Family Ties (1982)
The beloved NBC sitcom about ex-hippie parents raising a Reagan-loving son — a warm, witty portrait of generational conflict in 1980s America.
Family Ties - Series Information
- Original Title: Family Ties
- First Air Year: 1982
- Last Air Year: 1989
- Created by: Gary David Goldberg
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 168
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 22, 1982 (United States - TV-PG), September 22, 1982 (Germany - 12), September 22, 1982 (France - 12), September 22, 1982 (Australia - PG), September 22, 1982 (Mexico - B), September 22, 1982 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Ubu Productions, Paramount Television, NBC Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Familienbande (DE), پیوندهای خانوادگی (IR)
Family Ties - Plot
Former 1960s flower children Steven and Elyse Keaton raise their conservative son Alex, daughters Mallory and Jennifer, and later, youngest child Andrew.
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Family Ties - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Gary David Goldberg
Main Cast
- Meredith Baxter
- Michael Gross
- Michael J. Fox
- Justine Bateman
- Tina Yothers
- Brian Bonsall
- Marc Price
- Scott Valentine
- Courteney Cox
- Tracy Pollan
Writers
- Alan Uger
- Gary David Goldberg
- Michael J. Weithorn
- Marc Lawrence
- Lloyd Garver
Executive Producers
- Lloyd Garver
- Gary David Goldberg
Family Ties - FAQs
Where can you stream Family Ties today?
Family Ties is available to stream on Paramount Plus (Essential and Premium tiers), Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Apple TV Channel, and Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel. Episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Why was Alex P. Keaton such a cultural phenomenon?
Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox, became a cultural touchstone because he embodied the Reagan-era conservative youth movement — a sharp contrast to his liberal, ex-hippie parents. His witty, ideologically driven personality resonated deeply with 1980s audiences and launched Michael J. Fox to superstardom.
Did Family Ties launch Michael J. Fox's career?
Yes. Michael J. Fox's portrayal of Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties made him a household name and earned him three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The role also led directly to his casting as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film franchise.
What is Family Ties about?
Family Ties follows the Keaton family of Columbus, Ohio — former 1960s idealists Steven and Elyse navigating parenthood with their staunchly conservative teenage son Alex, fashion-obsessed daughter Mallory, level-headed Jennifer, and eventually toddler Andy. The show mines warm comedy from the clash between boomer liberalism and Reagan-era conservatism.
How many seasons and episodes does Family Ties have?
Family Ties ran for 7 seasons and 168 episodes on NBC, from September 22, 1982 to May 14, 1989. Season lengths ranged from 22 to 28 episodes, with Season 5 being the longest at 28 episodes. A collection of special episodes is also available.
Who created Family Ties and who starred in it?
Family Ties was created by Gary David Goldberg. The series starred Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross as the Keaton parents, with Michael J. Fox, Justine Bateman, and Tina Yothers as their children. Notable recurring cast members included Marc Price, Scott Valentine, Courteney Cox, and Tracy Pollan.
Did Family Ties win any major awards?
Yes. Family Ties was a major awards contender throughout the 1980s. Michael J. Fox won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1986, 1987, 1988). The show itself received multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series and was a consistent ratings hit for NBC.
Is Family Ties based on a true story?
Family Ties is not based on a specific true story, but creator Gary David Goldberg drew on his own experiences as a former 1960s idealist raising children in a more conservative era. The show's central generational tension authentically reflected real cultural and political shifts occurring in American families during the 1980s.
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