Family Matters

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

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.

  • The importance of family, friendship, and doing the right thing are always major themes in the show.
  • In 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.
  • The dad is a cop, so police work is discussed; also, a couple of episodes cover the dangers of guns.
  • Some 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.

What's the story?

FAMILY MATTERS 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.


Is it any good?

 

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. 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.

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.


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What families can talk about

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?


This review was written by Brenda Kienan
Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Best show ever
THis show is the best show ever

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Teen, 14 years old
November 4, 2010
 
Awesome~
I love this show! It's actually funny and heartwarming, a favorite.

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Teen, 14 years old
April 24, 2010
 
This show is soooooo hilarious!!!! It really is great 4 the whole family! but i do remember in 1 episode someone said a** but just once. & its not often AT ALL that they say bad words. ya & btw this show is tv-pg not tv-g.

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Teen, 14 years old
March 22, 2011
 
Family matters is a warm series for families every where
You shoudn't be to worried about profanity for it's rarely used. Occasional conversations between the teenagers shouldn't be heard by the younger generation though.

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Kid, 12 years old
June 25, 2011
 
awesome
so funny.me and my little brother love to watch it.great!!!!

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Teen, 15 years old
October 31, 2010
 
Love it!
This show is SO funny.

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Kid, 13 years old
August 2, 2010
 
annoying!
this show is so annoying! why does the kid with glasses have that hrroble high piched voice? ruins the show.

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Teen, 14 years old
May 24, 2010
 
awesome
i love the show it's funny, positive , and lots of urkel :)

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Parent
February 26, 2010
 
Family Matters
A very memorable show for the whole family. The number of role models in this show are just flowing. Although Steve usually causes most of the trouble and accidents, he never means to intentionally, and is an outstanding young man who stands up for himself and those he loves no matter how dangerous the situation seems. Familys will gain much moral comfort from this show, that I am sure of.

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Adult
February 11, 2010
 
Great TV show with great role models!
Family Matters is a great show for your family. The characters can get in to some pretty dangerous situations (plus the dad is a policeman), but the characters don't resort to violence (WOOT!). Steve Urkel and Laura Winslow, in my opinion, are pretty good role models, because Laura is a strong female (Harriete is also a good role model, too) figure, and Steve Urkel has a good heart and good intentions! The show teaches a bunch of good lessons. It's a good, hilarious TV show for the whole entire family to watch! ^^

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This review was written by Brenda Kienan
This review was written by Brenda Kienan
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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