31 reviews
Scott Baio after Happy Days concluded its run was lucky enough to grab this second series which gave him quite a few more years in front of the American television viewing public. Lucky because the whole cast revamped in the second season except for Baio and Willie Aames.
Charles In Charge's most current series that is like it is Jessie from the Disney Channel. He's a college student who pays his tuition as a live in Au Pere for a family with three kids. The first season the family was the Pembrokes, but for some reason the family never clicked with the public. So in the second season Baio comes back from summer vacation and finds a whole new family moved in with three kids, two girls and a boy of roughly the same ages and he has to make a case to be hired by the newly arrived Powell family. He does in that first episode and the run for seven years was assured.
The only other regular kept on was Aames who played Buddy Lembeck, Charles best friend who provided most of the comedy. In Eight Is Enough Aames was your all American kid, here he's your all American doofus. I mean who else orders patio furniture without a patio, that was the level of comedy Aames provided, but he was funny.
Like Jessie, Charles was always around with some good advice and ever ready to solve the problems of the Powell kids. Ellen Travolta was in several episodes toward the end and we learned she called him 'doodlebug' as pet name. That didn't help with discipline.
Charles In Charge was a clean wholesome show that had some good comedy and some sound advice for living as well.
Charles In Charge's most current series that is like it is Jessie from the Disney Channel. He's a college student who pays his tuition as a live in Au Pere for a family with three kids. The first season the family was the Pembrokes, but for some reason the family never clicked with the public. So in the second season Baio comes back from summer vacation and finds a whole new family moved in with three kids, two girls and a boy of roughly the same ages and he has to make a case to be hired by the newly arrived Powell family. He does in that first episode and the run for seven years was assured.
The only other regular kept on was Aames who played Buddy Lembeck, Charles best friend who provided most of the comedy. In Eight Is Enough Aames was your all American kid, here he's your all American doofus. I mean who else orders patio furniture without a patio, that was the level of comedy Aames provided, but he was funny.
Like Jessie, Charles was always around with some good advice and ever ready to solve the problems of the Powell kids. Ellen Travolta was in several episodes toward the end and we learned she called him 'doodlebug' as pet name. That didn't help with discipline.
Charles In Charge was a clean wholesome show that had some good comedy and some sound advice for living as well.
- bkoganbing
- Jul 21, 2012
- Permalink
Yes, I am probably in the minority, but I did enjoy the first family a lot more than the second family in this show. Other than that it was a rather mediocre show that had its moments, but was really nothing special especially since the first family to me seemed more real, while the second seemed to be a little to much like the perfect sitcom family type. It also seemed strange that the second family would even want Charles in their home seeing as how they never met him in the first place. Still, the show had a few laughs with the second family and was not all bad. The two principle characters from the first season returned as Scott Baio and Willie Ames from the rather funny film "Zapped" are buddies going to school and Charles kind of watches after the kids while having a place to stay. So it is kind of like "The Nanny" or a "Mr. Belvedere" only in this one it is less of a professional and more of just a guy going to college. Of course there are wacky things going on as one would expect from a sitcom of this era as there are problems with the kids and problems with school and that sort of thing. So basically a sitcom that started strong, but with the change of families became more bland.
I loved it so much, thank-you so much to the creators!!!! and Scott Baio looked super cute!!!! =) I think he's a good actor, i loved the series so much, i thought it was one of the best series' i've seen from the 80's(i always watch reruns whenever i see them!!), and it was really good!!
- baceballbaybee3
- Jun 27, 2001
- Permalink
- koolbreezeej
- May 16, 2021
- Permalink
I loved watching this show back when it first aired, and I loved watching it recently on DVD.
I noticed that as the show came to an end, that 3 episode in particular seemed as attempted spin-off pilots for some of the cast.
Season 5 Episode 19 "Lost Resort" Seemed like a pilot for a Willie Aames spin-off series.
Season 5 Episode 23 "Almost Family" Seemed like an Ellen Travolta spin-off attempt.
And Season 5 Episode 25 "Fair Exchange" looked like a Nicole Eggert spin-off pilot.
