Gimme a Break!

The show was produced by Alan Landsburg Productions (renamed as Reeves Entertainment Group in 1985). The US syndication rights are held by NBCUniversal Television Distribution, the successor company to original syndicator MCA TV. FremantleMedia owns the international rights, as they own Thames Television, which acquired Reeves Entertainment Group in 1990. The creators of the show were Mort Lachman and Sy Rosen. The series was taped at Metromedia Square in Hollywood before a studio audience. The Kanisky House exterior shots from Seasons 1 and 2 is at 515 South Norton Avenue in Los Angeles; it was built in 1910 and was painted white with black shutters as shown in the opening credit between 1981 and 1983 and it is currently painted light green with dark green shutters as of July 8, 2023.

Over its run, the series used two different theme songs. The first was composed by Bob Christianson with lyrics by Bob Garrett and Marley Sims; two versions of this song were used, one for the first season and a new recording for the second. A new theme, with music by Jay Graydon and lyrics by Richard Page, was introduced in the third season and used for the remainder of the show's run. The new theme has similarities to the first but with a more positive attitude. Carter performed both themes.

Dolph Sweet was diagnosed with stomach cancer during the 4th season. Sweet missed several episodes and only appeared in telephone conversations in several others. Sweet died 3 days before the season 4 finale aired which marked his final appearance. The Chief's death was addressed in the season 5 premiere.

During the 6th and final season, the show's setting was changed from California to New York City with Nell, Addie, Sam, Joey and Grandpa all moving. Katie, Julie, Jonathan and Simpson were all dropped from the series.

Carter distanced herself from the show following its run. “I don't want to go to my grave being known as the girl from 'Gimme a Break,’” she told The New York Times in 1988. “That wasn't me; it was just a job.”[4]

The show received mixed reviews from critics when it premiered. Writing for The Washington Post, Tom Shales wrote an especially scathing review of the pilot episode. “I wish I could sue NBC for the grievous consternation, intestinal distress and aggravated low moaning I have suffered as a result of ‘Gimme a Break,’” Shales wrote, going on to criticize the show’s sex jokes and what he found to be the racial stereotypes embodied by Carter’s character. “If I thought television could get substantially worse than this, I am not sure I would have the courage or desire ever to turn the set on again,” Shales concluded.[5]

By contrast, The New York Times found the show promising, praising the performances of Carter and Sweet and the way the show balanced wisecracks with bits of seriousness. “The abrupt changes in tone are handled adroitly,” John J. O’Connor wrote. “Given some supportive scripts, Miss Carter and Mr. Sweet could insure a good run for this series.”[6]

The show has been in syndication since 1985. Reruns have also aired nationally on WWOR EMI Service and USA.[7][8][9][10] Distribution rights are jointly owned by The Program Exchange and NBCUniversal Television Distribution, successor in interest to previous syndicator MCA Television. Reruns of the series are a mainstay of many of Sinclair Broadcast Group's The CW, MeTV and MyNetworkTV stations, especially in low-traffic time periods, due to the low-cost barter setup of The Program Exchange.

Antenna TV aired the show from January 2, 2018, until December 31, 2021. Cozi TV started airing the show as of January 3, 2022.

Nell Carter received two Emmy nominations as Best Actress in a Comedy Series.[13] and two Golden Globe nominations as Best Actress in a Television Series-Comedy or Musical.[14]

• Gimme a Break! at IMDb