Family 1976
“A MOVING, COMPASSIONATE GLIMPSE INTO THE PRIVATE LIVES OF THE LAWRENCES.”
What is Family?
Family is an American drama television series that aired on the ABC network from March 9, 1976, to June 25, 1980. Created by Jay Presson Allen, the program focuses on the lives, joys, and heartaches of the middle-class Lawrence family residing in Pasadena, California.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1976
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 86
- Runtime
- 49 minutes
- First aired
- Mar 9, 1976
- Last aired
- Jun 25, 1980
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- ABC
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
With ads
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 86 episodes and an average 49-minute runtime.
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
Family is an American drama television series that aired on the ABC network from March 9, 1976, to June 25, 1980. Created by Jay Presson Allen, the program focuses on the lives, joys, and heartaches of the middle-class Lawrence family residing in Pasadena, California. The series features a cast including Sada Thompson, James Broderick, Gary Frank, and Kristy McNichol. Creative control for the production was shared among executive producers Leonard Goldberg, Aaron Spelling, and Mike Nichols. The show originally premiered as a six-episode limited series, but strong ratings led the network to commission four additional seasons. In total, 86 episodes of the drama were produced during its four-year run. The program is described as a moving and compassionate glimpse into the private lives of the Lawrence family members. The series has been seen in syndication on the Decades television network. This archival record confirms the production history and primary creative personnel associated with the program during its original broadcast tenure on American television.
Should you watch it?
“This drama follows the daily experiences of the middle-class Lawrence family living in Pasadena, California.”
- authentic family dynamics
- relatable suburban setting
- slow pacing
- dated production values
Watch it if you enjoy character-focused dramas centered on domestic life and family relationships.
The series features mature themes suitable for general audiences interested in realistic family storytelling.
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Your verdict
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 6 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Pilot (a.k.a. The Best Years) Mar 9, 1976
- E2 Monday is Forever Mar 16, 1976
- E3 A Special Kind of Loving Mar 23, 1976
- E4 A Right and Proper Goodbye Mar 30, 1976
- E5 Thursday's Child Apr 6, 1976
- E6 Point of Departure Apr 13, 1976
Season 2 · 22 episodes
- E1 Coming Apart Oct 6, 1976
- E2 Such Sweet Sorrow Oct 19, 1976
- E3 Home Movie Oct 26, 1976
- E4 Coming of Age Nov 9, 1976
- E5 Jury Duty (1) Nov 16, 1976
- E6 Jury Duty (2) Nov 23, 1976
- E7 The Cradle Will Fall Nov 30, 1976
- E8 Skeleton in the Closet Dec 7, 1976
- E9 On The First Day Of Christmas (a.k.a. The Christmas Story) Dec 21, 1976
- E10 Rites of Friendship Dec 28, 1976
- E11 An Eye to the Future Jan 4, 1977
- E12 Lovers and Strangers Jan 11, 1977
- E13 Return Engagement Jan 18, 1977
- E14 Mirror, Mirror on the Wall . . . Feb 1, 1977
- E15 Someone's Watching Feb 8, 1977
- E16 A Safe House Feb 15, 1977
- E17 Best Friends Feb 22, 1977
- E18 Taking Chances (1) Mar 1, 1977
- E19 Taking Chances (2) Mar 8, 1977
- E20 Comings and Goings Mar 22, 1977
- E21 . . . More Things in Heaven and Earth Mar 29, 1977
- E22 An Endangered Species May 3, 1977
Season 3 · 23 episodes
- E1 Acts of Love (1) Sep 13, 1977
- E2 Acts of Love (2) Sep 20, 1977
- E3 The First Time Sep 27, 1977
- E4 Change of Heart Oct 4, 1977
- E5 Annie Laurie Oct 25, 1977
- E6 We Love You, Miss Jessup Nov 1, 1977
- E7 The Little Brother Nov 8, 1977
- E8 Childhood's End Nov 15, 1977
- E9 A Tale Out of Season Nov 22, 1977
- E10 Labors of Love Nov 29, 1977
- E11 A Child is Given Dec 13, 1977
- E12 More Than Friends Jan 3, 1978
- E13 Princess in the Tower Jan 10, 1978
- E14 Echoes of Love Jan 17, 1978
- E15 See Saw Jan 24, 1978
- E16 Lifeline Jan 31, 1978
- E17 . . . And Baby Makes Three Feb 7, 1978
- E18 Crossing Over Feb 14, 1978
- E19 The Covenant Feb 21, 1978
- E20 A Friend of the Family's Feb 28, 1978
- E21 Fear of Shadows May 2, 1978
- E22 Sleeping Gypsy May 9, 1978
- E23 Counterpoint May 16, 1978
Season 4 · 22 episodes
- E1 Starting Over Sep 21, 1978
- E2 All For Love Sep 28, 1978
- E3 Changes Oct 12, 1978
- E4 Magic Oct 19, 1978
- E5 Just Friends Nov 9, 1978
- E6 Generations Nov 23, 1978
- E7 Expectations Dec 7, 1978
- E8 Gifts Dec 21, 1978
- E9 The Friend's Affair Jan 4, 1979
- E10 Exits and Entrances Jan 11, 1979
- E11 Moment of Truth Jan 18, 1979
- E12 Malicious Mischief Jan 25, 1979
- E13 Sleeping Over Feb 1, 1979
- E14 Disco Queen Feb 8, 1979
- E15 The Athlete Mar 1, 1979
- E16 The Competition Mar 8, 1979
- E17 Ballerina Mar 15, 1979
- E18 Diversions Mar 22, 1979
- E19 An Apple For the Teacher Mar 30, 1979
- E20 Prelude Apr 20, 1979
- E21 Going Straight May 10, 1979
- E22 From Russia With Love May 17, 1979
Season 5 · 13 episodes
- E1 Thanksgiving Nov 20, 1979
- E2 'Tis the Season Dec 24, 1979
- E3 Jack of Hearts Jan 14, 1980
- E4 When the Bough Breaks Jan 21, 1980
- E5 Hard Times Jan 28, 1980
- E6 Whispers Feb 4, 1980
- E7 Play on Love Mar 3, 1980
- E8 Daylight Serenade Mar 10, 1980
- E9 Such a Fine Line Mar 17, 1980
- E10 The Ties That Bind Jun 4, 1980
- E11 Just Like Old Times Jun 11, 1980
- E12 Smarts Jun 18, 1980
- E13 Letting Go Jun 25, 1980
Frequently asked questions
What is the setting of the show?
The series is set in Pasadena, California.
Who are the main characters?
The show focuses on the members of the Lawrence family.
What is the genre?
It is a television drama series.
What is the family's social status?
The Lawrence family is described as middle-class.
What does the show depict?
The series depicts the lives and experiences of the Lawrence family members.