This was a must-see for me in '76 -'80. It was my guiding light and the topics it touched upon were indeed concerns of mine. They were beautifully written and seemingly resolved with love. It's a wonderful cast that almost became my second family. Now streaming on Tubi its entirety.
34 Reviews
"I felt this show was totally realistic..."
nelson_l5 September 2000
"I felt this show was totally realistic. This program ran in the mid-seventies during the time that my wife and I were still newly married. This may have had an impact on why I feel toward the show like I do. However, I felt then as now, having grown up in a family myself, this has been the most realistically portrayed drama of an average family that I can remember seeing. I thoroughly enjoyed the program and only have good memories of it!"
Worthwhile Viewing
ramsfan31 May 2022
I was a bit young to have watched Family during its original run, though my older sisters watched this show religiously. I must admit that as an adolescent young man, my tastes tended to run more towards the action fare and cop shows of the time. Nevertheless, I have gained an appreciation for Family over the years while watching it occasionally on various classic TV stations. MeTV+ currently runs the show each weekday morning in the NY/NJ area.
Set in Pasadena, CA, the show depicts The Lawrence Family, with parents Kate and Doug (Sada Thompson, James Broderick) and their three children Nancy (Meredith Baxter Birney), Willie (Gary Frank) and "Buddy" (Kristi McNichol). Kate and Doug were both happily married and parented in a very rational, loving manner. Episodes centered around topical relationship, work and school issues facing a "typical" middle class family. Occasionally, subjects not usually discussed on prime time family shows like homosexuality, breast cancer, alcoholism and sexual harassment were covered in "special" episodes and presented thoughtfully and professionally, avoiding the heavy-handed treatment we sometimes see on TV.
The show was well-received by critics and widely acclaimed, bringing Emmys to Thompson, McNichol and Frank during its run and making McNichol a big star. Shows like this are always a bit dated in some respects, but Family is nonetheless relevant in many ways today and undoubtedly brings back fond memories to those who remember it from their youth. Recommended watch.
Set in Pasadena, CA, the show depicts The Lawrence Family, with parents Kate and Doug (Sada Thompson, James Broderick) and their three children Nancy (Meredith Baxter Birney), Willie (Gary Frank) and "Buddy" (Kristi McNichol). Kate and Doug were both happily married and parented in a very rational, loving manner. Episodes centered around topical relationship, work and school issues facing a "typical" middle class family. Occasionally, subjects not usually discussed on prime time family shows like homosexuality, breast cancer, alcoholism and sexual harassment were covered in "special" episodes and presented thoughtfully and professionally, avoiding the heavy-handed treatment we sometimes see on TV.
The show was well-received by critics and widely acclaimed, bringing Emmys to Thompson, McNichol and Frank during its run and making McNichol a big star. Shows like this are always a bit dated in some respects, but Family is nonetheless relevant in many ways today and undoubtedly brings back fond memories to those who remember it from their youth. Recommended watch.
One of the finest TV dramas.
bocaproduction21 April 2006
"Family" was consistently entertaining and insightful television, in the wasteland that was late 70's television programming.
It dealt with sensitive issues in a thoughtful manner without proselytizing or being maudlin.
I had the good fortune of beginning my television career by being a fan of "Family." A new resident of the neighborhood, I hung-out during the filming of exterior shots at the location of the "Lawrence" home in South Pasadena, during "Family's" final season. That same summer, in 1979, I went to work for the production company, Spelling-Goldberg Productions. Watching "Family" shoot was magic.
The series hearkened-back to an era even earlier than the late 70's...it kind of had a sixties feel to it, an earlier, simpler, and kinder period among American families. However, unlike the family dramas that filmed during the sixties, "Family" was far more realistic and believable.
Clearly, the break-out star of "Family" was young Kristy McNichol who stole nearly every scene she was in.
"Family" is long overdue to be offered in a DVD collection, and I hope all four seasons will soon be available in a video collection.
Thanks for the memories.
Gary L. Myers
It dealt with sensitive issues in a thoughtful manner without proselytizing or being maudlin.
