On this day May 14, 1989, NBC aired the final episode of Family Ties, closing the curtain on one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1980s. Over the course of seven seasons and 176 episodes, the show followed the Keaton family as they navigated the generational divide between former hippie parents and their Reagan era children. It starred Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross, Michael J Fox, Justine Bateman, Tina Yothers and Marc Price.
Premiering in 1982, Family Ties captured the cultural shift of the decade with humor, heart and a strong focus on character development. Michael J Fox’s portrayal of Alex P Keaton, a young conservative obsessed with economics and politics, became the breakout role that launched his Hollywood career. The series balanced comedy with emotional storytelling, tackling real world issues like addiction, aging, relationships and loss in a family friendly format. The show’s finale marked the end of an era for NBC, wrapping up a series that had helped define Thursday night television and left a lasting impact on audiences across the country.
Fun fact: Michael J Fox won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Alex P Keaton.
Premiering in 1982, Family Ties captured the cultural shift of the decade with humor, heart and a strong focus on character development. Michael J Fox’s portrayal of Alex P Keaton, a young conservative obsessed with economics and politics, became the breakout role that launched his Hollywood career. The series balanced comedy with emotional storytelling, tackling real world issues like addiction, aging, relationships and loss in a family friendly format. The show’s finale marked the end of an era for NBC, wrapping up a series that had helped define Thursday night television and left a lasting impact on audiences across the country.
Fun fact: Michael J Fox won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Alex P Keaton.
