Perfect Strangers
Overview
Perfect Strangers follows the comedic misadventures of Larry Appleton, a young man from the Midwest, as he navigates life with his eccentric cousin Balki Bartokomous, who hails from a small village in the Mediterranean. Their clashing cultures and contrasting lifestyles lead to a series of humorous situations, as Balki's naive optimism collides with Larry's more pragmatic approach. Through their ups and downs, the duo develops a heartwarming bond, showcasing the beauty of friendship and family amidst the hilarity of their daily lives.
Episodes
-
1
Knock Knock, Who's There?
Larry Appleton has just moved into his new apartment in Chicago after growing up as one of nine siblings and has taken a position at the local discoun...
-
2
Picture This
Larry seeks to revive his career and learns that Dolly Parton is in town having an affair. Determined to capture a photo for the tabloids, he sets ou...
-
3
First Date
Larry decides to introduce Balki to the world of dating by taking him to a singles bar. As luck would have it, Balki charms someone and secures a dat...
-
4
Baby, You Can Drive My Car
Balki is eager to obtain his driver's license, but Mr. Twinkacetti doubts his abilities. However, Larry believes in Balki's potential so strongly that...
-
5
Check This
Larry brings Balki to the bank to set up a new account, but Balki struggles to grasp the concept of banking, leading him to overspend and purchase new...
-
6
Happy Birthday, Baby
Larry feels down on his 24th birthday, especially after missing out on a perfect photo moment. In an effort to lift his spirits, Balki decides to orga...
-
1
Hello Baby
Balki extends an invitation to his friend Gina from his citizenship class to stay at their place. Unexpectedly, she goes into labor during the night, ...
-
2
Hunks Like Us
Larry, smitten by a health club member named Jennifer, resolves to join the gym, believing she only dates athletic types. To impress her, he adopts a...
-
3
The Unnatural
Larry's softball squad is on the verge of clinching the championship, but their star athlete has been incarcerated. To keep the team competitive, Larr...
-
4
Ladies and Germs
Larry is excited about his upcoming date with a beauty queen, but his plans take a turn when he visits Mr. Twinkacetti at the hospital after he breaks...
-
5
Lifesavers
Following Larry's heroic act of rescuing Balki from a taxi's path, Balki insists on becoming Larry's devoted assistant. However, this newfound arrange...
-
6
Babes in Babylon
Larry and Balki score a trip to Las Vegas, where Larry meticulously organizes their itinerary to keep Balki away from the casinos and the risk of gamb...
-
7
Falling in Love is...
Balki develops feelings for a girl at night school who seems to have her sights set on Larry, continually canceling plans with Balki. Despite his frie...
-
8
Two Men and a Cradle
Balki volunteers to look after Gina's baby while she and her husband take a trip. Since Larry has more experience with infants, he feels he must assis...
-
9
Can I Get a Witness
Balki starts working as a delivery driver for a mobster named Vince Lucas. When Vince gets arrested, both Balki and his cousin Larry are summoned to g...
-
10
The Rent Strike
Mr. Twinkacetti has been neglecting his duties as a landlord, prompting Larry, Balki, and the other tenants to convene and initiate a rent strike. Des...
-
11
A Christmas Story
Larry and Balki find themselves stuck in Chicago on Christmas Eve, unable to head to Madison to visit Larry's family. This situation leaves Larry feel...
-
12
Dog Gone Blues
Balki adopts a dog, even though their lease strictly prohibits pets. Determined to keep the furry friend, he and Larry scramble to conceal it from Twi...
-
13
Since I Lost My Baby
When Mr. Twinkacetti neglects to remember his wedding anniversary for the sixteenth time, Edwina has had enough and kicks him out. He turns to Balki f...
-
14
Trouble in Paradise
Larry and Balki plan a dinner for Jennifer and Mary Anne, but they struggle to find common ground on the menu. Their disagreement escalates, creating...
-
15
Beautiful Dreamer
Balki is troubled by a recurring nightmare that keeps him awake at night. In his dream, he feels helpless as he is unable to contribute during the cru...
-
16
Tux for Two
Larry receives an invitation to a prestigious party honoring a photographer he greatly admires, but Balki's straightforward comments leave Larry feeli...