I had the good fortune of beginning my television career by being a fan of "Family." A new resident of the neighborhood, I hung-out during the filming of exterior shots at the location of the "Lawrence" home in South Pasadena, during "Family's" final season. That same summer, in 1979, I went to work for the production company, Spelling-Goldberg Productions. Watching "Family" shoot was magic.
The series hearkened-back to an era even earlier than the late 70's...it kind of had a sixties feel to it, an earlier, simpler, and kinder period among American families. However, unlike the family dramas that filmed during the sixties, "Family" was far more realistic and believable.
Clearly, the break-out star of "Family" was young Kristy McNichol who stole nearly every scene she was in.
"Family" is long overdue to be offered in a DVD collection, and I hope all four seasons will soon be available in a video collection.
Thanks for the memories.
Gary L. Myers
Just A Few Words In Review of "Family" (1976)
easyasdell29 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Black kid with Irish and Native American ancestry born in early 70's & grew up in "metropolitan" city in North Carolina. I loved this show...still do. Mom Kate reminds me of my own mom, although mine dressed less conservatively. Mom loved that Kate wasn't svelte, but still attractive as a lead actress, much like herself. Kate & my mom had the same aloofness, but my mom was more outwardly affectionate. Rules were made & adhered to...kids deferred to their parents, but were allowed to speak their minds, within reason. Mostly caught this show in syndication during summers in the 80's. I thought Kate & Doug had a great dynamic. Gary Frank's Willie-a great big ham in & out of character but believable & very much of his time. Good looking, self-assured, and finding himself. I got a bi-vibe from his portrayal of Willie, but that's just my take on things. He and Season Hubley played very well together as a couple.
Nancy-not MBB's best role, but very believable and played frankly. Buddy was Kristy's best acting job hands down...she slept walked through "Summer of My German Soldier, allowing Esther Rolle to walk away with the movie & the Emmy-even in her supporting role. I haven't seen Kristy in much since that was worth writing home about, but she was outstanding as Buddy. I believe that Buddy may have been closest to her real self, and that's why she played so easily against other lead characters...just my take on things. James Broderick as Doug was a tender and subtle actor, playing straight man and confidante to Kate & his kids...a real pro-you knew he'd walked the walk with his own "Family".
Sada Thompson was the greatest!!!!! She was attractive, intelligent, witty, elegant, and the perfect foil to her children's storehouse of tricks---especially Nancy's. I loved how gently she let down her recently divorced neighbor-Howard Stone-who had romantic delusions about Kate. From the long exterior shot when she briefly lands home & pleads with Doug "not to go away", to her arrival on Howard's front stoop and rear yard, she plays it with total class...such an elegant and refined woman. She knew that acting involved far more than mere dialogue.
Can't say enough how much I still enjoy watching this well played and well written family drama. Nothing compares to it these days...nothing! I hope it comes back in syndication-METV or elsewhere. Sada Thompson and Esther Rolle were probably the best actresses on television during that time, and remind me so very much of my own mother and grandmother's-except mine were prettier, for what that's worth. They had grace, style-when allowed, and could deliver the most subtle and moving dialogue with profound subtlety. Thanks for indulging me folks!
-easyasdell
Nancy-not MBB's best role, but very believable and played frankly. Buddy was Kristy's best acting job hands down...she slept walked through "Summer of My German Soldier, allowing Esther Rolle to walk away with the movie & the Emmy-even in her supporting role. I haven't seen Kristy in much since that was worth writing home about, but she was outstanding as Buddy. I believe that Buddy may have been closest to her real self, and that's why she played so easily against other lead characters...just my take on things. James Broderick as Doug was a tender and subtle actor, playing straight man and confidante to Kate & his kids...a real pro-you knew he'd walked the walk with his own "Family".
Sada Thompson was the greatest!!!!! She was attractive, intelligent, witty, elegant, and the perfect foil to her children's storehouse of tricks---especially Nancy's. I loved how gently she let down her recently divorced neighbor-Howard Stone-who had romantic delusions about Kate. From the long exterior shot when she briefly lands home & pleads with Doug "not to go away", to her arrival on Howard's front stoop and rear yard, she plays it with total class...such an elegant and refined woman. She knew that acting involved far more than mere dialogue.
