Perfect Strangers_
"Now we are so happy we do the Dance of Joy!"
The chronicles of the rocky coexistence of midwestern American Larry Appleton and his distant cousin from eastern Mediterranean Europe, Balki Bartokomous.
Created By
Dale McRaven
Network
ABC
Episodes
150
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Plex
FREE
2 countries
The Roku Channel
FREE
1 country
Pluto TV
FREE
1 country
X
Xumo Play
FREE
1 country
Tubi
FREE
1 country
Rakuten TV
1 country
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Overview
Perfect Strangers has 8 seasons with 150 episodes spanning 1986-1993.
Bronson Pinchot →
Rating
Perfect Strangers holds a 6.6/10 rating based on 106 votes.
Year context
Perfect Strangers first aired 40 years ago in 1986.
CAST (6)
SEASONS (8 seasons, 150 episodes)
SEASON 1
01
Knock Knock, Who's There?
Larry Appleton has just settled in his new Chicago apartment after leaving home of one of nine kids and took a job at the corner…
02
Picture This
Larry tries to kickstart his career and gets tipped off that Dolly Parton is in town committing adultery. So he decides to follow her until…
03
First Date
Larry takes Balki to a singles bar to meet women and while Balki gets his first date, Larry gets beat up in a parking lot…
04
Baby, You Can Drive My Car
Balki wants to get his driver's license but Mr. Twinkacetti doesn't think he can do it. But Larry is so confident that he can, that…
05
Check This
Larry takes Balki to the bank to open a bank account but Balki doesn't seem to understand everything about banking when he overspends with his…
06
Happy Birthday, Baby
Larry is miserable on his 24th birthday after he blew a photo opportunity. So Balki tries to throw him a last minute surprise birthday party…
SEASON 2
01
Hello Baby
Balki invites Gina, a friend from his citizenship class to stay with them. But she happens to be pregnant and goes into labor in the…
02
Hunks Like Us
Larry decides to join a health club after having the hots for a member named Jennifer. But he thinks she's only interested in jocks and…
03
The Unnatural
Larry's softball team has a chance of winning the championship but the star player was sent to prison. So He promises to let Balki play…
04
Ladies and Germs
Larry has a date with a beauty queen but after going to the hospital to visit Mr. Twinkacetti (who has broken his leg), he catches…
05
Lifesavers
After Larry saves Balki from getting hit by a taxi, Balki becomes his personal servant which ends up annoying Larry.
06
Babes in Babylon
Larry and Balki win a trip to Las Vegas. When they get there, Larry plans out what to do for their entire trip to prevent…
07
Falling in Love is...
Balki falls in love with a girl at night school and who makes a play for Larry and constantly breaks dates with him. Balki refuses…
08
Two Men and a Cradle
Balki agrees to take care of Gina's baby while she goes away with her husband. And since Larry knows more about babies, he is obligated…
09
Can I Get a Witness
Balki takes a job delivering packages for a racketeer named Vince Lucas. After Vince is busted, they are asked to testify in court but Vince…
10
The Rent Strike
Mr. Twinkacetti hasn't been living up to his landlord responsibilities so Larry, Balki, and all the tenants hold a meeting and declare a rent strike.…
11
A Christmas Story
Larry and Balki are snowed in Chicago on Christmas Eve which means they can't go to Madison to see Larry's family. So Larry is miserable…
12
Dog Gone Blues
Balki got a dog and wants to keep it even though it is against the lease. So Larry and Balki do their best to hide…
13
Since I Lost My Baby
After Mr. Twinkacetti forgot his wedding anniversary (for the 16th time), Edwina kicks him out. Balki invites him to stay for a while but he…
14
Trouble in Paradise
Larry and Balki invite Jennifer and Mary Anne over for dinner but cannot agree on what to serve which cases a rift between them and…
15
Beautiful Dreamer
Balki hasn't been sleeping due to a nightmare that has been haunting him about him not being able to help out at harvest season back…
16
Tux for Two
Larry has been invited to a formal party for a photographer he idolizes but Balki's honest opinions embarrass Larry.
