TV series
The series stars Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, two African American boys from Harlem who are taken in by a rich white Park Avenue businessman named Phillip Drummond and his daughter Kimberly, for whom their deceased mother previously worked. During the first season and first half of the second season, Charlotte Rae also starred as the Drummonds' housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Diff'rent Strokes is available to stream on Tubi in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
The series stars Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, two African American boys from Harlem who are taken in by a rich white Park Avenue businessman named Phillip Drummond and his daughter Kimberly, for whom their deceased mother previously worked. During the first season and first half of the second season, Charlotte Rae also starred as the Drummonds' housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Arnold has appendicitis and Drummond has to deal with the bigotry of Fred Tanner, a potential housing project investor whose daughter is the key to getting Arnold to sit still for the operation.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Dabney Coleman, Rachel Jacobs
Episode 2
Arnold's life is endangered when the kids find out they can't share a room in the hospital and run away on the eve of Arnold's surgery.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Dabney Coleman, Rachel Jacobs, Rana Ford
Episode 3
Arnold's well-intentioned endorsement of Larry Alder's hosting talents to a New York TV big-wig gives Larry the opportunity of a lifetime and brings the family to the big apple. Larry's try-out as a New York television talk-show house may be doomed from the start, one disaster follows another and not everyone on the Alder team may be rooting for him to win the job. The crossover continues on Hello, Larry S02E01 Feudin' and Fussin' (II).
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars McLean Stevenson, Meadowlark Lemon, Kim Richards, Krista Errickson
Episode 4
Arnold's well-intentioned endorsement of Larry Alder's hosting talents to a New York TV big-wig gives Larry the opportunity of a lifetime and brings the family to the big apple. Larry's try-out as a New York television talk-show house may be doomed from the start, one disaster follows another and not everyone on the Alder team may be rooting for him to win the job. **Part two originally aired as an episode of "Hello, Larry".
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Philip Charles MacKenzie
Episode 5
The Drummond household's curiosity over Mrs. Garrett's new beau turns first to surprise and then to alarm. Mrs. Garrett is in a dither over her first date with Leon, especially when it is followed by a very important question.
Directed by Gerren Keith
Episode 6
Willis' fishy version of the facts of life leaves Arnold with misconceptions and Mr. Drummond on tender hooks. Arnold repeats his ""knowledge"" to a neighbor's daughter, but the girl's mother is not amused.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Martin Ragaway, Ed JuristGuest stars James Cromwell
Episode 7
Arnold's wildest dream is realized when he comes face-to-knee with ""The Champ"" -- special guest star Muhammad Ali. When the meeting arranged by Mr. Drummond between Arnold and his idol, Muhammad Ali, falls through, Kimberly and Willis concoct a wild scheme to insure that Arnold's dream will come true.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Martin RagawayGuest stars Whitman Mayo, Robert Rockwell, James Reynolds
Episode 8
The Drummond family celebrates the day Arnold and Willis are supposed to be officially adopted until the visit of a ""relative"" leaves their plans in jeopardy. Whitman Mayo guest stars as Jethro Simpson, who sees his way to go from junk to jewels in a last will and testament leaving a fortune to Willis and Arnold.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Whitman Mayo, Robert Rockwell, James Reynolds
Episode 9
It appears that Mr. Drummond's attempts to adopt Arnold and Willis will be aborted by a conniving junk dealer until the boys take matters into their own hands. Whitman Mayo guest stars as ""long-lost relative"" Jethro Simpson who has arrived with a letter supposedly written by the boys' father, leaving Arnold and Willis in his custody.
Directed by Gerren Keith
Episode 10
Willis' cut-throat competitiveness with another boy at his gym leads him to a decision that he will very much regret, especially after it hurts Mr. Drummond and gives Arnold the right to say ""I told you so."" Baseball great Reggie Jackson makes his acting debut playing a key, but unsuspecting role in Willis' questionable scheme.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars William Pierson, Joanna Gleason
Episode 11
The Alders and the Drummonds are together again in New York, and Arnold, Willis and Kimberly plan a second Thanksgiving feast with friends Diane and Ruthie. But even the huge Drummond penthouse isn't big enough to hold the exploding tempers that threaten Phil and Larry's long-standing relationship, on a special one-hour episode featuring the stars of "Hello, Larry." Morgan and all the kids get caught up in the feud when Larry learns friendship doesn't necessarily make for good business. The crossover continues on Hello, Larry S02E10 Thanksgiving Crossover (II).
