Who on earth is going to watch a family show like FT at 3 AM??

Incredibly stupid move by GMC!

2am:

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2012/09/gmc-moves-family-ties-to-late-night.html

2am:

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2012/09/gmc-moves-family-ties-to-late-night.html

:rolleyes:

Come on dude! 2 AM or 3 AM is still the middle of the night! It's NOT the time for a family show like Family Ties!

Sadly, Family Ties simply doesn't seem to have been a hit in syndication the past decade or so. Anytime a new cable network gives it a shot, it's quickly dumped to the graveyard shift. It's a wonderful series, but maybe it just doesn't have that "timeless" quality that shows like Cheers, Seinfeld and I Love Lucy possess; that is, an ability to extend its appeal across generations.

Fortunately, if you can spare $8 a month, Netflix has the entire run of Family Ties. And unlike its presentation on The Hub and GMC, it's commercial-free and (mostly) uncut.

I think the reruns-on-cable-television model is slowly dying, anyway. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon are going to be the wave of the future when it comes to classic television shows.

Sadly, Family Ties simply doesn't seem to have been a hit in syndication the past decade or so. Anytime a new cable network gives it a shot, it's quickly dumped to the graveyard shift. It's a wonderful series, but maybe it just doesn't have that "timeless" quality that shows like Cheers, Seinfeld and I Love Lucy possess; that is, an ability to extend its appeal across generations.

Fortunately, if you can spare $8 a month, Netflix has the entire run of Family Ties. And unlike its presentation on The Hub and GMC, it's commercial-free and (mostly) uncut.

I think the reruns-on-cable-television model is slowly dying, anyway. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon are going to be the wave of the future when it comes to classic television shows.

What about TV Land and Antenna TV? Classic sitcoms are beloved so I think you're wrong about that. Antenna TV just came into existence fairly recently.

But sadly you are right about Family Ties. I read around 10 years ago that either TV Land or Nick at Nite ran FT but the ratings were horrible. It's shocking because it's fantastic show with hardly a bad episode in the entire series! Too bad it hasn't stood the test of time. I remember even Michael Gross said "we don't age as well as the Bradys."

While reruns are their bread-and-butter, TV Land is shifting its focus toward original sitcoms (albeit with a tip-of-the-hat to classic television). I don't know about you, but I find their reruns unwatchable due to edits and bizarre 40-minute time slots. I'm not going to sit through 20 minutes of commercials just to watch 18 or 19 minutes of King of Queens.

Hot in Cleveland is a hit, but I bet TV Land's reruns aren't nearly as watched as they were ten years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if the network totally rebrands itself as a general entertainment channel in the next ten years or so.

Antenna TV and MeTV, on the other hand, both seem to be doing well. They're certainly treating and presenting their shows a lot better than TV Land does, but neither is a cable network; they're both digital over-the-air services. I think both are going to be around for awhile and will continue to gain affiliates, but that streaming and on demand services are still going to become the predominant method of watching old shows as more people learn how to use them.

That's a good thing. It gives the consumer more control, and makes uncut presentation of these classics much more likely. Picture-wise, many of these shows never looked better: shows like The Twilight Zone, Leave It to Beaver, Star Trek and The Andy Griffith Show are all available in HD on Netflix and look beautiful on my TV. Family Ties isn't HD (I believe it was shot on video, so remastering it in high-definition is impossible), but it still looks lightyears better on Netflix than the ancient syndication prints used on The Hub.

Nick at Nite ran Family Ties from September 2001-October 2003, and TV Land ran it from December 2003 to August 2004, then Hallmark Channel ran it for like 3 weeks in February 2006 and it didn't last long at all there, then it was never seen again until Hub picked it up in October 2010. The Hub looked like a good channel at first, but it's pretty bad now.

My Me-TV Affiliate has been showing reruns of FT for the last 2 years. It's currently airing at 4PM weekdays. Last season it aired at 5 PM weekdays. They air it with The Facts of Life.

Nick at Nite ran Family Ties from September 2001-October 2003, and TV Land ran it from December 2003 to August 2004, then Hallmark Channel ran it for like 3 weeks in February 2006 and it didn't last long at all there, then it was never seen again until Hub picked it up in October 2010. The Hub looked like a good channel at first, but it's pretty bad now.

Wow, I didn't know it ran so many times. Bad ratings each time huh?

It's mind boggling because it really is one of the greatest shows ever made. Great character development, funny one liners, great storylines, etc.

