Family Ties: Everything We Want To Know About Our Favorite 80s Show

Family Ties was a sitcom watched by the whole family and we all loved it. It put Michael J. Fox on the map and dealt with current issues of the ’80s in a great way. But what was happening behind the scenes and what has the cast been doing since? Take a look back at your favorite show.

Taking On A Responsibility

There was a time in America when things began to change, and the shift started in the 1980s. Once Ronald Reagan was awarded his Presidency in 81, he introduced many new initiatives that had an effect on America’s people. This is where the much-loved sitcom, Family Ties, came to our screens and actively addressed the new conservative way.

Almost Ten Years

Our love for Family Ties proved itself in the number of never-ending seasons the show produced. Most sitcoms last a couple of seasons before we get bored of them but this one stuck around for almost 10 years. The shows pilot episode was released in 1982 and it attracted huge audiences and from there we were hooked, but you won’t believe what was happening behind the scenes!

Address Current Issues

The show’s characters displayed current affairs perfectly and delivered the change from the ’60s and 70’s liberal way of life to the 80’s more conservative attitude in the best way – and this was one of the biggest running themes throughout. The main characters were all diverse ages, with each representing a different view.

The Kids Represented Something Different

Indeed, each of the Keaton Kids was very different and always spoke out about their individual views. There was Mallory, the one who was consumed by everything materialistic, Jennifer who was a tomboy, Alex the republican and of course, Andrew, who was the youngest and most easily influenced.

How It Became About Him

Michael J. Fox was never meant to be the main star of the show; however, his character quickly gained a big fan base. As the seasons went on, the episodes became more centered around him and the audience loved it. Without the producers planning it, they had the main attraction.

It Lead To An Amazing Career

The show sure helped Michael J. Fox’s career, and since then, he has become a huge household name and has had a successful Hollywood career. Starring in multiple TV shows as well as movies, he has barely disappointed fans and there are not many people who don’t know who he is.

Awarded By His Country

As well as being loved by the general public, during his career, Michael J. Fox has also been noted by the Canadian government. Many people saw him as an advocate for Canada and it wasn’t long until he was handed a special award and not only that, but it is the second highest award the country gives out. Congrats on your Order of Canada Award Michael!

Stepping Stone To Success

With the shows huge following, it wasn’t long until already well-known actors wanted to appear on the show, we mean, the more publicity the better. The show featured many stars before they hit the big time, including people like Christina Applegate and Tom Hanks. We wonder if any of them knew how famous they would end up.

Popular On NETFLIX

We all know that NETFLIX has very quickly become everyone’s go-to when we want something to watch from the past or future, and they seem to have got the right idea on what they choose to have on their platform. Family Ties was watched by millions of NETFLIX uses as soon as it was available.

Still Referenced Today

The show’s popularity has long lasted after the show came off air in 1989. Today, people are continuing to heavily quote the classic show. Family Ties has been referenced to in many different places and by different people, from TV shows to movies as well as music.

Bouncing Around

The show was constantly keeping fans on their feet and left them wondering when they would get their next installation of Family Ties. Almost 100% of shows on TV have scheduled times and days that their show airs but not this one. The times and days the show would come onto our screens changed regularly but it never deterred its fans.

She Won The Battle

Meredith Baxter played the families loving mother Elyse Keaton and it was once Family Ties ended that she sadly became ill, although following her battle with cancer she triumphed and came out the other side. We just love to hear a success story when it comes to this terrible disease. We love you Meredith.

He Has Had A Great Career

Meredith’s on-screen partner, Michael Gross who played Steven Keaton had many of us laughing with his comical portrayal of the character. Since the show, his career has lasted over 40 years and he still continues to act today, on screen as well as on stage. More recently he appeared in How I Met Your Mother and Law & Order.

The Youngest Cast Member

Finding success as the youngest actor on the show, Brian Bonsall who played little Andrew ‘Andy’ Keaton found success before he even turned 10 years old. Realizing his passion lied more with music then it did acting, he went back to school and pursued a career in music. The move didn’t work out as planned and he has had many run-ins with the law.

It Didn’t Begin Well

Although the show triumphed it didn’t start out that way. In the beginning, the show had a difficult time. It only just made it into the top 50 shows on TV, probably because it wasn’t established enough for all its moving around in the TV schedule. Season three was a turning point and from there they never looked back.

And The Emmy Award Goes Too

Michael J. Fox is the one cast member who has managed to win a huge surge of awards. While playing the beloved Alex on Family Ties he scooped three Emmy Awards in a row! The rest of his career enabled him to win a couple of Golden Globe awards and he also went on to win a Grammy for Best Spoken Album.

Another Familiar Face

The family often has a guest show up at their home and there were a couple of episodes in 1988 where Andy invited his friend over. That friend turned out to be Joseph Gordon-Levitt who played Dougie – he was just seven years old at the time. Gordon-Levitt has had an amazing TV and movie career as an adult.

Before She Was Monica

Before she landed the role of a lifetime as Monica Gellar, Cortney Cox also appeared on Family Ties between 1987 and 1989. Playing Michael j. Fox’s character Alex’s girlfriend, Cox went by the name Lauren Miller. Unlike most stars, she stuck around for the last two seasons of the show.
 

It Could have been Broderick

When the cast of Family Ties was originally put together, the character of Alex P. Keaton was offered to Matthew Broderick. Because the show was being recorded in s studio in Los Angeles, California, it would of meant Broderick would have had to locate and this was something he wasn’t willing to do. Enter Michael J. Fox.

Where He Got His Inspo

When the news was announced to Michael that he has landed the role of Alex, he knew he wanted to base his character on a real person and so took inspiration from his older brother. Fox said how his brother was really funny around the dinner table and based the character’s personality on himself and his brother.

Both At The Same Time

Fox was one busy guy when he was filming Family Ties as he was also shooting for Back To The Future at the same time. He was dedicated to both roles and couldn’t have time off for the other, so he balanced both at the same time. He came out and said, “at that time, I was only sleeping for around 2-3 hours a night’. But it’s safe to say, his dedication worked out well for him.

Reaching Musical Success

Way before the world of music streaming happened people actually used to buy records. Alex and his girlfriend’s ‘song’ was At This Moment by Billy Vera and The Beaters and although it was already six years old when it featured in the show, it wasn’t long until it made it to the number one spot of the charts.

They Fell In Love

Fox has been happily married to his wife since 1988 and they share four wonderful children together, and if it wasn’t for the show, they would probably have not ended up with each other. Tracy Pollan played Ellen who was one of Andy’s girlfriends, and it was here they ended up falling in love with each other behind the scenes.

Comical Family Clash

The relationship and difference of views between Alex and his parents were portrayed perfectly. Alex’s political views and his mother and father’s hippy way of life often caused comical clashes. As Alex tried to be serious, a great moment was when he found out he was born in Africa, while his parents were part of the Peace Corps.

Not Such A Happy Ending

As the show of Family Ties was coming to an end, the producers always wanted to leave room for a reunion show in the future, but the cast members were far from behind this idea. When it came to discussing how they would end the show, the put forward the idea of a plane crash – yikes, we’re glad they didn’t go for that!