Family Matters

Family Matters is a sitcom about the Winslows, a working-class African American family living in Chicago, and their next-door neighbor, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White). The Winslows are father Carl (Reginald ValJohnson), mother Hariette (Jo Marie Payton for most of the series, Judyann Elder in some episodes), smart and beautiful daughter Laura (Kellie Shanygne Williams), rebellious son Eddie (Darius McCrary) youngest child Judy (Jaimee Foxworth), and later adopted son 3J (Orlando Brown). Steve Urkel, sports thick glasses, pants held up with suspenders, and cardigans, and frequently drops by the Winslow home to annoy Carl, attempt to befriend Eddie, and profess his love for Laura. Urkel was often the catalyst for many of the storylines with the Winslows, as he admired them and somewhat forced his way into being a part of their family. Although he was annoying, Harriette, Judy, and Laura were always kind to him, and even Carl and Eddie's annoyance disguised some endearment towards him. In later episodes, Steve invents a serum that transforms him into "Stefan Urquelle," a much cooler version of himself, but the transformation is only temporary. The Winslows and Steve offer comic relief while also delivering heartwarming storylines about family, whether it be family by blood or not. MORE