Family Matters

1989-1998 |

ABC, CBS
Added to the database on December 16, 2009

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Family Matters is a sitcom about a middle-class African-American family living in Chicago, Illinois, which aired for nine seasons. The series was a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, but revolves around the Winslow family. Midway through the first season, the show introduced the Winslows' nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel (played by Jaleel White), who quickly became its breakout character and eventually a main character. Family Matters aired from 1989 to 1997 on ABC and on CBS from September 1997 to July 1998.

A perfect spin-off from Perfect Strangers: Family Matters focused on Harriet Winslow (the elevator operator from the Chronicle) and her family of sorts. Carl Winslow, her husband, was a dutiful cop, and a gruff and lovable father to three kids: Eddie Winslow, the rebel son; Laura Winslow, the smart-aleck daughter; and cute little Judy Winslow. They had opened their home to Harriet's sister, Rachel Crawford and her little baby son Richie, and in the very first episode, Carl had to open his home to his cool and streetwise mother, Estelle Winslow, whether he wanted to or not.

Everything was going along just fine until one day, Steve Urkel, the inventive nerd, barged into their home and eventually, into their hearts. Steve had a killer crush on Laura, but she would never give him the time of day. Steve Urkel was intended to be a one-shot appearance, but his popularity with the fans won him the number-one spot as America's favorite nerd.

Family Matters Cast

As the show went on, the characters and the stories evolved. Richie grew from a little baby into a rambunctious and impressionable little boy. The stories started revolving around Steve and his incredible inventions, which became the greatest sight gags on the show. In almost every episode, Steve ends up breaking furniture, windows, and Carl's patience. Eddie and Laura each had best buddies to hang out with: Eddie had dim-witted yet lovable Waldo Geraldo Faldo,and Laura had faithful and true-blue gal pal Maxine. The greatest mystery of Family Matters is Judy and Rachel's sudden disappearances from the show, but Rachel made guest appearances whenever possible.

To stop Steve from chasing her, Laura matched him up with perky-yet-pushy Myra Monkhouse. Steve loved Myra physically, but his emotions will always go to Laura. Eddie had his share of steady girlfriends, and even he had an Urkel chasing him- Myrtle May Urkel, Steve's cousin from Biloxi (Jaleel White also). Every so often, Steve uses one of his inventions to turn himself into debonair, irresistable lover Stefan Urquelle or karate hero Bruce Lee to draw Laura closer to him, much to Myra's chagrin.

At the end of season 6, the Winslows welcomed Steve into their home when Steve's family went to Russia. Pretty soon, Richie hung out with 3J, a tough, streetwise kid always running from the children's home. The Winslows then adopted 3J as one of their kids, as they did with Steve.

In the final season, Family Matters - along with Step by Step - moved to CBS, and Steve slowly matured from the annoying nerd that he used to be. This was when Laura started falling in love with Steve, and Myra got kicked to the curb, but she vowed to get her "Stevie-kins" back. Also, the original Harriette, JoMarie Peyton, had left the show in mid-season and Judyann Elder took her role. Steve and Laura got engaged, but they never had a wedding because CBS dropped the ax on the show. But, nevertheless, Family Matters had a great successful run and is one of the longest running African-American comedies ever.

Cast & Characters

Reginald VelJohnson as Carl Otis Winslow
Kellie Shanygne Williams as Laura Lee Winslow
Darius McCrary as Edward 'Eddie' James Arthur Winslow
Jaleel White as Steven 'Steve' Quincy Urkel
JoMarie Payton as Harriette Winslow
Rosetta LeNoire as Estelle 'Mother' Winslow (1989-1997)
Bryton James as Richie Crawford (1990-1997)
Telma Hopkins as Rachel Crawford (1989-1997)
Shawn Harrison as Waldo Geraldo Faldo (1990-1996)
Jaimee Foxworth as Judy Winslow (1989-1993)
Cherie Johnson as Maxine Johnson (1990-1998)
Michelle Thomas as Myra Monkhouse (1993-1998)
Orlando Brown as 3J (21 episodes, 1996-1998)
Barry Jenner as Lt. Lieu Murtaugh (1990-1992)
Tammy Townsend as Greta McClure (1991-1998)
Joseph Julius Wright as Richie Crawford (1989-1990)
Shavar Ross as Weasel (1992-1994)
Judyann Elder as Harriet Winslow (1994-1998)
J. Lamont Pope as Curtis (1991-1997)

Broadcast History

First Telecast: September 22, 1989
Last Telecast: July 17, 1998
Family Matters Episode Guide
Number of Seasons: 9
Number of Episodes: 215
Original Network:

ABC,

CBS
Original Primetime TV Schedule:

September 1989- April 1991, ABC, Friday 8:30-9:00PM
August 1990- September 1990, ABC, Tuesday 8:30-9:00PM
April 1991- May 1991, ABC, Friday 9:00-9:30PM
May 1991- August 1991, ABC, Friday 8:30-9:00PM
August 1991- April 1997, ABC, Friday 8:00-8:30PM
September 1997- July 1998, CBS, Friday 8:30-9:00PM

Theme Song Lyrics & Opening Credits

{videobox}/media/video/familymatters.mp4{/videobox}
"As Days Go By", performed by Jesse Frederick. Written by Bennett Salvay, Scott Roeme and Jesse Frederick.

It's a rare condition, this day and age,
to read any good news on the newspaper page.
Love and tradition of the grand design,
some people say it's even harder to find.
Well then there must be some magic clue inside these tearful walls
Cause all I see is a tower of dreams
real love burstin' out of every seam.
As days go by,
we're gonna fill our house with happiness.
The moon may cry,
we're gonna smother the blues with tenderness.
When days go by,
there's room for you,
room for me,
for gentle hearts an opportunity.
As days go by,
it's the bigger love of the family.

Listen to theme song: {mp3}/FamilyMatters{/mp3}