“Family Matters,” which aired from 1989 to 1998, began as a family-oriented sitcom centered around the Winslow family but evolved into a pop culture phenomenon largely due to the breakout character of Steve Urkel. The show, a spin-off of “Perfect Strangers,” became one of the longest-running American sitcoms with a predominantly African American cast.

The show initially focused on the lives of the Winslow family: Carl, a Chicago police officer, his wife Harriette, and their children Eddie, Laura, and Judy (who was later written out of the show). The family dynamic, including Harriette’s sister Rachel and her son Richie, provided the foundation for typical family sitcom storylines.

However, the introduction of Steve Urkel in the middle of the first season changed the trajectory of the show. Played by Jaleel White, Urkel was initially intended to be a one-time character. His nerdy persona, distinctive voice, catchphrases (“Did I do that?”), and unrequited love for Laura Winslow quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to his role being expanded.

Urkel’s popularity led to increasingly outlandish storylines, including his creation of various inventions and his alter ego, the suave Stefan Urquelle. While these fantastical elements were a departure from the show’s original concept, they became a defining feature of “Family Matters” and a source of much of its humor.

Despite the focus on Urkel, “Family Matters” continued to explore themes relevant to African American families. Carl and Harriette’s struggles to raise their children, Eddie’s challenges as a young Black man, and the family’s experiences with racial discrimination were all addressed throughout the series.

The show was notable for its positive portrayal of a stable, loving African American family. Carl Winslow, played by Reginald VelJohnson, was a particularly important character as a positive representation of a Black father and police officer. His relationship with his family, especially his mentorship of Steve Urkel, provided many of the show’s heartwarming moments.

“Family Matters” also tackled serious issues within its comedic framework. Episodes dealt with topics such as gun violence, racial profiling, and peer pressure. The show’s ability to balance these heavier themes with its more lighthearted, often slapstick humor was a key part of its appeal.

The performances on “Family Matters” were consistently strong. While Jaleel White’s Steve Urkel often stole the show, the entire cast created a believable family dynamic. Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Payton as Carl and Harriette provided a solid foundation as the parents, while Darius McCrary and Kellie Shanygne Williams as Eddie and Laura navigated typical teenage storylines with charm and humor.

The show’s impact on popular culture was significant. Steve Urkel became one of the most recognizable characters on television, with his style, catchphrases, and even a dance (the Urkel Dance) entering the cultural zeitgeist. The character’s popularity led to merchandise, including a cereal (Urkel-Os) and a talking doll.

“Family Matters” was part of ABC’s TGIF lineup, a block of family-friendly programming that dominated Friday night television in the 1990s. Along with shows like “Full House” and “Boy Meets World,” it helped define a generation’s television viewing habits.

In conclusion, “Family Matters” holds a unique place in the history of African American sitcoms. What began as a traditional family sitcom evolved into a showcase for one of television’s most iconic characters. Despite this shift, the show maintained its focus on family values and continued to provide positive representations of African American life. Its blend of slapstick humor, family drama, and occasional forays into serious topics made it a beloved show that appealed to a wide audience. While it may be best remembered for Steve Urkel’s antics, “Family Matters” success and longevity made it an important part of the landscape of African American television in the 1990s.