.
11216"I Saw This on TV"Joel ZwickPaula A. RothFebruary 1, 1991 (1991-02-01)44631623.8[113]
When Larry plans to lie to Jennifer so he can go to a basketball game instead of the ballet, Balki tells him a story of what happened when Ralph lied to Alice on 'The Honeymooners'. The story is filmed in black and white and acted out by the cast with Larry and Balki portraying Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton, and Jennifer and Mary Anne as Alice and Trixie.
11317"Speak, Memory"Judy PioliJohn B. CollinsFebruary 8, 1991 (1991-02-08)44631724.7[114]
Larry loses his memory after a fall down the stairs, just before he is to meet Jennifer's mother (Marla Adams), and Balki tries to help him cover it up.
11418"Out of Sync"Judy PioliCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienFebruary 15, 1991 (1991-02-15)44631825.5[115]
Balki has the chance to become a star as "Fresh Young Balki B.", but is shocked when he realizes it is not his voice in the video.
11519"See How They Run"Judy PioliThomas R. NanceFebruary 22, 1991 (1991-02-22)44631919.6[116]
Larry helps Balki with his campaign for student body president, but they have different ideas about how to go about it.
11620"Climb Every Billboard"Judy PioliTom DevanneyMarch 15, 1991 (1991-03-15)44632024.8[117]
Larry tricks Balki into climbing atop a billboard as part of a promotion for the paper; however the two end up stranded.
11721"A Catered Affair"Judy PioliTom AmundsenMarch 22, 1991 (1991-03-22)44632125.3[118]
Balki is running a catering business, but things go awry when Larry books an event on the same night Balki already has two scheduled---and fails to tell him.
11822"Duck Soup"Judy PioliTerry HartApril 5, 1991 (1991-04-05)44632223.2[119]
Balki feels left out when he's not asked to join Larry on his duck hunting trip with Mr. Wainwright.
11923"Great Balls of Fire"Bill PettyCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienApril 26, 1991 (1991-04-26)44632322.2[120]
Larry finds being a volunteer firefighter far too taxing until he learns Jennifer finds firemen attractive.
12024"See You in September"Judy PioliPaula A. RothMay 3, 1991 (1991-05-03)44632418.1[121]
Balki and Mary Anne are expecting Larry and Jennifer to set a wedding date, but they don't feel ready. To help them, Balki gives them a Myposian marriage test to see if they're right for each other.

