Welcome back! We discovered last month in "Halloween on Family Matters" that the classic TGIF sitcom went all out for six episodes to celebrate the spooky holiday!
Unfortunately, Thanksgiving tells a different tale. Only one episode briefly touches on the holiday, and it does so only in passing. Don’t fret, though! Seven Christmas episodes await next month to spread holiday cheer!
Thanksgiving often brings sitcoms to life with family togetherness, featuring lavish dinners complete with all the trimmings, jokes, laughter, and the occasional family squabble. This seems like the perfect setting for the Winslow family from Family Matters. Yet, perhaps due to budget priorities favoring Halloween and Christmas, the show falls short on Thanksgiving. Whatever the reason, Family Matters just can't compete with the likes of Roseanne or Home Improvement on Turkey Day.
If you’re craving Thanksgiving sitcoms, head to my Collections Section. You’ll find recaps of all the holiday episodes from Roseanne, Home Improvement, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, and Full House!
At the heart of Family Matters was the Winslow family. However, they were surrounded by a vibrant circle of supporting players who brought layers of humor and chaos. This "extended family" expanded and contracted over the years as several fan favorites would come and go.
Since Thanksgiving celebrates time with loved ones, it’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on how the "family" changed through the years.
One major player in the final half of the show was Myra Monkhouse, portrayed by Michelle Thomas. She played Steve Urkel’s quirky yet fiercely loyal girlfriend. Introduced in 1992 (Season Four) as a persistent admirer of Steve's, she challenged Steve’s unrequited crush on Laura Winslow. Her loyalty was unwavering, making her a central figure in the show’s romantic arcs until the finale in 1998. Tragically, after battling a rare stomach cancer (intra-abdominal sarcoma), Thomas passed away on December 23, 1998, at age 30, less than six months after the show ended.
Shawn Harrison brought unadulterated, child-like joy as Waldo Geraldo Faldo. Joining in Season Two (1990), he portrayed Eddie’s (Darius McCrary) dimwitted but endearing best friend. His culinary school dreams and charmful obliviousness won fans over. Waldo was a recurring guest in early seasons, and became a cast regular in Seasons 4 through 7. Fans speculate his contract wasn’t renewed due to the introduction of the "3J" character.
Orlando Brown joined in 1995's Season Seven as Jerry Jamal "3J" Jameson, an orphaned boy adopted by the Winslows. A series regular in Seasons 8 and 9, his wide-eyed innocence added fresh dynamics. Sadly, his post-child-star life has been... turbulent.
Laura Winslow’s (Kellie Shanygne Williams) best friend, Maxine Johnson (Cherie Johnson), provided sassy continuity throughout the series. From the pilot to the final season in 1998, her bold, street-smart energy grounded the usually over-the-top Winslow-Urkel chaos. She appeared in over 127 episodes!
Telma Hopkins' portrayal of "Aunt" Rachel, Harriette’s (Jo Marie Payton) free-spirited sister, arrived in Season One (1989) with her infant son, Richie. She ran Rachel’s Place cafe and stirred up family drama, but her role faded as Steve Urkel’s airtime grew. When Hopkins joined another sitcom, Getting By, she left as a regular at the end of Season Four. After Getting By was canceled, she returned as Aunt Rachel for frequent guest spots in Seasons 6 and 7.
Estelle Winslow, affectionately known as Grandma Winslow, was portrayed by Rosetta LeNoire. A beloved recurring presence from 1989 to 1993, her character arc reached its peak in the Season Four episode "Mama’s Wedding." Her role later diminished as the show focused on Steve Urkel’s antics, and health issues led to even more time off. Still, she remained part of the show until her final appearances in the last season.
The most notable cast member to "disappear" was Judy, the youngest Winslow daughter, mentioned briefly in last month’s Halloween article. Initially portrayed by Valerie Jones, she was replaced after the pilot by Jaimee Foxworth, starting with Episode Two. This spirited young character vanished after Season Four’s "Mama’s Wedding." The show never acknowledged her again, giving her the "Chuck Cunningham" treatment.
Judy’s erasure went unexplained as producers at ABC and Warner Bros. shifted focus to Steve Urkel’s soaring popularity. This pivot marginalized peripheral characters, such as Judy, whose small role lacked a distinct storyline. Reported tensions between Foxworth and the network over pay and story opportunities led to her abrupt removal. Meanwhile, the network cited budget constraints.
