Though it emerged during the Reagan era, Family Ties remains as relevant as ever. Most children find their parents a little embarrassing, but what sets this sitcom apart is that former hippies Steven and Elyse Keaton, (Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter-Birney), now find themselves in 1980's America trying to raise a traditional suburban family. Son Alex P. Keaton (three-time Emmy winner Michael J. Fox) is an ambitious young Republican, and his sister Mallory (Justine Bateman) is a shallow victim of the corporate culture, obsessed with music, clothes and boys. Their only normal kid is young Jennifer (Tina Yothers), a bit of a tomboy. In later seasons, the Keatons add a fourth child, Andrew. Most of the comedy arose from the conflict between the liberal parents and the conservative children. It works because the Keatons obviously love each other--foibles and all.
Cast and Characters
Micheal J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton
Justine Bateman as Mallory Keaton
Michael Gross as Steve Keaton
Meredith Baxter-Birney as Elyse Keaton
Tina Yothers as Jenifer Keaton
Brian Bonsall as Andrew Keaton (1986-1989)
Marc Price as Irwin "Skippy" Handleman
Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reid (1985-1986)
Scott Valentine as Nick Moore (1985-1989)
Courtney Cox as Lauren Miller (1987-1989)
Broadcast History First Telecast: September 22, 1982 Last Telecast: May 14, 1989 Number of Episodes: 180
Number of Seasons: 7
Original Network: NBC
September 1982- March 1983, NBC, Wednesday 9:00-9:30pm
March 1983- August 1983, NBC, Monday 8:30-9:00pm
August 1983- December 1983, NBC, Wednesday 9:30-10:00pm
January 1984- August 1987, NBC, Thursday 8:30-9:00pm
August 1987-September 1987, NBC, Sunday 8:00-9:00pm
September 1987- May 1989, NBC, Sunday 8:38-8:30pm
Theme Song Lyrics and Opening Credits
"Without Us," by Jeff Barry and Tom Scott, sung by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams.
I bet we been together for a million years,
And I bet we'll be together for a million more.
Oh, It's like I started breathing on the night we kissed,
And I can't remember what I ever did before.
What would we do baby, Without Us?
What would we do baby, Without Us?
And there ain't no nothing we can't love each other through.
What would we do baby, Without Us?
Sha la la la.
Though it emerged during the Reagan era, Family Ties remains as relevant as ever. Most children find their parents a little embarrassing, but what sets this sitcom apart is that former hippies Steven and Elyse Keaton, (Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter-Birney), now find themselves in 1980's America trying to raise a traditional suburban family. Son Alex P. Keaton (three-time Emmy winner Michael J. Fox) is an ambitious young Republican, and his sister Mallory (Justine Bateman) is a shallow victim of the corporate culture, obsessed with music, clothes and boys. Their only normal kid is young Jennifer (Tina Yothers), a bit of a tomboy. In later seasons, the Keatons add a fourth child, Andrew. Most of the comedy arose from the conflict between the liberal parents and the conservative children. It works because the Keatons obviously love each other--foibles and all.
