Family Affair (1966)

The classic CBS sitcom where a bachelor uncle and his proper English manservant navigate the delightful chaos of raising three orphaned children in New York City.

Family Affair - Series Information

  • Original Title: Family Affair
  • First Air Year: 1966
  • Last Air Year: 1971
  • Created by: Don Fedderson, Edmund L. Hartmann
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Comedy, Family
  • Content Rating (US): TV-G
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 5
  • Number of Episodes: 138
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: September 12, 1966 (United States - TV-G), September 12, 1966 (Canada - G), September 12, 1966 (Mexico - AA)
  • Networks: CBS
  • Alternative Titles: Cher Oncle Bill (FR)
  • Production Companies: Don Fedderson Productions
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Family Affair - Plot

Family Affair is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from September 12, 1966 to September 9, 1971. The series explored the trials of well-to-do civil engineer and bachelor Bill Davis as he attempted to raise his brother's orphaned children in his luxury New York City apartment. Davis' traditional English gentleman's gentleman, Mr. Giles French, also had adjustments to make as he became saddled with the responsibility of caring for 15-year-old Cissy and the 6-year-old twins, Jody and Buffy. The show ran for 138 episodes. Family Affair was created and produced by Don Fedderson, also known for My Three Sons and The Millionaire.

Family Affair - Trailer

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Family Affair - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Don Fedderson
  • Edmund L. Hartmann

Main Cast

  • Brian Keith
  • Sebastian Cabot
  • Kathy Garver
  • Anissa Jones
  • Johnny Whitaker
  • Heather Angel
  • Sherry Alberoni
  • John Williams
  • John Hubbard
  • Joan Vohs

Writers

  • Edmund L. Hartmann
  • John McGreevey
  • George Tibbles
  • Seaman Jacobs
  • Burt Styler

Executive Producers

  • Don Fedderson

Family Affair - FAQs

Where can you stream Family Affair online?

Family Affair is available to stream on several platforms in the United States, including Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Pure Flix, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Xumo Play, and Hoopla. Some platforms offer it free with ads, while others require a subscription.

What happened to Anissa Jones after Family Affair?

Anissa Jones, who played Buffy Davis on Family Affair, struggled after the show ended. She largely stepped away from acting and tragically died on August 28, 1976, at age 18 from an accidental drug overdose. Her passing remains one of the most poignant stories in classic television history.

Is Family Affair based on a true story?

No, Family Affair is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional sitcom created by Don Fedderson and Edmund L. Hartmann. The premise of a wealthy bachelor suddenly raising three orphaned children was conceived as a comedic and heartwarming dramatic scenario for CBS audiences.

Who are the main actors in Family Affair?

The principal cast of Family Affair includes Brian Keith as Uncle Bill Davis, Sebastian Cabot as the dignified manservant Mr. Giles French, Kathy Garver as teenage Cissy, Anissa Jones as young Buffy, and Johnny Whitaker as her twin brother Jody. Heather Angel and Sherry Alberoni also appeared in recurring roles.

How many seasons and episodes does Family Affair have?

Family Affair ran for five seasons on CBS, producing a total of 138 episodes. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 30 episodes, Season 3 had 28, Season 4 had 26, and Season 5 concluded the series with 24 episodes, spanning from 1966 to 1971.

What is Family Affair about?

Family Affair follows Bill Davis, a successful bachelor civil engineer living in a luxury Manhattan apartment, who unexpectedly becomes guardian to his late brother's three children: teenager Cissy and six-year-old twins Jody and Buffy. His proper English manservant, Mr. French, must also adapt to the lively new household dynamic.

When did Family Affair first air on television?

Family Affair premiered on September 12, 1966, on CBS in the United States. The series ran for five seasons, concluding on September 9, 1971. It was one of CBS's popular family-oriented sitcoms of the late 1960s and remains a fondly remembered classic of that era.

Did Family Affair win any awards during its run?

Sebastian Cabot received recognition for his portrayal of Mr. French, and the show earned Emmy Award nominations during its run. Anissa Jones won a Young Artist Award recognition posthumously. The series was celebrated for its warm family appeal and consistently strong ratings throughout its five-season CBS run.

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