The BEST episodes of Charles in Charge

Every episode of Charles in Charge ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Charles in Charge!

Charles, a college student, moves in with the Powell family as the housekeeper, baby-sitter, and friend to the children. Along with his best friend, Buddy, Charles attempts to manage his life, especially college and girls, as well as tend to the family.

Last Updated: 2/4/2024Network: CBSStatus: Ended
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Charles Splits (2)
star
8.25
4 votes

#1 - Charles Splits (2)

Season 4 - Episode 15 - Aired 5/20/1989

Chaz gets married.

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A Date with Enid
star
8.20
10 votes

#2 - A Date with Enid

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 12/5/1984

Charles has his hands full. It is pouring rain outside and everyone in the Pembroke household is confined to the house. Stan gave everyone assignments, and he is trying very hard to catch up on all those things that get postponed. There is the fireplace that needs cleaning, the bathroom that has to be re caulked. However, all these projects get interrupted when Douglas thinks he has found the love of his life in Enid, Lila's friend. The two young girls are very busy with Enid's beauty treatment. Enid d thinks she needs a great deal of improvements. But these beauty treatments can become sticky, and Charles must lend a helping hand, It is time for Stan to have a man to men talk with his son about the woes of first love and when Enid triumphantly comes down the stairs, Douglas realizes that the "new" Enid is not the girl he has a crush on. In the end, Jason's wish comes true, the entire family goes to Pizza Play land to conclude an activity filled day.

Directors: Alan Rafkin
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Meet Grandpa
star
8.11
9 votes

#3 - Meet Grandpa

Season 1 - Episode 22 - Aired 4/3/1985

As usual, the Pembroke house is buzzing with activity. Charles and Buddy are trying very hard to find themselves summer jobs and are ecstatic when their summer job applications are accepted by a hotel at a summer resort in Pennsylvania. Jason, in the meantime, is brought home by his parents after undergoing knee surgery. At the hospital all he did was watch soap operas, which now affects his life in a very dramatic way. Douglas is trying to change his image of "skinny kid" by putting on some weight and is eating everything in sight. And, in the middle of all this coming and leaving, Jill's father "drops in" from Alaska, announcing to everyone that he is thinking of retirement, and for some reason he is having a very difficult time recognizing all the children in the Pembroke household.

Directors: Alan Rafkin
Writer: Judy Pioli
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Snowed In
star
8.11
9 votes

#4 - Snowed In

Season 1 - Episode 17 - Aired 2/6/1985

Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke went to the movies and, on their way out to the car, they realize that in the meantime an incredible blizzard hit the city, leaving them unable to return to their home. There, Charles, the kids plus a bubbling group of Lila's girlfriends are trapped with no food in the refrigerator and no heating. Gwendolyn and Buddy come to Charles' rescue to entertain these starving kids and teenagers with a game of monopoly and some scenes of "Romeo and Juliet" which need to be rehearse for school anyway. But the pleas for spaghetti and other nutritious foods become more and more insistent and nobody knows for certain when their ordeal will end.

Directors: Alan Rafkin
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Runaround Charles
star
8.00
6 votes

#5 - Runaround Charles

Season 3 - Episode 20 - Aired 5/7/1988

Charles becomes frantic when he makes too many commitments for one evening. Having promised to speak to Sarah's class, chaperon Jamie's birthday party and go out with Julie Fletcher (Courteny Gebhart) , Charles seeks Buddy's help in order to successfully proceed with all three activities. Together, Buddy and Charles strategically schedule the events of the evening, arranging just enough time for everything. As the plan takes form, all seems under control, but shortly the chaos begins. Charles' speech is postponed; Jamie's party starts early, and Julie becomes impatient and curious about why she has to wait with Buddy. The hilarious antics that occur confuse everyone, but Charles finally solves the problems by sending Sarah's class, Jamie's party and Buddy to the pizza parlor, while he and Julie stay home.

