Family Matters (1989)
The beloved 1990s sitcom that turned a nerdy neighbor named Steve Urkel into one of television's most enduring pop culture icons.
Family Matters - Series Information
- Original Title: Family Matters
- First Air Year: 1989
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Created by: Michael Warren, William Bickley
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 215
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 22, 1989 (United States - TV-G), September 22, 1989 (Canada - G), September 22, 1989 (Germany - 6), September 22, 1989 (Brazil - 14), September 22, 1989 (Italy - T)
- Networks: ABC, CBS
- Alternative Titles: 凡人琐事 (CN), مسائل خانوادگی (IR)
- Production Companies: Bickley-Warren Productions, Lorimar Television, Miller/Boyett Productions, Warner Bros. Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Family Matters - Plot
A long-running dramedy centering on the Winslow family, a middle-class African American family living in Chicago, and their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel. A spin-off of Perfect Strangers.
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Family Matters - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Michael Warren
- William Bickley
Main Cast
- Reginald VelJohnson
- Darius McCrary
- Kellie Shanygne Williams
- Jaleel White
- Jo Marie Payton
- Rosetta LeNoire
- Bryton James
- Jaimee Foxworth
- Telma Hopkins
- Shawn Harrison
Writers
- David W. Duclon
- Sally Lapiduss
- Pamela Eells
- Felicia D. Henderson
- Greg Garcia
Family Matters - FAQs
Where can you stream Family Matters online?
Family Matters is available to stream on Hulu and YouTube TV with a subscription. TBS also offers the series via flatrate streaming. For those who prefer to own episodes, the show can be purchased through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Who played Steve Urkel in Family Matters?
Steve Urkel was played by Jaleel White, who became one of television's most recognizable characters thanks to the role. Originally intended as a one-time guest appearance, Urkel's enormous popularity with audiences led to him becoming the central figure of the entire series.
Is Family Matters based on a true story?
No, Family Matters is not based on a true story. It is a fictional sitcom created by Michael Warren and William Bickley. The series originated as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, with the Winslow family first introduced through the character of Harriette Winslow on that parent series.
How many seasons does Family Matters have?
Family Matters ran for 9 seasons and a total of 215 episodes. The show premiered on ABC on September 22, 1989, and concluded in 1998. Its final season aired on CBS after ABC cancelled the series, making it one of the few shows to finish its run on a different network.
What is Family Matters about?
Family Matters follows the Winslow family, a middle-class African American household in Chicago, navigating everyday life with warmth and humor. The show became defined by their nerdy next-door neighbor Steve Urkel, whose outrageous antics and lovable personality made him a pop culture icon of the 1990s.
Did Steve Urkel ever become Stefan Urquelle?
Yes. One of Family Matters' most memorable recurring storylines involved Steve Urkel using a transformation chamber to become his suave alter ego, Stefan Urquelle. Both characters were played by Jaleel White, who showcased impressive range by portraying the two contrasting personalities throughout the series.
What is the content rating for Family Matters?
Family Matters carries a TV-G content rating in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences of all ages. The show's wholesome, family-friendly humor and positive messages about community, respect, and perseverance made it a staple of Friday night family viewing throughout the 1990s.
Who created Family Matters and when did it premiere?
Family Matters was created by Michael Warren and William Bickley. The series premiered on ABC on September 22, 1989, as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers. It ran for nine seasons, concluding in 1998, with its final season airing on CBS after ABC did not renew the show.
More About Family Matters
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