Watch Family Affair
- 2002
- 5 Seasons
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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