Family Matters is a popular American television sitcom that aired from 1989 to 1998. It was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren, and originally aired on ABC before moving to CBS in its final season.
Family Matters is a spin-off of the show Perfect Strangers and revolves around the Winslow family, a middle-class African-American household living in Chicago. The show blends comedy, family values, and some unexpected science fiction elements in later seasons.
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Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) – A Chicago police officer and the patriarch of the family.
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Harriette Winslow (Jo Marie Payton) – Carl’s wife, known for her strength and patience.
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Laura Winslow (Kellie Shanygne Williams) – Carl and Harriette’s intelligent and independent daughter.
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Eddie Winslow (Darius McCrary) – The fun-loving eldest son.
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Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) – The breakout character: a nerdy, accident-prone, but genius neighbor who becomes the show’s most iconic figure.
While the show began focusing on family dynamics and everyday struggles, it evolved dramatically after the unexpected popularity of Steve Urkel, who brought wild inventions, science fiction adventures, and slapstick humor to the series.