When Nick meets the family is one of the funniest scenes in sitcom HISTORY!
:lol:

Family Ties is very of its time, by design. That's not a bad thing, though; it just makes it hard for those who didn't live through the Reagan era, or who were too young to remember it, to relate to some of the humor, as well as the dynamics of Alex's relationship with his parents. That might be why it hasn't been huge in syndication in the 21st Century.

Family Ties is very of its time, by design. That's not a bad thing, though; it just makes it hard for those who didn't live through the Reagan era, or who were too young to remember it, to relate to some of the humor, as well as the dynamics of Alex's relationship with his parents. That might be why it hasn't been huge in syndication in the 21st Century.

Say what?? Very few things in FT are dated. A show like All in the Family is more dated.

Look at 3's Company. It could be the most successful syndicated rerun show ever and it's not dated. FT didn't have a John Ritter but was otherwise very funny which is why it's mind boggling why it's not doin well!

I think it's sad that it hasn't done well in re-runs. It's such a great show. :) I loved the show then and I still do. I think people can relate to the show. My sister who was born in the early 90's has seen it. Sure there are 80's references, but I don't think someone had to live through the 80's necessarily to enjoy the show. I think the family aspect of the show was nice and people can relate to it. I think it's nice that it's a show that families can watch without worrying about any explicit content like some shows today have.

Just my opinion.

It's a great show. I was born in 1990, just a year and a half after it ended. I first discovered it on Nick at Nite in 2001 and I enjoyed it. I wish it was on more. And I don't know why they never released the last two season on DVD.

It's a great show. I was born in 1990, just a year and a half after it ended. I first discovered it on Nick at Nite in 2001 and I enjoyed it. I wish it was on more. And I don't know why they never released the last two season on DVD.

That's cool that you like the show. I hope that at some point the last two seasons of Family Ties will be released onto dvd. It's been three and half years since season 5 was released.

Who on earth is going to watch a family show like FT at 3 AM??

Incredibly stupid move by GMC!



it's always a bad sign when a show is moved to a late time slot. The next time slot usually is off the air

Say what?? Very few things in FT are dated. A show like All in the Family is more dated.

Look at 3's Company. It could be the most successful syndicated rerun show ever and it's not dated. FT didn't have a John Ritter but was otherwise very funny which is why it's mind boggling why it's not doin well!


Three's Company is one of those timeless shows which is why it will always be a hit in syndication

I will start watching this show at night now, I see the pilot comes on tonight so I can follow from the beginning

I will start watching this show at night now, I see the pilot comes on tonight so I can follow from the beginning

Do you watch sitcoms 24/7 or something? :lol:

That's cool that you like the show. I hope that at some point the last two seasons of Family Ties will be released onto dvd. It's been three and half years since season 5 was released.

Didn't Family Ties have 8 seasons?

When did those England trip episodes air? Those were awesome!

Didn't Family Ties have 8 seasons?

When did those England trip episodes air? Those were awesome!

No, there were seven seasons (1982-1989). The vacation movie aired in 1985. It fell between the end of Season 3 and the beginning of season 4.

No, there were seven seasons (1982-1989). The vacation movie aired in 1985. It fell between the end of Season 3 and the beginning of season 4.

Is that on the DVD?

Do you watch sitcoms 24/7 or something? :lol:


No only from 7pm to 3am during the week.

I think it's sad that it hasn't done well in re-runs. It's such a great show. :) I loved the show then and I still do. I think people can relate to the show. My sister who was born in the early 90's has seen it. Sure there are 80's references, but I don't think someone had to live through the 80's necessarily to enjoy the show. I think the family aspect of the show was nice and people can relate to it. I think it's nice that it's a show that families can watch without worrying about any explicit content like some shows today have.

Just my opinion.
I agree with you. It's a wonderful, mostly family-friendly show that I will be happy to introduce my son to when he's older, and even happier if he ends up liking it. Time will tell.

Is that on the DVD?

It's included in the Season 4 dvd set.

It's included in the Season 4 dvd set.

I gotta get Season 4!

I was upset that GMC moved it. :( I looked forward to watching it in the mornings when I wasn't working...
Reminded me just how wonderful of a sitcom this was, and just how brilliantly talented Michael J. Fox is!!! :D

I was upset that GMC moved it. :( I looked forward to watching it in the mornings when I wasn't working...
Reminded me just how wonderful of a sitcom this was, and just how brilliantly talented Michael J. Fox is!!! :D

I agree! Family Ties is one of the greatest shows EVER and they dump it for this Moesha crap I've never heard of!

Their slogan should be "GMC -where the best shows are buried for unheard of ones!"