-
17
Ten Speed and a Soft Touch
Larry and Balki take on the role of 'big brothers' to a young teenager struggling with theft. Initially, they manage to connect and support him, but t...
-
18
Snow Way to Treat a Lady (1)
Jennifer and Mary Anne plan a skiing trip and extend an invitation to Larry and Balki. Eager to impress Jennifer with his supposed skiing skills, Larr...
-
19
Snow Way to Treat a Lady (2)
The group finds themselves stuck in a cabin, completely surrounded by a massive avalanche. As the snow piles up around them, they band together to ca...
-
20
Up on a Roof
Larry decides to enter a photography contest and envisions the ideal shot. However, to capture it, he and Balki must climb onto a rooftop and snap the...
-
21
Get a Job
Larry and Balki decide to leave their positions when Twinkacetti denies their request for a salary increase. They soon secure employment at a bustlin...
-
22
Hello, Elaine
Larry is taken aback when his sister Elaine pays him a visit and reveals her plans to head to New York to pursue a career as a pianist, opting out of ...
-
1
All News That Fits
Larry secures a position as a reporter at the Chicago Chronicle and encourages Balki to join him in seeking employment. Mr. Burns, the city editor, of...
-
2
Weigh to Go Buddy
After realizing he has put on seven pounds, Larry decides to start a diet that ultimately fails. In response, Balki introduces him to a traditional My...
-
3
Sexual Harrassment in Chicago
The editor of the Sunday Magazine at the Chronicle sets her sights on Balki, but he isn't interested in her advances. Undeterred, she refuses to accep...
-
4
Taking Stock
Balki purchases a single share in a cereal brand only to find that their boxes contain far fewer raisins than advertised. Outraged by the company's de...
-
5
Better Shop Around
During a trip to the grocery store, Balki unexpectedly wins a shopping spree for the following day, believing it will be an exciting adventure. Howev...
-
6
Your Cheatin' Heart
Jennifer intends to purchase a secret typewriter for Larry as a surprise gift and enlists Balki's assistance in negotiating at a clearance sale. Howev...
-
7
The Horn Blows at Midnight
A well-known psychic makes an appearance at the Chronicle, where she falls into a trance and foresees an impending bog storm, claiming that Larry will...
-
8
Karate Kids
During a lively happy hour, Larry and Balki find themselves on the receiving end of a beating from a bully who had been making advances towards Jennif...
-
9
Night School Confidential
Balki falls victim to a scam when a con artist sells him fake watches. Frustrated by the lack of assistance from the police, Larry and Balki decide to...
-
10
Future Shock
Jennifer receives an exciting job offer that requires her to relocate to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Larry grapples with his emotions, hesitant to expres...
-
11
Couch Potato
After Larry and Balki install cable TV, Balki becomes so absorbed in watching that he neglects his job, sacrifices sleep, and stops going out altogeth...
-
12
The Break-In
Balki mistakenly sends Larry's controversial article to the publisher, prompting them to sneak out late at night to get it back. Their mission takes a...
-
13
To Be or Not to Be
Larry and Balki land a spot in a commercial for the Chicago Chronicle, but Larry's enthusiasm leads him to take his acting to an extreme level. He pus...
-
14
My Lips Are Sealed
When Mr. Gorpley pries information from Balki regarding the contents of the mail, Larry steps in to remind him that sharing such details violates comp...
-
15
The Pen Pal
Vince Lucas, the mobster whom Larry and Balki once testified against, has been released from prison. Balki, having kept in touch with him through lett...
-
16
Just Desserts
When Balki treats Larry, Jennifer, and Mary Anne to his delightful "Bibbi Babkas" (Myposian cream puffs), Larry comes up with the idea to market them...
-
17
Pipe Dreams
Jennifer requests Larry to arrange for a plumber to repair her shower head while she’s out of town. Wanting to impress her, Larry opts to tackle the...
-
18
Bye Bye Biki
Balki is thrilled at the prospect of his 106-year-old grandmother, Biki, visiting him in America. However, tragedy strikes when she passes away during...
-
19
The Graduate
Balki proudly finishes night school as the valedictorian, only to discover there's no official graduation ceremony planned. Determined to celebrate h...
-
20
Defiant Guys
Larry is furious with Balki for causing him to miss work and decides to ignore him. In response, Balki cuffs them together, but chaos ensues when he ...
