Family Matters Star Looks Back on Her Two Favorite Episodes of the Beloved ’90s Series

More than two decades since Family Matters aired its final episode, the iconic sitcom still lives in the hearts of fans everywhere. The show’s warm blend of family values, relatable comedy, and unforgettable characters made it a staple of 1990s television. But for one of the stars of the show, two episodes in particular still shine the brightest.

In a recent interview, Kellie Shanygne Williams, who played Laura Winslow, shared her two favorite episodes from the series—and it’s not hard to see why they’ve stayed with her after all these years.

Let’s take a closer look at the episodes she chose, why they were so meaningful to her, and how they reflect the heart and soul of Family Matters.

Who Is Kellie Shanygne Williams?

Before diving into her favorite episodes, it helps to know the woman behind the role. Kellie Shanygne Williams portrayed Laura Winslow, the smart, strong, and sometimes stubborn daughter of Carl and Harriette Winslow.

For nine seasons, Laura served as Steve Urkel’s love interest, her own person with goals and growth, and a standout presence on the show. Kellie brought warmth, attitude, and realness to the screen—especially during the show’s more emotional arcs.

Favorite Episode #1: “The Gun” (Season 5, Episode 10)

Why This Episode Stands Out

Kellie has often mentioned that “The Gun” was one of the most impactful episodes she ever filmed—and for good reason.

In this emotionally charged storyline, Laura becomes the victim of a school shooting scare. She and her friends confront the very real dangers of teen gun violence, a topic that was (and still is) deeply relevant.

Behind the Scenes

Kellie has reflected on how powerful it was to film such a serious episode in a sitcom setting. The episode required her to dig deep emotionally, and it was one of the few times Family Matters tackled a real-world issue so directly.

“The fact that we were addressing something that was so serious, that was happening to kids in real life… that stuck with me,” she said.

Favorite Episode #2: “Christmas Is Where the Heart Is” (Season 4, Episode 12)

A Holiday Episode With Heart

The second episode Kellie chose is a fan-favorite for a totally different reason—it’s all about heart, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.

In “Christmas Is Where the Heart Is,” Steve and Carl get stranded on the train on Christmas Eve. Despite the chaos, the situation forces them to bond in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, back home, the Winslow family comes together to celebrate what really matters.

Why It Meant So Much

Kellie shared that this episode reminded her of the family bond that made the show so special—on and off camera.

“It wasn’t just acting,” she said. “We really felt like a family, and episodes like this brought that to life in such a beautiful way.”

Why These Episodes Matter—Then and Now

These episodes represent two sides of Family Matters‘ brilliance: its ability to make us laugh, and its willingness to make us think.

One deals with an urgent, tragic issue affecting American youth. The other gives us the warm fuzzies that only a good holiday story can deliver. Together, they capture the emotional range the show was capable of—and why it still resonates today.

How Kellie’s Choices Reflect the Show’s Legacy

The episodes Kellie chose aren’t just memorable for the fans—they show what made Family Matters more than a typical sitcom. The show managed to:

• Address real-life issues without losing its identity

• Balance comedy with compassion

• Showcase characters growing emotionally over time

It’s easy to see why Kellie still looks back on these stories with pride.

The Evolution of Laura Winslow

These episodes also offer a snapshot of Laura’s evolution as a character. In “The Gun,” we see Laura at one of her most vulnerable and brave moments. In the Christmas episode, we see her as a grounding presence in the family.

Laura wasn’t just a side character in Steve Urkel’s story—she was a multidimensional role model, especially for young Black girls growing up watching TV in the ‘90s.

Kellie Shanygne Williams Today

Since Family Matters, Kellie has stepped back from acting to focus on family and community work. She’s been involved in arts education programs and continues to advocate for positive representation in media.

Despite moving on from Hollywood, Kellie remains incredibly proud of her work on the show—and especially the episodes that sparked emotion and conversation.

Why Fans Still Love the Show

There’s something magical about Family Matters. Whether it’s the over-the-top antics of Steve Urkel or the grounded wisdom of Harriette Winslow, the show struck a balance that’s hard to replicate.

Kellie’s favorite episodes remind us why we kept tuning in week after week: the show had heart, soul, and meaning.

Conclusion: A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Kellie Shanygne Williams’s reflections on her two favorite episodes highlight why Family Matters remains such a beloved series. Whether it was taking on real issues or delivering classic feel-good moments, the show had something for everyone.

And as we revisit these episodes through her eyes, we’re reminded of just how much this show meant—not just to the viewers, but to the people who brought it to life.

FAQs

1. What made “The Gun” such a powerful episode of Family Matters?
It tackled the serious issue of gun violence among teens, showing the emotional toll it can take on families and students—something rarely addressed on sitcoms at the time.

2. Why is the Christmas episode a fan favorite?
It blended humor and heart in a way only Family Matters could, reminding viewers of the importance of love, family, and togetherness during the holidays.

3. Was Laura Winslow based on anyone in particular?
Not specifically, but Kellie Shanygne Williams brought so much of herself into the role that Laura became a realistic and relatable character for many viewers.

4. Has Kellie Shanygne Williams acted since Family Matters?
She’s appeared in a few guest roles and TV movies but has focused more on her family and community advocacy work in recent years.

5. Where can I watch these favorite episodes today?
Family Matters is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video.