johns6087 There's nothing really special about this show, it's a typical 1980's to 1990's sitcom with not very well developed characters and a really simple premise, but the actors are so likable and the show is so fun that I just don't care.In this case the characters are Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot), a naive and very foreign shepherd boy from Mypos (pretty much but technically not really a Greek island) who immigrates to the land of the free America, in the city of Chicago, to build a new life. This is much to the chagrin of "Cousin Larry", his (distant) American cousin who is a wannabe photographer who had no idea Balki was coming. Apparently it's customary in their family that they should just take each other in for unknown periods of time. Cousin Larry obviously has reservations until he's moved by Balki's plight and his kindness and opens his doors (and apartment) to the foreigner. The two work in a nick-knack shop, then at the Chicago Tribune newspaper (after Larry makes it as a photographer/news man), and all along the way they go through the weekly ritual of know-it- all Larry announcing "I have a plan!" then forcing Balki, who knows what they should actually do but is too innocent and taken in by Cousin Larry's confidence to object, to get into trouble before clumsily lucking their way out of it. They also have crushes on their two upstairs neighbour girls, beautiful stewardesses, who they pursue (and finally get) during the series' entire run, even buying and fixing up a house. Obviously the plots and situations wear thin by the end (the last season was not very good in my opinion) but even then the characters and simple, fun premise stayed entertaining and just plain fun!The only really remarkable thing about this show is how enduringly popular it was as it lasted a surprising number of seasons/years (like 10!) and huge numbers of people loved it during its run on ABC's (or was it NBC's?) "TGIF" Friday night lineup. Definitely a family friendly show too, if that is something that concerns you (kind of why we watched it).

Aaron1375 I enjoyed this show when I was younger and I enjoyed the first and second season when it came out on DVD. I enjoyed the differences between Larry and his cousin Balki. Larry played very well by Mark Linn Baker was my favorite of the two as he could be just insane and scheming at times. Also, everything he did to try and impress Jennifer the woman he wished to marry usually blew up in his face in very funny ways. Balki who may have been foreign born and not as knowledgeable of the American way of life often times had to be the voice of reason. The show started off a bit strangely as you could tell it took them a bit to get things right as the show was a bit inconsistent at the beginning especially where some of the more minor characters were concerned. The show was funny in this time, but not as good as it was during its third and fourth years. Then after Larry got married the show went downhill as the newspaper Larry and Balki worked out was taken completely out of the show as were some very memorable and funny characters. The show was still funny though the first season they were at the new house though there were a couple of embarrassingly bad episodes during this part too. Then final season consisted of a throw away season released in the the summer and the show ended on a bit of a low note, but at least it was given the opportunity to end. I just wish they would release the third season on DVD, it has been like two or three years now since they initially released season 1 & 2.

bull-frog As a kid growing up, I thought Perfect Strangers was the best show I've seen. Cousins Larry and Balki entertained me to no end. I was 9 years old when it first came out and my fondest memories were the cousins accidentally over-tanning themselves, Larry giving Jennifer a fake diamond ring, and Larry giving a Thankgiving prayer with a turkey stuck to his foot. But recently, I caught some reruns and am shocked by how annoying this show really is. It's the type of stuff that you find amusing as a kid but downright irritating as an adult. Balki is basically a full grown six year old kid and is ridiculously naive and immature. Just as annoying are the laugh tracks that come on every time he does something dumb. Larry is the elder, "mature", and impatient know-it-all. Every episode ends with Balki preaching some stupid morality lesson to his cousin. After a few episodes, I basically stopped watching. It's no wonder these shows don't exist anymore. I will however admit, the chemistry between the cousins is very good.

gemsbabys This is fantastic this programme from the 1980s this is my nannas favourite, she has been trying to get this for years, now I've finally found it for her ,its full of humour and thats what she needs its ashame that i cant get it on DVD or video.i really do wish i could get this for my nanna as it would make her happy again she is an old women now bless her with not much to look forward too,please,please put this on DVD or video or on lime wire so i can download all episodes so i can give her them as a Christmas present.its brilliant should watch these episodes if you can ever get them there garrenteed to make you laugh.its makes my nanna laugh so much its unbelievable .