Because Gary Coleman is running for CA governor, "Diff'rent Strokes" can no longer air on network TV, or it's affiliates. Once the race it's over, the ban will be lifted. This came about because of the rule that candidates could only have equal TV time. That's why the networks can't play Arnold Schwarzenegger movies either.

This rule does not apply to cable stations.

It's only for California. It only airs on 2 locals anyway. WCIU in Chicago and WXIV somewhere in North Carolina. As far as I know, it's still airing in those two areas. So it doesn't matter anyway since it doesn't air there.

Read the info here: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20030813_694.html