Mork & Mindy

An eccentric alien named Mork arrives on Earth to observe human behavior and ends up lodging with Mindy McConnell, a young woman whose steady life is upended by his odd habits. Mork treats ordinary routines like strange rituals, asking blunt questions and misreading idioms while trying to report back to his planet. Mindy reacts with patience, sarcasm and growing affection, and their mismatched household becomes the show's center. Episodes spin everyday situations into absurd comedy, leaning on physical jokes, improvisation and heartfelt moments that let both characters learn from each other without revealing any major plot twists.

Created by Garry Marshall, the series premiered in 1978 on ABC as a spin-off from a Happy Days guest spot. It starred Robin Williams as Mork and Pam Dawber as Mindy, with Conrad Janis in a recurring role.

The show and its star drew industry attention during its run, generating multiple award nominations that highlighted Williams' fresh comic voice and the sitcom's popularity. Those early recognitions helped raise Williams' profile within television and film circles.

Mork & Mindy left a clear mark on pop culture, thanks to Mork's catchphrase "Nanu nanu," his unusual Orkan salute, and the image of the egg-shaped spaceship. The series helped introduce improvisational, high-energy stand-up style into mainstream TV comedy, and Robin Williams became a household name almost overnight because of his performance.

Critics and audiences responded strongly to Williams' frenetic energy and his chemistry with Dawber, though some later seasons were seen as uneven. Common themes include an outsider's eye on social norms, the contrast between innocence and adult routines, and the warmth of an unconventional friendship. The show maintains a vote average of 7.05/10 from 150 votes, reflecting steady affection from viewers decades later.