While I enjoy Sister, Sister, I wish they would've picked a different time slot for it. I thought Family Ties was perfect in the morning!!
I never really got into Moesha, but I love Brandy as a musical artist.

While I enjoy Sister, Sister, I wish they would've picked a different time slot for it. I thought Family Ties was perfect in the morning!!
I never really got into Moesha, but I love Brandy as a musical artist.

I've never even heard of those. I find it VERY hard to believe those 2 shows have higher ratings than Family Ties!

2:00 AM is an awful time for any show. Since I am unemployed I get to see the show however on gmc, they don't show the episodes with any type of controversial themes to them, whether it's pregnancy, drinking, drugs, etc. That's part of what made the show sooo special. That a whole family could watch it, and have something to disucss at the end.

My guess is that gmc picked it up because of Justine Bateman's religious transformation which I find kind of creepy given the character she played on the show. Yet, I still love it!!!

2:00 AM is an awful time for any show. Since I am unemployed I get to see the show however on gmc, they don't show the episodes with any type of controversial themes to them, whether it's pregnancy, drinking, drugs, etc. That's part of what made the show sooo special. That a whole family could watch it, and have something to disucss at the end.

My guess is that gmc picked it up because of Justine Bateman's religious transformation which I find kind of creepy given the character she played on the show. Yet, I still love it!!!


The shows that do well at 2am are the ones that already aired in primetime and was able to establish a audience

This is kind of reminding me of how TVLand is playing "That 70's Show" later and later. Too bad, some of these shows are better than what they currently show on Television, and "Family Ties" was one of the best.

Just out of curiousity, can anyone tell me where I can get a complete set of epsisodes on the net for free of "Family Ties". I still love watching it, and as long as I am still one of the millions of unemployed I will keep on watching it until I get a new job. I also want to be able to see it uncut with episodes skipped because the network currently playing the show does not consider it to be appropriate for it's content.

What about TV Land and Antenna TV? Classic sitcoms are beloved so I think you're wrong about that. Antenna TV just came into existence fairly recently.

But sadly you are right about Family Ties. I read around 10 years ago that either TV Land or Nick at Nite ran FT but the ratings were horrible. It's shocking because it's fantastic show with hardly a bad episode in the entire series! Too bad it hasn't stood the test of time. I remember even Michael Gross said "we don't age as well as the Bradys."

TVLand is slowly but maturly showing it's own new shows such as "Hot in Cleveland", "Happily Divorced", "The Execs", etc. My gut feeling is that Antenna TV will run the same gamut as Nick at Night and TVLand did and eventually go showing it's own new material as well. In fact, as people age, TV and radio have to keep up with the generations that are alive and watching/listening to their stations.

TVLand is slowly but maturly showing it's own new shows such as "Hot in Cleveland", "Happily Divorced", "The Execs", etc. My gut feeling is that Antenna TV will run the same gamut as Nick at Night and TVLand did and eventually go showing it's own new material as well. In fact, as people age, TV and radio have to keep up with the generations that are alive and watching/listening to their stations.


I haven't seen any signs that Antenna TV will be like TV Land

I haven't seen any signs that Antenna TV will be like TV Land
Yea Antenna TV doesn't have any of their own material. All they air are reruns and old movies.

Right now Antenna TV is doing the same as Nick at Nite and TVLand did at the very beginning. As time goes on in about 10 - 20 years you will see changes in the way that the other two did. Remember, Nick at Nite began with stuff like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "The Bob Newhart Show", "Gilligan's Island" and even older shows. Now they are basically rerunning newer material and/or making thier own material.

Yea Antenna TV doesn't have any of their own material. All they air are reruns and old movies.


Yup, and they go for the older shows not newer.

Right now Antenna TV is doing the same as Nick at Nite and TVLand did at the very beginning. As time goes on in about 10 - 20 years you will see changes in the way that the other two did. Remember, Nick at Nite began with stuff like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "The Bob Newhart Show", "Gilligan's Island" and even older shows. Now they are basically rerunning newer material and/or making thier own material.


Well I don't think it would be a issue to air a show from the 00's in 2033 LOL

That means they will still stay OLD.

Yup, and they go for the older shows not newer.

What you are not following is that right now they are showing older material. But, being someone who has followed Nick at Night and TVLand right from their beginnings, I have seen plenty of changes since they first began in the 80s. I am sure the newer oldies stations will follow the same suit eventually.

Just one more thing about "Family Ties". What I don't understand is how something like "All in the Family" which is a show revolving around the generation gap of the 50s - 60s and 70s can still be on at normal hours, however, "Family Ties" doesn't make the cut.

