The 80s - Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1986) - "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

Barrybgb · 03-26-2011, 09:51 AM

"Diff'rent Strokes" premiered on November 3, 1978, and ran until March 7, 1986, with a total of 189 episodes.

The show centered around two orphaned boys from Harlem, Arnold and Willis Jackson(Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges), who were adopted by the rich Phillip Drummond(Conrad Bain), who was the boys' mother's employer. The boys moved into the luxurious Drummond penthouse with Mr. Drummond, daughter Kimberly(Dana Plato) and housekeeper Mrs. Garrett(Charlotte Rae).

Opening credits for seasons 1 and 2:
YouTube - Diff'rent Strokes Seasons 1 & 2 Opening Theme

During it's run, the show handled such deep issues as racism, drug use, child molestation, bulimia, and kidnapping. First Lady Nancy Reagan even made a famous guest appearance in one episode. Other notable guest appearances on the show include Mr. T and David Hasselhoff.

Sadly, Dana Plato passed away in 1999, and Gary Coleman in 2010.

**Melis** · 03-26-2011, 11:33 AM

I loved this show! The title is what everyone remembers. lol

Barrybgb · 03-27-2011, 01:31 PM

It's such a good show. Gary Coleman probably heard that catchphrase everywhere he went!

I got season 1 today.

**Melis** · 03-28-2011, 06:03 PM

Yeah, he would have a hard time getting away from it.

Congrats!

Barrybgb · 03-29-2011, 10:33 AM

He didn't appear in any of the 2 featurettes.

Sadly, they only released 2 seasons on DVD.

**Melis** · 04-02-2011, 09:29 PM

Bummer.

Yeah, I'm not surprised about that.

Barrybgb · 04-03-2011, 08:57 AM

This will probably be another one to get the short end of the stick.

I think Gary Coleman was phenomenal. For his age, he had expert comic timing and ability. I thought he was one of the best kid stars ever.

**Melis** · 04-03-2011, 01:30 PM

Yeah, sadly true.

He was a good actor. He's probably why the show was so well loved.

Barrybgb · 04-04-2011, 01:12 PM

He was clearly the star and main attraction. Charlotte Rae even said there would have been no TFOL if it weren't for him turning this show into such a hit.

**Melis** · 04-04-2011, 06:21 PM

That's a nice thing to say.

Barrybgb · 04-05-2011, 02:00 PM

Yeah. I think he even appeared once or twice on TFOL.

**Melis** · 04-05-2011, 04:12 PM

Oh, what season? I don't remember.

Barrybgb · 04-06-2011, 12:45 PM

I believe it was the first season. Actually, it may even of been the very first episode. I seem to remember one he was in later. I recall him being in the cafeteria set then.

Some of the girls appeared on Diff'rent Strokes a few times too.

**Melis** · 04-06-2011, 02:36 PM

Now I wish I could see all of these eps. lol

Barrybgb · 04-07-2011, 01:54 PM

Lol.

Going to start season 1 today I think. It sucks knowing that you don't have the whole series out. Luckily, I have most of the rest on tape.


Fan Forum > General Discussion > The 80s > Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1986) - "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?"