Aired:
September 22, 1982-May 14, 1989 (seven seasons, 180 episodes) on NBC
See It:
Seasons 1-5 are available on DVD.
The Basics:
Family Ties follows the life of the Ohio Keaton family, led by liberal ex-hippie parents Steven and Elyse, who have to contend with their oldest children rejecting their values in favor of conservatism and tradition. Alex is a model young Republican, and his sister Mallory is an old-fashioned girl. Generational and ideological conflicts mix with the classic challenges of raising a family in this show about the cultural clashes of the 1980s.
History:
Family Ties was originally meant to focus on the liberal parents of the Keaton clan, but young star Michael J. Fox proved so popular as son Alex P. Keaton that he soon became the main character. Over the years, the show took on many serious issues while maintaining the structure of a typical family sitcom. It remained popular throughout its seven-year run, and launched the successful film and TV career of star Michael J. Fox, who won three Emmys during his time on Family Ties.
Cast:
Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton
Michael Gross as Steven Keaton
Meredith Baxter as Elyse Keaton
Justine Bateman as Mallory Keaton
Tina Yothers as Jennifer Keaton
Brian Bonsall as Andrew Keaton
Creators:
Family Ties was created and executive produced by Gary David Goldberg, who had previously worked on The Bob Newhart Show and Lou Grant, and who went on to create the drama Brooklyn Bridge and co-create the political sitcom Spin City, which also starred Michael J. Fox.
