Edward Stratton III likes Pac-Man, pinball machines and electric trains. Ricky Stratton is mature, sensible and understands computers.
But Edward (Joel Higgins) is in his 30s, while his son Ricky (Ricky Schroder) is only 12. Edward is very rich. He also talks like Goofy, has the brains of a speed bump and lives in a mansion furnished by Santa Claus.
In the pilot episode, his fortune has been syphoned off through computer chicanery by a scheming business manager while Edward was playing with his choo-choo trains.
Along comes Ricky, who spots the scam and restores Daddy’s bucks. Ricky had been raised by his divorced mother and had never known his father.
After being shipped off to military school, Ricky wangled an invitation to move in with his wealthy father and soon helped him learn to be a parent, while Edward taught him a little about having fun.
Kate (Erin Gray) was Edward’s pretty secretary who he would eventually marry in 1985. Kate, along with Leonard his lawyer (Leonard Lightfoot) and Dexter his fussy business manager (Franklyn Seales) all do what they can to get the childlike Edward Stratton III through life.
Dropping in occasionally is Grandfather Stratton (John Houseman), a stuffy tycoon who had been estranged from his immature son until little Ricky came into the picture.
Ricky’s friends were Derek (Jason Bateman), a conniving con-artist, Alfonso (Alfonso Ribeiro), Dexter’s nephew, Freddy (Corky Pigeon) and J.T (Bobby Fite).
The series moved from NBC to first-run syndication for its final season (1986-1987).
Ricky Stratton
Ricky Schroder
Edward Stratton III
Joel Higgins
Kate Summers Stratton
Erin Gray
Leonard Rollins
Leonard Lightfoot
Dexter Stuffins
Franklyn Seales
Derek Taylor
Jason Bateman
Freddy Lippincottleman
Corky Pigeon
Alfonso Spears
Alfonso Ribeiro
J.T. Martin
Bobby Fite
Edward Stratton II
John Houseman
Uncle Harry Summers
Ray Walston
Brad
Billy Jacoby
Along comes Ricky, who spots the scam and restores Daddy’s bucks. Ricky had been raised by his divorced mother and had never known his father.