What you are not following is that right now they are showing older material. But, being someone who has followed Nick at Night and TVLand right from their beginnings, I have seen plenty of changes since they first began in the 80s. I am sure the newer oldies stations will follow the same suit eventually.

Just one more thing about "Family Ties". What I don't understand is how something like "All in the Family" which is a show revolving around the generation gap of the 50s - 60s and 70s can still be on at normal hours, however, "Family Ties" doesn't make the cut.



You might see Family Ties on Antenna TV soon

Well I don't think it would be a issue to air a show from the 00's in 2033 LOL

That means they will still stay OLD.

I don't know how old anybody is on this board but being someone in his 50s,
I know how stations and businesses change with the times.

What you are not following is that right now they are showing older material. But, being someone who has followed Nick at Night and TVLand right from their beginnings, I have seen plenty of changes since they first began in the 80s. I am sure the newer oldies stations will follow the same suit eventually.

Just one more thing about "Family Ties". What I don't understand is how something like "All in the Family" which is a show revolving around the generation gap of the 50s - 60s and 70s can still be on at normal hours, however, "Family Ties" doesn't make the cut.
Unfortunately no channel stays the same forever. It's not just N@N and TV Land. Other cable channels have changed too. I remember when local channels would air reruns in the afternoons but now they mostly air court Shows, talk Shows or news.

I don't understand why FT hasn't done better in syndication. I still think it's one of the best sitcoms of all time.

You might see Family Ties on Antenna TV soon

It's possible, however, if it doesn't do well ratings wise they will dump it as quickly as the others. I also wonder with all the changes that the cast has gone through personally, Michael J. Fox, Justine Bateman, Michael Gross, etc., that they will want to be remembered that way.

Also remember that the series is dated in a way. I remember it because I was actually living during the Reagan era at the time. Many people commenting on this board most likely also remember those times. "Family Ties" I think does well with those who remember that time period, it was not time era neutral such as a show like "The Honeymooners", "Leave it to Beaver", etc. It was a very progressive show at that time.

I don't know how old anybody is on this board but being someone in his 50s,
I know how stations and businesses change with the times.
All these cable channels and it always seems like people who like classic tv have to fight for the scraps. I was bored the other night and was just flipping through the channels. Nothing was on....mostly infomercials. I wish I could drop them all.

Unfortunately no channel stays the same forever. It's not just N@N and TV Land. Other cable channels have changed too. I remember when local channels would air reruns in the afternoons but now they mostly air court Shows, talk Shows or news.

I don't understand why FT hasn't done better in syndication. I still think it's one of the best sitcoms of all time.

Stuck, I think you know what I am getting at. Most business have to keep up with the times. I don't think a stations showing oldies TV will be needed as much in the future. Also, in response to your comment on people who like classic TV needing to "fight for scraps", who watches television in the middle of the night? That's why most stations show older programs later in the evening.

For those of you who can stay up late tonight, "Family Ties" has the one where Tom Hanks plays Elye's brother Ned. Three parter the next few nights.

I still want to work so I don't feel the need to wake up late and watch TV at crazy hours. And, I agree, a show like "Family Ties" really should be shown at a more normal hour if possible.

Just one more thing. When looking at the gmc schedule during the day it includes shows such as "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman", "Little House on the Parie" and shows such as those. I believe those shows fall more in line with gmc's goals than a show like "Family Ties".

Just one more thing about the timing of "Family Ties". When you look at the gmc daytime schedule, their shows include "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman", "Little House on the Prarie", and other religiously themed shows which I believe is much more in line with gmc's mission.

What you are not following is that right now they are showing older material. But, being someone who has followed Nick at Night and TVLand right from their beginnings, I have seen plenty of changes since they first began in the 80s. I am sure the newer oldies stations will follow the same suit eventually.

Just one more thing about "Family Ties". What I don't understand is how something like "All in the Family" which is a show revolving around the generation gap of the 50s - 60s and 70s can still be on at normal hours, however, "Family Ties" doesn't make the cut.



Now you are not comparing All in the Family to Family ties are you? I think u know the answer to that question

Now you are not comparing All in the Family to Family ties are you? I think u know the answer to that question

I am not trying to compaire the two except that both programs were time period pieces which reovlved around the issues of their day. I believe that people who llived in those eras would most likely be more receptive to them.