17
Ten Speed and a Soft Touch
Larry and Balki become 'big brothers' to a troubled teenager who is always stealing. They do fine until Larry accuses him of stealing his bike.
18
Snow Way to Treat a Lady (1)
Jennifer and Mary Anne are going skiing and invite Larry and Balki. Larry thinks he can impress Jennifer by being an expert skier without much…
19
Snow Way to Treat a Lady (2)
The quartet are trapped in a cabin buried alive by an avalanche and they try to dig a tunnel to the outside world.
20
Up on a Roof
Larry enters a photo contest and has the idea of a perfect picture. But to take it, he and Balki have to go up on…
21
Get a Job
Larry and Balki quit their jobs after Twinkacetti refuses to give them a raise and get jobs at a burger joint serving to rowdy hockey…
22
Hello, Elaine
When Larry's sister Elaine stops by for a visit, Larry is appalled when she tells him that she's going to New York to become a…
SEASON 3
01
All News That Fits
Larry gets a job at the Chicago Chronicle local newspaper as a reporter and brings Balki to find a job. Mr. Burns the city editor…
02
Weigh to Go Buddy
When Larry discovers that he has gained 7 pounds, He goes on a diet that won't work. So Balki gives him a Mypos diet but…
03
Sexual Harrassment in Chicago
The editor of the Chronicle's Sunday Magazine makes a play for Balki but he isn't interested. She won't take no for an answer and anyone…
04
Taking Stock
Balki buys one share of stock in a cereal company and discovers that there isn't enough raisins in a box that they advertise. Knowing that…
05
Better Shop Around
While grocery shopping, Balki wins a shopping spree to happen the next day and he thinks it would be fun. But Lary makes a plan…
06
Your Cheatin' Heart
Jennifer is planning on buying a surprise typewriter for Larry and asks Balki for help barganing at a clearance sale. Larry gets suspicious after he…
07
The Horn Blows at Midnight
When a famous psychic visits the Chronicle, She goes into a trance and predicts that a bog storm will come and Larry will die at…
08
Karate Kids
While at a happy hour restaurant, Larry and Balki get beaten up at a bar by a bully who hit on Jennifer. So they decide…
09
Night School Confidential
Balki is cheated by a con artist who sold him counterfeit watches. And after getting no help from the police, Larry and Balki go undercover…
10
Future Shock
Jennifer has been given a promotion but if she accepts it, she has to move to LA. Larry refuses to tell her how he feels…
11
Couch Potato
When Larry and Balki get cable TV, Balki becomes glued to the TV and won't stop watching it to the point where he forgets about…
12
The Break-In
Balki accidently delivers Larry's offensive article to the publisher. So they break in late at night to retrieve it and end up on the ledge…
13
To Be or Not to Be
When Larry and Balki are chosen to be in the commercial for the Chicago Chronicle, Larry takes his acting abilities too far and goes overboard.
14
My Lips Are Sealed
After Mr. Gorpley gets information out of Balki about what's in the mail, Larry tells him that it's against the rules for him to give…
15
The Pen Pal
Vince Lucas the racketeer that Larry and Balki testified against has been paroled and Balki invites him into their apartment after writing to him ever…
16
Just Desserts
After Balki serves Larry, Jennifer, and Mary Anne some "Bibbi Babkas" (Myposian cream puffs), Larry suggests selling them but baking them cannot be rushed.
