As Days Go By: A Look at Family Matters
If you’ve ever heard the jingle “As days go by…” and instantly felt a wave of ’90s nostalgia, then chances are Family Matters was part of your childhood. What started as a simple spin-off quickly became one of the most beloved family sitcoms of all time. But the story behind the show—and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling—is just as fascinating as anything we saw on screen.
Let’s rewind the tape and take a deep look at the show that gave us laughs, lessons, and of course, Steve Urkel.
The Humble Origins of Family Matters
It All Started with Harriette Winslow
Family Matters wasn’t always a big deal. It actually began as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, where Harriette Winslow (played by JoMarie Payton) was a strong-willed elevator operator. She became so popular that ABC gave her character a full-blown series centered around her family in Chicago.
Launched in 1989, Family Matters quickly found its groove among family-centric shows like Full House and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Meet the Winslows: America’s Favorite TV Family
At the heart of the show was the Winslow family:
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Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) – The stern but loving dad, a Chicago police officer.
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Harriette Winslow (JoMarie Payton) – The glue of the family, full of wisdom and sass.
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Eddie, Laura, and Judy – The three Winslow kids, each with unique personalities.
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Grandma Estelle (Rosetta LeNoire) – Carl’s no-nonsense but lovable mother.
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Rachel Crawford (Telma Hopkins) – Harriette’s sister, a single mom to little Richie.
And of course…
The Game-Changer: Enter Steve Urkel
“Did I do that?” – And TV Was Never the Same Again
Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White, was originally meant to appear in just one episode. But his quirky genius, suspenders, and snorting laugh struck a chord with audiences. Suddenly, the show shifted from a grounded family comedy to a science-fiction-lite sitcom built around Urkel’s inventions, transformations, and wild hijinks.
Urkel wasn’t just a character—he became a cultural icon. Lunchboxes, action figures, cereal—yes, he even had a cereal.
How Urkel Took Over (And Why It Was a Big Deal)
Urkel’s popularity exploded so fast that other characters, like Judy Winslow, were eventually written out of the show. The family dynamic took a backseat to Urkel’s experiments, alter egos (Stefan Urquelle, anyone?), and endless attempts to win Laura’s heart.
While some fans loved the shift, others missed the grounded, relatable roots of the earlier seasons.
Major Moments That Defined the Series
1. Urkel Becomes Stefan
Using one of his inventions, Steve turns into the suave and confident Stefan Urquelle—every bit the man Laura always wanted… or so she thought.
2. The Urkelbot
Yes, Steve built a robot version of himself. Because, of course, he did.
3. Carl vs. Urkel
The ongoing tension between Carl and Steve was comedy gold, but it also carried deeper lessons about patience, tolerance, and unexpected friendship.
4. Rachel’s Business Ventures
Rachel opened her own restaurant, “Rachel’s Place,” showing single mothers and women of color as independent, successful entrepreneurs.
5. Goodbye to Judy Winslow
She went upstairs and never came back—one of TV’s most infamous character disappearances.
Behind the Scenes: Drama, Departures, and Decisions
Why JoMarie Payton Left Early
JoMarie left the show during its final season due to creative disagreements, mainly over the over-saturation of Urkel-centered plots. She was replaced by Judyann Elder, but for longtime fans, the change was jarring.
Jaleel White’s Growing Pains
White was a child star thrust into massive fame. Over the years, he opened up about how hard it was to separate himself from the Urkel persona—and how isolating fame could be at such a young age.
A Cultural Milestone for Black Representation
Family Matters was one of the longest-running Black sitcoms in TV history, airing 215 episodes over nine seasons. It portrayed a working-class Black family with love, complexity, and humor—something rare for its time.
While it often leaned into silly science fiction in later seasons, at its core, it celebrated Black joy, resilience, and community.
Where Are They Now? The Cast Today
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Reginald VelJohnson – Still acting in TV and film, often playing authority figures.
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JoMarie Payton – Voice acting and appearing in shows like The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
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Jaleel White – Returned to voice Urkel in animated projects, now produces and acts.
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Kellie Shanygne Williams – Focuses on family and community initiatives.
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Darius McCrary – Still acting, although faced personal controversies.
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Telma Hopkins – Appearing in new shows and supporting arts education.
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Bryton McClure (Richie) – Went on to star in The Young and the Restless.
Did Family Matters Get the Ending It Deserved?
The final episode aired in 1998 and wrapped things up with Steve traveling to space (yes, really) and returning to propose to Laura. It was heartfelt—but left some fans feeling it didn’t fully honor the family’s journey.
Still, the Winslows and Urkel got their happy endings… sort of.
Will There Be a Reboot?
There’s been buzz about a reboot or reunion, especially with so many ‘90s shows returning to TV. While nothing’s officially confirmed, several cast members have said they’d be open to a revival—if done right.
Why Family Matters Still Matters Today
It wasn’t just a sitcom—it was a slice of life, filled with lessons on love, respect, family values, and, yes, even forgiveness. It gave us characters who felt like relatives and taught us that no matter how annoying someone might be (we’re looking at you, Urkel), everyone deserves kindness.
Conclusion
Family Matters taught us more than how to laugh—it taught us how to live. With its blend of comedy, heart, and unforgettable characters, the show carved out a permanent space in pop culture history. Whether you tuned in for Carl’s dad jokes or Urkel’s chaos, one thing’s for sure: as days go by, Family Matters will always matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Family Matters first air?
It premiered on September 22, 1989, and ran until July 17, 1998.
2. How many seasons of Family Matters are there?
There are 9 seasons with a total of 215 episodes.
3. Why did Judy Winslow disappear?
Judy was written off the show with no explanation due to budget cuts and a shift toward focusing on Steve Urkel.
4. What happened to the actress who played Myra?
Michelle Thomas passed away from stomach cancer in 1998 at just 30 years old.
5. Is a Family Matters reboot happening?
Nothing is confirmed, but several cast members have shown interest in revisiting the show in the future.
