For years a mainstay of ABC's TGIF block, this 1989 series was one of tv's most successful shows focusing on an African-American family. It began as a spinoff of 'Perfect Strangers' where elevator operator Harriet Winslow and her policeman husband first appeared They became the nucleus of 'Family Matters' which ran for an impressive nine seasons. Along the way neighbor kid Urkel (Jaleel White) would be featured more and more as audiences responded to his unique character. In the final season the show moved to CBS for their ill-fated Friday night 'Block Party' line-up.
'Family Matters' had two opening themes, but the original (only used on the first five episodes) is all but forgotten. 'What a Wonderful World' (by Bob Thiele, George David Weiss, and George Douglas) was heard over the opening titles as sung by Louis Armstrong. It's been removed from episodes in syndication and on streaming services, but we snagged it when it aired back in 1989. Plus you'll see two openings with the more familiar theme 'As Days Go By' (Jesse Frederick, Bennett Salvay, Scott Roeme, sung by Frederick). There are also two sets of instrumental end credits, one by Jesse Frederick and Bennett Salvay, the other by Gary Boren.