With this colorful cast in mind, let’s head to Thanksgiving dinner at the Winslows’ iconic home! By the way, the exterior shots featured the real 1516 West Wrightwood Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Sadly, the house was demolished in 2017 after selling for $759,000 and replaced with a three-unit condo building (which sold at over $1 million a piece).
I must admit, the lone Thanksgiving episode, "Chick-A-Boom," has little to do with the holiday. It does have one small scene to tie it to Thanksgiving, at least. Beyond some decorations, Thanksgiving barely appears until the closing credits. Much like the Halloween episode "Best Friends," it feels like the producers tweaked the script at the last minute to say, "Make this a Thanksgiving episode!"
Despite this, let's take a look at the episode!
Unfortunately, Thanksgiving tells a different tale. Only one episode briefly touches on the holiday, and it does so only in passing. Don’t fret, though! Seven Christmas episodes await next month to spread holiday cheer!
Thanksgiving often brings sitcoms to life with family togetherness, featuring lavish dinners complete with all the trimmings, jokes, laughter, and the occasional family squabble. This seems like the perfect setting for the Winslow family from Family Matters. Yet, perhaps due to budget priorities favoring Halloween and Christmas, the show falls short on Thanksgiving. Whatever the reason, Family Matters just can't compete with the likes of Roseanne or Home Improvement on Turkey Day.
If you’re craving Thanksgiving sitcoms, head to my Collections Section. You’ll find recaps of all the holiday episodes from Roseanne, Home Improvement, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, and Full House!
At the heart of Family Matters was the Winslow family. However, they were surrounded by a vibrant circle of supporting players who brought layers of humor and chaos. This "extended family" expanded and contracted over the years as several fan favorites would come and go.
Since Thanksgiving celebrates time with loved ones, it’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on how the "family" changed through the years.
One major player in the final half of the show was Myra Monkhouse, portrayed by Michelle Thomas. She played Steve Urkel’s quirky yet fiercely loyal girlfriend. Introduced in 1992 (Season Four) as a persistent admirer of Steve's, she challenged Steve’s unrequited crush on Laura Winslow. Her loyalty was unwavering, making her a central figure in the show’s romantic arcs until the finale in 1998. Tragically, after battling a rare stomach cancer (intra-abdominal sarcoma), Thomas passed away on December 23, 1998, at age 30, less than six months after the show ended.
Shawn Harrison brought unadulterated, child-like joy as Waldo Geraldo Faldo. Joining in Season Two (1990), he portrayed Eddie’s (Darius McCrary) dimwitted but endearing best friend. His culinary school dreams and charmful obliviousness won fans over. Waldo was a recurring guest in early seasons, and became a cast regular in Seasons 4 through 7. Fans speculate his contract wasn’t renewed due to the introduction of the "3J" character.
Orlando Brown joined in 1995's Season Seven as Jerry Jamal "3J" Jameson, an orphaned boy adopted by the Winslows. A series regular in Seasons 8 and 9, his wide-eyed innocence added fresh dynamics. Sadly, his post-child-star life has been... turbulent.
Laura Winslow’s (Kellie Shanygne Williams) best friend, Maxine Johnson (Cherie Johnson), provided sassy continuity throughout the series. From the pilot to the final season in 1998, her bold, street-smart energy grounded the usually over-the-top Winslow-Urkel chaos. She appeared in over 127 episodes!
Telma Hopkins' portrayal of "Aunt" Rachel, Harriette’s (Jo Marie Payton) free-spirited sister, arrived in Season One (1989) with her infant son, Richie. She ran Rachel’s Place cafe and stirred up family drama, but her role faded as Steve Urkel’s airtime grew. When Hopkins joined another sitcom, Getting By, she left as a regular at the end of Season Four. After Getting By was canceled, she returned as Aunt Rachel for frequent guest spots in Seasons 6 and 7.
Estelle Winslow, affectionately known as Grandma Winslow, was portrayed by Rosetta LeNoire. A beloved recurring presence from 1989 to 1993, her character arc reached its peak in the Season Four episode "Mama’s Wedding." Her role later diminished as the show focused on Steve Urkel’s antics, and health issues led to even more time off. Still, she remained part of the show until her final appearances in the last season.