I am not trying to compaire the two except that both programs were time period pieces which reovlved around the issues of their day. I believe that people who llived in those eras would most likely be more receptive to them.
Then again Maude tackled the same issues as All in the Family from the same era. Except for the current run on Antenna TV ,it hasn't been a hit in syndication. Maybe AITF is just the exception.

I just read that gmc is adding more shows in March. Meaning that "Family Ties" will be out of their lineup soon enough.

My best guess is that we will eventually all be able to find it on cable networks and digital channels, but will fail there as well. As I was watching it and thinking about it the last few night I haver come to the realization as to why it has never made it in syndication. It is dated in some ways where it revolves around the Reagan era and we still had the cold war with the USSR going on at the time. Unless you really remember that time some of the storylines cannot really resonate with you. Last night I saw the two with Uncle Ned. The part where he wanted to save people's jobs might do well with today's audience but his stealing from the company might not.

I understand what you're saying about "Family Ties" being dated because it's set in the then-current 1980s, with the backdrop of the Cold War and so forth- but certainly shows that are set in earlier times have had a history of still resonating and being a success- even with those not alive in those times. Just look at "Mad Men" and "That '70s Show" for example.
I don't think those historical issues are such huge factors that people can't still enjoy "Family Ties", even those who weren't around when the show originally ran in the '80s.

I understand what you're saying about "Family Ties" being dated because it's set in the then-current 1980s, with the backdrop of the Cold War and so forth- but certainly shows that are set in earlier times have had a history of still resonating and being a success- even with those not alive in those times. Just look at "Mad Men" and "That '70s Show" for example.
I don't think those historical issues are such huge factors that people can't still enjoy "Family Ties", even those who weren't around when the show originally ran in the '80s.

Mac Leaper,

I understand what your are saying but while "That 70s Show" started out as a comedy about the trends of the 70s, as the years it developed many of the storylines could have taken place during any time period. I never saw "Mad Men".

Even though we are on an 80s sitcom board, "That 70s Show" is starting to be dumped to the graveyard shift as well since TVLand plays it later and later at night and has already been on at least 5 - 6 stations. (FX, most Fox affiliates, ABC Family, Nick@Night and TVLand.

I wanna watch the show but 2am is too late. It would need to come on at 1am or earlier

It did air on my ME-TV affiliate for about 2 years at 5 P.M weekdays. It's only aired on Saturdays now.

It did air on my ME-TV affiliate for about 2 years at 5 P.M weekdays. It's only aired on Saturdays now.


GMC is not even giving the show a chance to grab a new audience at the 2am slot.


When a show is moved to 2am they want the show to fail lol

GMC is not even giving the show a chance to grab a new audience at the 2am slot.

Govem the fact that many stations have tried "Family Ties"over the years
at various time slots and hours, TBS, Nick@Night, TVLand, the hub, gmc, it probably never got the audience that each network thought it would get so it's slowly dying on the graveyard shift. Like I have said it mainly appeals to those who remember the 80s well.

GMC is not even giving the show a chance to grab a new audience at the 2am slot.

Govem the fact that many stations have tried "Family Ties"over the years
at various time slots and hours, TBS, Nick@Night, TVLand, the hub, gmc, it probably never got the audience that each network thought it would get so it's slowly dying on the graveyard shift. Like I have said it mainly appeals to those who remember the 80s well.


The Hub got rid of a lot of sitcoms except that stupid ALF

The Hub got rid of a lot of sitcoms except that stupid ALF

That's because of the oversaturation of cable networks and the fact that many show the same shows as each other. Look at "That 70's Show". It has been on at least 3 - 4 different networks/stations at the same time.

ALF has hardly been picked up by anybody. "Family Ties" is on both the hub and gmc at the same exact time.

Again, I believe this show is going nowhere fast and will disappear from cable in the near future. It doesn't have the same appeal as a "Leave it to Beaver", "Honeymooners", "All in the Family", "Brady Bunch", etc.

It is basically a time period piece plus too many stories came our of it regarding the major players from the show after it went off the air. running the gamut from Tina Yothers to Brian Bonswell. The only shining afterstory was Michael J. Foxes fight with Parkinsons disease and the fact that he married his screen g-friend after the show went off the aiir.

That's because of the oversaturation of cable networks and the fact that many show the same shows as each other. Look at "That 70's Show". It has been on at least 3 - 4 different networks/stations at the same time.

ALF has hardly been picked up by anybody. "Family Ties" is on both the hub and gmc at the same exact time.

Again, I believe this show is going nowhere fast and will disappear from cable in the near future. It doesn't have the same appeal as a "Leave it to Beaver", "Honeymooners", "All in the Family", "Brady Bunch", etc.