Is it just me, or did these really do look like Pilot Episodes for shows that never came to be? All 3 were directed by Scott Baio, so they might of just been attempts by him to get into the director's chair, or it might of been in his contract and the producers let him do whatever he wanted. But they seemed like spin-offs to me. Of course, they never came to be. Of the 3 the only one I think would of had a chance at a half season is Fair Exchange, but, the acting was terrible in it. This shows how worse the other two were. All in all, they were interesting concepts, maybe with a re-format they might of gotten picked up.
I noticed that as the show came to an end, that 3 episode in particular seemed as attempted spin-off pilots for some of the cast.
Season 5 Episode 19 "Lost Resort" Seemed like a pilot for a Willie Aames spin-off series.
Season 5 Episode 23 "Almost Family" Seemed like an Ellen Travolta spin-off attempt.
And Season 5 Episode 25 "Fair Exchange" looked like a Nicole Eggert spin-off pilot.
Is it just me, or did these really do look like Pilot Episodes for shows that never came to be? All 3 were directed by Scott Baio, so they might of just been attempts by him to get into the director's chair, or it might of been in his contract and the producers let him do whatever he wanted. But they seemed like spin-offs to me. Of course, they never came to be. Of the 3 the only one I think would of had a chance at a half season is Fair Exchange, but, the acting was terrible in it. This shows how worse the other two were. All in all, they were interesting concepts, maybe with a re-format they might of gotten picked up.
Yes I admit I like this show. I enjoyed the first family more but the banter between Mr. Powell , the grandpa , curmudgeon military man vs. silly,naive, party animal, reckless Buddy Lembeck was truly magic and fun to watch every episode. I thought Scott Baio character was horrible on Happy Days and ChaChi was a shark jumper for that show. On this show , I felt that Scott Baio was a great character as the 'nanny' so to speak. It was a light show and thoroughly enjoyable. Not great acting, not exactly ALL IN THE FAMILY status, but it worked and it did not pretend to be something it was not. A light show with OK acting and good for a few wholesome laughs.
- Greatornot
- May 26, 2008
- Permalink
This was one of my favorite shows growing up! It's still one of my favorites now! I watch it all the time on Nick at Nite. I have seen some of the episodes from the 1st. season, but I have to admit that I watched the show in syndication, so I grew up seeing the Powell family. However, the Pembrokes were great too. I'm especially thankful for the "Amityville" episode which explained why Charles was set up with a new family and kept continuity intact. Charles is cool, but Buddy is the best! Anyway, the show rules! (no matter what season)
I hate to say this but I preferred the first family, the Pembrokes to the Powells, but beggars can't be choosers. I remember when the show first aired on CBS television. Again after a year, the show had a large following but there was not enough room in the prime time schedule for an average sitcom in the age of Cosby Show's success. If you think about, Charles In Charge paralleled Mama's Family on NBC which attracted probably not the kind of audience that the network wanted for their demographics. Like Charles in Charge, Mama's Family was cancelled after 2 seasons. It resurfaced over a year later on Saturday evening television in something called syndication. The same for Charles in Charge, there was the audience for the comedy. Unlike Mama's Family, Charles in Charge replaced an entire family. The Powells were prettier than the Pembrokes but I liked the first family better. Sandra Kerns who played Mrs. Powell disappeared even though her name and face were in the credits, she left sometime during the production to raise her own family sadly. We never caught much of her again. It was more about Skippy, Charles, and the new kids. So I still watched the episodes but I thought the show got weaker with Ellen Travolta playing Charles' mother. James Callahan's role as the grandfather got bigger as well.
- Sylviastel
- May 18, 2006
- Permalink
what a great show, scott baio at his finest. Willie Aames one true role, when it came to the families, i think that the powells had more to offer, but the original cast was really funny. When it comes to themes i think that the original pembrokes theme was a whole lot better. all in all 10 out of 10 stars.
Charles in Charge had one of the greatest premises for a sitcom ever: that grownups really DO understand, that they are human and fallible, yet reliable and caring. I have come to identify with the noble notion that as adults, we all have a responsibility to help the youth in our community through the rough spots in their lives. I found it excruciatingly ironic that Josie Davis, despite playing a role that revolved around "the beauty within," felt like the "ugly sister."