The most notable cast member to "disappear" was Judy, the youngest Winslow daughter, mentioned briefly in last month’s Halloween article. Initially portrayed by Valerie Jones, she was replaced after the pilot by Jaimee Foxworth, starting with Episode Two. This spirited young character vanished after Season Four’s "Mama’s Wedding." The show never acknowledged her again, giving her the "Chuck Cunningham" treatment.
Judy’s erasure went unexplained as producers at ABC and Warner Bros. shifted focus to Steve Urkel’s soaring popularity. This pivot marginalized peripheral characters, such as Judy, whose small role lacked a distinct storyline. Reported tensions between Foxworth and the network over pay and story opportunities led to her abrupt removal. Meanwhile, the network cited budget constraints.
With this colorful cast in mind, let’s head to Thanksgiving dinner at the Winslows’ iconic home! By the way, the exterior shots featured the real 1516 West Wrightwood Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Sadly, the house was demolished in 2017 after selling for $759,000 and replaced with a three-unit condo building (which sold at over $1 million a piece).
I must admit, the lone Thanksgiving episode, "Chick-A-Boom," has little to do with the holiday. It does have one small scene to tie it to Thanksgiving, at least. Beyond some decorations, Thanksgiving barely appears until the closing credits. Much like the Halloween episode "Best Friends," it feels like the producers tweaked the script at the last minute to say, "Make this a Thanksgiving episode!"
Despite this, let's take a look at the episode!
"Chick-A-Boom"
November 15, 1996
Season 8, Episode 11
The episode opens in the Winslow kitchen, where Steve is mixing explosives to create a new type of firework that explodes not with fire, but by sound. Steve announces to Eddie that he’s invented PEP, or "Phonic Exploding Powder." Eddie begins to whisper, fearing he might set off the explosives, but Urkel reassures the powder is only triggered by music... specifically, the closing stanza of his favorite polka tune.
As Steve and Eddie head upstairs to clean Steve's grubworm collection off Eddie’s bed, Carl enters the kitchen to grab a soda. He flips on the stereo, which begins playing Urkel’s favorite polka song, "Roll Out the Barrel."
Initially disgusted, Carl quickly gets into the music, turns up the volume, and breaks into a dance. Just as he heads back to the living room, the final stanza of the song triggers Steve’s mini-firework rockets, which explode throughout the kitchen.
The next day, Harriette is cleaning the living room when Carl comes home from work. Clearly agitated, Carl announces that a younger, less experienced colleague was promoted to Captain over him. The playful banter that follows between Carl and Harriette is delightful, as he mentions attending a party with balloons and eating "four pieces of 'Good Luck Larry' cake!"
Harriette questions why he had to have four pieces, and Carl retorts that if he can’t have the promotion, he’ll at least eat most of the cake. Carl's line, "He schmoozed, Harriette! He schmoozed his way to the top! He pressed the flesh, worked the room, and sucked up like a shop vac!" made me giggle.
Carl vows to start acting like Larry. He declares that since this is his 20th year as a cop, he’ll throw a schmooze fest himself, renting a banquet hall for the biggest bash the police force has ever seen. He plans to "suck up to the mucky mucks." Harriette reminds the frugal Carl that it’ll cost a few "bucky bucks" and refuses to help.
Later that evening, Eddie, Laura, Myra, and Steve sit around the kitchen table. Carl enters and puts on an exaggerated act about how expensive the catering hall is for his big dinner. The hall charges $3,000, but he quickly persuades Myra to cook for about 100 people for just $1,000.
With that settled, he turns to Eddie, offering $500 to play music for the evening with his friends, performing "lame, boring, old people music." Eddie leaps at the chance, but Carl then claims Eddie owes him back rent and says he’ll hold the $500 as payment.
Sensing she’s next on Carl’s list, Laura tries to sneak away. When Carl stops her, she volunteers to serve food before he can come up with something else. Steve offers to help, too, and Carl suggests he go and get salsa for the chips... all the way in Mexico.
Presumably, a few days later, Myra is in the Winslow kitchen, cooking and stirring a giant bowl of stuffing with a wooden spoon. While looking for pepper, she finds Urkel’s bag of PEP and sprinkles it into the stuffing. She then dumps the entire bag in, setting the stage for later "fireworks" (how punny).
The next night at the banquet, Eddie’s band plays soft jazz as police officers and their spouses mingle.
