Cousins Balki and Larry Are Back — and Fans Are Loving It!
If you grew up watching Perfect Strangers, then you already know the magic that was Balki Bartokomous and Larry Appleton — the lovable odd couple from the fictional Mediterranean island of Mypos who found themselves navigating the big city of Chicago together. Well, guess what? The duo is back in the spotlight, bringing all those warm memories flooding back.
This past weekend, Bronson Pinchot and Mark Linn-Baker — the iconic stars behind Balki and Larry — reunited at the Fanboy Convention in Knoxville, Tennessee. And even though Perfect Strangers wrapped up more than three decades ago, these two picked up right where they left off, slipping effortlessly into their characters and reminding fans why the show remains a cult classic.
The Reunion: Old Friends, Old Jokes
Bronson Pinchot, who played Balki, took to Instagram to share a series of videos capturing the fun reunion. The two bantered back and forth with the same infectious chemistry that made their sitcom characters so memorable.
Pinchot kicked things off with a playful jab, “We’re at the convention, I’m fading,” to which Linn-Baker quickly shot back, “Yes you are, you’ve been done for about an hour. However, I’m still charming.” Classic Larry Appleton humor, right?
Then Bronson insisted they “go into character,” counting Mark down and even telling him to ditch his glasses to really channel Larry Appleton and Balki Bartokomous. The moment Bronson slipped into Balki’s Mediterranean accent and asked fans to comment, “Somebody say, ‘Oh my Lord,’” Mark, in his signature style, delivered the line perfectly — much to everyone’s delight.
Behind the Scenes of the Fanboy Convention
One of the funniest moments came in the very first video Bronson posted. Walking through the Knoxville Convention Center, he told his 87,000 Instagram followers, “He’s actually alive. I thought for a second — and you probably did, too — that he was a wax model of himself.” Mark looked genuinely amused and asked, “Is this Instagram?” Bronson enthusiastically replied, “Yes, I’m actually showing him how to post.” Mark’s reaction? “I’ll be posting!” — a moment of pure joy that reminded everyone just how down-to-earth these two really are.
Later, the duo took their banter to a coffee shop, fully slipping back into their sitcom roles. That’s where they performed the fan-favorite “Bibi-Babka Song”, a quirky little tune Balki used to break into on the show — a real treat for long-time fans who haven’t heard it in ages.
The Legacy of Perfect Strangers
For those who need a quick refresher: Perfect Strangers ran for eight seasons from 1986 to 1993. It followed Larry Appleton, a simple guy from Wisconsin with big city dreams, and his distant cousin Balki, who arrives in Chicago from Mypos with nothing but his suitcase and big heart. Their living situation might have been unconventional, but their bond was undeniable.
The show also launched the careers of some memorable supporting stars like Belita Moreno, Ernie Sabella (the voice behind Pumbaa from The Lion King), and Jo Marie Payton, whose character Harriette Winslow eventually got her own hit spinoff with Family Matters in 1989.
Perfect Strangers wasn’t just a comedy; it was about the cultural clash, the friendship, and the kind of genuine warmth that still resonates with fans today.
What the Stars Say About Their Bond
Despite the show ending over 30 years ago, Bronson Pinchot and Mark Linn-Baker have remained close friends. Last year, Bronson opened up to PEOPLE about their friendship, sharing, “We text and call each other all the time. Mark’s so embedded in my heart. You talk about no time passing — when I get together with Mark, we’re already laughing because we can read each other’s minds. I can’t express to you how not an exaggeration that is.”
It’s rare to see that kind of lasting connection in Hollywood, and it makes the possibility of any future collaborations even more exciting — though Pinchot tempers those hopes with a bit of realism.
Reunion or Reboot? Don’t Hold Your Breath
While fans have been buzzing about a Perfect Strangers reboot or reunion special, Bronson is keeping expectations grounded. “Every time someone talks about, ‘Let’s redo it with two Chia Pets,’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, you can say the lines. One can even be from a different country. But that’s not what the show was about.’ It was about something you can’t quite put your finger on,” he said with a laugh. “So good luck with that.”
It’s a reminder that the magic of Perfect Strangers wasn’t just the script — it was the chemistry between Bronson and Mark, the unique story, and the spirit behind it all. Something not easily replicated.
Why Perfect Strangers Still Matters
If you ask fans why the show remains so beloved decades later, you’ll get answers like:
-
The chemistry between Larry and Balki — their dynamic was genuine and hilarious.
-
The cultural exchange — Balki’s outsider perspective was fresh and funny, but also heartfelt.
-
The timeless themes of friendship and family — two cousins from very different worlds making it work.
-
Catchphrases and quirks — from Balki’s “Oh my Lord!” to the “Bibi-Babka Song,” these moments live on.
And with Bronson and Mark still clearly enjoying themselves as much as ever, it’s a nostalgic trip worth celebrating.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Even though the show ended in the early ’90s, the legacy lives on through streaming, DVD collections, and now these delightful reunion moments. It’s a testament to how timeless a great sitcom can be — and how friendships forged on screen often carry over off screen.
If Bronson and Mark’s reunion in Knoxville teaches us anything, it’s that some bonds are just unbreakable, and some laughter never gets old.
Exciting Takeaways:
-
Bronson Pinchot and Mark Linn-Baker reunited at Fanboy Convention in Knoxville — over 30 years after Perfect Strangers ended.
-
They shared hilarious, behind-the-scenes Instagram videos reconnecting as their characters.
-
The duo performed the nostalgic Bibi-Babka Song live — a treat for longtime fans.
-
Despite rumors, a full reboot is unlikely according to Bronson.
-
Their friendship off-screen remains as strong as ever, a true highlight for fans.
-
The show’s blend of cultural humor, friendship, and quirky catchphrases keeps it alive in hearts everywhere.
Login