Family Matters (1989–1998)

Long-running "Perfect Strangers" spin-off series centering on the Winslow family and their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel.

Creators:

William Bickley, Michael Warren

Stars:

Reginald VelJohnson, Kellie Shanygne Williams, Darius McCrary

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 8 wins & 15 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
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 Quincy Urkel (204 episodes, 1989-1998)
JoMarie Payton	...	Harriette Winslow (199 episodes, 1989-1997)
Rosetta LeNoire	...	Estelle 'Mother' Winslow (121 episodes, 1989-1997)
Bryton James	...	Richie Crawford (96 episodes, 1990-1997)
Telma Hopkins	...	Rachel Crawford (93 episodes, 1989-1997)

Storyline

The Winslow family is a pretty normal family except for one thing, their neighbor Stephen Urkel. A genius and klutz Steve makes some really weird inventions while driving the Winslow's insane.

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Plot Keywords:

neighbor | spin off | nerd | friend | high pitched voice | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Official Sites:

Warner Bros. Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 September 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

8 sotto un tetto

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bickley-Warren Productions, Lorimar Television, Miller/Boyett Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (215 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Carl, Estelle Eddie, Richie and 3J are the only five characters to use Steve's transformation chamber. Laura, and Harriet are the only two characters to not use it. Carl is the only character to use it more than once. Eddie used it off-screen.

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Goofs

In the Winslows' home, guests would always walk out the front door and then to the left, but in the picture that is shown as the Winslows' home, there is no walkway to the left. There are a few stairs outside that lead up to the front door, but walking to the left after exiting through the front door would only lead into a wall.

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Quotes

Harriette: Better add zucchini to that shopping list.
Judy Winslow: [writing] Z-U-K
Harriette: Nope.
Judy Winslow: Z-O-O-K
Harriette: Uh uh.
Judy Winslow: Let's get corn instead.

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Connections

Referenced in 30 Rock: Meet the Woggels! (2012)

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Soundtracks

"As Days Go By"
Written by Jesse Frederick & Bennett Salvay
Performed by Jesse Frederick

User Reviews

Like it or not, Urkel is king

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.