Family Affair

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  • 2002
  • 5 Seasons
  • 5.6  (161)

Family Affair is an American comedy-drama television series that was broadcasted on The WB network from 2002 to 2003. This show is a modern remake of the classic 1960s television series of the same name, produced by Sid and Marty Krofft and Kevin Burns. It centers on the life of a sophisticated bachelor and his Manhattan lifestyle which is quickly turned upside down when he becomes the caregiver of his three young relatives. The show plays off typical fish-out-of-water tropes by juxtaposing city life with the innocence of young children reared elsewhere.

The plot revolves around the trials and tribulations of Bill Davis, a wealthy man living a high-profile, lavish lifestyle in New York City. Played by actor Gary Cole, Bill is a well-to-do engineer and a confirmed bachelor who enjoys his solitude and order, living in a posh Manhattan apartment. His life takes an unexpected turn when his sister and brother-in-law pass away suddenly in a tragic accident, leaving behind three young children - two twin siblings, and a teenager from his brother-in-law's previous marriage.

Enter 6-year-old twins Buffy and Jody, played by Sasha Pieterse and Jimmy "Jax" Pinchak, as well as their older sister, 14-year-old Sissy, played by Caitlin Wachs. Instantly, Bill's orderly life becomes chaotic and he comes to grapple with managing unchartered territory- handling young kids and sudden parenthood. However, he's not alone in this, as the journey brings in a few other significant characters into the picture - Giles French and Nanny, key elements from his life who become integral parts of bringing up the children.

Giles French, portrayed by actor Tim Curry, is Bill's butler and right-hand man, who tries navigating this storm by managing to hold onto their sophisticated lifestyle while being sensitive to the children. His dry wit, British cynicism, and quirky humor offer numerous moments of comic relief. He, along with Nanny, Bill's ditzy but caring housekeeper, played by actress Mindy Sterling, find themselves in unfamiliar territories, as they all try adjusting and contributing to the new family environment - offering a delightful amalgamation of humorous, dramatic, and emotional moments.

Family Affair incorporates a mixture of humor and drama to charm audiences of all ages, with its underbelly strongly rooted in familial love, unexpected changes, and adapting to new circumstances. Despite the tragic start, the series blossoms into a gentle comedy focusing on growth, understanding, and the importance of family. It offers a genuine look at overcoming personal desires and feasibility for familial responsibility, showing the development of the relationship between a self-absorbed bachelor and his charge, and their growth into a makeshift yet caring family.

The show doesn’t shy away from showcasing the struggles and often overwhelming process of adjusting to this new family dynamic. It focuses on the emotional growth of the characters and the familial bond that develops between them. Although set in a luxurious lifestyle, the experiences and challenges faced by the characters reflect those that many viewers can connect with emotionally.

Throughout the one-season run, the show tugs at the heartstrings of its viewers as it deals with situations of loss, abrupt life changes, adjustments, and the proven strength of love in creating comfort and harmony in the most unfamiliar environments. It offers humor and emotional warmth which makes it endearing among viewers.

The characters grow and evolve through the series, enhancing its reality and relatability. Their journeys - loaded with an array of emotions, humor, life lessons, and experiences - make Family Affair a compelling exploration of family, love, and the strength it takes to abruptly change one's life to cater to the needs of others. The show skillfully represents an unlikely situation with humor, grace, and a generous serving of warmth and emotion.

In conclusion, Family Affair is a classic story of a what can be best described as a motley crew coming together under unexpected circumstances and forming an unconventional family that they never anticipated. It wisely combines elements of comedy and drama, while constantly reminding viewers of the importance of kindness, understanding, and most importantly, the significance of family togetherness in life. The series is a delightful take on the beauty and comfort that family love brings, even in the most unpredictable scenarios.

Family Affair is a series that ran for 5 seasons (138 episodes) between September 12, 2002 and on The WB