It is basically a time period piece plus too many stories came our of it regarding the major players from the show after it went off the air. running the gamut from Tina Yothers to Brian Bonswell. The only shining afterstory was Michael J. Foxes fight with Parkinsons disease and the fact that he married his screen g-friend after the show went off the aiir.

1982–1983: outside the top 30[7]
1983–1984: #43[8]
1984–1985: #5, 18,847,800 households[9]
1985–1986: #2, 25,770,000 households[10]
1986–1987: #2, 28,579,800 households[11]
1987–1988: #17, 15,327,800 households[12]
1988-1989: #36[13]

In reality was only popular for seasons 3, 4 and 5. After that it waned.


Source - Wilipedia

1982–1983: outside the top 30[7]
1983–1984: #43[8]
1984–1985: #5, 18,847,800 households[9]
1985–1986: #2, 25,770,000 households[10]
1986–1987: #2, 28,579,800 households[11]
1987–1988: #17, 15,327,800 households[12]
1988-1989: #36[13]

In reality was only popular for seasons 3, 4 and 5. After that it waned.


Source - Wilipedia


I don't see no reason why it can't be on Nick@Nite,

I don't see no reason why it can't be on Nick@Nite,

NickQNite ran it at one time. I doubt they want to run it again if it failed the first time. My best guess based on some research I am doing tonight is that the show is starting to run it's course and that we will eventually need to watch it on DVD or some type of stremlined service if we want to be able to see it at a normal hour again. TBS, TVLand and a few others have tried it as well. The show doesn't seem to be as popular anymore and has not been able to stand the test of time.

Mac Leaper,

I understand what your are saying but while "That 70s Show" started out as a comedy about the trends of the 70s, as the years it developed many of the storylines could have taken place during any time period. I never saw "Mad Men".

Even though we are on an 80s sitcom board, "That 70s Show" is starting to be dumped to the graveyard shift as well since TVLand plays it later and later at night and has already been on at least 5 - 6 stations. (FX, most Fox affiliates, ABC Family, Nick@Night and TVLand.

Read more: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?p=4768826#post4768826#ixzz2KshaJHeS

Exactly- that's just my point. I would daresay many, if not most of the storylines on "Family Ties" could happen in any time period- I really don't remember many that were strictly tied to 1980s events. I think any show from any era has common elements that everyone can relate to and enjoy. I mean, it's a totally different era for "The Honeymooners" and "I Love Lucy" but I still enjoy those shows and I didn't have the pleasure of enjoying the 1950s. They still have lots of great laughs and comedic situations and heart. I think the same is true of "Family Ties".

NickQNite ran it at one time. I doubt they want to run it again if it failed the first time. My best guess based on some research I am doing tonight is that the show is starting to run it's course and that we will eventually need to watch it on DVD or some type of stremlined service if we want to be able to see it at a normal hour again. TBS, TVLand and a few others have tried it as well. The show doesn't seem to be as popular anymore and has not been able to stand the test of time.


It would be much better fit than My Wife and Kids

It would be much better fit than My Wife and Kids

First of all why would it be a better fit than "My Wife and Kids"?

Secondly, since Nick@Night ran the show for a while and then jumped it to TVLand and got the same type of results why would they want to bring it back? Especially, since it never did well on any station befoe or after their run?

Other shows which you never get to see on TV anymore are "One Day at a Time" which would be a great fit for TVLand since they have Valarrie Bertinelli on "Hot in Cleveleland:. A few of the other Norman Lear shows such as "TGhe Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Bob Newhart Show" and a few others stayed on for awhile but were never brought back either. I also believe that both stations showed "The Facts of Life" which is currently running on The Hub.

First of all why would it be a better fit than "My Wife and Kids"?

Secondly, since Nick@Night ran the show for a while and then jumped it to TVLand and got the same type of results why would they want to bring it back? Especially, since it never did well on any station befoe or after their run?

Other shows which you never get to see on TV anymore are "One Day at a Time" which would be a great fit for TVLand since they have Valarrie Bertinelli on "Hot in Cleveleland:. A few of the other Norman Lear shows such as "TGhe Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Bob Newhart Show" and a few others stayed on for awhile but were never brought back either. I also believe that both stations showed "The Facts of Life" which is currently running on The Hub.


Because Family Ties it's a nice family show and My Wife and Kids is a stupid show

Because Family Ties it's a nice family show and My Wife and Kids is a stupid show

TV Fun Fact,

What I think you are missing here is the business end of TV and the entertainment end that viewers value.