-
21
My Brother, Myself
When Larry's accomplished brother Billy (Ted McGinley) pays a visit, Larry feels overshadowed by his sibling's achievements. In an attempt to boost hi...
-
22
You Gotta Have Friends
As Larry focuses on his crucial research, Balki heads out to the racetrack. Upon returning, he excitedly shares his encounter with Carl Lewis, but Lar...
-
1
The Lottery
Balki is determined to purchase a lottery ticket, while Larry believes it’s a futile expense with no real chance of success. However, as the winning...
-
2
Assertive Training
When Mr. Perkins, a colleague at the Chronicle, takes over Larry's parking spot and Jennifer cancels their date at the last second, Larry realizes he ...
-
3
Aliens
Larry and Balki host a Halloween bash for their friends, but after a marathon of horror films, Larry dozes off. When he wakes up, he finds that Balki ...
-
4
Piano Movers
Lydia needs her piano transported up ten flights of stairs to impress a record producer she's dating with her singing. Balki eagerly offers to help, b...
-
5
High Society
Larry comes up with a brilliant proposal for the Chronicle's owners but faces challenges gaining entry to their exclusive party. In a twist of fate, h...
-
6
Up a Lazy River (1)
The staff at the Chicago Chronicle is planning a camping excursion. Although Larry despises the idea of camping, he knows it’s something Jennifer en...
-
7
Up a Lazy River (2)
After an exhilarating journey down the river, the four find themselves disoriented in the woods. Larry, eager to win back Jennifer's admiration, convi...
-
8
College Bound
Larry is planning a surprise party for Balki, who's busy with his college entrance exams. As they wait for him to come back, Larry and his friends rem...
-
9
The Gift of the Mypiot
On Christmas Eve, Larry and Balki host a festive gathering at their apartment for their friends. When Balki discovers that Mr. Gorpley is feeling lone...
-
10
Maid to Order
With Larry putting in extra hours at work and Balki busy with college, their home responsibilities are piling up. They come to the conclusion that the...
-
11
That Old Gang of Mine
After Mary Anne's promotion leads her to relocate to London, Balki finds himself feeling heartbroken and despondent. In an effort to lift his spirits,...
-
12
Crimebusters
Larry receives a promotion to the investigative reporting team at Marshall & Walpole within the Chronicle, and he's on the hunt for a compelling story...
-
13
Games People Play
Larry finds himself on a game show named "Risk it All," where his enthusiastic cousin Balki is his teammate. Eager to tackle all the challenges, Balki...
-
14
Come Fly with Me
Larry and Balki are on a flight to Hawaii, with Jennifer and Mary Anne attending to the passengers. However, after mistakenly consuming a Myposian sna...
-
15
Blind Alley
Larry's bowling team is just one game away from clinching the trophy that Mr. Gorpley has been teasing him about for the entire year. However, Calvin,...
-
16
The 'King' and I
Larry and Balki host a '50s-themed party and invite their friends over for the fun. Lydia arrives with her date, Lamont, who happens to be a hypnotist...
-
17
Prose and Cons
Larry and Balki find themselves behind bars after standing firm on their commitment to journalistic integrity, refusing to disclose their source link...
-
18
Car Wars
Balki is excited to finally have enough money to purchase a car, believing it will be a great experience. However, Larry insists on applying his fathe...
-
19
Just a Gigolo
Feeling heartbroken after her boyfriend breaks up with her, Lydia finds herself in a pit of despair. In an attempt to cheer her up, Balki decides to p...
-
20
Seven Card Studs
After Balki drops $100 in Mr. Gorpley's poker game, Larry insists on joining the next round to help recover Balki's losses and more. Confidently, Larr...
-
21
Teacher's Pest
Larry gets the opportunity to teach a journalism class at the university, and Balki eagerly enrolls. However, Larry's expectations turn out to be exce...
-
22
Wedding Bell Blues
As Balki celebrates his 25th birthday, he discovers his family has set up an arranged marriage for him, despite his feelings for Mary Anne. Determined...
-
1
Good Skates
Larry becomes envious when he learns that Grant, one of Jennifer's colleagues, is charming her by organizing a fundraiser for a "Big Brothers" roller ...
-
2
Lie-Ability
Following a small fender bender, Mr. Gorpley encourages Larry to consider legal action. Motivated by the need to support his sister Elaine’s colleg...
