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Family Ties

1982 – 1989Show7 seasons168 episodesTV-PG

ComedyDrama
73
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.3Metacritic688.2Rotten Tomatoes–89%

A heartwarming, uplifting comedy series about family and growing up.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Skip it if you want dark or edgy material

Where to watch

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What's new on Paramount+

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Not for scares, brutality or tears.

Shows with

Episodes

7 seasons · 168 episodes · best: S5E23 "A, My Name Is Alex" 9.1

Episodes

7.2
7.3
7.4
7.7
7.4
7.2
7.2

Story

Laughter. Tears. Politics... MEET THE KEATONS.

Former 1960s flower children Steven and Elyse Keaton raise their conservative son Alex, daughters Mallory and Jennifer, and later, youngest child Andrew.

Feels like

  • Classic Family Sitcom
  • Wholesome Comfort Viewing
  • Nostalgic Americana
  • Relatable Parenting Struggles
  • Ensemble Cast Chemistry
  • Gentle Humor
  • Coming-of-Age Moments
  • Safe for All Ages
  • Episodic Storytelling
  • Heartwarming Resolutions

Cast

24 of 326 · most episodes first

Crew

Directors
Will Mackenzie, Matthew Diamond, John Pasquin
Written by
Alan Uger, Gary David Goldberg, Michael J. Weithorn
Produced by
Michael J. Weithorn, June Galas, Alan Uger

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 22, 1982 · May 14, 1989 · Ended

First aired
September 22, 1982
Last aired
May 14, 1989
Status
Ended
Length
7 seasons · 168 episodes
Age rating
TV-PG
Genres
Comedy, Drama, Family
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Available in
8 countries

Tropes

Always Second Best, Christmas Episode, Bittersweet Ending +9

  • Always Second Best
  • Christmas Episode
  • Bittersweet Ending
  • Irony
  • Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome
  • Canon Welding
  • Cool Kid-and-Loser Friendship
  • It Will Never Catch On
  • The Ghost
  • Bunny-Ears Lawyer
  • Abhorrent Admirer
  • Suddenly Always Knew That

12 of 126 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream Family Ties?"

Questions about Family Ties

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Family Ties?

Paramount+

In the United States, Family Ties streams on Paramount+. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 3 other countries.

Is Family Ties worth watching?

73
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73 (IMDb 7.3 and Metacritic 68). Audiences rate it higher (81 out of 100) than critics (68).

Does Family Ties get better after season 1?

Yes: season 1 has an IMDb average of 7.2, and season 4 peaks at 7.7. The highest-rated episode is A, My Name Is Alex (season 5, episode 23) at 9.1, and the lowest is Rain Forests Keep Fallin' on My Head (season 7, episode 21) at 5.3.

Is Family Ties okay for kids?

TV-PG

Yes: it's rated TV-PG in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for kids.

Will Family Ties make me laugh?

Funny

Yes: the humor is mostly situational comedy (9 of 10) and sharp wit (6 of 10).

Can I half-watch Family Ties?

Easy watchDemanding

Yes: it's easy to follow, with complexity at only 3 of 10, and the viewing guide calls it good for background watching.

What tropes does Family Ties use?

Always Second BestChristmas EpisodeBittersweet EndingIronySoap Opera Rapid Aging SyndromeCanon WeldingCool Kid-and-Loser FriendshipIt Will Never Catch OnThe GhostBunny-Ears LawyerAbhorrent AdmirerSuddenly Always Knew Thatand 114 more

TV Tropes lists 126 tropes for it, including Always Second Best, Christmas Episode, and Bittersweet Ending.