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Gimme a Break! ()

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Nell agrees to look after the Kanisky's home, as a special favor to her dying friend, and takes on the role of housekeeper to widowed police chief Carl and a parental figure to his three teenage daughters, and eventually a foster son.
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Stars:
Awards:
  • Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 12 nominations.
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Photos and Videos

18 photos | 1 video

Series Cast Summary

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  Nell Harper (137 episodes, 1981-1987)
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  Sam Kanisky (119 episodes, 1981-1987)
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  Julie Kanisky / ... (114 episodes, 1981-1986)
Kari Michaelsen ...
  Katie Kanisky (111 episodes, 1981-1986)
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  Chief Carl Kanisky / ... (88 episodes, 1981-1985)
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  Grandpa Stanley Kanisky / ... (82 episodes, 1982-1987)
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  Joey Donovan (77 episodes, 1983-1987)
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  Addy Wilson (68 episodes, 1983-1987)
Howard Morton ...
  Officer Ralph Simpson / ... (50 episodes, 1981-1986)
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  Matthew Donovan (18 episodes, 1986-1987)
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  Maybelle 'Mama' Harper (16 episodes, 1985-1987)
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  Jonathan Maxwell (16 episodes, 1984-1986)
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  Marty (11 episodes, 1986-1987)
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  Maggie O'Brien (10 episodes, 1986-1987)
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  Uncle Ed Kanisky (9 episodes, 1982-1983)
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  Grandma Mildred Kanisky (8 episodes, 1982-1983)
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  Hamilton Storm / ... (8 episodes, 1981-1984)
Don Bovingloh ...
  Desk Clerk (7 episodes, 1984-1986)
Alvernette Jimenez ...
  Angie (6 episodes, 1981-1985)
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  Lester / ... (6 episodes, 1982-1986)
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  Dr. Fran Roberts / ... (5 episodes, 1986-1987)
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  Female Student / ... (5 episodes, 1983-1986)
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  Applicant #1 / ... (4 episodes, 1982-1983)
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  Cameraman / ... (4 episodes, 1982-1983)
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  Mr. Swackhammer (4 episodes, 1982-1983)
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  Andrew / ... (4 episodes, 1983-1986)
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  Mr. Broderick (4 episodes, 1986-1987)
  (4 episodes, 1984-1985)
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  Tim Donovan (3 episodes, 1986)
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  James Roland (3 episodes, 1983-1984)
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  Rev. Cunningham / ... (3 episodes, 1981-1982)
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  Loretta Harper (3 episodes, 1985-1986)
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  Murphy / ... (3 episodes, 1984-1986)
Bonnie Urseth ...
  Doris / ... (3 episodes, 1982-1983)
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  Mr. Bickford / ... (3 episodes, 1984-1985)
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  Mrs. Larry Rhine / ... (3 episodes, 1981-1982)
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  Maid (3 episodes, 1984-1986)
Grace Albertson
  (3 episodes, 1985-1986)
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  Mr. Galotta / ... (3 episodes, 1984-1985)
  (3 episodes, 1985-1986)
Patrick Puccinelli
  (3 episodes, 1984-1986)
Louis Guss
  (3 episodes, 1984-1986)
Donald Willis
  (3 episodes, 1986-1987)
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  Larry (3 episodes, 1983-1986)
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  Police Officer / ... (3 episodes, 1983-1985)
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  Professor Dudley (2 episodes, 1987)
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  Keith Dudley (2 episodes, 1987)
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  Corelli / ... (2 episodes, 1982)
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  Linda (2 episodes, 1987)
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  Katrina / ... (2 episodes, 1981-1984)

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Special Effects

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Storyline

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Plot Summary

Carl Kanisky is chief of police in Glenlawn, California. After the death of his wife, Margaret, he asks her friend, Nell Harper, to come in to keep house and take care of his children, Katie, Julie, and Samantha, in short, be like a mother to them. Later, Carl's father, Stanley, moves in. Around the same time, Nell takes in young Joey Donovan as her foster son. Written by Anonymous

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Parents Guide View content advisory »
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Additional Details

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Also Known As
  • Allô Nelly bobo (France)
  • Дай мне перерыв (Soviet Union, Russian title)
  • La piccola grande Nell (Italy)
  • Allo Nelly Bobo (Canada, French title)
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Runtime
  • 30 min
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Did You Know?

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Trivia The show's producers were very concerned about Nell Carter's escalating drug use, binge eating, rapidly fluctuating weight, and self-destructive lifestyle. She went into rehab several times during production and was blowing her money on cocaine every week. At one point, during 1984 Carter tried to commit suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills and champagne during her visit in London to see good friend Liza Minelli. Minelli flew her to a special rehab center the Hazelden Clinic in Minnesota where she kicked her habit a second time and lost over 90 pounds. See more »
Goofs The front door of the set has a brass mail slot, but exterior shots are of a door with no slot. See more »
Movie Connections Featured in The 34th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1982). See more »
Soundtracks Merry Christmas Stranger See more »
Quotes Samantha: What's a cliché?
Nell: [serving breakfast] A black woman serving pancakes to a white kid.
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