17
Pipe Dreams
Jennifer asks Larry if he can call a plumber for her to fix her shower head while she's away. Larry decides that to impress her…
18
Bye Bye Biki
Balki is excited because his 106 year old grandmother Biki is coming to America to see him but when she switched planes in New York,…
19
The Graduate
Balki manages to graduate night school at the top of his class, but soon finds out that there is no graduation ceremony. So Larry talks…
20
Defiant Guys
Larry is very angry at Balki for making him late for work and won't speak to him so Balki handcuffs them together and loses the…
21
My Brother, Myself
Larry's successful brother Billy (Ted McGinley) comes down for a visit, and Larry is upset because he brags about his success. So he tricks Balki…
22
You Gotta Have Friends
While Larry is doing some important research, Balki goes out to the races and when he gets back, he tells Larry about meeting Carl Lewis…
SEASON 4
01
The Lottery
Balki insists on buying a lottery ticket but Larry thinks that it is just a waste of money for something that can't possibly win. But…
02
Assertive Training
After Mr. Perkins, an employee at the Chronicle parked in Larry's parking space and Jennifer breaks a date with him at the last minute, Larry…
03
Aliens
Larry and Balki throw a Halloween party with their friends and after six hours of watching scary movies, Larry wakes up and discovers that Balki…
04
Piano Movers
When Lydia wants her piano moved up ten flights of stairs so she can sing for a record producer she is dating, Balki volunteers himself…
05
High Society
Larry has an excellent idea to present to the owners of the Chronicle but has trouble getting into the party that they're holding. And mistakenly…
06
Up a Lazy River (1)
The Chicago Chronicle is having a camping trip. Larry hates camping but knows that Jennifer loves it, so he arranges a trip. Jennifer insists she…
07
Up a Lazy River (2)
After the river takes them on a wild ride, The four end up lost in the woods. Hoping that Larry can regain Jennifer's respect, he…
08
College Bound
Larry prepares a surprise party for Balki who is taking his college entrance exams. While they are waiting for him to return, they talk about…
09
The Gift of the Mypiot
On Christmas Eve, Larry and Balki throw a Christmas party at their apartment for all their friends. But when Balki realizes that Mr. Gorpley is…
10
Maid to Order
With Larry working late and Balki at college, their household chores are falling behind. So they decide to hire a maid. They finally select Mr.…
11
That Old Gang of Mine
Mary Anne was promoted and moves to London and Balki is heartbroken and miserable. So Larry suggests Balki get a hobby to take his mind…
12
Crimebusters
Larry is promoted to the investigative reporting team of Marshall & Walpole at the Chronicle and looks hard for a great story. Harriette's husband Carl…
13
Games People Play
Larry is assigned to be on a game show called "Risk it All" and Balki is his partner. Balki wants to do all the stunts…
14
Come Fly with Me
Larry and Balki are flying to Hawaii with Jennifer and Mary Anne serving along the way. But after eating a Myposian snack the wrong way,…
15
Blind Alley
Larry's bowling team is one game away from winning the trophy that Mr. Gorpley has been waving in Larry's face for the last year. But…
16
The 'King' and I
Larry and Balki throw a '50s party and invite their friends. Lydia brings her date Lamont, a hypnotist. After demonstrating hypnosis, he accidentally hypnotizes Balki…
17
Prose and Cons
Larry and Balki wind up in jail after refusing to reveal their source for a commodity scandal, to protect the freedom of the press. They…
18
Car Wars
Balki finally has enough money to buy a car and thinks it will be fun. But Larry insists on using his father's "used car rating…
19
Just a Gigolo
Lydia is miserable when her boyfriend dumped her so Balki uses his match-making skills to fix Lydia up with a man who turns out to…
20
Seven Card Studs
Balki loses $100 at Mr. Gorpley's poker game so Larry insists on playing at his next game to win back Balki's money and then some.…
21
Teacher's Pest
Larry was chosen to teach a college course in journalism and Balki is able to take the class. But his standards are set way too…
22
Wedding Bell Blues
On Balki's 25th birthday, his mama has a pre-arranged marriage that Balki must go through with, even though he is in love with Mary Anne.…
SEASON 5
01
Good Skates
When Larry finds out that Grant, a co-worker of Jennifer's, is impressing Jennifer by raising money for a "Big Brothers" roller skating marathon, he gets…
02
