Throughout the series, Arnold and Willis struggle to adjust to their new affluent lifestyle and often clash with their adoptive father, Phillip, who tries to teach them values and discipline. The show tackled various social issues such as racism, drug addiction, and sexual abuse and was praised for its ability to address these topics in a family-friendly way.
In later seasons, Mrs. Garrett left the show to star in her own spin-off, The Facts of Life, and was replaced by Adelaide Brubaker, who was eventually replaced by Pearl Gallagher. Janet Jackson also made several appearances on the show, playing Willis' girlfriend, Charlene.
The show ran for eight seasons from 1978-1986 and became a cultural phenomenon, popularizing catchphrases such as "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" and "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" After the show ended, several of the cast members struggled with personal and legal issues, and tragedy struck with the deaths of both Gary Coleman and Dana Plato. Despite the controversies surrounding the cast, Diff'rent Strokes remains a beloved classic sitcom and a prominent part of television history.