Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series' message is to treat yourself and others with respect. Some episodes tackle racism, sexism, family dysfunction, school bullying, and gun violence, but these issues are never glorified; instead, characters find healthy ways to deal with the problems of modern life. As the kids on the series mature, so do plots about teen dating. Teens kiss and talk about sexiness, and two women characters comically "throw themselves" at men (who find it unattractive). But on the whole, this show is both fun and healthy.
Families can talk about choosing friends based on character. Why do the Winslows keep opening their door to Urkel if he's so irritating? Why do they forgive him for the trouble he seems to cause? What makes Urkel so odd, and what is good about him? How is he actually similar to the Winslows? Also, when he has the chance to turn himself into ultra-cool Stefan, why should he do it -- or not do it? What would you do (or not do) for a friend or for the person you love?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Brenda Kienan
FAMILY MATTERS is something all too rare -- a real, and really funny, family comedy. The show was launched in 1989 as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers and originally focused on the home life of Harriette Winslow (Jo Marie Payton) and her husband Carl (Reginald VelJohnson).
The Winslows' nerdy next-door neighbor, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White), was introduced midway through the first season as a one-time character but quickly became the focus of the show. Legend has it that after White shot his first scene on Family Matters, 50 frat boys in the audience chanted his character's name: "Urkel! Urkel! Urkel!"
There's good reason for that. Urkel is one of TV's most iconic comedic characters. Bespectacled, high-voiced, and sporting high-water pants, suspenders, and saddle shoes, he's profoundly (and dangerously) clumsy, so smart it's a problem, and generally out of touch with most social norms. He's also endearingly good-hearted, loyal, and utterly in love with Harriette and Carl's daughter, Laura Winslow (Kellie Shanygne Williams). Throughout most of the series' nine seasons, it's apparent that everyone -- Urkel included -- sees Laura as way out of his league, and yet he continues to honor her with the loyalty and respect of a dear, devoted friend.
Most episodes start with Urkel making an unannounced visit to the Winslow home at precisely the wrong moment, full of good intentions that always backfire (White is a talented physical comedian) and generally wreaking havoc on the Winslows, particularly Carl. Urkel is a constant source of annoyance to Carl, his son Eddie (Darius McCrary), and all of the Winslows, and yet they never seem able to close the door on the irksome "nerd." Eventually, when Urkel's parents move to Russia without him (they don't seem to like him, either), he even moves in with the Winslows.
As the series progresses, Urkel invents more and more technologically improbable gadgets, including a transformation chamber that he uses to change himself into cool, sexy Stefan Urquelle. Laura falls for Stefan, and yet Steve turns himself back into the nerdy guy Laura and the Winslows find so annoying. Why? Because, he says simply, he likes himself. And that might just be the heart of Family Matters: Despite how often he gets on their nerves, the Winslows always come to appreciate Urkel's good intentions, his company, and his inner strength. They always come around to taking his side, and he takes theirs from the get-go.
Family Matters isn't just a classic sitcom. Full of funny moments and life lessons about the value of family, friends, and friends who become family, it's still a terrific show for families to watch together.
Fans might also enjoy other still-watchable classics like The Cosby Show, Step by Step, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; shows about loving, unusual families like Little People, Big World; and contemporary comedies like Everybody Hates Chris and Malcolm in the Middle.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome smooching, innuendos too subtle for young kids, and teens talking about sexiness -- but the overall message is self respect and respect for others. Urkel has a long-standing, innocent crush on Laura; his alter-ego is much suaver with the ladies. |
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ViolenceThe dad is a cop, so police work is discussed; also, a couple of episodes cover the dangers of guns. |
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Social BehaviorIn this loving family, character is more important than looks or style. Some needling among family members/siblings (and between Carl and Urkel, of course), but it's all mild and played for laughs. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoWhen substance use is mentioned, it's portrayed as "messed up" behavior. |
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