Family Matters, one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ’90s, was known for its heartwarming moments, lovable characters, and unforgettable catchphrases. But behind the laughs and wholesome family values, there were some dark secrets lurking that even the most dedicated fans didn’t know about. From behind-the-scenes drama to cast controversies, here are 20 shocking facts about Family Matters that you might not have heard before.
1. The Show Almost Didn’t Happen
While Family Matters became a major success, it almost didn’t make it past the pilot episode. The series was initially a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, focusing on the Winslow family. However, early production struggles and a lack of confidence in the premise almost led to the show being canceled before it even began.
2. Steve Urkel Was Supposed to Be a Minor Character
Yes, you read that right. Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White, was originally meant to be a one-off character. He was only supposed to appear in a few episodes as a quirky neighbor. However, his popularity with viewers was so overwhelming that he became the breakout star of the show, dominating much of the storyline and overshadowing the original characters.
3. Jaleel White Struggled with Typecasting
Though Family Matters made Jaleel White a household name, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. After playing the iconic role of Steve Urkel for years, White found himself typecast and struggled to land more serious roles. The pressure of being associated with one character was immense, and it took years for him to escape the shadow of Urkel.
4. The Show’s Set Was Haunted
Yes, the Family Matters set was rumored to be haunted. Cast members reported strange occurrences on the set, such as lights flickering, objects moving on their own, and eerie noises. Some even believed the ghost of a former studio worker was lingering in the building, adding a spooky layer to the sitcom’s production.
5. There Was Tension Between Cast Members
While the Winslow family may have appeared to get along like one big happy family on screen, there were underlying tensions between some cast members. Jo Marie Payton, who played Harriette Winslow, left the show after Season 8 due to a strained working relationship with the producers. This caused a significant shift in the show’s dynamic, with Payton being replaced by a new actress, Judyann Elder.
6. The Show Was Criticized for Its Racial Stereotypes
Despite its popularity, Family Matters wasn’t immune to criticism. Some viewers and critics accused the show of reinforcing racial stereotypes, particularly with the exaggerated character of Steve Urkel. While the show tried to promote family values and positive messages, it still struggled to balance humor with sensitivity, often relying on racial tropes for comedic effect.
7. The Plot Lines Became Increasingly Ridiculous
As Family Matters continued, the plot lines became more far-fetched and outlandish. From Urkel inventing a “teleportation device” to an entire season dedicated to time travel, the show’s focus shifted from heartfelt family moments to more ridiculous and far-fetched comedic scenarios. Many fans have criticized this shift, claiming it moved away from the show’s original charm.
8. Family Matters Had a Secret Spin-off
Did you know that Family Matters had a hidden spin-off? While not widely promoted, a few episodes of Family Matters featured characters from a show called The Streets of San Francisco. This brief crossover was a little-known fact for fans, and most viewers never realized it.
9. There Were Legal Battles Over The Theme Song
The iconic Family Matters theme song, “As Days Go By,” was actually the subject of a legal dispute. The song’s writers and producers had to battle over royalties and credit, with several parties claiming ownership of the track. In the end, the issue was resolved, but not without controversy.
10. The Cast Had to Deal with Constant Rewrites
One of the major frustrations on the Family Matters set was constant script rewrites. Actors were often given new lines at the last minute, forcing them to adapt quickly. This added stress to the already demanding work schedule, and many actors found it challenging to stay in sync with the constantly changing material.
11. The Show’s Budget Was Cut Drastically in Later Seasons
In the later seasons of Family Matters, the show’s budget was significantly reduced. This led to a noticeable decline in production quality, from cheaper sets to a smaller cast. The cuts also affected the actors’ salaries, causing tensions between the cast and producers.
12. The Original Pilot Was Very Different
The pilot for Family Matters was initially very different from what fans would come to know and love. In the original version, Harriette Winslow was played by a different actress, and Steve Urkel didn’t even appear. The show was more focused on the Winslow family dynamics, with much less emphasis on the comedic elements that made Urkel a star.
