Would It Have Made Sense to Spin-Off "Urkel" Instead of Him Ruining 'Family Matters'? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 06-12-2010, 05:55 PM

No offense to Urkel fans, but the character took a nice wholesome family sitcom and changed it into a ridiculous 3 ring circus. In my opinion, I think it would've been better to give Urkel his own show and let 'Family Matters' get back to being about the FAMILY. Agree?

catlover79 · 06-12-2010, 06:07 PM

No, because Urkel was to FM what the Fonz was to Happy Days. Urkel needed the Winslows as much as the Fonz needed the Cunninghams. That said, Urkel was MUCH better as a supporting character than the character that ate Family Matters.

TVFactFan · 06-12-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

No offense to Urkel fans, but the character took a nice wholesome family sitcom and changed it into a ridiculous 3 ring circus. In my opinion, I think it would've been better to give Urkel his own show and let 'Family Matters' get back to being about the FAMILY. Agree?

No because ABC would have never picked up a so based around URKEL and his parents/family-LOL

Marvo301 · 06-12-2010, 07:08 PM

Also without Urkel Family Matters would have quickly disappeared from our TV screens. Urkel and Family Matters could co-exist together but apart neither would likely survive.

Brian Damage · 06-12-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

No because ABC would have never picked up a so based around URKEL and his parents/family-LOL

Why not? That's basically what Family Matters became...

Brian Damage · 06-12-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Also without Urkel Family Matters would have quickly disappeared from our TV screens. Urkel and Family Matters could co-exist together but apart neither would likely survive.

I am curious to know what the ratings were originally before Urkel took over.

Lorimar Television · 06-12-2010, 07:56 PM

I think he should've stayed on Family Matters, but they should've kept it more like the first season where he isn't on as much. Maybe he should've been spun off but still appear on Family Matters because he made the show so popular.

TVFactFan · 06-12-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Why not? That's basically what Family Matters became...

But the difference would have been viewers no longer seeing the Wnslow Family

Brian Damage · 06-12-2010, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

But the difference would have been viewers no longer seeing the Wnslow Family

C'mon Sol, the Winslows were just props for Urkel. They became non important.

Brian Damage · 06-12-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebafan1

I think he should've stayed on Family Matters, but they should've kept it more like the first season where he isn't on as much. Maybe he should've been spun off but still appear on Family Matters because he made the show so popular.

That could've worked...

TVFactFan · 06-12-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

C'mon Sol, the Winslows were just props for Urkel. They became non important.

But No one would have wanted to see Mr. and Mrs. Linda and Michael Urkel-LOL

Brian Damage · 06-12-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

But No one would have wanted to see Mr. and Mrs. Linda and Michael Urkel-LOL

Why not?

TVFactFan · 06-12-2010, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Why not?

Because they would have been just like him-lol

Marvo301 · 06-12-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

C'mon Sol, the Winslows were just props for Urkel. They became non important.

I disagree. There were two relationships in Urlkels life that made him rise above being annoying and into a character you could actually root for. First his relationship with Carl Winslow. They had a real Laurel and Hardy kind of relationship that drove the humor of the show. And second his relationship with Laura Winslow which gave the show it's emotional center. So it was the Winslows who really made Urkel who he was and defined him.

Superbatboy · 06-14-2010, 08:10 PM

Wasn't the show on the verge of cancellation before Urkel appeared? He saved the show, although they should've just kept him as a supporting character. Kind of like on Will & Grace, Jack and Karen were at their best when they had limited camera time. Once they had more camera time it ruined the show.

06-12-2010, 05:55 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Would It Have Made Sense to Spin-Off "Urkel" Instead of Him Ruining 'Family Matters'? No offense to Urkel fans, but the character took a nice wholesome family sitcom and changed it into a ridiculous 3 ring circus. In my opinion, I think it would've been better to give Urkel his own show and let 'Family Matters' get back to being about the FAMILY. Agree? Attached Images
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

06-12-2010, 06:07 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	No, because Urkel was to FM what the Fonz was to Happy Days. Urkel needed the Winslows as much as the Fonz needed the Cunninghams. That said, Urkel was MUCH better as a supporting character than the character that ate Family Matters.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

06-12-2010, 07:08 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Also without Urkel Family Matters would have quickly disappeared from our TV screens. Urkel and Family Matters could co-exist together but apart neither would likely survive.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

06-12-2010, 07:56 PM	#7
Lorimar Television Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 06, 2007 Posts: 7,034	I think he should've stayed on Family Matters, but they should've kept it more like the first season where he isn't on as much. Maybe he should've been spun off but still appear on Family Matters because he made the show so popular.
	__________________ Some of my favorite theme songs: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-e...89CsiJpV_irnNw

06-14-2010, 08:10 PM	#15
Superbatboy The Brandon Show Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: California..USA Posts: 793	Wasn't the show on the verge of cancellation before Urkel appeared? He saved the show, although they should've just kept him as a supporting character. Kind of like on Will & Grace, Jack and Karen were at their best when they had limited camera time. Once they had more camera time it ruined the show.
	__________________ "Marion, stop cackling I've been waiting 10 years for you to lay that egg"