Family Matters is a sitcom focusing on the Winslow Family, a middle-class suburban African-American family living in Chicago.
Head of the Winslow household is Carl Winslow, a police sergeant who comes across as this tough guy but deep down he’s actually a teddy bear. His wife, the very sarcastic Harriet works as an elevator operator at the Chicago Newspaper.
The Winslows have three children, Eddie, Laura and little Judy. Completing the family is Mother Winslow, an outspoken opinionated wise old lady and Richie Crawford, a nephew of Carl.
In the first few episodes the show concentrated on the Winslows and their family situations but in later episodes we are introduced to the Winlsow’s next door neighbour kid, Steve Urkel who eventually becomes the show’s central character.
Steve Urkel, the brainy nerd with the high-pitched voice, big glasses and general all over nerdish appearance was a source of irritation for the Winslows. He would burst in without knocking, continuously declare his undying love for Laura (unrequited love) and generally cause havoc, mostly at the expense of Carl.
Eventually when Steve’s parents move away without him, the Winslows have no choice but to let him stay with them.
Steve’s constant mishaps and accidents led to his favourite trademark line “Did I do that”, which became a catchphrase imitated across the USA.