Can't say enough how much I still enjoy watching this well played and well written family drama. Nothing compares to it these days...nothing! I hope it comes back in syndication-METV or elsewhere. Sada Thompson and Esther Rolle were probably the best actresses on television during that time, and remind me so very much of my own mother and grandmother's-except mine were prettier, for what that's worth. They had grace, style-when allowed, and could deliver the most subtle and moving dialogue with profound subtlety. Thanks for indulging me folks!
-easyasdell
An hour with the Lawrences made for TV time well spent
jeffmedia23 August 2005
I first caught this show in re-runs on Lifetime and WOR 9 from New York in the late 80's, and I taped as many episodes as I could manage. I greatly admire the production values and story lines this frequently mawkish, yet unflinchingly progressive piece of late 70's serial TV "dramedy" had to offer in virtually every episode of it's four-year run. All of the key players were exceptional actors, and made for riveting television that has been largely taken for granted. With so much bunk arriving weekly on DVD, Columbia/TrisStar should really pick up the ball on this project and start compiling a comprehensive DVD collection while Sada Thompson and the rest of the crew are still with us, and can offer insightful reminiscence on a long-overdue and much-needed addition to the growing list of good and bad television shows available on DVD.
One of the very best TV dramas of all time
golanbar9924 June 2006
As a young adult in the mid 1970's to early 1980's, I greatly enjoyed watching all original episodes of this TV show. This series is of the highest artistic quality and adheres to the highest standards. The screenplay pauses long enough to flesh out each of its characters in depth, allowing the viewer to feel deeply for the characters. The show makes you feel great sympathy for the daily existential struggle of ordinary people in their search for love and purpose in their lives. This series is one of those rare works of art that is intelligent, smart, insightful, and life-affirming. It is a beautiful story, an emotionally moving experience that that helps make the world a little better place. I am hoping that all original episodes of 'Family' will be issued on DVD soon --- I would very much like to watch this series all over again.
A Classic Family Drama
kh9802113 August 2001
Producer Edward Zwick, along with Marshall Herskovitz, went on to produce "thirtysomething" "Relativity" "My So-Called Life" and "Once and Again." Sada Thompson, Gary Frank, and Kristy McNichol all won Emmys for their work on this series. Many veteran and up-and-coming performers made guest appearances on this series: Mildred Natwick, Tommy Lee Jones, Doris Roberts, James Woods, Elizabeth Ashley, Pat Crowley, Sheree North, David Dukes, Blair Brown, Brooke Adams, Linda Lavin, Kim Darby, William Daniels, Leirf Garrett, Annie Potts, Charlotte Rae, Shelley Long, Mare Winningham, Steve Guttenberg, Michael Biehn, Ted Danson, Stephanie Zimbalist, Michael J. Fox, and Henry Fonda (in the 1979 episode "thanksgiving" directed by Joanne Woodward). TRIVIA: James Broderick (Doug Lawrenece) is the father of actor Matthew Broderick; John Rubenstein (Jeff Maitland) wrote the theme from "Family" and is the son of pianist Arthur Rubenstein.
Refreshingly different 70s show
withlovecarol6 February 2022
I only started watching this recently and it's a nice TV series. The characters are appealing and their dealings with life's situations are very forward thinking. It's definitely in a whole different league from the same old same old! Some episodes are better than others but it stands the twst of time we'll. It all centres around this family and their nicenesses and warts, with unexpected reactions to some of their life events.
The profound nature of family life.
adam-158915 November 2007
The TV series "Family" from 1976 to 1980 stands head and shoulders above any other family based show I have seen. It is very well observed, going right to the heart of family issues.
The writing and acting style is superb, allowing the viewer time to reflect on the issue and fill in the gaps them self. (This is the most engaging style of TV drama, which is also demonstrated in the family scenes in The Sopranos TV series.)
It may sound a bit 'naff' but it has deepened my own understanding of the profound nature of family life. This show demonstrates how family life can be conducted with courage and style.