Several people have commented that the Jaimie character was their first crush, but I always thought Josie Davis was hands down the more beautiful of the two. Having seen her since on 90210, I gotta say, "YOWZA!" Was I right or what? Inner beauty rocks, and Josie's got it inside and out!
Several people have commented that the Jaimie character was their first crush, but I always thought Josie Davis was hands down the more beautiful of the two. Having seen her since on 90210, I gotta say, "YOWZA!" Was I right or what? Inner beauty rocks, and Josie's got it inside and out!
- boonewilliams
- Oct 30, 2001
- Permalink
This show is the perfect showcase for the amazing talent of Willie Aames. His prodigious talent carried this show and he should have won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. We should all be thankful he graced us with the beauty of his work. Thank you Willie.
I watched this show growing up and recently decided I would give it a rewatch as an adult. The show holds up incredibly well and they didn't hit their "formula" by season 2s mid point.
The formula is easy... Buddy is an idiot... and people react to it.
They get to a point by season 3 where Bao is so good that he just says nothing and gives the "you're an idiot" look to Buddy and it pretty much works flawlessly every time.
Beginning of season 2 the switch families and I will say I enjoyed the kids from the first family better. The shy girl (Sarah I believe her character name is) legitimately whines every line she is made to say. She definitely grows into the character well.
Nicole "Jamie I believe" displays all the ability of a teen star. She is beautiful and charming and she really does well with her lines. Her character is shallow and not super well written but... she got teenage boys "watching"... so. . I get it.
Mr. Powell is the biggest addition to season 2+ and his character is very "curmudgeonly old man". He plays off Charles and Buddy very well.
Don't expect anything groundbreaking but this show holds up well. It's fun and funny... well acted for the most part and very run.
The youngest boy from the first season is missed. That kid was an absolute star and played off Buddy well. Would have been beat to see him with Mr. Powell.
The formula is easy... Buddy is an idiot... and people react to it.
They get to a point by season 3 where Bao is so good that he just says nothing and gives the "you're an idiot" look to Buddy and it pretty much works flawlessly every time.
Beginning of season 2 the switch families and I will say I enjoyed the kids from the first family better. The shy girl (Sarah I believe her character name is) legitimately whines every line she is made to say. She definitely grows into the character well.
Nicole "Jamie I believe" displays all the ability of a teen star. She is beautiful and charming and she really does well with her lines. Her character is shallow and not super well written but... she got teenage boys "watching"... so. . I get it.
Mr. Powell is the biggest addition to season 2+ and his character is very "curmudgeonly old man". He plays off Charles and Buddy very well.
Don't expect anything groundbreaking but this show holds up well. It's fun and funny... well acted for the most part and very run.
The youngest boy from the first season is missed. That kid was an absolute star and played off Buddy well. Would have been beat to see him with Mr. Powell.
- planetgeminidoom-03722
- Dec 11, 2023
- Permalink
I rented this series for my 11 year old daughter to watch with me,as I had loved it when I was a kid and it was on first-run. I'm happy to say that she loves it, too. It's a wholesome show for kids to watch that is amusing and has a good moral to every show. I find it very refreshing to watch, and enjoy it myself, even after all these years. It's hard to find shows for my daughter to watch that aren't filled with sexual references, even when the show is supposed to be aimed at kids. Yes, the show is dated a bit, but if you're looking for a fun, entertaining, wholesome show for your kids to watch that hasn't been shown to rerun death already on TV, this is the show for you.
I can't remember how I found out about Charles in Charge. I think I was looking at Scott Baio's bio when I learned he'd been on an 80s show and that also made him more famous. I've just finished the show, and had so much fun watching it. Scott made a killer performance on this show and so did Willie Aames by playing Buddy who is such a hilarious character. At first, I thought it so weird when they recast almost the whole cast on season 2, but it started to grow on me, and I got quickly used to the new family and liked them better than the family on season 1. Too bad, this show was canceled. I wish they could have gone further on TV. Scott is such a great actor and director. He directed several episodes which paid off his directing work. The more I watched an episode, the more excited I got. I'll never forget this show, and I'll be watching it all over soon. Guys, if you've never watched this show, you should give it a shot. It's amazing!
