Diff'rent Strokes (1978)

In the bustling heart of Manhattan, Phillip Drummond, a millionaire widower and president of the colossal corporation Trans Allied Inc., opens his opulent home and heart to Arnold and Willis, two African American orphans from the modest streets of Harlem. A solemn promise to their departed mother, his former housekeeper, is what binds them together in an unanticipated family unit. Instantly catapulted from frugality to affluence, the boys face a life they could only dream of. Willis, the elder brother, is initially skeptical of this abrupt change, but both boys eventually find comfort in their new lifestyle. The family tableau also includes Drummond's elegant daughter Kimberly and the pragmatic housekeeper Edna Garrett, who later embarks on her own journey, passing on the baton to the irritable Adelaide Brubaker and later, the charismatic Pearl Gallagher. Arnold's mates, Dudley and Robbie, Willis' sweetheart, Charlene, and a gaggle of vibrant characters from the show "The Facts of Life" often grace the Drummond household. This unexpected family dynamic takes a sweeter turn when Drummond encounters his soulmate in the vibrant Maggie McKinney, a fitness instructor, and her young son Sam. The storylines, while often centred on the universal trials of adolescence, are not shy of tackling grave issues, including a harrowing encounter with a child molester and a poignant episode on drug abuse featuring First Lady Nancy Reagan. "Diff'rent Strokes" paints a vivid picture of an unconventional family, navigating the choppy waters of life in their unique way. It's a heart-warming journey from hardship to affluence, underpinned by the power of love and commitment.

Diff'rent Strokes is a comedy show featuring Conrad Bain and created by Jeff Harris.

Diff'rent Strokes is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.