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SITCOM ENDED 1981–1987

Gimme a Break!

★ 4.8 FAN SCORE 6 SEASONS·138 EPISODES
● NOW SHOWING · SITCOM
1981–1987
Gimme a Break! hero image

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.

Seasons overview

ESSENTIAL GREAT SOLID FOR COMPLETISTS

Cast & crew

15 ON THE CALL SHEET

The voices, the faces and the folks behind the camera.

Nell Carter photo
Nell Carter
Nellie Ruth 'Nell' Harper
CAST
John Hoyt photo
John Hoyt
Grandpa Stanley Kanisky
CAST
Kari Michaelson photo
Kari Michaelson
Katie Kanisky
CAST
Lauri Hendler photo
Lauri Hendler
Julie Kanisky Maxwell
CAST
Lara Jill Miller photo
Lara Jill Miller
Samantha Kanisky
CAST
Joey Lawrence photo
Joey Lawrence
Joey Donovan
CAST
Dolph Sweet photo
Dolph Sweet
Chief Carl Kanisky
CAST
Telma Hopkins photo
Telma Hopkins
Dr. Adelaide "Addy" Wilson
CAST

Stills & scenes

FROM THE SHOW

Key art, season posters and moments from the show.

Gimme a Break! — KEY ART KEY ART
THE FAN VERDICT
“”
4.8
Fan score, out of 10
THE AFF FAN DESK · NOVEMBER 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Watch on The Roku Channel→ Watch on The Roku Channel→
US AVAILABILITY · NOVEMBER 2026 · LINKS MAY EARN US POPCORN MONEY
GENRE Sitcom
ERA Ended
SEASONS 6
FAN SCORE ★ 4.8
NETWORK NBC
RUNTIME 30 min
STUDIO Alan Landsburg Productions
IMDB RATING ★ 6.5