Family Matters (1989)

About Family Matters

"Family Matters" is an American television sitcom that premiered on ABC on September 22, 1989, and concluded on July 17, 1998, after nine seasons. The show revolves around the Winslow family, a middle-class African American family living in Chicago, Illinois. The series stands out for being one of the longest-running sitcoms with a predominantly African American cast.

Making / Production

The show was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren. It was produced by Bickley-Warren Productions in association with Miller-Boyett Productions and Lorimar Television. The production locations included Lorimar Studios, California, and ABC Television Center, Los Angeles.

Actors

• Reginald VelJohnson as Carl Winslow: Played the patriarch of the family, a stern but loving father, and husband. VelJohnson's role was initially the central figure, but the focus shifted to Jaleel White's character, Urkel, as the series progressed.
• JoMarie Payton as Harriette Winslow: Harriette was the strong-willed, caring, and often peacemaking mother.
• Jaleel White as Steve Urkel: White portrayed Steve Urkel, a nerdy neighbor whose love for Laura Winslow and his scientific innovations often created hilarious situations. His role became the show's breakout character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Jaleel White's Urkel was only meant to be a guest character but turned into a series regular due to his popularity.
• The show crossed over with multiple other sitcoms including "Full House", and "Step By Step".
• The house used for exterior shots of the Winslow home is actually located in Chicago, Illinois.

Awards

The show received numerous nominations throughout its run. It earned a Young Artist award for Jaleel White and several NAACP Image Awards nominations.

Quotes

• "Did I do that?" - Steve Urkel
• "I'm wearing you down, baby. I'm wearing you down" - Steve Urkel
• "We're going to have to talk about this, son." - Carl Winslow

Music, Soundtrack

• The upbeat theme song "As Days Go By" was composed by Jesse Frederick. It was used in the show's opening from seasons 2 to 9.
• Jaleel White recorded a music video as Steve Urkel for the song "Got Any Cheese" which was featured in the show.