Police Commissioner Geiss (Dick O’Neill) arrives, and Carl attempts to cozy up to him. Dick O’Neill, a veteran actor, is recognizable from roles in The Honeymooners, Car 54, Where Are You?, and, hundreds of other roles. For the younger audiences of my generation, you'll know him as Art Leonard, Tim’s former shop teacher and childhood mentor on Home Improvement.
Steve and Laura are busy serving the chicken dishes Myra prepared. Myra exits the kitchen with a worried look, carrying another giant bowl of stuffing. She tells Steve it smells funny, and he takes a whiff and a small taste. In a humorous sight gag, Steve asks Laura how his breath is, blowing air toward her. This caused the candle on the table to flare up several feet due to his gunpowder-laced breath.
Laura asks Myra where she found the "spoiled pepper," and Myra explains that it was in a bag marked "PEP" in the Winslows’ kitchen. Steve panics, realizing the Cornish hens are stuffed with explosives, but assures everyone they’ll be fine as long as no one plays "Roll Out the Barrel."
In true sitcom fashion, just as he says that, Eddie asks if there are any song requests, and Commissioner Geiss shouts, "Roll Out the Barrel!" Eddie’s band starts playing, and everyone joins in singing.
Steve yells at the top of his lungs for the dinner attendees to run for their lives, sparking a panic.As Eddie finishes the song, fireworks erupt everywhere. Chickens soar through the air with dramatic rocket tails, while others spin rapidly before launching into the terrified crowd.
Once the chaos subsides, everyone begins to leave. Commissioner Geiss demands that Carl be in his office first thing Monday morning, and suggests he practice groveling. Carl turns an angry eye toward Steve and chases him around the catering hall. Steve begins crying, but Harriette stops him and places the blame for the evening on Carl. When he demands to know how it’s his own fault, Harriette reminds him that he cut corners by hiring kids to run the event instead of professionals, all in a cheap attempt to secure a fast promotion.
Carl eventually sees Harriette’s point and apologizes to Steve. Commissioner Geiss returns, saying Carl can redeem himself by bringing some of that explosive chicken on Monday since his mother-in-law is coming to town. With a wink and a nod, he walks away, and an elated Carl and Steve high-five.
As the closing credits roll over the tag scene, a full Thanksgiving display finally unfolds. Harriette is preparing a turkey in the kitchen, and Carl warily asks if it’s going to explode. As they laugh to themselves, Steve and Myra crash through the kitchen door dressed as pilgrims, with Steve holding a cartoonishly giant blunderbuss musket.
Harriette scurries away from the kitchen table, warning Steve to be careful with that "rifle-y thing."
Steve laughs, saying, "This blunderbuss is fake," just as he shoots the turkey clear off the table with a loud BANG! The turkey crashes through the window and lands outside, upsetting Carl. Steve and Myra take off, and Carl declares that Thanksgiving is ruined. Harriette reminds him that she's spent a "Thanksgiving or two with Steve Urkel," and this time she came prepared. She heads over to the refrigerator, where she pulls out a "backup bird," saving the day!
As Steve and Eddie head upstairs to clean Steve's grubworm collection off Eddie’s bed, Carl enters the kitchen to grab a soda. He flips on the stereo, which begins playing Urkel’s favorite polka song, "Roll Out the Barrel."
Initially disgusted, Carl quickly gets into the music, turns up the volume, and breaks into a dance. Just as he heads back to the living room, the final stanza of the song triggers Steve’s mini-firework rockets, which explode throughout the kitchen.
The next day, Harriette is cleaning the living room when Carl comes home from work. Clearly agitated, Carl announces that a younger, less experienced colleague was promoted to Captain over him. The playful banter that follows between Carl and Harriette is delightful, as he mentions attending a party with balloons and eating "four pieces of 'Good Luck Larry' cake!"
Harriette questions why he had to have four pieces, and Carl retorts that if he can’t have the promotion, he’ll at least eat most of the cake. Carl's line, "He schmoozed, Harriette! He schmoozed his way to the top! He pressed the flesh, worked the room, and sucked up like a shop vac!" made me giggle.
Carl vows to start acting like Larry. He declares that since this is his 20th year as a cop, he’ll throw a schmooze fest himself, renting a banquet hall for the biggest bash the police force has ever seen. He plans to "suck up to the mucky mucks." Harriette reminds the frugal Carl that it’ll cost a few "bucky bucks" and refuses to help.