Directors: Mary Lou Belli
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The Case of the Mock-Turtle Mystery
star
7.88
8 votes

#6 - The Case of the Mock-Turtle Mystery

Season 2 - Episode 19 - Aired 5/9/1987

There's an apparent catastrophe in the Powell household and it seems that it's not going to be an easy one to solve. Sarah is the proud parent of Ross, a pet turtle, who until recently, has lived in relative safety in the Powell back yard. But when Sarah goes away on a nature field trip she leaves Adam in charge of Ross. Upon her return, Ross is gone! Sarah assumes the worst, and accuses Adam of turtlecide. Well Adam swears he is innocent and that Ross was alive and well a few hours ago, but no one will believe him. Adam knows he is innocent until proven guilty, and requests a trial with Charles as his attorney. The only problem is Charles is supposed to be leaving with Buddy for Ft. Lauderdale. The ever-loyal Charles, unable to disappoint anyone, decides to postpone his departure and help the hapless Adam. The trial proceeds, with some surprises about the real culprit, and the real fate of Ross the turtle, and in the end

Directors: Jules Lichtman
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Twice Upon a Time (2)
star
7.86
7 votes

#7 - Twice Upon a Time (2)

Season 2 - Episode 21 - Aired 5/23/1987

In the second of a two part series, Gwendolyn Pierce (Jennifer Runyon) tells Charles she will consider his proposal. A day later she accepts. However, when Charles suggests they announce their engagement, she hesitates, offering lame excuses. As Gwendolyn continues to delay, Charles realizes that she accepted his proposal to escape from parental pressures, and he advises her to return to California and work out her problems.

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Triple Threat
star
7.83
6 votes

#8 - Triple Threat

Season 4 - Episode 22 - Aired 10/21/1989

Charles and Buddy go out with identical twins, but they think they are dating the same girl.

Directors: Scott Baio
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Teacher's Pest
star
7.83
6 votes

#9 - Teacher's Pest

Season 5 - Episode 22 - Aired 9/22/1990

Walter takes a history class that Charles teaches.

Directors: Kit Wilkinson
Writer: Martie Cook
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Poetic License
star
7.80
5 votes

#10 - Poetic License

Season 4 - Episode 13 - Aired 5/6/1989

Charles uses one of Sarah's poems to impress a woman, who publishes it in a magazine under Charles' name.

Directors: Scott Baio
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Home for the Holidays
star
7.70
10 votes

#11 - Home for the Holidays

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/19/1984

It is Christmas Eve and the Pembroke household is buzzing with activity. Grandma Irene, Stan's mother, is expected for her yearly three-week-stay with her grandchildren. Jill is cleaning an already immaculate house and wonders why her mother-in law's visit still upsets her in the same manner it did fifteen years ago! Charles is trying to console Jason who is depressed and sad to see him go. Charles plans to go home for the holidays; he will spend his vacation with his parents in Vermont. The phone rings, and Charles' dad informs him that they are completely snowed in. This news makes Jason suddenly feel much better, but Grandma Irene becomes more and more jealous of Charles. She has a long conversation with her son, Stan, and both explain their feelings to each other. Stan succeeds in helping his mother accept that Jill has her career,

Directors: Alan Rafkin
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Getting In
star
7.67
6 votes

#12 - Getting In

Season 3 - Episode 16 - Aired 4/9/1988

Charles and Buddy decide to pledge a fraternity, and must put up with a series of humiliating tests and activities during "Hell Week." Just before the final initiation ceremony, one of the frat brothers informs Charles that they will be accepting him but rejecting Buddy, despite Buddy's status as a legacy. Charles must now decide if he wants to join the group or stay loyal to his best friend.

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Charles Be DeMille
star
7.67
6 votes

#13 - Charles Be DeMille

Season 5 - Episode 26 - Aired 11/10/1990

Sarah puts on a show to raise money, and Charles directs while preparing for an interview to get into Princeton.

