Jaleel White, famous for his iconic role as the nerdy but lovable Steve Urkel on Family Matters, recently opened up about his experience with the groundbreaking 90s sitcom during a fireside chat at the Wilmington Library. His conversation, which coincided with the release of his memoir, Growing Up Urkel, took a fascinating turn when White shared his views on the show’s reception in the Black community.
While Family Matters remains a classic to many, White believes the series has often been overlooked by Black audiences in favor of shows with more “hood” narratives. He explained that, being part of the TGIF family-friendly lineup, Family Matters didn’t always align with the monolithic portrayal of Black culture in entertainment—where the expectation is often for Black stories to be set in inner-city environments or reflect certain struggles.
The Blackness Conundrum: What Defines a “Black” Show?
White opened up about how Black culture in TV and film has traditionally been seen as limited to stories centered around hardship and “the hood.” He told moderator Randall Law, “Being a part of the ‘TGIF’ brand sometimes makes you feel like you don’t completely belong in the pantheon of Blackness.” White’s comment speaks to a larger conversation about the narrow scope of what defines a Black story in popular media.
“If it’s not a hood story, it’s not a Black story,” he continued, expressing how this limitation often excludes sitcoms like Family Matters, which portrayed a middle-class Black family living in suburbia. To this day, Martin, Living Single, and other sitcoms that focus on urban lifestyles are often considered the “gold standard” for Black shows from the era, but White’s Family Matters is rarely included in these discussions.
The Unlikely Legacy of Urkel
One of the most thought-provoking parts of White’s chat was his reflections on Family Matters’ place in Black pop culture. While acknowledging that the show may not have ranked high in certain “Black TV” polls, White pointed out that when it came to family sitcoms, Family Matters stood tall. This distinction reveals a fascinating truth about how Black audiences view themselves and what they value in entertainment.
Many fans took to social media to express mixed opinions on White’s analysis. Some took issue with his portrayal of shows like Living Single and Martin as “hood stories.” One Twitter user argued that Living Single depicted professional Black characters living in New York, while another pointed out that Martin featured a successful radio host and a strong ensemble cast of working professionals.
Others, however, sided with White, noting that Family Matters, despite its wholesome approach, became increasingly cheesy over time. One fan suggested that the show might have been canceled earlier had it not been for Urkel’s unique appeal, recognizing White’s character as the anchor of the series. While it’s true that the show grew increasingly formulaic after Urkel’s rise to prominence, there’s no denying that his character became a cultural touchstone in its own right.
A Cultural Shift: Black Nerds Take Center Stage
White’s perspective also delves into the evolution of what he refers to as “Black nerd culture.” Growing up in the 80s and 90s, he was often the target of teasing for portraying a nerdy character. Yet, looking back, White is proud to have been a pioneer for what is now a flourishing subculture. The rise of “nerd culture” has expanded beyond its initial boundaries, evolving into a broader celebration of intelligence, individuality, and unique interests.
In his own words, White says, “Any brother that grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s and 2000s, he was told that he looked like me… but still, his peers would find a way to call him Urkel.” Now, decades later, nerd culture has become more accepted and even celebrated, with Black nerds proudly embracing their interests without fear of ridicule.
A Complicated Legacy
Jaleel White’s reflections on Family Matters raise essential questions about how Black entertainment is defined and how it has evolved over time. While his show may not have been a “hood” narrative, it undeniably played a role in shaping how we view Black identity on screen. The backlash he received for his comments about other Black sitcoms also highlights the complexities of cultural representation—Black audiences are not monolithic, and neither should Black television be.
Ultimately, Family Matters may not have been the loudest voice in the conversation about Black life in the 90s, but its influence is undeniable. It’s a testament to the fact that there’s more than one way to tell a Black story—and each narrative, whether it’s set in the suburbs or the inner city, is valid and worthy of recognition.