If a show isn't making it, the [B]majority[/B of networks are going to reject it. "Family Ties" has been tried many times (again the list includes TBS, Nick@Night, TVLand, The Hub, and now gmc) if a show is not getting the ratings that television stations want they go off the air or go onto the graveyard shift. Talking to friends of mine about this subject today, it was agreed that the show is dated in many ways as well. Perhaps that is why it hasn't lasted as long as we would have liked it to.

"My Wife and Kids" might be a stupid show to you but it might be what TV viewers want to watch, therefore many networks will take a chance with it.

TV Fun Fact,

What I think you are missing here is the business end of TV and the entertainment end that viewers value.

If a show isn't making it, the [B]majority[/B of networks are going to reject it. "Family Ties" has been tried many times (again the list includes TBS, Nick@Night, TVLand, The Hub, and now gmc) if a show is not getting the ratings that television stations want they go off the air or go onto the graveyard shift. Talking to friends of mine about this subject today, it was agreed that the show is dated in many ways as well. Perhaps that is why it hasn't lasted as long as we would have liked it to.

"My Wife and Kids" might be a stupid show to you but it might be what TV viewers want to watch, therefore many networks will take a chance with it.


Maybe Family Ties will find new life on Antenna TV in 2014

We get your point. You feel that Family TIes has passed it's prime, which I disagree with. You mention different shows, but seem to circle back to the opinion that the show isn't as good as others.

Most of the people that post here [The Family Ties board] like the show. I, for one, don't want to continuosly read about how someone doesn't like the show or feels how it's "out dated" which I don't agree with. You mention several shows. I think the point you're trying to get across might be better suited for the General Discussion board. We're not here to talk about, That's 70's Show, Leave It To Beaver, The Honeymooners, The Brady Bunch, All In The Family, My Wife and Kids, ALF, etc. There are boards for all of those shows. Is it really necessary to compare Family Ties to all the other shows on here?

No need to beat the point to death that you feel other shows do better in syndication. Family Ties is a great show. Some people really enjoy it and others don't.

We get your point. You feel that Family TIes has passed it's prime, which I disagree with. You mention different shows, but seem to circle back to the opinion that the show isn't as good as others.

Most of the people that post here [The Family Ties board] like the show. I, for one, don't want to continuosly read about how someone doesn't like the show or feels how it's "out dated" which I don't agree with. You mention several shows. I think the point you're trying to get across might be better suited for the General Discussion board. We're not here to talk about, That's 70's Show, Leave It To Beaver, The Honeymooners, The Brady Bunch, All In The Family, My Wife and Kids, ALF, etc. There are boards for all of those shows. Is it really necessary to compare Family Ties to all the other shows on here?

No need to beat the point to death that you feel other shows do better in syndication. Family Ties is a great show. Some people really enjoy it and others don't.

First of all, I never said it wasn't a great show. I just said it was nol doing well in syndycation as others have said. I am just trying to figure out why it hasn't made it on syndycation considering the number of responses we get here regarding what type of great show it was.

Maybe Family Ties will find new life on Antenna TV in 2014

It might and might not. It all depends on what viability it has.

First of all, I never said it wasn't a great show. I just said it was nol doing well in syndycation as others have said. I am just trying to figure out why it hasn't made it on syndycation considering the number of responses we get here regarding what type of great show it was.

Just one more question. Demographically, what age group are you in? I am in my mid 50s and those who I have spoken about this show within the same demographic have some of the same opinions as I have.

My point - This show might resonate better with some audiences than others based on many factors, age, race, etc. I just wonder if those who were born in the late 70s - early 80s appreciate this more.

I realize that I am comaparing it with other shows from other time - frames but my point there is that "Family Ties" doesn't resonate as well with some.

I personally still try to catch the show when I can and still think it was a good show. It's just that I don't think it resonates with me as much anymore.

Just one more question. Demographically, what age group are you in? I am in my mid 50s and those who I have spoken about this show within the same demographic have some of the same opinions as I have.

My point - This show might resonate better with some audiences than others based on many factors, age, race, etc. I just wonder if those who were born in the late 70s - early 80s appreciate this more.

I realize that I am comaparing it with other shows from other time - frames but my point there is that "Family Ties" doesn't resonate as well with some.

