Charles in Charge

Charles in Charge was a fun show I used to watch in the 80’s. I didn’t watch it religiously and was confused when the families changed after the first season. It didn’t really matter since I was only watching it to look at Scott Baio and Willie Aames.

Charles in Charge first aired in 1984 with the Pembroke family. The show starred Scott Baio as Charles, who played a young college student. He lived with the Pembroke family as a live-in babysitter in exchange for room and board. His college buddy, Buddy, was played by Willie Aames and was also part of the first season. The show was on CBS and did poorly in the ratings. It was pulled after the first season.

Syndication

The show came back two years later in syndication with a completely different family. It was explained that the Pembroke family moved to Seattle and sold the house to the Powell family. I guess Charles was part of the sale. I wish Scott Baio came with my house. Anyway, the Powell family was made up of three cute kids. Nicole Eggert (of Baywatch fame) played oldest daughter Jamie Powell. Beautiful Josie Davis portrayed younger daughter Sarah Powell. Josie went on to play Grace Turner in my soap opera, The Young and the Restless. She was also a main character for a while on Beverly Hills, 90210. Alexander Polinsky played youngest child Adam Powell. He grew up to be a weirdo.

Guest Stars

There were some fun appearances throughout the years. Jonathan Ward (Douglas Pembroke in the first season), Justin Whalin, Erika Eleniak, Denise Miller, Robert Jayne, Matthew Perry, Christina Applegate, Jerry O’Connell, and Donny Most were all on Charles in Charge at some point.

Happy Days Connection

• Scott Baio portrayed Charles on both shows.
• Ellen Travolta played Scott Baio’s mom on both shows. (Ellen is John Travolta’s sister.)
• Chachi is referenced on one episode when Charles mentions that “kid from Happy Days”.
• Donny Most (Ralph Malph) was on an episode.

 

FYI, it’s been rumored that the role of Charles was written for Michael J. Fox. I wonder if that’s true since he was in the middle of filming Family Ties during the time Charles in Charge began. Anyway, he declined and went on to make a little movie called Back to the Future.

Charles in Charge has been in the news a bit lately since Nicole Eggert decided she needed some attention. She alleges that Scott Baio started molesting her when she was only 14. Based on the way both have responded, I’m going to go with Baio. I don’t think he’s a saint by any means, but I don’t think he did the things she’s accusing him of. She seems like a crazy lady. He seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to clear his name. I believe him.

Charles in Charge was out on DVD but has been discontinued (probably due to low sales). It was a cute show. Yay. The end.