I used to watch Family Ties back when it was on TBS, and I just recently heard of this spin-off. Although, I know where I can buy it for $30, I don't want to spend that much money on it (yet).
Does anybody know anything about it??

Mallory's boyfriend Nick is "discovered" by some art critic in Ohio and asks Nick to move to NYC to create art for his studio that he can hopefully sell for tons of money. Nick's studio was located on the top floor of the critic's house (the studio looked a lot like the apartment on "My Two Dads"). Well after the show was made, the actor who played the art critic died in real life, and when it was aired it was ranked as one of the lowest rated programs of the week. It was decided that Nick would remain on "Family Ties" rather than figuring out what to do with Mallory if Nick really did leave.

Actually, the Art of Being Nick pilot episode was very highly rated because it aired after The Cosby Show. It was #2 for the week.

There were 3 pilots made (2 that aired), and I think the death you are talking about happened after the 2nd one and it was an older guy.

I remember seeing that pilot when it originally aired on NBC. I thought it stunk.