I personally still try to catch the show when I can and still think it was a good show. It's just that I don't think it resonates with me as much anymore.
I'm a little bit younger than you. I'm in my late 40's. It still resonate 's with me. There have been other shows though that I don't like as much as I used to. I think it could show up on Antenna TV. Maude, Benson, Diff'rent Strokes, WKRP, Barney Miller....they've all been absent from syndication for a long time and now they're back again. I don't know why Family Ties failed in syndication. I think it has one of the best tv families of all times. Maybe people just don't connect with the 80's anymore. Maybe young people just don't like the classics like a lot of us on Sitcoms Online do. It's a pity. I always enjoyed watching shows from different eras...even ones from before I was born. I'm probably in the minority though. lol

Just one more question. Demographically, what age group are you in?

I was born in late 1978. I was a child during the 80's. I watched the show during it's original run. I enjoyed it then and still do. :)

I don't know why Family Ties failed in syndication. I think it has one of the best tv families of all times.

:nod: I agree, a great tv family. :)

I was born in late 1978. I was a child during the 80's. I watched the show during it's original run. I enjoyed it then and still do. :)



:nod: I agree, a great tv family. :)

Overall, there could be a reason why it doesn't renosate with me for a number of reasons. Age, the fact that I saw many groundbreaking shows before this one came on, plus as you can imagine I don't have quite a crush on Mallory anymore given my age bracket, even though I still think Justine was very cute and adorable at the time. While doing some research I learned that it isn't listed as one of the best shows of all time, however does stand up to 80s comedy.

Overall, there could be a reason why it doesn't renosate with me for a number of reasons. Age, the fact that I saw many groundbreaking shows before this one came on, plus as you can imagine I don't have quite a crush on Mallory anymore given my age bracket, even though I still think Justine was very cute and adorable at the time. While doing some research I learned that it isn't listed as one of the best shows of all time, however does stand up to 80s comedy.

I realize that a general discussion board would be better for this, however if there are anybody else reading this across the age spectrum line please note. Also if there are any others who might have an opinion why it hasn't done well in syndication please do.

I discovered Family Ties when I was 10 when it first aired on Nick at Nite back in 2001. It was on Nick at Nite 2001-2003, TV Land 2003-2004, Hallmark Channel for 3 weeks in 2006 then got pulled and then off and on the Hub since 2010 and gmc in 2012. It would make more since for it to be on MeTV than Antenna TV since it's a CBS Paramount show and MeTV has access to that library. But with Season 6 finally being released in April and seeing that CBS Paramount has started releasing other stalled shows, it is very likely we will see Season 7 in late 2013 or early 2014, then it will be complete.

I watched "Family Ties" as a kid in the '80s and liked it then and I've since watched it again in more recent years in reruns on Nick at Nite and other stations and on the official DVD releases. I love this show!!!!! It has its faults, like any show, but overall it is a great show.:) :cool:

I watched "Family Ties" as a kid in the '80s and liked it then and I've since watched it again in more recent years in reruns on Nick at Nite and other stations and on the official DVD releases. I love this show!!!!! It has its faults, like any show, but overall it is a great show.:) :cool:

:thumbsup:

Overall, there could be a reason why it doesn't renosate with me for a number of reasons. Age, the fact that I saw many groundbreaking shows before this one came on, plus as you can imagine I don't have quite a crush on Mallory anymore given my age bracket, even though I still think Justine was very cute and adorable at the time. While doing some research I learned that it isn't listed as one of the best shows of all time, however does stand up to 80s comedy.


is it on GMC on fridays nights at 2am?

:thumbsup:

MacLeaper and Board Moderator:

For the record, and I think I have said this already, I never said the show was awful. The original subject on this thread was the show's current time slot on gmc (which I agree is a bad time) and to discuss it's success in syndication. On those matters I think I and much of the board has said what it needs to.

Just as a sidenote I have been discussing this with friends of mine who are also in their mid-50s and the show doesn't resonate with us as much anymore.

My guess is that there is an age gap in terms of how we remember it. I also watch it when I can stay up late since I do think it is entertaining especially at 2:00 AM.

is it on GMC on fridays nights at 2am?

Yes, on at 2AM on gmc on Friday nights as well.

Yes, on at 2AM on gmc on Friday nights as well.


Ok i will check it out tonight

Ok i will check it out tonight

Check it out. The first episode is one of the best ones of the series in my opinion.

Also tell me what you think after watching it after all these years.

I liked watching "Family Ties" in the original run and I also watched it in re-runs a couple of times. But the show got too dated for me. I haven't watched it in years. Some shows do well in syndication and some don't. I love "Petticoat Junction" but it never did well in syndication like the "Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres" did. Even though Petticoat Junction is on Me-TV, I know when it does get cancelled, I might not see it again for a long time.