10 Behind-the-Scenes Facts and Photos From 'Family Ties,' the Sitcom of the 1980s
Daniel Bonfiglio
Published
05/06/2025
in
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Airing for seven seasons from 1982 to 1989, Family Ties became A 1980s' staple sitcom, exploring the generational divide between progressive adults from the '60s and conservative youth in the '80s.
Created by Gary David Goldberg and starring Michael J. Fox, the show found its way Into Sunday Night primetime on NBC by season three and netted Fox three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Here are 10 behind-the-scenes facts and photos that Alex P. Keaton wishes he'd licensed.
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1. Plot
Family Ties intended to examine cultural differences between parents and children, especially during the Reagan administration. Michael J. Fox plays a young Reaganite, acting in stark contrast to his progressive parents. -
2. Michael J. Fox
During the show's first season, NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff repeatedly lobbied for Fox's removal, claiming that he didn't have "a face you’re going to see on a lunchbox." Fox eventually sent him a lunch box with his face on it as a joke, and Tartikoff admitted his mistake. -
3. Hypotheticals
Michael J. Fox only landed his role after Matthew Broderick turned it down. Laura Dern was in contention to play Mallory Keaton, and Ed O'Neill auditioned for Steven Keaton. -
4. Guest Stars
In addition to the regular cast, numerous famous guest stars appeared on the show like Tom Hanks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Courteney C, Wil Wheaton, Christina Applegate, and more. -
5. Awards
Family Ties won five Emmy awards, one Golden Globe, and numerous Young Artist Awards. -
6. Direction
Pitched to NBC as "hip parents, square kids," the show originally intended to star the parents, Steven and Elyse, played by Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter respectively, but audiences quickly took a liking to Fox's character, forcing the writers to adjust. -
7. Meredith Baxter
Elyse Keaton missed some episodes in season three, as her own pregnancy coincided with her character's. -
8. Chemisty
Reportedly, the cast got along very well, which contributed to authentic feelings of affection between "family" members. -
9. Conclusion
Despite slowly declining ratings, the show was cancelled when the writers felt they'd exhausted all plot lines relevant to the characters. -
10. Reunions
The cast have since come together for multiple reunions of the shows anniversaries.
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Plot
Family Ties intended to examine cultural differences between parents and children, especially during the Reagan administration. Michael J. Fox plays a young Reaganite, acting in stark contrast to his progressive parents.
Family Ties intended to examine cultural differences between parents and children, especially during the Reagan administration. Michael J. Fox plays a young Reaganite, acting in stark contrast to his progressive parents.
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