The writing and acting style is superb, allowing the viewer time to reflect on the issue and fill in the gaps them self. (This is the most engaging style of TV drama, which is also demonstrated in the family scenes in The Sopranos TV series.)
It may sound a bit 'naff' but it has deepened my own understanding of the profound nature of family life. This show demonstrates how family life can be conducted with courage and style.
Family ties
safenoe28 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Meredith Baxter, who was one of the main stars in Family, went on to play a lead role in Family Ties just two years after Family wrapped up. I remember Eight is Enough and Soap as well, both of which screened pretty much in parallel with Family.
Family was pure drama and kind of reflected the Carter era before the 80s television landscape exploded with The A-Team, Magnum, Dallas an Dynasty. Family had heart but it wasn't for everyone and was kind of the antidote to Dallas and Dynasty and was the mature side of Soap.
It's a shame there hasn't been a reunion as I'd love to see the family 40 plus years on.
Family was pure drama and kind of reflected the Carter era before the 80s television landscape exploded with The A-Team, Magnum, Dallas an Dynasty. Family had heart but it wasn't for everyone and was kind of the antidote to Dallas and Dynasty and was the mature side of Soap.
It's a shame there hasn't been a reunion as I'd love to see the family 40 plus years on.
Bottom of the barrel television of the late 70s
thomas196x200026 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The mid and late 70s were a morbid time. Gone was the great music of the 60s and early 70s, replaced with disco, bad R and B, and Barry Manilow. Cars were boring and downsized. We went from the brightness and color of the 60s to the "earth tones" and blandness of this period.
Entertainment was just as bleak. "Dramedy" shows popped up everywhere. I don't know if this one counts as a dramedy, because all that is typically in the episodes is obnoxious high drama and depressed people--no comedy whatsoever.
First, let's take the parents. These two are played by James Broderick and Sada Thompson. Broderick was only 49 when he started this show, and looks 70. He has a constant hunch and looks like life is never through beating him down. You keep thinking he is going to fall over. I don't know if the viewer was ever able to actually see his eyes.
Thompson is an actress who I had never seen in anything before or since. She has a perennial look on her face--a mixture of disdain, worry, and disappointment. Her beady eyes are like olives floating in a face of milk. It somehow meshes well with her husband's consistent look of frustration and despair. Who would want these parents? And why would we want to be involved with their grotesque little "Family" every week?
They live in sunny Pasadena, but you wouldn't know that, as everything is dull and brown in color and the atmosphere is consistently unpleasant. I don't know if I ever saw anyone having fun in this show.
What never works is we are supposed to believe these parents have a daughter as old as Meredith Baxter Birney, AND as young as little "Buddy". They look like grandparents. In one episode, the mother gets pregnant. At 55.
All the kids are losers. Birney is a divorcee with a kid, always trying to palm the kid off on others. She has relationship issues, of course. She looks like she should be Buddy's mom. That reveal would have made, at least, an interesting episode.
Then there is the son, Willie, played by Gary Frank. As you have never heard of this actor, then it is logical that he is part of this cast. Willie likes to shoot film, but the viewer is never sure why. Is he a writer? Cinematographer? Film director? He does seem to do a lot of talking, sulking, and being a complete nebbish rather than actually working. And he is as boring as the family home interior decor.
And lastly, that 70s/early 80s staple Kristy McNichol. McNichol had a brother in the business as well, who looked just like her, which was weird. Buddy is a preteen/teen who is, like the rest of the family, consistently upset about something. Anything. She can also be a smart mouth. Her character is like that because no one ever punished her for being an insufferable fool.
The younger cast does the "cute fast talking" bit that is always part of shows like this. No one talks that way, but they do and we are supposed to think it's fun. The truly insufferable Quinn Cummings floats in and out of the series, just as you thought it couldn't get any worse.
Lots of sex oriented episodes....such as, Buddy trying to decide about whether she should get laid and lose her virginity. Who cares? McNichol would go on to make other odd films where a young girl's virginity is a major plot point, such as "Little Darlings", with Tatum O'Neal, who in real life had long ago lost her virginity and was abused by nutty parents. Even worse than the parents in this show. If I remember correctly, Quinn Cummings tries to get laid by Willie. Not kidding.