Later that evening, Eddie, Laura, Myra, and Steve sit around the kitchen table. Carl enters and puts on an exaggerated act about how expensive the catering hall is for his big dinner. The hall charges $3,000, but he quickly persuades Myra to cook for about 100 people for just $1,000.
With that settled, he turns to Eddie, offering $500 to play music for the evening with his friends, performing "lame, boring, old people music." Eddie leaps at the chance, but Carl then claims Eddie owes him back rent and says he’ll hold the $500 as payment.
Sensing she’s next on Carl’s list, Laura tries to sneak away. When Carl stops her, she volunteers to serve food before he can come up with something else. Steve offers to help, too, and Carl suggests he go and get salsa for the chips... all the way in Mexico.
Presumably, a few days later, Myra is in the Winslow kitchen, cooking and stirring a giant bowl of stuffing with a wooden spoon. While looking for pepper, she finds Urkel’s bag of PEP and sprinkles it into the stuffing. She then dumps the entire bag in, setting the stage for later "fireworks" (how punny).
The next night at the banquet, Eddie’s band plays soft jazz as police officers and their spouses mingle.
Police Commissioner Geiss (Dick O’Neill) arrives, and Carl attempts to cozy up to him. Dick O’Neill, a veteran actor, is recognizable from roles in The Honeymooners, Car 54, Where Are You?, and, hundreds of other roles. For the younger audiences of my generation, you'll know him as Art Leonard, Tim’s former shop teacher and childhood mentor on Home Improvement.
Steve and Laura are busy serving the chicken dishes Myra prepared. Myra exits the kitchen with a worried look, carrying another giant bowl of stuffing. She tells Steve it smells funny, and he takes a whiff and a small taste. In a humorous sight gag, Steve asks Laura how his breath is, blowing air toward her. This caused the candle on the table to flare up several feet due to his gunpowder-laced breath.
Laura asks Myra where she found the "spoiled pepper," and Myra explains that it was in a bag marked "PEP" in the Winslows’ kitchen. Steve panics, realizing the Cornish hens are stuffed with explosives, but assures everyone they’ll be fine as long as no one plays "Roll Out the Barrel."
In true sitcom fashion, just as he says that, Eddie asks if there are any song requests, and Commissioner Geiss shouts, "Roll Out the Barrel!" Eddie’s band starts playing, and everyone joins in singing.
Steve yells at the top of his lungs for the dinner attendees to run for their lives, sparking a panic.As Eddie finishes the song, fireworks erupt everywhere. Chickens soar through the air with dramatic rocket tails, while others spin rapidly before launching into the terrified crowd.
Once the chaos subsides, everyone begins to leave. Commissioner Geiss demands that Carl be in his office first thing Monday morning, and suggests he practice groveling. Carl turns an angry eye toward Steve and chases him around the catering hall. Steve begins crying, but Harriette stops him and places the blame for the evening on Carl. When he demands to know how it’s his own fault, Harriette reminds him that he cut corners by hiring kids to run the event instead of professionals, all in a cheap attempt to secure a fast promotion.
Carl eventually sees Harriette’s point and apologizes to Steve. Commissioner Geiss returns, saying Carl can redeem himself by bringing some of that explosive chicken on Monday since his mother-in-law is coming to town. With a wink and a nod, he walks away, and an elated Carl and Steve high-five.
As the closing credits roll over the tag scene, a full Thanksgiving display finally unfolds. Harriette is preparing a turkey in the kitchen, and Carl warily asks if it’s going to explode. As they laugh to themselves, Steve and Myra crash through the kitchen door dressed as pilgrims, with Steve holding a cartoonishly giant blunderbuss musket.
Harriette scurries away from the kitchen table, warning Steve to be careful with that "rifle-y thing."
Steve laughs, saying, "This blunderbuss is fake," just as he shoots the turkey clear off the table with a loud BANG! The turkey crashes through the window and lands outside, upsetting Carl. Steve and Myra take off, and Carl declares that Thanksgiving is ruined. Harriette reminds him that she's spent a "Thanksgiving or two with Steve Urkel," and this time she came prepared. She heads over to the refrigerator, where she pulls out a "backup bird," saving the day!
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