During the 1980s and 1990s, two of the most beloved sitcoms were *Perfect Strangers* and *Family Matters*, both of which were featured in ABC’s iconic “TGIF” lineup. Anyone who watched TV between 1986 and 1998 likely remembers characters like the awkward Steve Urkel, known for his infamous “Did I do that?” catchphrase, and the delightfully carefree Balki Bartokomous from the fictional Mediterranean island of Mypos. What many might not realize is that these two shows were connected in an interesting way.
Both series premiered in the late 1980s, with *Perfect Strangers* debuting in 1986 and running for several years alongside *Family Matters*. Attentive viewers might have noticed a subtle link between the two shows.
Family Matters’ Connection to Perfect Strangers
*Perfect Strangers* centered on Larry Appleton, a Wisconsin native who had just moved to Chicago and was eager to embrace bachelorhood. His plans were disrupted when Balki, a distant relative from overseas, arrived for an extended visit. The sitcom followed the duo’s interactions, showcasing Balki’s adjustment to American life under Larry’s well-intentioned but often misguided guidance.
Both Larry and Balki worked at the Chicago Chronicle newspaper, with Larry’s job as a reporter helping Balki secure a position in the mailroom. Though the characters eventually married two best friends and pursued separate paths, *Perfect Strangers* enjoyed a successful eight-season run from 1986 to 1993. The show’s success also laid the groundwork for *Family Matters*.
Family Matters* as a Spinoff of *Perfect Strangers
*Family Matters* focused on the Winslow family, a middle-class household in Chicago, and ran from 1989 to 1997. The show followed policeman Carl Winslow and his lively family, featuring notable characters like Urkel, the neighbor with a crush on Carl’s daughter Laura. Despite some alleged on-set controversies involving actor Jaleel White, *Family Matters* proved to be a hit.
The connection between the two shows is that *Family Matters* is a spinoff of *Perfect Strangers*, created by producers Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett. Carl Winslow’s wife, Harriette Winslow, was first introduced on *Perfect Strangers* as an elevator operator in the building where Larry and Balki worked. Carl himself appeared in an episode titled “Crimebusters,” where he assisted Larry with a scoop for an investigative report. This crossover established that the two shows were set in the same fictional universe long before such crossovers became a TV trend.