-
3
The Newsletter
Balki is assigned to oversee the Chronicle Newsletter, and Larry can’t resist getting involved, urging him to uncover juicy stories. However, Balki ...
-
4
Tooth or Consequences
Balki discovers he has a cavity, prompting Larry to schedule a dental appointment for him. Balki is thrilled when Larry shares all the cool things he ...
-
5
Dog Day Mid-Afternoon
Larry pens an investigative piece revealing a money laundering operation that earns him his first front page feature. However, he feels disheartened w...
-
6
Poetry in Motion
Larry and Balki stumble upon the fact that their apartment once belonged to Lowell Kelly, a renowned poet, and realize that an unpublished poem of his...
-
7
Father Knows Best (1)
Larry's meticulous father arrives for a visit, and Larry is eager to earn his father's praise with a long-awaited "well done, son." However, things t...
-
8
Father Knows Best (2)
Larry, Balki, Jennifer, Mary Anne, Lydia, Mr. Gorpley, and Larry's dad find themselves stuck in a basement that's rapidly flooding. As Larry struggles...
-
9
Hello Ball
When Jennifer's dad visits, Larry is eager to make a good impression. They plan a round of golf together, but while Larry excels at the sport, Mr. Lyo...
-
10
Almost Live from Chicago
Lydia receives an exciting chance to host her own advice show on television, but there's a catch—she's terrified of being on camera. Meanwhile, Larr...
-
11
Home Movies
Balki is eager to send a home video to his mama for the reunion he will be unable to attend. However, Larry intervenes and takes control of the projec...
-
12
Everybody in the Pool
Balki takes a shot at the football pool at the Chronicle and surprisingly hits the jackpot. To everyone's dismay, he continues to win for the next fi...
-
13
Because They're Cousins
Balki's cousin Bartok arrives from Mypos, having spent the past six months in Los Angeles. Though he resembles Balki, Bartok has shed his accent and ...
-
14
Disorderly Orderlies
Balki encourages Larry to participate in some volunteer work at the hospital, but Larry initially declines. His interest piques when he learns that a...
-
15
The Selling of Mypos
A major corporation from Chicago plans to purchase 300 acres of land on Mypos, and Balki is selected to handle the negotiations. He turns to Larry for...
-
16
Nightmare Vacation
Larry discovered what he thought was the ideal getaway, and Balki, Jennifer, and Mary Anne agreed to let him take another shot at planning their vacat...
-
17
Three's a Crowd
During a board game night, tensions flare between Jennifer and Mary Anne, leading to Mary Anne's decision to leave and stay with Larry and Balki, who ...
-
18
Blast From the Past
On a particularly chaotic evening, Marvin Berman, the man who once attempted to blow up Larry and Balki, comes over for dinner to express his apologie...
-
19
He's the Boss
Mr. Wainwright brings on a new personal assistant, Mr. Glover, leading to Balki’s unexpected promotion to the executive team. However, Balki is obli...
-
20
Here Comes the Judge
Balki becomes the chair of the grievance committee, and Lydia finds herself facing allegations of parking violations. In an attempt to sway his decisi...
-
21
This Old House
Larry devises a scheme to strike it rich and convinces Balki to purchase a house with no initial payment, promising to renovate it and sell for a prof...
-
22
Eyewitless Reports
During a Chronicle Tour, Mr. Gorpley, Larry, Balki, Jennifer, and Mary Anne find themselves at a remote cabin in the woods. While there, they run into...
-
23
Bye, Bye Birdie
Balki becomes incredibly attached to his new pet parrot, much to Larry's annoyance. At the same time, they discover their chimney is blocked. When Lar...
-
24
Digging Up the News
Larry is tasked with interviewing Uncle Shaggy, a beloved children’s television host. When he convinces Balki to snap a photo of him out of characte...
-
1
Safe at Home
After Larry splurges on a pricey stereo chair, their apartment is burglarized, and the chair goes missing. In response, Larry invests in a sophisticat...
-
2
New Kid on the Block
Balki volunteers to look after Tess, the daughter of their new neighbors, and gives her free rein to do as she pleases. Unfortunately, her wild antics...
