September 18, 1985 (1985-09-18) – May 16, 1986 (1986-05-16)
Charlie & Co. (also known as Charlie & Company) is an American television sitcom that originally aired on CBS from September 18, 1985, to May 16, 1986. Created by Allan Katz, the series stars Flip Wilson and Gladys Knight. Charlie & Co. is regarded as CBS's answer to The Cosby Show, which was a ratings success for NBC at the time.[1] Unlike The Cosby Show, which ran for eight seasons, Charlie & Co. lasted only one.
Charlie Richmond (Flip Wilson) is a black middle-class employee of the Division of Highways, who juggles his work and home life with his wife, Diana, a schoolteacher played by Gladys Knight. The couple has three children: sixteen-year-old "Junior" (Kristoff St. John), fifteen-year-old Lauren (Fran Robinson), and nine-year-old Robert (Jaleel White). Della Reese joined the cast during the latter half of the show's only season as Charlie's sister-in-law, Aunt Rachel.
Charlie is asked by Junior to speak at Career Day at his school. All is well until Charlie freezes up with a case of stage fright. Recording date: April 4, 1985
2
"Easy for You to Say"
Alan Rafkin
Michael Kagan
September 25, 1985 (1985-09-25)
6S01
Charlie faces difficult tasks on the home front: he has to cancel the family's camping trip due to work—and Lauren wants to discuss sex. Recording date: August 13, 1985
Charlie wants Diana to transfer to another school after there's an incident of vandalism at her school.
4
"Buddy, Can You Spare My Dime?"
Alan Rafkin
Gary Gilbert
October 9, 1985 (1985-10-09)
6S02
Charlie struggles to find the nerve to ask for the money his boss owes him, while the family struggles through Diana's nutrition campaign.
5
"The World According to Jim"
Alan Rafkin
Michael Kagan
October 16, 1985 (1985-10-16)
6S05
Charlie and Diana soon regret letting Charlie's co-worker move in during his marital spat. Recording date: September 17, 1985
6
"Like Father, Like Son"
Alan Rafkin
Monty Aidem and Gary Murphy
October 23, 1985 (1985-10-23)
6S06
Junior is sorely taxed by Charlie's sudden desire to be more of a pal than a father.
7
"Will Be Around"
Alan Rafkin
Gary Gilbert
October 30, 1985 (1985-10-30)
6S07
The children are upset when Charlie talks of making out a will following a brush with death. Recording date: October 8, 1985
8
"Operation Richmond"
Alan Rafkin
Gary Ferrier and Aubrey Tadman
November 6, 1985 (1985-11-06)
6S08
Just after the family decides to cut back on expenses, Charlie has to go in to the hospital for an operation.
9
"Happy Anniversary... Sort Of"
Alan Rafkin
Allan Katz
November 13, 1985 (1985-11-13)
6S09
Charlie's behavior at a faculty party he and Diana attend threatens the celebration of their 20th anniversary.
10
"For the Love of Lauren"
Alan Rafkin
Bill Richmond
November 27, 1985 (1985-11-27)
6S10
A jilted Lauren thinks all men are jerks, until she attends a concert with a consoling Miguel, the ladies' man of Charlie's office.
11
"Who's Watching the Roads?"
Alan Rafkin
Bill Richmond
December 4, 1985 (1985-12-04)
6S04
Charlie's co-workers plan to take full advantage of their boss's absence, despite the fact that he left Charlie in charge. Recording date: September 10, 1985
12
"Silent Knight"
Alan Rafkin
Gary Gilbert
December 11, 1985 (1985-12-11)
6S12
Charlie's looking forward to spending Christmas with his family, but Junior and Lauren have other ideas.
13
"Beaus and Arrows"
Alan Rafkin
Story by : Allan Katz; Teleplay by : Michael Kagan
December 25, 1985 (1985-12-25)
6S11
Diana's old college boyfriend returns. Recording date: November 12, 1985
