When you think of the beloved 90s sitcom Family Matters, images of the Winslow family and their quirky neighbor Steve Urkel probably come to mind. The show was a staple of many childhoods, blending humor with heartwarming family moments. However, as with many long-running television series, there are numerous behind-the-scenes secrets that remain hidden from the public eye.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most shocking facts about Family Matters that you might not have known. From cast conflicts to unexpected changes, prepare to be surprised by the untold truths of this iconic show.
1. The Show Was Supposed to Be About the Winslow Family, Not Urkel
Family Matters initially focused on the Winslow family, with Harriette Winslow, played by Jo Marie Payton, as the central character. The show was meant to explore the everyday lives of a suburban Chicago family. However, the character of Steve Urkel, portrayed by Jaleel White, quickly became so popular that the writers shifted the focus to him. This drastic change is one of the most surprising aspects of Family Matters’ evolution.
Why Did This Happen? Urkel’s character brought a unique comedic energy that resonated with audiences. As a result, his nerdy antics and memorable catchphrases (like “Did I do that?”) quickly overshadowed the Winslow family, turning him into the show’s breakout star.
2. Jo Marie Payton Almost Left the Show Due to Frustration
Jo Marie Payton, who played the matriarch Harriette Winslow, was reportedly unhappy with how the show shifted its focus away from her character. She felt that the introduction of Steve Urkel and his rise in popularity diminished her role and importance on the show.
There were even rumors that Payton nearly left Family Matters because of this creative change. However, she ultimately stayed on until season 9 before departing. Payton later revealed that her departure was partly due to the increasing tension on set.
What Led to Payton’s Frustration? The producers’ decision to focus more on Urkel, while understandable given his popularity, alienated the original cast members. This shift left many feeling sidelined, and Payton’s decision to leave reflected this discontent.
3. The Show Had a Serious Impact on Jaleel White’s Career
Jaleel White’s portrayal of Steve Urkel turned him into a household name, but the pressure and expectations that came with his iconic role were not always easy to handle. White was often typecast after Family Matters, and it took years for him to break free from the shadow of Urkel.
The Urkel Effect While White’s success as Urkel was undeniable, the character was so distinct that it became difficult for him to land other roles. Many Hollywood producers saw him as “just Urkel,” limiting his opportunities in the industry.
In a surprising twist, White has since embraced the character, even appearing in various Urkel-related projects years after the show ended.
4. There Were Behind-the-Scenes Feuds Between Cast Members
Like many popular sitcoms, Family Matters had its fair share of on-set drama. Jo Marie Payton and Jaleel White weren’t the only ones who had issues behind the scenes. The show’s cast members, including Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow) and others, experienced tensions over time.
Why Were There Feuds? As the show grew in popularity, the growing divide between cast members and the shifting creative direction led to frustrations. Some actors felt that the focus on Urkel was detrimental to the overall family dynamic the show originally aimed to portray.
These tensions were not widely discussed at the time, but in recent interviews, former cast members have opened up about their experiences working together under the pressure of fame and shifting creative priorities.
5. Family Matters Had a Huge Impact on Pop Culture
Although Family Matters was primarily a family-oriented sitcom, it had a far-reaching influence on pop culture. From Steve Urkel’s signature glasses and suspenders to his memorable catchphrase, the show left an indelible mark on the 90s.
Pop Culture Legacy Steve Urkel’s character is now considered one of the most iconic TV characters of all time. His nerdy charm and unforgettable catchphrases made him a household name. Family Matters even had a major influence on fashion trends at the time, with Urkel’s style inspiring a whole generation of kids to embrace bold, nerdy fashion choices.
6. The Show’s Success Was Fueled by Syndication
Family Matters was a hit when it first aired, but its true legacy was solidified through syndication. After the show’s original run, it gained a new life through reruns on various networks. This not only introduced the show to a new generation but also significantly increased its fan base.
Why Is Syndication So Important? Syndication allowed Family Matters to continue reaching audiences long after its original airing. This extended run gave the show an enduring place in American television history, ensuring that Steve Urkel and the Winslow family would remain beloved icons for years to come.
7. The Show Went Through Multiple Time Slot Changes
Family Matters had a tumultuous run in terms of time slots. The series started off airing on Friday nights but was moved around several times, which caused some instability in its viewership. These time slot changes had a significant impact on the show’s ratings and audience engagement.
How Did This Affect the Show? Time slot changes often lead to a drop in viewership, as audiences have difficulty keeping up with the new schedule. For Family Matters, this meant that while it had a strong fan base, its ratings were not always consistent, which contributed to the show’s eventual cancellation.
8. The Cast Went Through Major Changes Over Time
As Family Matters progressed, the cast lineup changed several times. Some characters were written out, while others were introduced to bring fresh energy to the show. One notable change was the departure of Jo Marie Payton in season 9, followed by the arrival of a new actress, Judyann Elder, who played a re-cast Harriette Winslow.
Why Did These Changes Happen? The changing cast was a result of both behind-the-scenes tensions and the shifting creative direction of the show. As the series evolved, producers made the decision to introduce new characters in an effort to keep the show fresh, though these changes weren’t always well received by fans.
9. Family Matters Was Originally a Spinoff of Perfect Strangers
Many fans don’t know that Family Matters was initially conceived as a spinoff of the popular sitcom Perfect Strangers. Harriette Winslow, portrayed by Jo Marie Payton, was originally a character on Perfect Strangers, and Family Matters was created as a way to expand her role and focus on her family.
How Did This Spinoff Happen? The producers saw potential in Harriette Winslow’s character and decided to give her a starring role in her own sitcom. However, the show’s direction quickly shifted from Harriette to focus on Steve Urkel, which changed the course of the show’s development.
10. Steve Urkel’s Character Was Almost Written Off the Show
In an unexpected twist, Steve Urkel’s character was initially meant to be written off the show after his first appearance. However, his overwhelming popularity led the producers to bring him back as a recurring character, which eventually turned into a full-time role.
Why Was Urkel Nearly Written Off? Initially, Urkel was just a quirky neighbor who was meant to provide comic relief. However, his instant popularity with fans caused the producers to rethink the direction of the show. As a result, Urkel became a central figure in Family Matters.
Conclusion
Family Matters was a beloved sitcom that captured the hearts of many, but like all successful shows, it had its share of behind-the-scenes drama, creative shifts, and surprising twists. From tensions among the cast to changes in the show’s direction, there were many shocking facts about Family Matters that fans may never have expected.
Despite its ups and downs, Family Matters remains an iconic part of 90s television. The show’s influence on pop culture, fashion, and family sitcoms is undeniable, and it continues to resonate with fans old and new.
FAQs
- Why did Jo Marie Payton leave Family Matters?
Jo Marie Payton left Family Matters after growing frustrated with the show’s shift in focus, particularly with Steve Urkel becoming the central character. - Was Steve Urkel always meant to be the star of Family Matters?
No, Steve Urkel was initially meant to be a minor character, but his popularity led producers to make him the focal point of the show. - How did Family Matters impact pop culture?
The show, particularly Steve Urkel’s character, became a pop culture phenomenon, influencing fashion and even inspiring iconic catchphrases like “Did I do that?” - Why was Family Matters moved around to different time slots?
The show’s time slot was changed multiple times, which affected its viewership and contributed to its eventual cancellation. -
Was Family Matters originally a spinoff?
Yes, Family Matters was originally a spinoff of Perfect Strangers, featuring the character Harriette Winslow.