- gabrielstamos
- Jul 26, 2022
- Permalink
I used to think that this was the stupidest show ever put on television, But I never gave it a chance. Now it is on Nick At Nite I have begun to slowly but surely grown to like it. Josie Davis is my favorite out of them all.And I still cannot believe that is Nicole Eggert as jamie. At any rate the plots are sophmoric yet somehow seem to always get a laugh out of me (maybe I am getting more sophmoric in my old age, although keep in mind i am only a few years older than josie and Nicole and much younger than Scott and Willie) But I just wanted to say I like it and as corny as the theme song is I find myself always singing it. Gosh What has happened to me? Anyway give it a run you might grow to like it also.
- yuppie_duppie
- Nov 13, 2002
- Permalink
"Charles In Charge" has to be one of my all-time favorite TV shows. Scott Baio and Willie Aames were the ultimate team. These two guys had an obvious chemistry together, and their close friendship off screen shined in their performances on the show.
Nicole Eggert was the first girl I EVER had a "crush" on, in TV land or reality! That "crush" has never gone away either. Nicole was adorable on "Charles In Charge." She was absolutely GORGEOUS. Her smile, eyes, voice, and all-around personality made me fall in love with her from the start. She was an incredibly talented young actress. No other individual could've even come close to portraying the character "Jamie Powell" like Nicole so perfectly did.
Sarah, Adam, Aunt Lilian, Mrs. Powell, Grandpa Walter, and all the rest were great also. I really enjoyed the Pembroke family episodes (84-85) too, but the Powell family brought the show its greatest success and magic. Let's not forget about the extremely catchy theme song. It RULED!
I would do anything to hear of a "Charles In Charge Reunion" in the works. I truly miss this great show, but luckily, WGN still airs re-runs on Sunday mornings. I will complain, though, that "Charles In Charge" belongs on television DAILY, and not merely once a week. That's not enough to please its devoted fans like me. You need 5 stars for this wonderful 80's family show? I'll give you 10!!!
Nicole Eggert was the first girl I EVER had a "crush" on, in TV land or reality! That "crush" has never gone away either. Nicole was adorable on "Charles In Charge." She was absolutely GORGEOUS. Her smile, eyes, voice, and all-around personality made me fall in love with her from the start. She was an incredibly talented young actress. No other individual could've even come close to portraying the character "Jamie Powell" like Nicole so perfectly did.
Sarah, Adam, Aunt Lilian, Mrs. Powell, Grandpa Walter, and all the rest were great also. I really enjoyed the Pembroke family episodes (84-85) too, but the Powell family brought the show its greatest success and magic. Let's not forget about the extremely catchy theme song. It RULED!
I would do anything to hear of a "Charles In Charge Reunion" in the works. I truly miss this great show, but luckily, WGN still airs re-runs on Sunday mornings. I will complain, though, that "Charles In Charge" belongs on television DAILY, and not merely once a week. That's not enough to please its devoted fans like me. You need 5 stars for this wonderful 80's family show? I'll give you 10!!!
- Jeremy Arnold
- Feb 26, 2000
- Permalink
At first, Charles In Charge didn't seem like a very good show, to me.. in fact, I found it pretty corny, with the theme music and all the predictable stories. Sure, the music may seem a tad bit corny, and the stories predictible, but it's still a likable and charming sitcom. Willie Aames almost MAKES the show. He is downright hilarious at times and acts his part wonderfully. Scott and him play off of each other wonderfully. The rest of the cast is well balanced, with the grandfather constantly hating Aames character, and the sisters fighting and disagreeing.
Once I started really watching the show, I found myself liking it more and more, and now watch it every morning, if I'm awake. In short, this usually isn't a very deep show with a large message to send (Although almost every show does have some sort of good message), it's a simple, entertaining show that will usually put you in a good mood. Seven out of ten.
Once I started really watching the show, I found myself liking it more and more, and now watch it every morning, if I'm awake. In short, this usually isn't a very deep show with a large message to send (Although almost every show does have some sort of good message), it's a simple, entertaining show that will usually put you in a good mood. Seven out of ten.
