Family (1976–1980)

The joys and heartaches of the Lawrence family of Pasadena, California.

Creator:

Jay Presson Allen

Stars:

Sada Thompson, James Broderick, Gary Frank

Nominated for 7 Golden Globes. Another 9 wins & 18 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Sada Thompson	...	Kate Lawrence (86 episodes, 1976-1980)
James Broderick	...	Doug Lawrence (86 episodes, 1976-1980)
Gary Frank	...	Willie Lawrence (86 episodes, 1976-1980)
Kristy McNichol	...	Letitia 'Buddy' Lawrence (86 episodes, 1976-1980)
Meredith Baxter	...	Nancy Lawrence Maitland (59 episodes, 1976-1980)
Quinn Cummings	...	Annie Cooper (36 episodes, 1978-1980)

Storyline

The trials and tribulations, joyous occasions and heartbreaking moments of the Lawrence family: lawyer father Doug, housewife Kate, married (and quickly divorced) daughter Nancy, teenage son Willie and just-hitting-puberty daughter Buddy. In this critically acclaimed series, we watched various Lawrences fight, fall in love, become ill, graduate school, begin new jobs and, most of all, love each other.

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Plot Keywords:

california | pasadena california | family relationships | brother sister relationship | marriage | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 March 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Eine amerikanische Familie

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spelling-Goldberg Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (86 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character 'Doug Lawrence' was ranked #26 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" (20 June 2004 issue).

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Crazy Credits

Timmy Maitland was played by twins Michael Schackelford and David Schackelford. The end credits are listed on various episodes as either Michael David Schackelford or Michael and David Schackelford.

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Connections

Referenced in Battle of the Network Stars VII (1979)

User Reviews

One of the very best TV dramas of all time

As a young adult in the mid 1970's to early 1980's, I greatly enjoyed watching all original episodes of this TV show. This series is of the highest artistic quality and adheres to the highest standards. The screenplay pauses long enough to flesh out each of its characters in depth, allowing the viewer to feel deeply for the characters. The show makes you feel great sympathy for the daily existential struggle of ordinary people in their search for love and purpose in their lives. This series is one of those rare works of art that is intelligent, smart, insightful, and life-affirming. It is a beautiful story, an emotionally moving experience that that helps make the world a little better place. I am hoping that all original episodes of 'Family' will be issued on DVD soon --- I would very much like to watch this series all over again.