TV series
A long-running dramedy centering on the Winslow family, a middle-class African American family living in Chicago, and their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel. A spin-off of Perfect Strangers.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Family Matters is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
A long-running dramedy centering on the Winslow family, a middle-class African American family living in Chicago, and their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel. A spin-off of Perfect Strangers.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Feeling like a freeloader, Rachel decides to look for a career beyond writing and opens up a diner after Steve accidentally burns down Leroy's.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by David W. DuclonGuest stars Bridgid Coulter, John Hancock, William Long Jr.
Episode 2
Steve develops a crush on Rachel and believes it is reciprocated when she invites him to a candlelight dinner at her restaurant, while Rachel is actually dating her bank's loan officer.
Guest stars Bridgid Coulter, Dominic Hoffman
Episode 3
For a class project, Laura is "married" to Steve for a day. Meanwhile, one of Carl's sergeants casts his eye on Rachel.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by Pamela Eells, Sally LapidussGuest stars Cherie Johnson, Susan Krebs, Clint Hyson
Episode 4
A braggart with a badge transfers to Carl's division just in time for the precinct's annual dance contest, which Carl and Harriette aim to win by dancing circles around their fierce rival.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Eddie Mekka, Steve Vinovich, Cathy Susan Pyles
Episode 5
Eddie crashes the car through the front of the house while trying to impress his girlfriend.
Guest stars Bridgid Coulter
Episode 6
Carl gets trapped inside a railroad boxcar with Steve and a cargo of cattle.
Directed by Mark Linn-BakerGuest stars Barry Jenner
Episode 7
Steve and Laura are held hostage during a Halloween bank robbery.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by David W. DuclonGuest stars Randy Josselyn, Barry Jenner, Doris Hess, Mark Nassar
Episode 8
Steve's cousin from Biloxi sets out to sweep Eddie off his feet.
Written by Pamela Eells, Sally Lapiduss
Episode 9
Harriette points out the obvious when seductive neighbor Loretta sets her sights on Carl; and Laura may soon regret steering Steve to a shy young girl when she finds herself jealous of his attentions.
Guest stars Caryn Ward, Susan Beaubian
Episode 10
Everyone vies to be partners with budding scientist Steve, who teams up with Laura for a science project - an A-bomb.
Written by Pamela Eells, Sally LapidussGuest stars Aaron Lohr, Cherie Johnson, Joe Mays, Sky Berdahl, Crystal Jenious
Episode 11
Steve charges like a raging bull to the boxing ring when a bully threatens to pummel any guy who asks Laura out.
Directed by Joel ZwickWritten by David W. DuclonGuest stars Aaron Lohr, Arnold Johnson, Larenz Tate, Shawn Harrison, Salim Grant, David Hayward, Joshua Waggoner
Episode 12
Eddie is cornered by a tough pool hustler.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Randy Josselyn, Irvin Mosley Jr., Michael Rapposelli, Tim Ryan
Episode 13
Alone and fending for himself during the holidays, Steve shatters Laura's old fashioned Christmas ornament along with holiday visiting privileges at the Winslows'. Meanwhile, Carl does battle with other shoppers as he searches for a scarce teddy bear for Richie.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by David W. DuclonGuest stars Ellen Albertini Dow, Peggy Mannix, Gabriel Pelino
Episode 14
When Carl, Eddie and Steve go ice fishing at Lake Wannamuck, Carl has a potentially critical accident; and at home, Judy dislikes the fuss made over Richie.
Directed by Rich CorrellGuest stars Michael Chambers, Shawn Harrison
Episode 15
After an escalating spat with his father, grounded Eddie escapes from the house to keep a date, and Harriette must mediate a father-son feud when Carl gets tired of Eddie's attitude and Eddie threatens to move out.
Written by Jose RiveraGuest stars Lawrence Cook
Episode 16
Carl finds a diamond bracelet and wrestles with doing the right thing, as does Steve, who holds in his hands the academic fate of his romantic rival Todd, who needs Steve's tutoring skills.
Written by Pamela Eells, Sally LapidussGuest stars Keith Cameron, Natalie Core
Episode 17
In a hot-air balloon, Carl tries to overcome his fear of heights. Harriette and Rachel clash over a car won in a contest.
Written by Dennis SneeGuest stars Barry Jenner, Jim Doughan
Episode 18
At a rooftop party, some kids spike Steve's punch, and Rachel must rescue him from a ledge.
Guest stars Cherie Johnson, Larenz Tate, Shawn Harrison, Robert Balderson
Episode 19
When Eddie cracks up the family car, Steve suggests raising repair money at an illegal gambling hangout.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by David W. DuclonGuest stars John Mariano, Felecia M. Bell, Ken Kerman, Tom Milanovich
Episode 20
Laura is inspired to make a difference by encouraging support for a black-history class, but her efforts fan the flames of racism at school.
Guest stars Cherie Johnson, Clyde Kusatsu, Susan Krebs, Jay Bradford, David Markus, Patrick J. Pieters, Antonio Todd, Bobby Wynn
Episode 21
Rachel and the kids recall how Eddie took credit for a story written by Steve, and how Carl shared his glory with Lt. Murtagh.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by David W. DuclonGuest stars Barry Jenner, Christopher Darga, Mary Ingersoll
Episode 22
A charming, mysterious figure, claiming to be a family friend from the past, comes to visit - and turns out to be Harriet and Rachel's long-lost father.
Directed by Rich CorrellGuest stars Paul Winfield
Episode 23
Carl senses a promotion if he can help Lt. Murtagh get a date with Rachel.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by Charlene SeegerGuest stars Barry Jenner, Shawn Harrison
Episode 24
In a dream, Carl and Steve duel over a compost heap as Old West characters Carl and Two-Gun Urkel - the most annoying gunslinger in the West.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by Pamela Eells, Sally LapidussGuest stars Tom Bishop, Victor Wilson, Steve Viall
Episode 25
Steve schemes to take the reluctant Laura to a hot-ticket concert; Carl takes out his frustrations on the family, unable to shake the memory of a shooting he feels he could have prevented in the aftermath of a hostage case.
Directed by Rich CorrellWritten by David W. DuclonGuest stars Beah Richards, Tiiu Leek, Ron Tank
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Reginald VelJohnsonCarl Winslow
Jo Marie PaytonHarriette Winslow
Rosetta LeNoireEstelle Winslow
Darius McCraryEddie Winslow
Kellie Shanygne WilliamsLaura Winslow
Bryton JamesRichie Crawford
Jaleel WhiteSteve Urkel
Jaimee FoxworthJudy Winslow
ABCUnited States
CBSUnited States
Lorimar TelevisionUnited States
Miller/Boyett ProductionsUnited States
Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited StatesMore shows like Family Matters.