Viewers may enjoy the unintentionally hilarious episode when the Sada character discovers she is pregnant. The thought of her and Broderick having sex put me off of food for at least a few days.
Entertainment was just as bleak. "Dramedy" shows popped up everywhere. I don't know if this one counts as a dramedy, because all that is typically in the episodes is obnoxious high drama and depressed people--no comedy whatsoever.
First, let's take the parents. These two are played by James Broderick and Sada Thompson. Broderick was only 49 when he started this show, and looks 70. He has a constant hunch and looks like life is never through beating him down. You keep thinking he is going to fall over. I don't know if the viewer was ever able to actually see his eyes.
Thompson is an actress who I had never seen in anything before or since. She has a perennial look on her face--a mixture of disdain, worry, and disappointment. Her beady eyes are like olives floating in a face of milk. It somehow meshes well with her husband's consistent look of frustration and despair. Who would want these parents? And why would we want to be involved with their grotesque little "Family" every week?
They live in sunny Pasadena, but you wouldn't know that, as everything is dull and brown in color and the atmosphere is consistently unpleasant. I don't know if I ever saw anyone having fun in this show.
What never works is we are supposed to believe these parents have a daughter as old as Meredith Baxter Birney, AND as young as little "Buddy". They look like grandparents. In one episode, the mother gets pregnant. At 55.
All the kids are losers. Birney is a divorcee with a kid, always trying to palm the kid off on others. She has relationship issues, of course. She looks like she should be Buddy's mom. That reveal would have made, at least, an interesting episode.
Then there is the son, Willie, played by Gary Frank. As you have never heard of this actor, then it is logical that he is part of this cast. Willie likes to shoot film, but the viewer is never sure why. Is he a writer? Cinematographer? Film director? He does seem to do a lot of talking, sulking, and being a complete nebbish rather than actually working. And he is as boring as the family home interior decor.
And lastly, that 70s/early 80s staple Kristy McNichol. McNichol had a brother in the business as well, who looked just like her, which was weird. Buddy is a preteen/teen who is, like the rest of the family, consistently upset about something. Anything. She can also be a smart mouth. Her character is like that because no one ever punished her for being an insufferable fool.
The younger cast does the "cute fast talking" bit that is always part of shows like this. No one talks that way, but they do and we are supposed to think it's fun. The truly insufferable Quinn Cummings floats in and out of the series, just as you thought it couldn't get any worse.
Lots of sex oriented episodes....such as, Buddy trying to decide about whether she should get laid and lose her virginity. Who cares? McNichol would go on to make other odd films where a young girl's virginity is a major plot point, such as "Little Darlings", with Tatum O'Neal, who in real life had long ago lost her virginity and was abused by nutty parents. Even worse than the parents in this show. If I remember correctly, Quinn Cummings tries to get laid by Willie. Not kidding.
Viewers may enjoy the unintentionally hilarious episode when the Sada character discovers she is pregnant. The thought of her and Broderick having sex put me off of food for at least a few days.
I'd like to see it again
mgross-217 July 2000
Having just finished watching Homefront again on TVLand, it occurred to me that Family would be an ideal show for them to run. It has everything a successful show should have -- excellent story line, terrific cast and acting and great family appeal. There are very few shows on today that can compare to all that Family has to offer.
May I suggest that anyone interested, please contact TVLand and see if we can persuade them to run this series as they did Homefront.
May I suggest that anyone interested, please contact TVLand and see if we can persuade them to run this series as they did Homefront.
One of my favorite shows of all time!
ajmxprram26 January 2022
Family is the kind of show I wish they had on the air now. Normal family you can totally relate to living through normal every day problems just like I was when I was a teenager in the mid 70s. It was also set in Pasadena, California and family lived in Glendale which is the town next-door. Great cast and characters that you actually cared about. The only show that came close to being as good was Parenthood on NBC a few years ago. Interestingly enough another show set in California.
