While attending Copeland College in New Brunswick, NJ, Charles was also a live-in housekeeper for The Pembroke Family. In exchange for room and board, he provided guidance to their three children in addition to hanging out with his best friend Buddy and pursuing blonde bombshell Gwendolyn Pierce. The following summer Charles returns from a camping trip to find The Pembrokes had moved to Seattle and sublet their house to The Powells, who also had three children. At first, Charles was reluctant to join the new family but soon realized his services were needed there. He still hung out with Buddy, who appeared to lose most of his brain cells and became a buffoon. Charles pursued several romantic interests and his mother took over local hangout Sid's Pizza before opening a 1950s-style diner.
Charles In Charge did not fare as well as Who's The Boss? (1984-1992), the other male housekeeper sitcom of the 1984-1985 season, and was canceled by CBS. Like many shows of the 1980s such as Webster (1983-1989), Mama's Family (1983-1990) and Punky Brewster (1984-1988), Charles in Charge continued on in first run syndication. I am probably in the minority, but I was Team Pembroke as I didn't care as much for the The Powells. Initially there were plans to bring The Pembrokes back. However, with Jonathan Ward (Jason Pembroke) starring on the short-lived series Heart of the City and salary disputes with Julie Cobb (Jill Pembroke), those plans were scrapped and a new family was brought in. Interestingly enough, Jonathan Ward was in the Who's The Boss? spin-off pilot Living Dolls. Though when the show went to series, David Moscow from Big (1988) took over the role.
Location: The Pembroke/Powell House
Address: Formerly at 10711 Bluffside Drive, Studio City, CA
This location stirred a lot of emotions. I was always confused why they showed an apartment complex for the house. Then I was saddened to learn the complex, named Universal Park, was demolished in 1996 to make way for the Universal City MTA Red Line Station parking lot.
Location Visited: June 2021
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