Directors: Scott Baio
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Ladies' Night Out
star
7.67
6 votes

#14 - Ladies' Night Out

Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/18/1989

Jamie and Sarah want to go to a nightclub

Directors: Zane Buzby
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Dorm Warnings
star
7.67
6 votes

#15 - Dorm Warnings

Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/9/1988

When Charles is named Student of the Year, local newspaper reporter Pat Walker (Barbara Rhoades) arrives at the house to interview him. When various family members overhear part of their conversation, they mistakenly conclude that Charles wants to leave the family and live in the college dorm where he would have more fun. Walter, in his typically tactless fashion, tells Charles if he wants to move out, he won't be missed. Charles takes the hint and moves in with Buddy. The fun of constant parties, however, soon wears of f and when Charles learns the kids really didn't want him to leave, he decides to move back with the Powells.

Directors: Scott Baio
Writer: John Vorhaus
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Isn't That What's Her Face?
star
7.67
9 votes

#16 - Isn't That What's Her Face?

Season 2 - Episode 14 - Aired 4/4/1987

A famous young movie star, Darby Peterson (Dawn Merrick) shows up on Charles' doorstep disguised as "Dorothy," a new Copeland College student looking for some orientation advice. She finally reveals who she is to the delighted Charles and asks for his help in keeping her secret so she can go to college in privacy. When Buddy accidentally discovers her identity and is also asked to keep the secret, the stage is set for some male competition. In the meantime, Walter, takes the kids fishing, but not before he catches Charles in the living room in the middle of the night with Darby - then Dorothy. By explaining any of it - and it looks bad - Charles will be breaking his promise. It doesn't help that he discovers the sweet nothings Darby has been telling Buddy sound very familiar.

Directors: Zane Buzby
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Mr. Brilliant
star
7.63
8 votes

#17 - Mr. Brilliant

Season 1 - Episode 21 - Aired 3/13/1985

Jill Pembroke gives Charles two tickets for a Knicks' game. Charles is so excited about this special treat, and because Mrs. Pembroke always does such thoughtful things, that he thinks of a way to do something special in return. In a conversation with Buddy, the name Max Ziegler comes up. It does not mean much to Charles, but it does to Jill. Max and her went to high school together and she has been following his brilliant career ever since graduation. She thinks of him as a genius and Charles decides to call Ziegler, a.k.a. ˜Mr. Brilliant' to invite him for dinner. When Stan Pembroke finds out who the quest of honor is, he becomes quite upset, but decides to go along with it to make his wife happy. And, just as Stan predicted, Ziegler turns out to be an unpleasant, opinionated and condescending person, who ends up on the door step when Stan and Charles have taken as much as they think they can.

Directors: Alan Rafkin
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Poppa, the Sailor Man
star
7.63
8 votes

#18 - Poppa, the Sailor Man

Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/13/1988

The death of a lifelong friend causes Walter to have visions of mortality so Charles summons Walter's father, Buzz (Dabbs Greer), for a visit in order to show him his son has many years left. Buzz's arrival, however, stirs up old antagonisms between the two. Charles learns some unhappy news about Buzz which he must keep from Walter while trying to reconcile father and son. Finally the two begin to swap stories of their exploits in the Navy and when Buzz heads back to Florida a few days later, Walter is left with pleasant memories of his father and a renewed sense of life. And Charles has kept his secret.

Directors: Gary Brown
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Child Hoods
star
7.63
8 votes

#19 - Child Hoods

Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired 2/24/1990

Charles' old friends come to visit.

