THEME = TV songs: “Perfect Strangers” & “Punky Brewster”

This week’s edition features 2 family sitcoms, both set in Chicago IL….

#1 “Perfect Strangers” | ABC | 03/25/1986 – 08/06/1993
Have you heard the full version of this show’s theme!? Written by Jesse Frederick & Bennett Salvay, the theme was performed by David Pomeranz. As the series progressed, the opening credits theme was re-arranged & shortened.  Full song:

Seasons 1-2 opening sequence:

FYI: this Chicago IL-based series was originally developed after the 1984 Summer Olympics (Los Angeles CA), but the idea for an immigrant in America was initially rejected by all 3 major networks. When Bronson Pinchot received recognition for his ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ role in December 1984, series creators pitched him as the star & ABC signed onto the project. However, by the time they did so, Pinchot had already taken on a role in the series “Sara” starring Geena Davis. When that show failed, Pinchot once again became available & the series developed further. Mark Linn-Baker was cast & the show was given a prime debut slot between “Who’s The Boss?” & “Moonlighting”. Other cast members include Melanie Wilson, Rebeca Arthur, Belita Moreno (“Edwina Twinkacetti” for Seasons 1-2 & “Lydia Markham” for Seasons 3-7), Sam Anderson & Jo Marie Payton (as “Harriette Winslow”, which she then played on “Family Matters”). Exterior scenes in Chicago IL include Wrigley Field, an apartment building at the corner of W Dickens Avenue & N Clark Street in Lincoln Park & the London Guarantee Building (360 N Michigan Avenue) for the fictitious Chicago Chronicle building.

#2 “Punky Brewster” | 09/16/1984 – 05/27/1988
Have you heard the full version of this show’s theme!? Written by Gary Portnoy (“Cheers”) & Judy Hart Angelo, the song was recorded by Portnoy, both the full length & opening sequence versions. Full song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APK4snhQX2M
Seasons 3-4 opening sequence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCJrrftP7Ds
FYI: this series, based in Chicago IL, was originally aired Sunday evenings. Since the show had many young viewers & followed football games (tended to run long), 6 15-minute episodes were produced so viewers weren’t disappointed by joining a program already in progress. Season 2’s final episode centered around the recent real-life Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Soon after, the series (along with its stablemate “Silver Spoons”) was canceled, but both were revived by 1st run syndication. This show’s stars include Soleil Moon Frye (title role), Sandy (Brandon, the dog), George Gaynes, Susie Garrett, Cherie Johnson, Ami Foster, Casey Ellison, Eddie Deezen, Dody Goodman & TK Carter.