IMDb > "Family Matters" (1989)
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"Family Matters" (1989) More at IMDbPro »TV series 1989-1998

Photos (see all 6 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   3,243 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 41% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Contact:
View company contact information for Family Matters on IMDbPro.
Seasons:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | unknown full episode list
Release Date:
22 September 1989 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
Long-running "Perfect Strangers" spin-off series centering on the Winslow family and their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel. full summary
Awards:
Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 8 wins & 15 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(35 articles)
Gays of our Lives (December 8, 2009)
 (From AfterElton.com. 7 December 2009, 7:43 PM, PST)

Family Matters meets The Young and the Restless ... casting wise
 (From AOL - TVSquad. 20 November 2009, 8:02 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Like it or not, Urkel is king more (80 total)

Cast

 (Series Cast Summary - 8 of 101)
Reginald VelJohnson ... Carl Otis Winslow / ... (215 episodes, 1989-1998)
Kellie Shanygne Williams ... Laura Lee Winslow (214 episodes, 1989-1998)
Darius McCrary ... Edward 'Eddie' James Arthur Winslow / ... (207 episodes, 1989-1998)

Jaleel White ... Steven 'Steve' Quincy Urkel / ... (204 episodes, 1989-1998)

JoMarie Payton ... Harriette Winslow / ... (201 episodes, 1989-1998)
Rosetta LeNoire ... Estelle 'Mother' Winslow / ... (121 episodes, 1989-1997)

Bryton James ... Richie Crawford (95 episodes, 1990-1997)
Telma Hopkins ... Rachel Crawford (94 episodes, 1989-1997)
more

Additional Details

Runtime:
30 min (215 episodes)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Australia:G | USA:TV-G | USA:TV-G (some epiosodes) | USA:TV-PG (some epiosodes)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
JoMarie Payton's Harriet Winslow originated in "Perfect Strangers" (1986) as an elevator operator. Reginald VelJohnson also appeared as Carl on the show. more
Goofs:
Continuity: In the first episode, outside of the front door is a little hallway leading out side. From the second episode on, the hallway was a porch. more
Quotes:
Steve Urkel: I... I'm being born! My head pops out! I can see my dad! Whoa, I'm being pushed back in! more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
As Days Go By more

FAQ

Who sings/plays the theme song?
What are the lyrics to the theme song?
What kind of car does Steve Urkel drive?
more
20 out of 22 people found the following comment useful.
Like it or not, Urkel is king, 21 May 2004
Author: RBonander from California

The character Urkel gets a lot of trash thrown his way, but look at what the actor himself did: He stole a sitcom. It doesn't happen often. Now I'm not certain when he was first introduced on the show, but I believe it was during the first season. He was the "wacky neighbor" with a crush on Laura -- nothing more. Within two seasons, the show was his. He owned it. Huge plot lines revolved around him; he got as much if not more screen time and dialogue as anyone else, and in many cases, more than the entire cast. Some may not like him, but he stole the show out from under the original cast through pure energy and originality. He developed a dead-pan 'look' that rivaled Johnny Carson's and one-upped Mr. Roper's. His physical comedy was outrageous, sometimes slightly ridiculous, but ideally suited to a basic family sitcom. Anyone of-age who has watched some TV in their time knows who Urkel was -- because he was dominant. Like him or not, Urkel is a unique, unforgettable character in TV history, and for that massive achievement, he deserves credit.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (80 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for "Family Matters" (1989)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Why is this show not on DVD CSA_NC2000
Sanity depends on finding an episode wmnewton
dvd release?? pierro_a
Episode where Urkel and the Winslows go to Disney World Lhowell02
Laura was selfish whoozdat1
Extended Opening Credits moviefreak1982
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