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Trading Papers
star
7.60
5 votes

#20 - Trading Papers

Season 3 - Episode 14 - Aired 3/26/1988

Charles is ecstatic when he scores an A on his English assignment until he turns past the cover page and discovers Sarah's poem there by mistake. She, in turn, scored an A when she mistakenly turned in his essay. At first afraid a low grade will threaten his financial assistance, Charles decides to square things with Sarah's teacher but keep the mix up a secret from his own professor. Eventually, he cannot keep up the deception and confesses all to Professor Kleeman (JACK RILEY), a somewhat shady teacher who suggests he keep the grade, since it is already in the school's computer. Insisting that he be judged on his work, Charles receives a B from Kleeman on the condition he keep it to himself, as the professor is worried that if students confessed to all indiscretions, he'd be regrading papers forever.

Directors: Zane Buzby
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Seeing Is Believing
star
7.60
5 votes

#21 - Seeing Is Believing

Season 5 - Episode 24 - Aired 10/27/1990

Charles gets trapped in an elevator with a blind woman.

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Barbelles
star
7.60
5 votes

#22 - Barbelles

Season 3 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/28/1988

After Charles is devastated at being dumped by his girlfriend, Buddy fixes him up with Beth (Brenda Swanson), a female bodybuilder at his health club. All is bliss until Beth's former boyfriend, Mike (Richard Brose), shows up and tells Charles he'd better leave Beth alone or else. When news of the threat gets around, Buddy and the Powells advise Mike not to hurt Charles. Not wanting to back down from a bully, and yet aware that he and Beth are attracted to each other only because they are both on the rebound, Charles confronts Beth and Mike, explaining his view of the situation and encourages them to get back together. All is resolved. Charles will now get a chance to date that cute girl he met in aerobics class .

Directors: Scott Baio
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The Commotion
star
7.57
7 votes

#23 - The Commotion

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 1/2/1985

Charles is pushed for time; the strain shows on his face; he has to meet a deadline for his school paper. His scholarship depends on it, and he has been assigned to write the paper with someone -- his friend Buddy Lembeck. He needs to concentrate, but the noise around him is deafening. Lila has a loud conversation with her girlfriend on the telephone. Stan and Jill are arguing, and Jason and Douglas are trying to put it on tape. Furthermore, Buddy shows up and tells Charles that he has finished with his part of the assignment. Gwendolyn wants to buy a used car and she would like for Charles to look at the car for her as soon as possible - like that night! Jill rushes out of the house to review a new Chinese restaurant but comes back soon, and then resumes the argument with her husband. In the meantime, Douglas made Jason disappear through what he calls a scientific experiment. Then Charles has to explain to Douglas that you can argue with someone --or disagree -- and still love each other.

Directors: Alan Rafkin
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Pressure from Grandma
star
7.57
7 votes

#24 - Pressure from Grandma

Season 1 - Episode 16 - Aired 1/30/1985

Charles is in charge of the Pembroke children when their parents are off on a week's vacation in Jamaica, their first one without the kids. Grandma Irene also arrives to help take care of things. She brings with her a very innovative sample of merchandise, a new kind of pizza, which she plans to launch with Charles' assistance. The offer she makes him is very tempting and Charles almost accepts it but backs out in the end, realizing that he does not need a new job. He has one already that brings him enough money to go to school, which is really all he wants. Grandma Irene decides that it would give her more privacy if she moved into an apartment close by and that she also is more than capable to handle her new pizza-selling campaign by herself.

Directors: Alan Rafkin
Writer: Marc Sotkin
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The Wrong Guy
star
7.57
7 votes

#25 - The Wrong Guy

Season 1 - Episode 20 - Aired 2/27/1985

Charles and Buddy are excited about their very first bachelor party. At the same time, a young man whom her parents cannot stand has asked Lila out. Lila is quite desperate to date him and asks Charles for advice and for approval. Unfortunately, his support backfires on them. Lila tries to make her parents see how phony the other guy is they want her to date, and that the young man of her own choice is not trying to impress them with all sorts of lies he is honest and sincere. Douglas also has serious problems when he is kissed for the first time by a girl in his class.

Directors: Alan Rafkin
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