Jaleel White, best known for playing Steve Urkel on the 1990s sitcom “Family Matters,” discussed his thoughts on reviving the classic TV show. White addressed the show’s legacy at a recent convention panel in Florida.
While White loves “Family Matters,” he sees obstacles to bringing it back successfully. He said reviving the show needs “care and consideration” to balance nostalgia with modern appeal. As someone in the TV industry since childhood, White feels he understands what made the original work.
One concern is losing the tension that drove the plot. A key part of the show’s appeal was Steve’s long pursuit of Laura Winslow, explained White. He worries a revival where they are married would lack the relationship’s original dynamic. Without Michelle Thomas, who played Steve’s girlfriend Myra and passed away in 1998, it would also be hard to recreate the romantic triangle that added complexity.
Technology changes also pose a challenge. White questioned how the show could exist without smartphones, noting its pre-digital charm. Modernizing it too much risks losing the essence fans love, he said.
White did not rule out revisiting the “Family Matters” universe someday if done carefully. Any project would need to blend the old and new smoothly. As reboots have mixed results, White’s thoughtful perspective shows understanding revival difficulties.
With “Family Matters” available for streaming, White’s insights provide food for thought on preserving beloved shows’ legacies versus reviving them. His comments serve as a reminder that nostalgia is not always reason enough to bring back classic television.
