FANS:

MEMORIES:

PHOTOS:

CATCH PHRASE:

Cast:

Studio:

Network:

Release History:

In a reverse of the traditional family dynamic, liberal, hippie parents Elyse and Steven gave birth to right-wing Republican Alex P. Keaton. Played the Michael J. Fox in the role that would launch his career, Alex Keaton wore a suit and tie every day, was a die-hard fan of Reaganomics, and slept under a portrait of William F. Buckley, Jr.

 

Family Ties was a true social product of the 1980s and became one of it’s most enduring shows. Set in Columbus, Ohio, the show focused on the new issues facing parents who had come of age in the freewheeling 60s, raising children in the conservative 80s. The Keaton parents and their children were facing political and social issues that families all over the country were dealing with. The result was a series that was a strong contender in the ratings.

 

The show combined drama and laughs, along with serious issues such as Alex’s pep pill addiction. It also heavily utilized the “flashback” episode, a tool that would be used on sitcoms that came after to this day. The Keaton’s oldest daughter, the slightly dim Mallory, tested her parent’s liberal values with her desire to become a fashion designer. But ultimately, the Keatons all loved each other very much, and Alex, Mallory, and the youngest child Jennifer, all genuinely looked up to their parents wisdom and loving relationship.

 

After leaving for Leland College in 1985, Alex met smart and beautiful Ellen (played by Tracy Pollan, who would become Fox’s wife.) After a relationship that lasted a season, they parted during an emotional scene in a train station. Alex’s next girlfriend was a psychology student played by newcomer Courtney Cox, who called Alex out on his arrogance, but loved him nonetheless.

 

Sister Mallory had met her own love, an artist named Nick Moore, who matched her in mediocre intelligence and was particularly fond of saying “ay.” In season five, the pair eloped, causing her parents much concern. And we all thought she was going to end up with nerdy neighbor Skippy.

 

The youngest son, Andrew, was born during the show’s run, and Alex was already grooming him as another Young Republican. Little brother looked up to big bro by being able to read the Wall Street Journal at four years old. The poor Keaton parents just couldn’t win.