- TigermaveX
- Oct 30, 2002
- Permalink
Charles in Charge is a show about a college student who becomes a live-in helper for the Pembroke family, consisting of mom and dad, teenager Lily, middle schooler Douglas, and 10-year-old Jason. From the second season on to the last one, Charles switches families and stays with the Powells, as the Pembrokes are moving to Seattle. The reason for this is because Charles in Charge originally ran in 1984 for the first season and was cancelled. However, it was revived in syndication from 1987-1990 and on the first episode of the 2nd. season, it is explained that while Buddy and Charles were on a camping trip, Mr. Pembroke got transferred from his job in Pennslyvania to Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Pembroke and Jason both show up in the episode to explain things to Charles and to say goodbye. From then on, the Powells are the new family who have leased the house and they also maintain Charles' services. Charles now has to contend with Grandpa, Mom Powell, (Dad is away in the Navy), teenager Jamie, middle schooler Sarah, and 10-year-old Adam. The Pembrokes and Powells are definitely not totally the same but there are some similarities.
In any case, I have seen some of the first season as well as the later seasons and they are all good. Buddy is the best. He is so crazy and hilarious. He and Charles are such good friends and have great times, dating girls and keeping everything at the household under control. It's great. Charles in Charge rules!
In any case, I have seen some of the first season as well as the later seasons and they are all good. Buddy is the best. He is so crazy and hilarious. He and Charles are such good friends and have great times, dating girls and keeping everything at the household under control. It's great. Charles in Charge rules!
I am out-raged that Charles In Charges is labled as very boring show. for one, this great TV classic has millions of fans like myself that love this show. it is an insult to not only me but millions of fans out there that love Scott Baio's works. both Charles In Charge and Happy Days we're one of the best 2 TV show ever. please remember, charles in charge was popular because it was funny hilarious and just a goodtime. it was the 80's for peet's sake. my heart gos out to Ellen Travolta John Travolta's sister, for doing a wonderful job in playing Aunt Lilian on the show. and also, if we are crazy for like this show or Happy Days, then there are people out there that are probably crazy for like hogan's heros or pettygoat junction or whatever. if we are crazy for that then the rest of you should be in a mental institution... dear god. the pace of television is ridiculous. and it is getting more and more out-landish. where has television went wrong? and Scott Baio is indeed... a STAR.
- mcintoshmarty
- Aug 30, 2005
- Permalink
I would have to disagree with anybody that says Charles in Charge is a stupid show.It is excellent.It has romance,its funny,and it (in my opinion)is one of Scott Baio's best shows.It was better then most 80's shows out there.It started the career of the shows different actors.Nichole Eggert went on to film Baywatch,and went on to be a beautiful actress.Josie went on to become a very pretty woman.Willie Ames went on to become Bibleman,and the show's first season star,Micheal Pearlmen became a writer.Just because the show didn't have "class" doesn't mean it wasn't funny.I will agree,however,that some of the story lines were a bit stupid at times,but still,this is the 80's we're talking bout here.GIVE THE SHOW A CHANCE!
- baywatchbabe_retrochicka
- Jun 11, 2005
- Permalink
Thank you for the great movie, for superb actors' and actresses' work, for giving a lot of great hours of fun
Charles in Charge was just about the best show you could grow up watching. I love Scott Baio, and I think both families were great! It would be great if Charles were in Charge of me!!! I've always thought that if I ever had a live in babysitter, Charles would be the one for me.
- Spiffy-Tiffy
- Sep 17, 1999
- Permalink
This has got to be the greatest television series ever. Not without some flaws (Willie Aames), it still has many highlights. Scott Baio, Nicole Eggert, that cool actress who played Gwendolyn, and even Meg Ryan a couple of times. I grew up with this show. It was always on. I've seen 'em all. The Pembrokes were OK, but the Powells were where it's at with me. Probably only because of Nicole Eggert.
The 1984 version was better than the second version in the late '80s. It featured better plots and better actors. Also, Buddy was not an idiot on the first version, as he was on the second version. Still, it wasn't that great a show, when you compare it to Scott Baio's other show (Happy Days) and Willie Aames's other show (Eight is Enough).
After watching reruns of this show, I came to the conclusion that the original episodes, with the original family, the Pembrokes were the best. After they left, the show went downhill, at least for me. Still, it was a great show and I love watching the reruns!