-
3
The Break Up
Jennifer receives a date invitation from an ex-boyfriend and decides to consult Larry about it. He interprets her inquiry as a sign that she’s looki...
-
4
A Horse is a Horse
Larry and Balki decide to invest in a racehorse, but their excitement turns to disappointment when the horse finishes dead last in its first race. Soo...
-
5
Family Feud
The longstanding 500-year rivalry within the Bartokomous family resurfaces when Zolton Bauchelitis challenges Balki to a duel. Caught in the middle of...
-
6
Call Me Indestructible
Larry's anxiety about flying comes to the forefront when he meets a pilot during an interview. The pilot extends an invitation to Larry to join him in...
-
7
The Men Who Knew Too Much (1)
Larry travels to Los Angeles to cover the wedding of a popular soap opera actor, bringing Balki along for the adventure. In their quest for a sensati...
-
8
The Men Who Knew Too Much (2)
Larry and Balki successfully retrieve the recording that clears them of any wrongdoing, but their victory is short-lived. As they attempt to deliver ...
-
9
The Ring
-
10
Black Widow
Larry uncovers information suggesting that Mary Anne might be a serial killer, but Jennifer, who has known her forever, doubts his findings. Tension r...
-
11
Sunshine Boys
Larry's old high school adversary, Bunky McDermott, pays him a visit with an enticing offer: an invitation to an exclusive dinner party and a chance...
-
12
Hocus Pocus
As Balki rehearses his magic acts for the upcoming Youth Center Show, Larry is hesitant to attend, preoccupied with his struggle to come up with a sto...
-
13
Finders Keepers
Balki discovers a box containing more than $50,000 in cash. Larry is eager to keep the money, but Balki firmly believes they should locate the true ow...
-
14
Grandpa
When Grandpa Appleton pays a visit, everyone is taken aback by his youthful spirit. At 76, he behaves like a carefree teenager and even has a girlfrie...
-
15
Little Apartment of Horrors
In the midst of winter, Larry catches a nasty cold, just like everyone else, except for Balki. To help, Balki's mother sends a special plant known for...
-
16
I Saw This on TV
Larry scores tickets to a Bulls game with Balki on the same night he committed to taking Jennifer to the ballet. To escape the situation, he lies to J...
-
17
Speak Memory
Jennifer's mother visits the town and expresses her desire to meet Larry, but Jennifer fears her mother won't accept him as a suitable partner. The si...
-
18
Out of Sync
A music promoter stumbles upon Balki and presents him with a chance to sign a record and video deal. Encouraged by Larry, Balki eagerly accepts and q...
-
19
See How They Run
Balki decides to run for student body president and enlists Larry's assistance, but as always, Larry takes it to an extreme. The student body, however...
-
20
Climb Every Billboard
Larry proposes to Mr. Wainwright that a Chronicle staff member should remain atop a billboard until the Bulls break their losing streak. Mr. Wainwrigh...
-
21
A Catered Affair
Balki's catering venture skyrockets when he caters for a group of Texans. Following Larry's suggestion, Balki arranges another party for the same even...
-
22
Duck Soup
Larry plans a duck hunting trip with Mr. Wainwright, but Balki insists on joining to settle a childhood score related to a duck incident. Initially he...
-
23
Great Balls of Fire
Balki persuades Larry to join the volunteer fire department, but after an exhausting day with the fire chief, Larry decides he won’t return to the s...
-
24
See You in September
Balki and Mary Anne are eagerly waiting for Larry and Jennifer to choose a date for their wedding, but the couple is feeling apprehensive. In an effor...
-
1
Bachelor Party
Balki, serving as Larry's best man, falls victim to Mr. Gorpley's schemes when he's convinced to organize a bachelor party. The situation escalates wh...
-
2
The Wedding
Larry and Balki are on their way to Lake Whitefish for Larry and Jennifer's wedding when they get pulled over for driving too slowly. Things take a tu...
-
3
This New House
After their new apartment falls through, Larry and Jennifer find themselves in a lavish Victorian home, but soon realize they can't manage basic expen...
-
4
Door to Door
Larry and Balki take on side jobs to make some extra cash. Balki experiments with stuffing teddy bears, but Larry enlists him to assist with selling c...
-
5
Weekend at Ferdinand's
When King Ferdinand of Mypos arrives in America, he unexpectedly passes away in Larry's embrace, leading to the surprising revelation that Larry is no...