Lie-Ability
After a minor car accident, Mr. Gorpley suggests Larry should sue. So Larry has plans to defraud an insurance company to gain money to help…
03
The Newsletter
When Balki is put in charge of the Chronicle Newsletter, Larry horns in and suggests he dig deep into the information. But he ends up…
04
Tooth or Consequences
Balki gets a cavity and Larry makes him a dental appointment for him and Balki is excited to go when Larry tells him about all…
05
Dog Day Mid-Afternoon
Larry writes an expose of a money laundering scheme that gets him his first front page story but he's upset when he realizes that Marshall…
06
Poetry in Motion
Larry and Balki discover that Lowell Kelly, a famous poet used to live in their apartment and his unpublished poem is hidden there. So they…
07
Father Knows Best (1)
Larry's perfectionist father comes for a visit and Larry wants to impress him so he can finally get a ""well done son"" from his father.…
08
Father Knows Best (2)
Larry and Balki, Jennifer and Mary Anne, Lydia and Mr. Gorpley, and of course Larry's father are all trapped in the flooding basement. Larry attempts…
09
Hello Ball
When Jennifer's father comes to town, Larry tries to impress him. So they decide to go golfing. Larry is an excellent golfer but Mr. Lyons…
10
Almost Live from Chicago
Lydia has been offered the opportunity of having her on TV advice show but she has one problem, she's afraid of cameras. But Larry tries…
11
Home Movies
Balki wants to send a home movie to his mama for the reunion he is going to miss. But Larry takes over the video and…
12
Everybody in the Pool
Balki plays the football pool for the first time at the Chronicle and wins. He also ends up winning the next five weeks which makes…
13
Because They're Cousins
Balki's cousin Bartok come to visit from Mypos via Los Angeles for the last six months. Bartok looks just like Balki except after being in…
14
Disorderly Orderlies
Balki tries to get Larry to do volunteer work at the hospital but he refused until he discovered that a famous football player is a…
15
The Selling of Mypos
When a big corporation in Chicago wants to buy 300 acres of land on Mypos, Balki was chosen to negotiate the sale, and he picked…
16
Nightmare Vacation
Larry found the perfect vacation and Balki, Jennifer and Mary Anne decide to give him one more chance with planning vacations. They go to a…
17
Three's a Crowd
While playing a board game, an argument breaks out between Jennifer and Mary Anne. The result being Mary Anne moving out and in with Larry…
18
Blast From the Past
It's a very psychotic evening when Marvin Berman, who tried to blow up Larry and Balki, visits them for dinner to apologize. But in the…
19
He's the Boss
When Mr. Wainwright hires a personal assistant Mr. Glover, Balki gets promoted to the executive staff, but is unaware that it is a scheme that…
20
Here Comes the Judge
When Balki is elected the head of the grievance committee, Lydia is accused of parking violations and she tries to influence his judgment by buying…
21
This Old House
Larry has a plan to make a fortune and talks Balki into buying a house for no money down, fixing it up and then selling…
22
Eyewitless Reports
A Chronicle Tour sends Mr. Gorpley, Larry and Balki & Jennifer and Mary Anne to a cabin in the forest where they encounter a 'Mad…
23
Bye, Bye Birdie
Balki grows very fond of his new pet parrot that drives Larry crazy. Meanwhile, their chimney is clogged and when Larry tried to light a…
24
Digging Up the News
Larry is assigned to interview Uncle Shaggy, a kid's show host and when he gets Balki to take a picture of him without his costume,…
SEASON 6
01
Safe at Home
After Larry buys an expensive stereo chair, their apartment is robbed along with the chair. So Larry buys a high-tech security system but takes all…
02
New Kid on the Block
Balki agrees to babysit their new neighbor's daughter Tess and lets her do whatever she wants. She ends up terrorizing the apartment which disturbs Larry…
03
The Break Up
Jennifer was asked out on a date by an old boyfriend and checked with Larry first. But he agreed thinking that's what she wanted but…
04
A Horse is a Horse
Larry and Balki buy a race horse and when they race him, he comes in last. They later discover that he has an incurable disease.…
05
Family Feud
A 500 year-old feud in the Bartokomous family is back when their rival Zolton Bauchelitis is coming to fight a duel with Balki. Larry gets…
06
Call Me Indestructible
Larry's fear of flying resurfaces when he interviews a pilot--who invites Larry to witness his aerial maneuvers firsthand.
