T.V. History: Charles in Charge

First, let me announce that season one of Charles in Charge  is now available on Hulu.  Charles in Charge starred Scott Baio as a live in babysitter for the Pembroke family, and ran on CBS during the ‘84-’85 television season.  It has one of those theme songs that gets stuck in your head.

Secondly, let’s talk history.  If season one of the show isn’t exactly what you remember (the case with my wife), that’s because it’s almost a different series entirely than seasons 2-5.  CBS ran the first season from Oct. ‘84 – April ‘85.  The show was cancelled for poor ratings.  It did not come back on until 1987, when it appeared in first run syndication.  The ‘87 – ‘90 run of the show, with the exception of Charles and his best friend Buddy, featured an entirely different cast.  (source: Wikipedia)  Ellen Travolta was cast to play Charles’s mother, the same role she played (to Scott Baio) on Happy Days AND Joanie Loves Chachi.

So, I hope you enjoy this blast from the past courtesy of Hulu as I have.  The jokes are still funny, but it reeks of the 80’s.  Just the way I like it.