-
6
Fright Night
Balki discovers a ghost haunting their home, but Larry is skeptical. However, Jennifer and Mary Anne are intrigued after Balki presents them with a bo...
-
7
The Gazebo
Larry and Balki are hard at work constructing a new gazebo in their backyard, but their efforts quickly turn chaotic. Watching the duo struggle brings...
-
8
Citizenship (1)
Balki has successfully completed his Citizenship test and is on the verge of becoming an American citizen. To celebrate this milestone, Larry invites...
-
9
Citizenship (2)
Larry heads to Mypos with the intention of convincing Balki's mother to allow him to return to America. However, once he arrives, he quickly embraces ...
-
10
Wild Turkey
On Thanksgiving Day, Larry decides to venture into the turkey-selling business, filling their backyard with more than 50 lively turkeys. Amidst the ch...
-
11
Dimitri's World
Mr. Wainwright elevates Balki to the role of editor for the Sunday Children's page, where he creates a comic strip featuring a sheep named Dimitri. La...
-
12
Car Tunes
Larry purchases a new car radio, only for it to be stolen shortly after. Frustrated, he installs an alarm system in his car, but it ends up blaring al...
-
13
Two Angry Men
Balki and Larry receive summons for jury duty, which coincidentally falls on the day before Jennifer's non-refundable vacation to Bermuda with Larry. ...
-
14
Missing
When Dimitri is abducted, Balki finds himself unable to sketch the event for the newspaper due to a mental block. In an effort to resolve this, Larry ...
-
15
Going Once, Going Twice
Larry attends an auction to report on the event and brings Balki along for support. As he explains how the bidding works, they inadvertently end up pu...
-
16
Yes Sir, That's My Baby
Balki reveals to Larry that Jennifer has taken up knitting booties, sparking Larry's imagination about the possibility of her being pregnant. He envi...
-
17
Wayne Man
Balki is thrilled to win a fully-paid vacation to Las Vegas, but his excitement dims when they discover there are no available tickets to see Wayne Ne...
-
18
The Elevator
Larry aims to make a good impression on Mr. Wainwright by volunteering himself and Balki to transport his brand-new, oversized couch up to his office,...
-
19
The Play's the Thing
Balki brings Larry's "Wheat" script to Lydia's theater, prompting Larry to visit the cast. When the director attempts to alter the dialogue, Larry fir...
-
20
Stress Test
Mr. Wainwright has paired Larry and Balki for a challenging stress assessment that could lead to their dismissal if they don’t succeed. This proves ...
-
21
...Or Get Off the Pot
Mary Anne has been dropping hints for Balki to pop the question, but after several missed opportunities, she decides to take action and threatens to ...
-
22
Chicago Suite
Since his split with Mary Anne, Balki has been reluctant to socialize. To help him move on, Larry persuades him to visit a singles bar. Balki ends up...
-
23
It Had to be You
Balki has been on a whirlwind of dates over the last two weeks, leading Jennifer to suspect he’s still pining for Mary Anne, a notion Larry dismisse...
-
24
Get Me to the Dump on Time
In adherence to a cherished Myposian tradition, Balki and Mary Anne must tie the knot within a day, and preparations are in full swing. Feeling sideli...
-
1
The Baby Shower
Jennifer is seven months along, while Balki and Mary Anne are returning from their five-month honeymoon in Mypos. To everyone's surprise, Mary Anne re...
-
2
After Hours
Larry is eager to reignite the passion in his marriage, but after his attempt with Balki's hidden gems falls flat, he heads to the store with Balki fo...
-
3
Lethal Weapon
After experiencing a tragic loss of all his ants on the farm, Balki learns he is afflicted with the "exterminiki curse," causing everything he touche...
-
4
Baby Quiz
Balki signs up for the "Baby Quiz" television game show alongside both couples. Initially, only Larry and Jennifer are chosen to participate, but a la...
-
5
Up, Up and Away (1)
Jennifer is now two weeks past her due date and has experienced several false alarms. Meanwhile, after Balki and Mary Anne's visit to the fair, Mary A...
-
6
Up, Up and Away (2)
Caught in a hot air balloon that’s speeding away, Larry and Balki face the challenge of returning to the ground just as Jennifer goes into labor.