07
The Men Who Knew Too Much (1)
Larry is sent to Los Angeles to write an article about a soap opera star's wedding and Balki goes with him. While attempting to get…
08
The Men Who Knew Too Much (2)
Larry and Balki manage to play back the tape proving their innocence, but they have trouble getting the tape to the police after they are…
09
The Ring
Larry buys an engagement ring for Jennifer from a street hustler unaware that he sells phony diamonds. When he discovers that the ring is fake,…
10
Black Widow
After doing some research, Larry finds evidence that Mary Anne is a serial killer but Jennifer is very skeptical since she's known her all her…
11
Sunshine Boys
Larry's popular high school rival Bunky McDermott comes to see him and invites him and Balki to a formal dinner party and make him a…
12
Hocus Pocus
When Balki practices his magic tricks for the Youth Center Show, Larry refuses to go because he's been having trouble finding a story for Mr.…
13
Finders Keepers
Balki finds a box with over $50,000 cash in it. Larry wants to keep it but Balki is insistent on finding the rightful owner, which…
14
Grandpa
Grandpa Appleton comes for a visit and is quite a surprise: He's 76 years old and is acting like a wild teenager, and has a…
15
Little Apartment of Horrors
During the cold season, Larry has a bad cold, along with everyone else except Balki. So Balki's mama sent a plant that cures Larry and…
16
I Saw This on TV
Larry manages to get tickets to go to a Bulls game with Balki on the night that Larry promised to take Jennifer to the ballet.…
17
Speak Memory
Jennifer's mother comes to town and wants to meet Larry, and Jennifer doesn't think that her mother will approve of her marrying him. Later on,…
18
Out of Sync
Balki is discovered by a music promoter and he offers him a record and video contract. So Larry convinces Balki to accept and he becomes…
19
See How They Run
Balki runs for student body president and lets Larry help and as usual, Larry goes completely over the top. The students however, don't like the…
20
Climb Every Billboard
Larry suggests to Mr. Wainwright that a Chronicle employee stay on a billboard until the Bulls' losing streak is over. Mr. Wainwright liked the idea…
21
A Catered Affair
Balki's catering business really takes off when he is catering for Texans. At Larry's advice, Balki books another party on the same night unaware that…
22
Duck Soup
Larry is going duck hunting with Mr. Wainwright and Balki wants to go to get revenge on something that happened to him when he was…
23
Great Balls of Fire
Balki convinces Larry to become a volunteer fireman but after the fire chief wore him out, Larry refuses to go back to the fire station…
24
See You in September
Balki and Mary Anne expect Larry and Jennifer to set a wedding date but they're too scared. To help them, Balki gives them an official…
SEASON 7
01
Bachelor Party
As the best man at Larry's upcoming wedding, Balki is tricked by Mr. Gorpley into throwing a bachelor party and when Mr. Gorpley show up…
02
The Wedding
Larry and Balki are driving to Lake Whitefish where Larry and Jennifer are getting married and they are pulled over for going too slow, but…
03
This New House
After losing their new apartment, Larry and Jennifer move into a luxurious Victorian house but can't afford to pay for food and heat. So after…
04
Door to Door
Larry and Balki get part time jobs to earn extra money. Balki tries stuffing teddy bears, but Larry asks for his help with door to…
05
Weekend at Ferdinand's
King Ferdinand of Mypos comes to visit America and dies in Larry's arms - which means that Larry is the new king according to Myposian…
06
Fright Night
When Balki finds out that there is a ghost in their house, Larry refuses to believe it. Jennifer and Mary Anne are convinced when Balki…
07
The Gazebo
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…
08
Citizenship (1)
Balki has passed his Citizenship test and is about to be sworn in as an American Citizen. So Larry arranges for Balki's mama (Bronson Pinchot…
09
Citizenship (2)
Larry travels to Mypos to try and persuade Balki's mama to let him come back to America. But before he can talk to her, Larry…
10
Wild Turkey