Truly Top Notch...One of the Best Drama Series Ever
Wardman39 November 2007
I was quite the precocious child at 7. Instead of coming home and watching cartoons, I preferred serialized dramas. This show was my favorite at the time. Even at that young age I knew what I was watching was good. Flash forward 30 years. I have now watched the episodes on DVD and this show truly is/was leaps and bounds ahead of anything in its day. The writing and direction was just phenomenal, credible, and so well executed. The acting is spot on, with nary a clichéd moment. It is great to watch these episodes again and see how a family drama should be produced. One can see why Sada Thompson Gary Frank and Kristy McNichol won Emmys for their work. James Broderick definitely should have been awarded one.
Fantastic show. Now on Tubi.
bizzyziggy26 October 2021
This show helped so much growing up. Issues were always relevant. Every character was perfectly cast. Sada Thompson was perfection as Kate Lawrence. She was like everyone's mother, with just a bit of Mrs. Barkley thrown in to give her an edge.
As a teenager in HS, I remember liking this show.
Elewis11959 May 2016
I imagine I'd find it rather simple and uninteresting today, but I have fond memories and I had a big crush on Kristy Mcnichol, who was maybe only a year older than I was. Now I look at her and I see a kid, but at the time, I saw someone, slightly older than me, slightly more together and someone I could relate to.
One time at summer camp, I was an aide, and most of the people around were counselors, they were 18 or 19, I was 16 and they were talking about women who they thought were hot and I mentioned my crush on Kristy and I never heard the end of it. They said "she's a kid". But . . . did they not realize, so was I. That's life and growing up I suppose. I remember one or two plots with this one, how people would have different opinions but the father would always work things out in the end. It was kind of like a slightly more mature and better written Brady bunch. Not quite at the level of James at 16, but somewhere between the two.
I don't know if I'd recommend anyone watch this show now unless they want to experience a time capsule, but I remember it fondly. I used to look forward to catching it Sunday nights I think it was, might have been Fridays.
One time at summer camp, I was an aide, and most of the people around were counselors, they were 18 or 19, I was 16 and they were talking about women who they thought were hot and I mentioned my crush on Kristy and I never heard the end of it. They said "she's a kid". But . . . did they not realize, so was I. That's life and growing up I suppose. I remember one or two plots with this one, how people would have different opinions but the father would always work things out in the end. It was kind of like a slightly more mature and better written Brady bunch. Not quite at the level of James at 16, but somewhere between the two.
I don't know if I'd recommend anyone watch this show now unless they want to experience a time capsule, but I remember it fondly. I used to look forward to catching it Sunday nights I think it was, might have been Fridays.
Good memories
dhal-231597 February 2022
I remember this show........ Watching with my mom, dad said it was ok. That's how shows were in the 70's. I thought some episodes were good and some were not. I was a big Kristy McNichols fan and it was interesting to see now Helen Hunt,
Brings me back to a more innocent time
berpatcormier-123 June 2023
I remember this show but I wasn't a fan as a teenager. (I am the exact age of Kristy McNicholl.) Now at 61 years old I see it differently and I love it. I now connect with Kate, the mother. But it also brings me back to my teenage years and I watch it with nostalgia. Even Buddy's clothes is exactly how we dressed and now girls that age look like hookers! And to think my grandmother was horrified by 70s television! She must be turning in her grave. My mother also! Yet at the same time it had some quite controversial topics for the time. Sexual harassment, homosexuality, infidelity, abortion, etc.
Creepy Family
Johnny_West12 December 2021
Kristy MacNichol was "Buddy" the girl with orientation issues. The brother had a 1970s porno white-guy afro, which was as bizarre as he was. Meredith Baxter was the older sister, and she had a secret issue too. James Broderick and Sada Thompson were the creepy demonic looking parents, and they were in their late fifties and looked even older than that. Both of them always looked like they had stepped out of a Christopher Lee horror movie, and were waiting for their dark master to arrive.
This could have been the Norman Bates family. Just a really weird show about a dysfunctional and morbid liberal white family that needed to be politically correct on every issue, and they all had to agree by the end of every episode. Whenever l remember this show it makes my skin crawl.
This could have been the Norman Bates family. Just a really weird show about a dysfunctional and morbid liberal white family that needed to be politically correct on every issue, and they all had to agree by the end of every episode. Whenever l remember this show it makes my skin crawl.
