🍿 Perfect Strangers

Your Weekly Pop Culture & Nostalgia Roundup | Perfect Strangers, and more...!

Don’t be ridiculous! ~ Balki Bartokomous

When you think of classic '80s sitcoms, "Perfect Strangers" might not be the first show that comes to mind, but it definitely deserves a spot in the pantheon of feel-good TV from that era. This odd-couple comedy brought together two cousins from different worlds and served up a some great laughs, cultural misunderstandings, and heartwarming moments.

The show centered around Larry Appleton, a straight-laced Midwesterner trying to make it in the big city of Chicago, and his distant cousin Balki Bartokomous, a naive but lovable shepherd from the fictional Mediterranean island of Mypos. When Balki shows up unannounced on Larry's doorstep, hilarity ensues as the two navigate life, work, and relationships together.

What made "Perfect Strangers" stand out was its blend of physical comedy, witty wordplay, and the genuine chemistry between its leads. Bronson Pinchot's portrayal of Balki was nothing short of comedic gold. His mangled English, bizarre Myposian customs, and catchphrases like "Don't be ridiculous!" became instant classics. Mark Linn-Baker's Larry provided the perfect foil as the neurotic, often exasperated uptight man to Balki's impulsive antics.

Here's a fun bit of trivia: Pinchot's character of Balki was actually inspired by a brief role he played in the movie "Beverly Hills Cop." The accent and mannerisms he used for that small part caught the attention of TV producers and eventually led to the creation of Balki Bartokomous.

The show wasn't afraid to get silly, with episodes featuring everything from Larry and Balki entering a dance contest to Balki bringing home a bionic dog. But beneath the wacky scenarios, there was always a heartfelt core about family, friendship, and chasing the American dream.

Speaking of chasing dreams, did you know that Mark Linn-Baker almost didn't become an actor at all? He originally planned to be a lawyer but changed course after appearing in a high school play. Talk about a career 180 that paid off!

"Perfect Strangers" also gave us one of the most memorable TV theme songs of the '80s. "Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now" perfectly captured the show's optimistic spirit and became an earworm for viewers everywhere. Go ahead, try not to hum it after reading this!