The 1990s were a golden era for family sitcoms, and two shows that dominated TV screens during this time were Family Matters and Full House. Both shows featured lovable families, heartwarming moments, and strong moral lessons. However, fans began to notice some uncanny similarities between the two shows—leading to a heated debate: Was Family Matters simply a rip-off of Full House?
This question has sparked controversy over the years, with some arguing that Family Matters borrowed heavily from the premise of Full House, while others argue that the shows had enough differences to stand on their own. In this article, we’ll delve into the details, exploring the similarities, differences, and the ongoing debate between these two sitcoms. Was Family Matters a mere clone of Full House? Or did it bring something unique to the table?
The Rise of Full House and Family Matters
To understand the debate fully, let’s take a quick look at the history of both shows.
The Success of Full House
Full House premiered in 1987 on ABC, quickly becoming a beloved staple of family TV. The show featured the Tanner family—widowed father Danny Tanner, his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis, and his best friend Joey Gladstone, who all help raise three daughters: DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. The show’s wholesome charm, its lighthearted humor, and the strong bond between the characters made it a hit with audiences.
With Full House as a template for success, many producers saw an opportunity to create more family-centered sitcoms. Full House’s formula of lovable family members, touching moments, and funny situations became the gold standard.
The Launch of Family Matters
In 1989, Family Matters debuted on the same network, ABC, and quickly gained popularity. The show initially focused on the Winslow family—an African American family consisting of Carl Winslow, his wife Harriette, their children, and Carl’s father. However, the show’s breakout character was the nerdy and lovable Steve Urkel, who quickly became the focal point of the series.
Many fans saw similarities between the core elements of Family Matters and Full House. Both shows followed a loving family navigating life’s ups and downs, with a focus on humor and family bonding. But the real question is—did Family Matters borrow too much from Full House?
Similarities Between Family Matters and Full House
There are several similarities that fans have pointed out over the years. While these shows were not identical, it’s hard to ignore the striking resemblance in their structures.
1. The “Silly Guy” Character
One of the most obvious similarities between the two sitcoms is the presence of a goofy, over-the-top male character. In Full House, that role was filled by Joey Gladstone, who brought humor and lighthearted antics to the show. In Family Matters, this role was taken by Steve Urkel, whose awkward behavior and nerdy persona often led to comic relief. Both characters had an endearing, if sometimes annoying, charm that viewers either loved or hated.
2. The “Father Figure” Dynamic
Both Family Matters and Full House centered around a strong father figure who was at the heart of the family. In Full House, it was Danny Tanner, the widowed father trying to balance his career and raising three daughters. In Family Matters, Carl Winslow was the dedicated police officer and family man trying to juggle work and his family’s needs. Both fathers were portrayed as loving, well-meaning, and often a bit clueless when it came to the day-to-day challenges of parenting.
3. Family-Friendly Themes
Another similarity is the family-friendly nature of both shows. Each episode focused on teaching valuable life lessons—whether it was about love, respect, or the importance of family bonds. The humor was light-hearted, with no edgy jokes or dark themes. This made both Full House and Family Matters popular with viewers of all ages, particularly those looking for wholesome entertainment.
The Differences Between the Shows
While there were similarities, it’s essential to note that there were also key differences that set the two shows apart.
1. The Focus of the Show
While Full House centered around a widowed father and his extended family raising three daughters, Family Matters focused more on the Winslow family and their life in Chicago. Family Matters was unique in that it featured an African American family as the main characters, which was a refreshing change from the typical sitcoms at the time. The show’s portrayal of a middle-class African American family helped diversify the types of families depicted on television.
2. The Role of Steve Urkel
Steve Urkel is undoubtedly the most iconic character in Family Matters, and his presence added a distinct flavor to the show. While Joey Gladstone in Full House was a lovable but goofy character, Urkel’s exaggerated nerdiness and obsession with Laura Winslow set him apart. His antics and catchphrases—most notably “Did I do that?”—became iconic and propelled Family Matters to its peak of popularity.
On the other hand, Joey’s character in Full House never became as dominant as Urkel. Joey was a side character, providing comic relief but never overshadowing the central plotlines as Urkel did.
3. Urban vs. Suburban Settings
Full House is set in the suburban neighborhoods of San Francisco, while Family Matters takes place in Chicago, giving each show a different cultural backdrop. The setting of Family Matters had a more urban, African American cultural influence, while Full House leaned into a more universal, middle-class American vibe. This cultural difference provided unique storylines and perspectives that weren’t seen in Full House.
Did Family Matters Copy Full House?
The controversy over whether Family Matters is a copy of Full House often comes down to perspective. It’s clear that both shows had similar family-friendly premises and structures, but it would be unfair to call Family Matters an outright rip-off of Full House.
Instead, Family Matters was a fresh take on the family sitcom genre. The addition of Steve Urkel and the focus on the Winslow family’s dynamics provided enough unique elements to distinguish the show from Full House. However, the fact that both shows were created during a similar time and shared certain sitcom conventions led to inevitable comparisons.
Was Family Matters a Knockoff? The Debate Continues
While some critics argue that Family Matters leaned too heavily on the success of Full House, others believe that it carved its own path with strong characters, a unique setting, and memorable moments. Ultimately, it’s up to the viewer to decide if the similarities are simply a coincidence or if Family Matters was trying to capitalize on the success of Full House.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Full House and Family Matters
The debate between Family Matters and Full House will likely continue for years to come. While both shows were hugely popular and filled with lovable characters, it’s clear that each had its own charm and identity. Full House helped set the standard for family sitcoms, while Family Matters introduced a fresh perspective with a new cast of characters and a focus on African American family life.
In the end, both shows were beloved by their fans, and each will forever remain a staple of 90s TV culture.
FAQs:
1. Was Family Matters directly inspired by Full House? While Family Matters shared similarities with Full House, it wasn’t directly inspired by it. Both shows followed family-friendly sitcom conventions, but Family Matters brought its own unique elements, particularly through the character of Steve Urkel.
2. Why did Steve Urkel become such a dominant character? Steve Urkel became so popular because of his quirky personality and the humorous, over-the-top antics he brought to the show. His popularity eventually led to him becoming the focal point of the series.
3. Were there any major cultural differences between Full House and Family Matters? Yes, Full House focused on a suburban, middle-class family, while Family Matters featured an African American family in Chicago, which provided different cultural perspectives and storylines.
4. Did Family Matters overshadow Full House in terms of popularity? While Family Matters became incredibly popular, especially with the rise of Steve Urkel, Full House remained a cultural touchstone and was beloved for its heartwarming moments. Both shows were popular, but Full House is generally considered the more iconic of the two.
5. Was Family Matters a unique show despite its similarities to Full House? Yes, Family Matters had enough unique aspects—especially with its characters, setting, and storylines—to distinguish it from Full House. The show was fresh, diverse, and became a defining family sitcom of the 90s.
