Family Matters: The Sitcom That Brought Us Together, One “Did I Do That?” at a Time
In the golden age of ’90s television, a handful of sitcoms rose above entertainment to become true cultural touchstones. One of those was Family Matters, a show that blended humor, heart, and history-making characters in a way that brought families of all backgrounds together. Premiering in 1989 and running through 1998, Family Matters was more than just a part of ABC’s iconic TGIF lineup—it was a show that helped bridge cultural divides during a time when America needed it most.
Meet the Winslows
The show followed the life of a working-class African-American family living in Chicago—the Winslows. Reginald VelJohnson played the lovable but no-nonsense Carl Winslow, a police officer trying to keep the peace both on the streets and in his home. His wife Harriette Winslow, originally introduced as an elevator operator on Perfect Strangers, was played first by Jo Marie Payton, and later by Judyann Elder. Their children—Eddie, Laura, and Judy—along with Carl’s mother Estelle (affectionately known as Mother Winslow), filled out the family with warmth, wit, and relatability.
But of course, there’s one name that comes to mind the moment you say Family Matters…
Enter: Steve Urkel
Originally intended as a one-off character, Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White, quickly stole the show—and the hearts of millions. With his high-pitched voice, suspenders, thick glasses, and unforgettable catchphrase “Did I do that?”, Urkel went from being a recurring character to the main attraction. He wasn’t just comic relief—he became the face of the show, a pop culture icon of the 1990s.
Urkel merchandise flew off the shelves. He had dolls, lunchboxes, T-shirts, and even a cereal (Urkel-Os). Kids mimicked his voice on playgrounds. He even made guest appearances on other shows, a testament to how massive his impact truly was. Jaleel White’s portrayal of Steve Urkel brought nerd culture to the mainstream, long before geeks were cool.
Bridging the Racial Divide
What made Family Matters stand out, beyond the slapstick and sci-fi episodes (remember Urkel’s alter-ego Stefan Urquelle or the transformation chamber?), was how it normalized Black family life in a relatable, universally appealing way. It dealt with real issues—racism, police profiling, peer pressure, and family loyalty—without being preachy. The show didn’t shy away from tough conversations, and it made them accessible to a wide audience.
Families of all races saw themselves in the Winslow’s. Carl’s frustration with his son Eddie, Harriette’s fierce protectiveness of her kids, Laura’s teen drama—all felt authentic and familiar. In that way, Family Matters quietly but powerfully bridged cultural gaps, showing that no matter your background, love, laughter, and a little chaos are part of every household.
Even decades after it ended, Family Matters remains one of the longest-running Black sitcoms in television history. Its influence paved the way for future shows like Black-ish, Everybody Hates Chris, and The Bernie Mac Show. And to this day, “Did I do that?” still gets laughs.
In a time when streaming platforms are rediscovering the classics, Family Matters stands as a shining example of a sitcom that balanced comedy with compassion, hilarity with heart. It made us laugh, made us think, and most of all, made us feel like part of the family.