Guest stars McLean Stevenson, Joanna Gleason, Kim Richards, Krista Errickson
Episode 12
The Alders and the Drummonds are together again in New York, and Arnold, Willis and Kimberly plan a second Thanksgiving feast with friends Diane and Ruthie. But even the huge Drummond penthouse isn't big enough to hold the exploding tempers that threaten Phil and Larry's long-standing relationship, on a special one-hour episode featuring the stars of "Hello, Larry." Morgan and all the kids get caught up in the feud when Larry learns friendship doesn't necessarily make for good business. **Part two originally aired as an episode of "Hello, Larry".
Where to watch Diff'rent Strokes
Episode 13
Arnold and Willis' relationship is threatened when a fickle female classmate, the object of Arnold's affection, turns her attention toward Willis. Arnold's first love is also his first lesson in jealously as he competes with Willis for the same girl.
Directed by Gerren Keith
Episode 14
Discovered in the wrong place at the wrong time, Willis and Arnold become prime suspects when their neighbor's apartment is robbed and they're caught with one of the stolen items. Mr. Drummond is convinced of his sons' innocence even though Willis' fingerprints are all over the place.
Directed by Gerren Keith
Episode 15
Arnold saves a dog's life, is bitten and then the dog is needed to save Arnold. The Drummond household members frantically search for the ungrateful canine, while Arnold faces a series of rabies shots or death.
Directed by Gerren Keith
Episode 16
Drummond puts his convictions on the line to run for city council, and rooting him on are Arnold, Willis, Kimberly, and an ""unexpected"" new addition to the household. Nedra Volz plays Adelaide Brubaker, the small but sassy housekeeper who helps Drummond mobilize the family for a ""win.""
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Ed JuristGuest stars Nedra Volz
Episode 17
Mr. Drummond is in ""double-trouble"" when Willis and Arnold decide to get him a date. Feeling a little lonely, Drummond tells the kids what he needs is a little companionship, so they decide to call a computer dating service.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Vonetta McGee
Episode 18
A crucially important business deal keeps Mr. Drummond on edge and Arnold and Willis wondering whether they pack for a California vacation or move back to Harlem.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Ed JuristGuest stars Robert Rockwell, George Pentecost
Episode 19
Willis and Arnold scheme to make extra ""dough"" by selling brownies, only to discover they can't stand the heat of big business and may soon have to get out of the kitchen.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Ed JuristGuest stars Nedra Volz
Episode 20
The ""Gooch"" is back and this time he's terrorizing Arnold, but Arnold plans to be ready when the bully strikes. In building Arnold's confidence, Willis convinces him that his martial arts lesson has given him a ""killer"" foot.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Nedra Volz
Episode 21
Arnold and Willis are trapped in the basement and while they await rescue they reminisce about their recent past...both the good times and the bad. Arnold insists he must wear his Superman outfit to the family's Valentine's Day trip to the circus; the resultant search leads to the basement and a locked door. This show highlights some of the best moments from the past episodes.
Directed by Gerren Keith
Episode 22
Kimberly's new beau, Roger, suggests pairing his sister with Willis for a double-date, until he finds out the color of his true love's brother. When Kimberly discovers her new friend is a bigot, her face burns red and then a far darker shade.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Melora Hardin
Episode 23
Parent-teacher night leads Mr. Drummond to a romance with Arnold's teacher and poor Arnold to the jealousy of his classmates. Arnold tries every trick in the book to win back his classmates, including one which may have him expelled.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Donald RossGuest stars Shavar Ross, Mary Ann Mobley, Steven Mond
Episode 24
Leaving Willis in charge of the house for Kimberly's slumber party is a mistake Mr. Drummond soon regrets as the ensuing chaos disrupts his own date with a lovely lady. The Facts of Life stars Mindy Cohn, Kim Fields, Julie Anne Haddock, and Molly Ringwald guest star.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Seaman JacobsGuest stars Frank De Vol, David Coburn, Molly Ringwald, Mindy Cohn, Kim Fields, Julie Anne Haddock
Episode 25
Arnold fears that his loved ones are checking out of his life when he stumbles upon Drummond's will and then uncovers the fact that his goldfish has given up the ghost.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Nedra Volz
Episode 26
Willis seeks comradeship as a member of the Tarantulas, a street gang, but finds only deceit as he gets caught in a web of misplace loyalties. Willis allows himself to be arrested rather than ""squeal"" on his fellow-gang members by telling the truth.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Ed Jurist
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Conrad BainPhillip Drummond
Gary ColemanArnold Jackson
Todd BridgesWillis Jackson
Dana PlatoKimberly Drummond
Mary Jo CatlettPearl Gallagher
Danny CookseySam McKinney
Dixie CarterMaggie McKinney
Charlotte RaeEdna Garrett
ABCUnited States
NBCUnited States
Tandem ProductionsUnited States