On Thanksgiving, Larry goes into the turkey selling business with over 50 turkeys roaming their backyard—and one of the turkeys may have eaten Jennifer's wedding…
11
Dimitri's World
Mr. Wainwright promotes Balki as the editor of the Sunday Children's page where he draws a comic trip of a sheep named Dimitri and Larry…
12
Car Tunes
Larry buys a new car radio that gets stolen. So he puts an alarm in the car that keeps going off all night. So they…
13
Two Angry Men
Balki gets his and Larry's names drawn for jury duty which starts the day before Jennifer has a pre-paid, non-refundable vacation to Bermuda booked for…
14
Missing
After Dimitri is kidnapped, Balki has a mental block that prevents him from drawing it in the paper. so Larry and Balki try to catch…
15
Going Once, Going Twice
Larry goes to an auction to cover a story and brings Balki with him and Larry demonstrates the bidding procedure at an auction and they…
16
Yes Sir, That's My Baby
When Balki shows Larry that Jennifer has been knitting booties, The possibility that Jennifer is pregnant causes Larry to imagine Larry and Balki's future sons…
17
Wayne Man
Balki wins an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas but is sad when they can't get any tickets to see Wayne Newton. Jennifer attempts to…
18
The Elevator
Larry decides to impress Mr. Wainwright by enlisting himself and Balki to move his brand new oversized couch up the elevator to his office while…
19
The Play's the Thing
When Balki takes Larry's "Wheat" play-script to Lydia's theater, Larry goes down to see the cast. But when the director tries to change the lines,…
20
Stress Test
Mr. Wainwright has chosen Larry and Balki to team up for a stress evaluation test that could get them fired if they fail, which isn't…
21
...Or Get Off the Pot
Mary Anne has been hinting at Balki to propose to her and he has failed one too many times so she threatens to move out.…
22
Chicago Suite
Balki hasn't gone out since he broke up with Mary Anne. So Larry convinces Balki to go out and meet new people and takes him…
23
It Had to be You
Balki has been having so many dates in the past two weeks and Jennifer thinks he still misses Mary Anne but Larry refuses to believe…
24
Get Me to the Dump on Time
According to a sacred Myposian custom, Balki and Mary Anne must be married within 24 hours and they get everything ready. Larry feels left out…
SEASON 8
01
The Baby Shower
Jennifer is seven months pregnant; Balki and Mary Anne have been on their honeymoon for five months in Mypos and their about to come home.…
02
After Hours
Larry wants to put some sparks back in his marriage, and after he fails with Balki's secret treasures, he goes shopping with Balki and accidentally…
03
Lethal Weapon
When all of Balki's ants on his farm die, he discovers that he has the "exterminiki curse" and everything he touches will instantly die. So…
04
Baby Quiz
Balki applies to the "Baby Quiz" TV game show for both couples. As it happens, Only Larry and Jennifer are accepted until a last minute…
05
Up, Up and Away (1)
Jennifer is two weeks overdue and has a few false alarms. Meanwhile, After Balki and Mary Anne went to the fair, Mary Anne goes into…
06
Up, Up and Away (2)
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.
SERIES INFO
8
Seasons
150
Episodes
Ended
Status
CREW
Creator
Dale McRaven
NETWORKS (1)
ABC
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Perfect Strangers about?
The chronicles of the rocky coexistence of midwestern American Larry Appleton and his distant cousin from eastern Mediterranean Europe, Balki Bartokomous.
Where can I watch Perfect Strangers?
Perfect Strangers is available on Plex, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Xumo Play, Tubi. Availability varies by region.
How many seasons does Perfect Strangers have?
Perfect Strangers has 8 seasons with 150 episodes total.
Who created Perfect Strangers?
Perfect Strangers was created by Dale McRaven.
Who stars in Perfect Strangers?
The cast of Perfect Strangers includes Bronson Pinchot, Mark Linn-Baker, Melanie Wilson, Rebeca Arthur, Belita Moreno.
What is the rating of Perfect Strangers?
Perfect Strangers has a rating of 6.6 out of 10 based on 106 votes on TMDB.
Is Perfect Strangers still running?
Perfect Strangers has ended. The final episode aired on .
GENRES (1)
Comedy
