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Family Matters

Family Matters is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997 and on CBS for its ninth and final season in 1997–1998.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Family Matters is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997 and on CBS for its ninth and final season in 1997–1998. It is a spin-off of Perfect Strangers and follows the Winslow family, a Black middle-class family in Chicago, alongside their neighbor Steve Urkel.

Premise

Family Matters follows the daily lives and misadventures of the Winslow family in Chicago. The family’s dynamic is frequently disrupted by Steve Urkel, their eccentric neighbour.

Production and broadcast history

The sitcom was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren. It premiered on ABC in 1989, ran there for eight seasons, then completed its ninth season on CBS in 1997–1998.

Cast and characters

The principal family includes Carl and Harriette Winslow and their children, with Steve Urkel becoming the show’s breakout character. The series featured Reginald VelJohnson, Jaleel White, and other ensemble cast members.

Reception and legacy

Family Matters is remembered as one of the best-known American family sitcoms of the 1990s. Its long run and the popularity of Steve Urkel gave it a lasting place in television history.

Key facts

  • Family Matters aired from 1989 to 1998 on ABC and CBS.
  • It is a spin-off of Perfect Strangers.
  • The show centres on the Winslow family and neighbour Steve Urkel.
  • Harriette Winslow was introduced on Perfect Strangers before the spin-off began.
  • The series ran for 215 episodes across nine seasons.

Frequently asked questions

What is Family Matters?
Family Matters is an American sitcom about the Winslow family and their neighbour Steve Urkel.
When did Family Matters air?
It originally aired from September 22, 1989, to July 17, 1998.
What network was Family Matters on?
It aired on ABC for eight seasons and moved to CBS for its final season.
Who created Family Matters?
The series was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren.
What is the show’s setting?
The series is set in Chicago, Illinois.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Matters
    Supports: Original network run, spin-off status, creators, setting, episode count, and overall series description.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096579/
    Supports: Premise, release date, country of origin, cast, and series identification.
  3. TV Guidehttps://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/family-matters/1000137976/
    Supports: Run dates, season count, network, genre, and plot synopsis.
  4. Huluhttps://www.hulu.com/series/family-matters-42d74a09-d1fd-42e5-b43c-19afca96584f
    Supports: Nine seasons and 215 episodes, plus general series description.
  5. Common Sense Mediahttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/family-matters
    Supports: Spin-off origin, focus on Harriette Winslow, and Steve Urkel's importance to the series.