the pilot was recorded in august 31, 1983. it was released on vhs in 1985. the show began in september 1, 1984. the cast members were between eight and seventeen years old. season 1 was aired on abc, nbc, nickelodeon, tbs superstation, and cbs in 1984-1985. season 2 was aired on cbn cable network and nickelodeon in 1985-1986. seasons 3-9 were aired on the disney channel in 1986-1994.