I'm happy I'm not crazy
gwenny308016 February 2006
So for many years, I remembered a show I use to watch as a small child (I was born in 1980). For the life of me, I remembered only the theme song, the word "Family" in the title, and Kristy McNichol being in the cast. The show was on (in syndication) WSMH TV 66 here around 84-86. I owe thanks to VH1 for recently running the 100 famous teen stars in which Ms. McNichol and this wonderful show were mentioned. I am happy to know that my mind wasn't playing tricks on me and that this show really existed. I loved this show as a child and my family use to watch it together. It was a great time back then, when family actually did things as a family. I remembered eating dinner and finishing up just in time to watch this show. They (TVLand) need to bring this back so that my nieces and nephews can enjoy this classic also.
Tubi took it off!!!
amsmith41-15 July 2023
I loved this show in the '70's and bought Seasons1 and 2 on DVD. I was so happy when Tubi had it but they recently discontinued it. This is a show that still rings true 43 years later! BRING IT BACK ON ROKU or another streaming channel. The plots facing the Lawrence family are those that we still face today! My favorite episodes are" Skeleton in the Closet and Someone's Watching. I also adored how the series brought "Buddy" from adolescence into teenage years, with some of the same struggles facing the young generation today. Sada Thompson was the perfect Kate Lawrence. As the matriarch of the family, she presented herself with strength and class.
FAMILY-One Word Said It All But So Much More
gasket36026 July 2023
This was a show that made the competition pale in comparison. It is an Aaron Spelling production made before he became a sleaze machine. "Family" was the highlight of my viewing week when I was a student in grad school--too busy for everything but Family.
I was unfamiliar with Sada Thompson's work. Her portrayal gave the character a ring of genuine realness (not reality--realness). She portrayed a character that was a lady of elegance, honesty, compassion, nurturing--qualities that were so real the apple need not fall far from the tree on this one to realize that this was who she was at heart in her real family life. I never could see enough of her work. As a character and an actress who could draw you in, she and her supporting cast mates were always welcome guests in our home. There was never another show like it before or since. And frankly nobody but Sada could ever fill this role should a new series be mounted. It was a sad day when we found out that Family would not be returning. It left a void in our lives. Would that actors could launch the same effect in the current entertainment market of TV shows. I have a feeling that this series wouldn't get past 13 weeks.
I was unfamiliar with Sada Thompson's work. Her portrayal gave the character a ring of genuine realness (not reality--realness). She portrayed a character that was a lady of elegance, honesty, compassion, nurturing--qualities that were so real the apple need not fall far from the tree on this one to realize that this was who she was at heart in her real family life. I never could see enough of her work. As a character and an actress who could draw you in, she and her supporting cast mates were always welcome guests in our home. There was never another show like it before or since. And frankly nobody but Sada could ever fill this role should a new series be mounted. It was a sad day when we found out that Family would not be returning. It left a void in our lives. Would that actors could launch the same effect in the current entertainment market of TV shows. I have a feeling that this series wouldn't get past 13 weeks.
Great Show... but
lovelyonyx719-943-6009106 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I'm old school, and I remember when this show aired, but I don't recall having had much interest in it back then. But, I caught it on Tubi and I'm such a nostalgia type that I watched it. All of it! All five seasons! And, I must say, I enjoyed it! It was very refreshing, quite comforting to go back in the day and watch these 70s episodes. I find myself loving the characters and also extremely annoyed by them also, even though I couldn't tear myself away from watching each episode!
Sada Thompson (Kate Lawrence) was exceptional! The entire series wouldn't be worth NOTHING without her character. But, Kate got on my nerves sometimes. She was dry, judgemental, stoic, flat, goodie-two-shoes, coarse, emotionless (80% of the time), sarcastic, possessive, and damn good leading character who loved her family and friends and without her, the Lawrences (and the show) would fall apart! Sara Thompson was a pleasure to watch act. Bravo!
James Broderick (Douglas Lawrence) wasn't anything special. He was just there....flat. He only held my interest when he put Kate and their children in their place. Sometimes he made a smart quip that was humorous.