Season 7 (1991–92) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
1211"Bachelor Party"Judy PioliTerry HartSeptember 20, 1991 (1991-09-20)44685119.3[122]
As the best man at Larry's upcoming wedding, Balki is tricked by Mr. Gorpley into throwing a bachelor party. When Mr. Gorpley shows up at the party, he spikes the punch and hires a stripper—then Jennifer finds out.
1222"The Wedding"Judy PioliPaula A. RothSeptember 27, 1991 (1991-09-27)44685219.6[123]
While Larry and Balki are driving to Lake Whitefish—where Larry and Jennifer are getting married—they get arrested, putting the ceremony in jeopardy.
1233"This New House"Judy PioliTom AmundsenOctober 4, 1991 (1991-10-04)44685319.4[124]
Larry and Jennifer move into a luxurious Victorian house, but with the rent so high they discover they can't afford to pay for food and heat.
1244"Weekend at Ferdinand's"Judy PioliStory by : John B. Collins & Thomas R. Nance
Teleplay by : Thomas R. Nance
October 18, 1991 (1991-10-18)44685517.5[125]
King Ferdinand of Mypos (Don Amendolia) comes to visit America and dies in Larry's arms, making Larry the new king according to Myposian custom.
1255"Fright Night"Judy PioliCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienOctober 25, 1991 (1991-10-25)44685619.6[126]
It's up to Larry and Balki to rid the house of a ghost.
1266"The Gazebo"Judy PioliTerry HartNovember 1, 1991 (1991-11-01)44686017.0[127]
Larry and Balki are building a new gazebo in their back yard, and as they struggle to build it, it reminds Jennifer and Mary Anne of Laurel and Hardy as they (and the viewers) see them in a parody of Laurel (Balki) and Hardy (Larry) trying to build a gazebo.
1277"Citizenship, Part 1"Judy PioliCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienNovember 8, 1991 (1991-11-08)44685721.9[128]
Balki awaits his mother's arrival to witness his swearing in as a United States citizen, but she's irate at his plans to stay in America and summons him home to Mypos. Bronson Pinchot does a dual-role as Balki and his Mama in this and the following episode.
1288"Citizenship, Part 2"Judy PioliCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienNovember 15, 1991 (1991-11-15)44685821.6[129]
Larry travels to Mypos to try to persuade Balki's mama to let him come back to America, but before he can talk to her, Larry settles happily into the relaxed lifestyle of Mypos and wants to stay.
1299"Wild Turkey"Judy PioliTom DevanneyNovember 22, 1991 (1991-11-22)44685921.3[130]
On Thanksgiving, Larry goes into the turkey-selling business. There's 58 turkeys roaming their backyard, and one of the turkeys may have eaten Jennifer's wedding ring.
13010"Dimitri's World"Judy PioliTom AmundsenNovember 29, 1991 (1991-11-29)44686213.3[131]
Put in charge of the Chronicle's weekly children's page, Balki draws a comic about a sheep named Dmitri. When Larry is tasked with coming up with the dialogue, Balki takes issue with what Larry writes.
13111"Car Tunes"Judy PioliTom DevanneyDecember 6, 1991 (1991-12-06)44686122.3[132]
When Larry's new car radio is stolen, and the alarm he buys only serves to disturb the neighborhood, he comes up with a daring plan to catch the thief.
13212"Door to Door"Judy PioliCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienDecember 20, 1991 (1991-12-20)44685419.1[133]
Taking a job selling cleaning supplies door-to-door, Larry looks for a shortcut, trying to get one giant order from a wealthy woman (Marj Dusay).
13313"Two Angry Men"Judy PioliThomas R. NanceJanuary 3, 1992 (1992-01-03)44686321.3[134]
Balki stupidly gets himself and Larry called for jury duty the day before Larry and Jennifer's Bermudan vacation, and then holds things up by refusing to vote along with the other jurors.
13414"Missing"Judy PioliTerry HartJanuary 17, 1992 (1992-01-17)44686416.5[135]
When Balki's stuffed Dmitri is stolen, he suffers from writer's block, leaving him unable to draw his comic strip. He and Larry decide to catch the thief.
13515"Going Once, Going Twice"Judy PioliTom AmundsenFebruary 1, 1992 (1992-02-01)44686511.3[136]
Explaining to Balki the bidding process at an auction makes Larry the accidental owner of a $21,000 bottle of wine, which he hides from Jennifer until he can sell it.
13616"Yes Sir, That's My Baby"Judy PioliCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienFebruary 8, 1992 (1992-02-08)44686610.0[137]
When Larry thinks Jennifer may be pregnant, he and Balki imagine both fatherhood and life as their future babies.
13717"Wayne Man"Judy PioliTom DevanneyFebruary 29, 1992 (1992-02-29)4468709.3[138]
When Balki wins a trip for four to Las Vegas, he becomes dejected when tickets to his idol, Wayne Newton, are sold out, leaving the gang to try to find a way to make his dream come true. Larry then works up a ridiculous lie saying that Balki is losing his hearing and that the concert is the last thing he wants to hear before he loses it forever.
13818"The Elevator"Joel ZwickGeorge TrickerMarch 14, 1992 (1992-03-14)4468699.4[139]
Larry and Balki deal with an uncooperative elevator when moving Mr. Wainright's new couch to his office.
13919"The Play's The Thing"Judy PioliThomas R. NanceMarch 21, 1992 (1992-03-21)44686710.6[140]
Balki takes Larry's play, Wheat, to Lydia's theater, but Larry's iron-clad insistence that nothing be changed alienates the cast and crew.
14020"Stress Test"Judy PioliTom DevanneyMarch 28, 1992 (1992-03-28)44686810.2[141]
Larry and Balki are chosen by Mr. Wainwright for a mental health test to gauge their level of stress.
14121"...Or Get Off the Pot"Judy PioliTerry HartApril 4, 1992 (1992-04-04)44687110.3[142]
Despite everyone's best efforts, Balki is oblivious to the fact that Mary Anne wants a commitment from him in the form of a marriage proposal.
14222"Chicago Suite"Joel ZwickTom AmundsenApril 11, 1992 (1992-04-11)4468728.9[143]
Larry tries to get Balki dating again following his break-up with Mary Anne by taking him to a singles bar, and Balki immediately finds a woman he shares interests with, while Larry only finds trouble.
14323"It Had to Be You"Judy PioliThomas R. NanceApril 18, 1992 (1992-04-18)44687310.9[144]
Jennifer thinks Balki still misses Mary Anne, but Larry's skeptical until they discover Balki and Mary Anne are dating people just like each other. Justin Pinchot, Bronson's younger brother, guest stars as Nico.
14424"Get Me to the Dump on Time"Judy PioliTom DevanneyApril 18, 1992 (1992-04-18)44687410.9[144]
The rush is on with Myposian custom demanding but 24 hours between their engagement and Balki and Mary Anne's marriage, but Larry loses Balki's Myposian marriage necklace. This episode features the final appearances of Belita Moreno as Lydia, Sam Anderson as Mr. Gorpley and F.J. O'Neil as Mr. Wainwright

Season 8 (1993) edit

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
Viewers
(millions)
1451"The Baby Shower"Judy AskinsThomas R. NanceJuly 9, 1993 (1993-07-09)44795113.7[145]
Balki and Mary Ann come home from their honeymoon, and they reveal that they are expecting a child. Balki brings with him a native Myposian plant called the "Midolcrampabloatolous root", said to take away the pains of pregnancy that Jennifer is experiencing. Larry eats the root hoping to prove to Jennifer that it is harmless. The result is a baby shower the guests won't forget.
1462"After Hours"Judy AskinsCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienJuly 16, 1993 (1993-07-16)44795213.0[146]
Larry tries to keep up with Balki's parade of presents to Mary Ann by trying to find the perfect gift for Jennifer. Instead the cousins find themselves locked in a sporting goods store overnight...with the "security system".
1473"Lethal Weapon"Judy AskinsShari HearnJuly 23, 1993 (1993-07-23)44795312.8[147]
After a tragic ant farm accident, Balki believes he is stricken with a deadly curse that brings death to anyone he touches.
1484"The Baby Quiz"Judy AskinsScott Spencer GordenJuly 30, 1993 (1993-07-30)44795414.3[148]
The Appletons and Bartokomous' compete for a college scholarship for their unborn children on a local game show.
1495"Up, Up and Away"Jeffrey GanzCheryl Alu & Barry O'BrienAugust 6, 1993 (1993-08-06)44795514.7[149]
1506Judy AskinsPaula A. Roth44795617.0[149]
A very overdue Jennifer will stop at nothing to finally have her baby...even if it means inducing labor by taking a hot air balloon ride.
Trapped on board a runaway hot air balloon, Larry and Balki must find a way to get back to Earth as Jennifer goes into labor.

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