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Family Matters was a sitcom based on an middle class black family living in Chicago that ran from 1989 to 1998 on ABC and CBS. The show was a spinoff of Perfect Strangers focused on the character of Harriet Winslow and her family: husband Carl Winslow, a police officer; rebel son Edward "Eddie" Winslow; smart daughter Laura Winslow; and youngest child Judy Winslow. They had opened their home to Harriet's sister Rachel Crawford and her son Richie, as well as Carl's streetwise mother Estelle Winslow. Nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel often barged in on the family and caused some trouble, and had a major crush on Laura.
As time went by the characters and stories changed. Richie grew up, Steve made incredible inventions, and Eddie and Laura hung out with their friends. By 1993 Judy and Rachel left the show. Rachel however made guest appearances whenever possible. Steve settled for Myra Monkhouse while he waited for devotion from Laura.
During its final season the show moved to CBS, and in December 1997 actress Jo Marie Payton left, with Judyann Elder taking over her role as Harriet. Family Matters ranks as one of the longest running African-American sitcoms along with The Jeffersons and The Cosby Show.
Cast