Willie Lawrence (can't recall the actor's name) was VERY annoying! He was a leech and a womanizer with THE MOST ANNOYING NASAL voice. All he did was eat, take pictures, write screenplays, drive siblings around, babysit his nephew, fall in love every week, and jump in and out of some woman's bed.
Nancy (Meredith Baxter) was pretty on this show, but she was also very annoying. She always had a problem with something or someone. She was always angry (inappropriately most times) and palming off her kid on a family member. She also had her share of failed relationships, over and over. She was never funny, she rarely laughed, and she always looked sneaky (the Betty Broderick look). It was hard to WANT to trust her motives. I didn't really like Nancy, but Baxter did a helluva job acting out this complex character. Bravo!
Letitia (Buddy) Lawrence, was a typical preteen/teen who oftentimes ran her smart mouth too much, but she was a caring character. A bit dry, spoiled, and melancholy, but I liked Buddy and Kristy McNichol did an outstanding job! Bravo!
And now, the absolute WORST CHARACTER OF THE ENTIRE CAST THAT RUINED THE ENTIRE SHOW FOR ME....
Quinn Cummings (Annie Cooper Lawrence) !!!! OMG! I could NOT get past her annoying tie-tongue, horse face, hoarse voice, and gigantic head! For a child, that girl's head was larger than an adult's! OMG, she got on my nerves! WHY they decided to add her to the cast, I will never understand! She ruined the show, in my opinion. Everything about her physically was a distraction and the character was a constant annoyance. I know Quinn was an awkward kid (in real life) on this show, but she was absolutely insufferable to watch.
However, FAMILY is a good show, even with annoying characters. I truly enjoyed watching all five seasons. And for Sada Thompson and James Broderick, Rest In Peace.
Sada Thompson (Kate Lawrence) was exceptional! The entire series wouldn't be worth NOTHING without her character. But, Kate got on my nerves sometimes. She was dry, judgemental, stoic, flat, goodie-two-shoes, coarse, emotionless (80% of the time), sarcastic, possessive, and damn good leading character who loved her family and friends and without her, the Lawrences (and the show) would fall apart! Sara Thompson was a pleasure to watch act. Bravo!
James Broderick (Douglas Lawrence) wasn't anything special. He was just there....flat. He only held my interest when he put Kate and their children in their place. Sometimes he made a smart quip that was humorous.
Willie Lawrence (can't recall the actor's name) was VERY annoying! He was a leech and a womanizer with THE MOST ANNOYING NASAL voice. All he did was eat, take pictures, write screenplays, drive siblings around, babysit his nephew, fall in love every week, and jump in and out of some woman's bed.
Nancy (Meredith Baxter) was pretty on this show, but she was also very annoying. She always had a problem with something or someone. She was always angry (inappropriately most times) and palming off her kid on a family member. She also had her share of failed relationships, over and over. She was never funny, she rarely laughed, and she always looked sneaky (the Betty Broderick look). It was hard to WANT to trust her motives. I didn't really like Nancy, but Baxter did a helluva job acting out this complex character. Bravo!
Letitia (Buddy) Lawrence, was a typical preteen/teen who oftentimes ran her smart mouth too much, but she was a caring character. A bit dry, spoiled, and melancholy, but I liked Buddy and Kristy McNichol did an outstanding job! Bravo!
And now, the absolute WORST CHARACTER OF THE ENTIRE CAST THAT RUINED THE ENTIRE SHOW FOR ME....
Quinn Cummings (Annie Cooper Lawrence) !!!! OMG! I could NOT get past her annoying tie-tongue, horse face, hoarse voice, and gigantic head! For a child, that girl's head was larger than an adult's! OMG, she got on my nerves! WHY they decided to add her to the cast, I will never understand! She ruined the show, in my opinion. Everything about her physically was a distraction and the character was a constant annoyance. I know Quinn was an awkward kid (in real life) on this show, but she was absolutely insufferable to watch.
However, FAMILY is a good show, even with annoying characters. I truly enjoyed watching all five seasons. And for Sada Thompson and James Broderick, Rest In Peace.
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