Family Ties (1982–1989)

A couple who were ardently leftwing political activists in the sixties face the problems of raising a family with children who have strongly conservative views.

Creator:

Gary David Goldberg

Stars:

Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross, Michael J. Fox

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 21 wins & 41 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Meredith Baxter	...	Elyse Keaton (176 episodes, 1982-1989)
Michael Gross	...	Steven Keaton (176 episodes, 1982-1989)
Michael J. Fox	...	Alex P. Keaton (176 episodes, 1982-1989)
Justine Bateman	...	Mallory Keaton (176 episodes, 1982-1989)
Tina Yothers	...	Jennifer Keaton (176 episodes, 1982-1989)
Brian Bonsall	...	Andrew 'Andy' Keaton (78 episodes, 1986-1989)

Storyline

A couple who were ardently leftwing political activists in the sixties face the problems of raising a family with children who have strongly conservative views.

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Plot Keywords:

columbus ohio | young republican | advice | politics | sitcom | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 September 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Enredos de familia

Filming Locations:

Metromedia Square - 5746 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television, Ubu Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (180 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Michael J. Fox's last Spin City episode, Alex P. Keaton became a Junior Congressman from Ohio.

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Quotes

[drunken Ned throws newspaper clipping in the fireplace]
Alex P. Keaton: Hey, don't do that. Here give me those.
Ned Donnelly: Leave me alone!
Alex P. Keaton: Give me those!
Ned Donnelly: [screaming] LEAVE ME ALONE!
[slaps Alex]
Steven Keaton: What the hell are you doing?
Ned Donnelly: I don't know. I don't know. I'm sorry. Sorry, Alex.
[Ned cries]
Steven Keaton: [quietly, but furious] All right, Ned. That's it. It's over. Right now, either you get some help... or you get the hell outta my house.

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Connections

Spin-off Taking It Home (1986)

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Soundtracks

"Without Us"
(Theme song)
Lyrics by Jeff Barry
Music by Tom Scott
Performed by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams

User Reviews

Doesn't get any better

Re-watching it on DVD I was amazed that Family Ties really stood the test of time. What makes it stand out is the constant high quality of the writing. On the one hand Family Ties always tackles serious issues on a personal level (death, trust, love, sexual harassment) but also on a social/ political level. I find it absolutely amazing that the writers always manage to avoid the trap of becoming sentimental or moralizing but always keep a healthy distance. Politically Family Ties is the great liberal voice of 80s television and from that point of view plays in a different league from its arch rival at the time, The Cosby show. What I also find amazing is that they manage to pack a satisfying story in the fairly short format of less then 30 minutes. The cast of course is perfect. Michael Gross stands out for me because he has the best one-liners in the show and his delivery as naive Steve Keaton is incredibly funny. Michael Fox is Michael Fox (as always) but Meredith Baxter is a great and underrated comedienne (and actually hellishly attractive...). Pity Tina Yothers stopped acting as it is amazing what a quantity and quality of dialogue she delivered at a very young age (though the jury is still out on her real age). And let's not forget Justine Bateman as airhead Mallory but who can act a fine line between comedy and drama (see Give uncle Arthur a kiss.)