Gimme a Break!

Gimme a Break! (1981-1987)

EndedScripted showComedy, Family

Nellie Ruth "Nell" Harper agrees to be a housekeeper for the Kanisky household as a favor to her late friend, Margaret Huffman Kanisky, who was the wife of police chief Carl Kanisky. Nell also serves as a parent to the Chief's three daughters, Katie, Julie, and Samantha.

Network

Last Episode

Mama's Date
Season 6Episode 2530 min

Mama's Date

When Grandpa comes to get the boys' pajamas, since they are sleeping in his apartment because Addy is sick in bed, he tells Nell that her mother has a date. Nell wonders why her mother would have a date, and when her mother shows up, she meets her date, Ernie, a man from her past. It turns out that he was a jazz musician that knew her mother before she married Nell's father. When they were young, he took her to a dance contest, and asked her to go on the road with him, but she refused. Nell can't believe that this is true. In the end, as Ernie waits outside for Maybelle, Nell asks her mother if the two of them ever had sex, and Mama Maybelle tells her that Nell should know the answer to that question, and tells her she has a lot of growing up to do, and that she must realize that her mother is a woman, just like herself.
May 12, 1987

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S06E25Mama's DateMay 12, 1987
S06E24Someday, My Prince . . .May 5, 1987
S06E23Save the ChurchApr 28, 1987
S06E22Parents' Week (2)Mar 4, 1987
S06E21Parents' Week (1)Feb 25, 1987
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

Gimme a Break! premiere?

Gimme a Break! premiered on October 29, 1981.

Who created Gimme a Break!?

Gimme a Break! was created by Mort Lachman and Sy Rosen.

What's the premise of the show?

The show follows Nell Harper, a widowed police chief who takes in the three children of her deceased housekeeper.

Who played the role of Nell Harper?

Nell Harper was played by actress Nell Carter.

What was the name of Nell's deceased housekeeper?

Nell's deceased housekeeper's name was Margaret Huffstickler.

How old were Joey, Katie, and Julie when they were taken in by Nell?

Joey was 10 years old, Katie was 8 years old, and Julie was 6 years old when they were taken in by Nell.

What was the name of Nell's superior officer on the police force?

Nell's superior officer on the police force was Chief Carl Kanisky.

What was the initial relationship between Nell and Chief Carl Kanisky?

Nell and Chief Carl Kanisky had a love-hate relationship at first, but eventually became good friends.

What was the most memorable catchphrase of the show?

The most memorable catchphrase of the show was "Gimme a break!"

What was the name of Nell's best friend on the show?

Nell's best friend on the show was Addy Wilson.

Who played the role of Addy Wilson?

Addy Wilson was played by actress Telma Hopkins.

What was the name of the cafe where Nell worked before becoming a police chief?

The name of the cafe where Nell worked before becoming a police chief was the Kanisky's Cafe.

What was the name of the actor who played Joey Donovan?

Joey Donovan was played by actor Joey Lawrence.

Cast

Joey Lawrence

Joey Lawrence

plays Joey Donovan
Jonathan Silverman

Jonathan Silverman

plays Jonathan Maxwell
Telma Hopkins

Telma Hopkins

plays Dr. Adelaide "Addy" Wilson
Rosie O'Donnell

Rosie O'Donnell

plays Maggie O'Brien
Lauri Hendler

Lauri Hendler

plays Julie Kanisky Maxwell
Matthew Lawrence

Matthew Lawrence

plays Matthew Donovan
Paul Sand

Paul Sand

plays Marty
John Hoyt

John Hoyt

plays Grandpa Stanley Kanisky
View all cast

Characters

Joey Donovan

Joey Donovan

played by Joey Lawrence
Jonathan Maxwell

Jonathan Maxwell

played by Jonathan Silverman
Dr. Adelaide

Dr. Adelaide "Addy" Wilson

played by Telma Hopkins
Maggie O'Brien

Maggie O'Brien

played by Rosie O'Donnell
Julie Kanisky Maxwell

Julie Kanisky Maxwell

played by Lauri Hendler
Matthew Donovan

Matthew Donovan

played by Matthew Lawrence
Marty

Marty

played by Paul Sand
Grandpa Stanley Kanisky

Grandpa Stanley Kanisky

played by John Hoyt
View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Creep Tapes
Running

The Creep Tapes

Based on a collection of videotapes in the secret vault of the world's deadliest and most socially uncomfortable serial killer, who hires his victims to film him for the day under false pretenses, each episode exposes a new victim from one of the fabled 'Creep Tapes'.

GenreHorror
America's Funniest Home Videos
Running

America's Funniest Home Videos

ABC's longest-running primetime entertainment show, America's Funniest Home Videos, returns for season 36 this fall with the same mission -- giving families something genuinely funny to enjoy together on Sunday nights.

"AFV," the longest-running primetime entertainment show in ABC history, returns for season 36 with the same mission - to provide viewers with hysterical moments that fly by at a dizzying pace.

GenreComedy, Family
The Real Housewives of Potomac
Running

The Real Housewives of Potomac

Just up the river from our nation's capital lies a hidden gem—Potomac, Maryland. Its rolling hills, gated mansions, sophisticated prep schools, and exclusive country clubs all serve to keep the area invitation-only. Sprinkled throughout this community are a handful of old-line, wealthy African-American families who have historically broken racial barriers to provide a life of privilege for their children. The Real Housewives of Potomac follows the upscale lives of six intriguing, well-to-do women: Gizelle Bryant, Katie Rost, Karen Huger, Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, Robyn Dixon, and Ashley Darby, all of whom have fought for their places in this society by way of legacy or marriage. In a town where entry is granted only through class, pedigree, and lineage, how far will these ladies go to secure their spot at the top of this prestigious circle?

The Traitors Canada
Running

The Traitors Canada

Follow a group of contestants – including some familiar faces – who live together as they complete a series of challenges with the goal of earning a cash prize. The catch? Some of the contestants are traitors who will attempt to deceive and manipulate their way to the prize instead of sharing it amongst the group. In this psychological adventure will the traitors be unmasked in time?

Homestead: The Series
Running

Homestead: The Series

A continuation of the movie Homestead... Amid chaos, ex-Green Beret joins prepper compound; love grows, truths arise, and a community unites.

GenreDrama, Action, Adventure
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!