13. Family Matters Was Almost Canceled After Season 6
Despite the show’s popularity, Family Matters faced several close calls with cancellation. After Season 6, the ratings began to dip, and the show was on the chopping block. However, the network decided to give it another chance, which led to the series running for an additional three seasons.
14. Urkel’s Love Interests Were Often Uncomfortable for Jaleel White
Jaleel White has publicly discussed the uncomfortable nature of his character’s love interests on the show. The exaggerated and often awkward romantic situations Urkel found himself in were a challenge for White, who felt that the storylines didn’t always respect the boundaries of his character.
15. The Cast Dealt with Major Personal Struggles
Several cast members from Family Matters faced personal struggles during the show’s run. For example, Kellie Shanygne Williams, who played Laura Winslow, battled with body image issues and the pressures of growing up in the public eye. These struggles were kept largely private at the time but have since been revealed by the cast in interviews.
16. Urkel’s Transformation Wasn’t Always Positive
While the transformation of Steve Urkel into the suave Stefan Urquelle was a major plotline, Jaleel White later admitted that he wasn’t particularly fond of this storyline. He felt that it undermined the integrity of Urkel’s character, turning him into something of a stereotypical heartthrob. White was much more interested in exploring Urkel’s growth beyond his nerdy persona.
17. The Show’s Ratings Declined in the Final Seasons
While Family Matters was once a ratings powerhouse, the show saw a steady decline in viewership as it approached its final seasons. Many fans feel that the increasingly ridiculous plots and the departure of key cast members contributed to the show’s drop in quality and popularity.
18. There Was Tension Over Steve Urkel’s Dominance
Many of the cast members felt that Steve Urkel’s dominance on the show overshadowed their own characters. The other Winslow family members, who initially had more prominent roles, found themselves pushed aside in favor of Urkel’s antics. This led to frustration among the cast, with some members openly expressing their dissatisfaction with the show’s direction.
19. The Show’s Diversity Was Sometimes Questioned
While Family Matters was hailed as a groundbreaking show for featuring a Black family as the central characters, it still faced criticism for its lack of true cultural representation. Critics argued that the show often simplified or overlooked the complexity of Black life in America, focusing more on stereotypes than on exploring nuanced social issues.
20. The Final Episode Was Originally Going to Be Different
The series finale of Family Matters was intended to be much more dramatic and emotional than what ultimately aired. The original script involved a significant departure for several characters, but the producers decided to go in a lighter direction, ending the show on a happier note instead of a more somber conclusion.
Conclusion
Family Matters may have been a staple of ’90s television, but behind its wholesome family image were plenty of dark and surprising facts. From internal tensions to controversial storylines, the show wasn’t all fun and games behind the scenes. These hidden secrets give us a new perspective on the beloved sitcom and remind us that even the happiest shows have their struggles. For die-hard fans, the truth is out there – and it’s more shocking than you might have ever imagined.
FAQs:
1. Why was Steve Urkel such an iconic character?
Steve Urkel became iconic because of his quirky personality, unique fashion sense, and memorable catchphrases, making him one of the most beloved characters of the ’90s.
2. What caused tension between the cast of Family Matters?
Tension arose from script rewrites, frustrations with character development, and issues with the dominance of Steve Urkel over the other cast members.
3. Did Family Matters ever almost get canceled?
Yes, Family Matters faced cancellation threats multiple times, especially after Season 6, due to declining ratings.
4. Why did the show’s tone change in later seasons?
The show became more focused on ridiculous storylines and far-fetched plots as it progressed, straying from its original premise of family-based humor.
5. What was Jaleel White’s take on Steve Urkel’s transformation into Stefan?
Jaleel White was not particularly fond of the Stefan storyline, feeling it undermined the true essence of Urkel’s character.
