Family Matters (ABC Family, Nickelodeon, Syndicated)

common sense media says

Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.


parents & educators say
  • 67% say there are positive messages
  • 67% say there are positive role models

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.

Positive messages: The importance of family, friendship, and doing the right thing are always major themes in the show.
Positive role models: 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.
Violence & scariness: The dad is a cop, so police work is discussed; also, a couple of episodes cover the dangers of guns.
Sexy stuff: 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.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: When substance use is mentioned, it's portrayed as "messed up" behavior.

More on Family Matters

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: ABC Family
Cast: Jaleel White, JoMarie Payton, Reginald VelJohnson
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: ABC Family

This review was written by Brenda Kienan
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say there are positive messages
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

evilthingey
teen, 16 years old
 
Best show ever
THis show is the best show ever

Goodchild18
teen, 14 years old
 
awesome
i love the show it's funny, positive , and lots of urkel :)

rebekahLol
teen, 13 years old
 
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.

drweegee
kid, 10 years old
 
Fun Show for Family.Great Laughs.
Last night I watched family matters.It was funny as hell!.As it went to commercial I almost cried (the episode i watched was test for friendship and I believe before it went to commercial it was sad.)and that show was better than I love lucy.I loved every moment (Espically when Steve comes in becuase i love jaleel white.) *BRAVO*!

Mega129
adult
 
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! ^^

Lilianna123456
parent of and 3 , 5 , 9 , 9 , 10 , 16 year old
 
Perfect for all ages!
This show is great! Even my little 3 year old loves to watch it. It's a great family show no matter how old your kids are. My 15 year old son enjoys it too. Its a great alternative for him other than Spongebob and Blues Clues :)

GeodeGem
teen, 15 years old
 
Family Matters really matters
I think Family Matter's is good for the entire family to watch. It's funny, it's interesting, and it shows great life lessons. The only thing I am a little concerned about is they make-out a few times. . . but a little more wildly than usual. Like falling onto the couch or falling over- things like that. Mr.Winslow is a cop, yet there isn't much fisical content involved besides pulling them to the ground to arrest them. This is one of my favorite shows, so I'd recomend it to 8+

Plague
parent
 
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.

Novalita
kid, 13 years old
 
It is the best show ever!!!

robinrunner
teen, 14 years old
 
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.

Megumi Yosei
teen, 13 years old
 
Awesome~
I love this show! It's actually funny and heartwarming, a favorite.

ThreeDaysGrace ...
teen, 15 years old
 
Love it!
This show is SO funny.

boon
kid, 12 years old
 
annoying!
this show is so annoying! why does the kid with glasses have that hrroble high piched voice? ruins the show.

lillyk
kid, 12 years old
 
Awesom Tween Show!
Great show for the whole faimly! We wach it every night i think its apropite for kids 10 and up (or around that age). Steve always talks about his crush on Laura, sometimes he will tslk about how "fine" she is. There is no language. Some times Waldo or Eddie will do somthing clumsy like get in a wreck or somthing careless like that. Thats about all there is. I would recomend it fotr the youngest age 7+.

jw1709
kid, 15 years old
 
Funny!
I burst out laughing whenever i see it

sash99
kid, 12 years old
 
awesome
so funny.me and my little brother love to watch it.great!!!!

Swit Swat
kid, 12 years old
 
A funny old show for tweens, teens, and adults!
Funny! A good show for older kids and adults! Although, there a lot of smooching and some innuendos. There was one brief talk about same-sex relationships. There is some police work talk too. 11 and up is A-OK!

Lupin_Snape
kid, 12 years old
 
SUSPENDERS FTW
Urkel is my lover. I enjoy any episode, because it's so cute and pure. They learn a moral in every episode so I give it a A+ in all subjects! C:

megie596
kid, 13 years old
 
love it love Steve he is so funny

shashabel9
educator
 
good show
i loved it

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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