Family Affair
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Seasons
You Can't Fight City Hall
24. You Can't Fight City Hall
March 4, 1971
Buffy, Jody, and their friend Ricky find a great place to play in the neighborhood. Then they find out a parking lot is going to be built in the space.
Buffy's Fair Lady
23. Buffy's Fair Lady
February 25, 1971
Buffy helps a shy friend meet new friends. Buffy throws a party for Angela and friends, but she experiences some unexpected results.
Goodbye, Mrs. Beasley
22. Goodbye, Mrs. Beasley
February 18, 1971
One of Buffy's friends tells her it is time to give up her doll, Mrs. Beasley, as it is a child's toy. They go to a toy store where the owner looks like Mrs. Beasley.
Cinder-Emily
21. Cinder-Emily
February 11, 1971
Jody and Buffy decide to help Emily go to her son Jim's graduation celebration. She wants a new outfit and someone to take her.
The Joiners
20. The Joiners
February 4, 1971
Buffy wants to join a popular group at school, but the group does not think she is right for them.
Put Your Dreams Away
19. Put Your Dreams Away
January 28, 1971
Russ Brook is a former friend of Cissy's who is now in the Peace Corps. Russ asks Cissy to join him on a mission to Chile.
The Littlest Exile
18. The Littlest Exile
January 21, 1971
Buffy & Jody make a new friend with Johnnie. Johnnie and his mother are hiding from militants who are interested in finding their father.
Too Late, Too Soon
17. Too Late, Too Soon
January 14, 1971
Emily Turner plays matchmaker to Mr French and Miss Faversham, while being the match-breaker for her son Jim Turner and Cissy's relationship.
Nobody Here But Us Uncles
16. Nobody Here But Us Uncles
January 7, 1971
The twins play matchmaker for Uncle Bill so he has someone in his life when they get older and move out.
Heroes Are Born
15. Heroes Are Born
December 31, 1970
Jody's newest hero figure is a football superstar who is Uncle Ken to one of Jody's friend. When Jody finds out that Ken is suspended from the team for placing bets, Jody is disillusioned.
Feat of Clay
14. Feat of Clay
December 17, 1970
Buffy and Jody accidentally break a small statue originally from Columbia and try to fix it before Uncle Bill finds out about it.
Wish You Were Here
13. Wish You Were Here
December 10, 1970
The family goes on vacation to Indiana, where Cissy, Buffy, and Jody grew up. Bill wants them to touch base with the relatives still living there and to see their hometown.
The Unsinkable Mr. French
12. The Unsinkable Mr. French
December 3, 1970
Everything at the Davis' place seems to be in a state of chaos, but Mr. French manages to keep things under control. That is, until one more thing goes wrong.
Class Clown
11. Class Clown
November 26, 1970
Laughter is the best medicine but not for every date. Bill goes out with a female comedian who seems to always be performing her act.
Say Uncle
10. Say Uncle
November 19, 1970
Jody and a classmate taunt each other with claims of "my father can beat your father," but the parents refuse to fight each other.
And Baby Makes Eight
9. And Baby Makes Eight
November 12, 1970
Cissy's friend Kathy is pregnant, and her husband is out of town.
Stamp of Approval
8. Stamp of Approval
November 5, 1970
Bill and Jody try to get on the good side of female friends in order to get something they want. Bill wants a job at her company, and Jody wants a stamp for his collection.
Travels With Cissy
7. Travels With Cissy
October 29, 1970
Love goes awry when Bill tries to stop Cissy from marrying Gregg. Bill takes Cissy to a party to distract her. Cissy meets a man named Steve and realizes she is not in love with Gregg. Soon Cissy & Steve are an item, and he proposes.
It Can't Be Five Years
6. It Can't Be Five Years
October 22, 1970
Cissy, Jody and Buffy talk about when they first came to live with their Uncle Bill and realize it has been five years. They decide to throw a party for the occasion but Bill almost misses it due to work. Emily tells he has to come home.
The Return of Maudie
5. The Return of Maudie
October 15, 1970
A former friend of Mr. French's visits.
Meet Emily
4. Meet Emily
October 8, 1970
Bill decides to hire a female employee to help around the house and soften the edges of Mr. French's stiffness. It takes a while, but soon the whole family enjoys having Emily around.
Eastward Ho
3. Eastward Ho
October 1, 1970
Bill offers to let Ming Lee stay at his place. Ming Lee is engaged in an arranged marriage to Bill's friend Eng Ho. Cissy and Gregg offer to take Ming Lee out for the evening. She meets someone and refuses to marry Eng Ho.
Desert Isle: Manhattan Style
2. Desert Isle: Manhattan Style
September 24, 1970
Bill asks Cissy to babysit the twins while he and French are out. When her boyfriend calls and asks her to go on a trip, she calls someone else to take her place and then just leaves. The replacement does not get there because of a blizzard.
The Good Neighbors
1. The Good Neighbors
September 17, 1970
Buffy & Jody notice that while they know a lot of the tenants in the building, most of them do not know each other. They ask Mr. French to help them throw a party for everyone. Some tenants get stuck in the elevator when going to the party.
Description
Where to Watch Family Affair
Family Affair is available for streaming on the The WB website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Family Affair on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Google Play, Tubi TV, Pluto TV and Peacock.
  • Premiere Date
    September 12, 2002
  • IMDB Rating
    5.6  (161)