Family (1976)
An intimate ABC drama series chronicling the joys, struggles, and quiet revelations of the Lawrence family in Pasadena, California.
Family - Series Information
- Original Title: Family
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1980
- Created by: Jay Presson Allen
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 49 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 86
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
Family - Plot
The lives of the middle-class Lawrence family in Pasadena, California.
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Family - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jay Presson Allen
Main Cast
- Sada Thompson
- James Broderick
- Gary Frank
- Kristy McNichol
- Meredith Baxter
- Quinn Cummings
- Jimmy Weldon
- Mary Grace Canfield
- Season Hubley
- Elayne Heilveil
Writers
- David Jacobs
- Edward Zwick
- Marshall Herskovitz
- George Lefferts
- Ron Cowen
Executive Producers
- Aaron Spelling
- Mike Nichols
- Leonard Goldberg
Family - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Family?
Family stars Sada Thompson as Kate Lawrence, James Broderick as Doug Lawrence, Gary Frank as Willie Lawrence, Kristy McNichol as Buddy Lawrence, Meredith Baxter as Nancy Lawrence, and Quinn Cummings as Annie Cooper, among others.
What is Family about?
Family centers on the everyday lives of the middle-class Lawrence family in Pasadena, California. The series explores the emotional and interpersonal challenges faced by parents and children alike, earning praise for its honest, compassionate portrayal of domestic life in 1970s America.
How did Kristy McNichol become famous through Family?
Kristy McNichol rose to stardom playing Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence, the youngest daughter of the Lawrence family. Her naturalistic, emotionally resonant performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, making her one of the breakout stars of 1970s television.
Did Family win any major awards?
Yes. Family was a significant awards contender during its run. Kristy McNichol won two Emmy Awards for her role as Buddy Lawrence, and Sada Thompson also received Emmy recognition for her portrayal of matriarch Kate Lawrence. The series was widely celebrated for its quality writing and performances.
Who created Family?
Family was created by Jay Presson Allen, a celebrated playwright and screenwriter. The series was executive produced by Aaron Spelling, Mike Nichols, and Leonard Goldberg, bringing together an exceptional creative team that helped distinguish the show as one of the most acclaimed dramas of its era.
How many seasons and episodes does Family have?
Family ran for 5 seasons on ABC, comprising 86 episodes in total. The series also includes 2 special episodes. Individual seasons ranged from 6 to 23 episodes, with the show airing from 1976 to 1980 before concluding its run.
What are similar shows to Family?
Viewers who enjoyed Family may also appreciate Brothers and Sisters (2006) and Six Feet Under (2001) for their emotionally rich family dynamics, as well as The Americans (2013) and Mom (2013). Six Feet Under in particular shares Family's unflinching look at domestic life and loss.
When did Family first air on ABC?
Family first aired on ABC in 1976. The series ran for five seasons, concluding in 1980. It was broadcast on ABC throughout its entire run and became one of the network's most critically respected dramatic offerings of the late 1970s.
More About Family
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