Television and families have been in our everyday lives for a while. We’re given ideas of all kinds of families. Ones with mothers and fathers. Or ones with just mothers. Families that were made of up of extended family all under one roof. They all gave us this idea of what family would be like.

All in the Family (1971-1979)

When you heard that piano start up, a smile came across your face. Listening to the opening tune of Archie and Edith singing “Those Were The Days” gave you some nostalgia. Having the daughter and her husband live at home with the parents wasn’t so uncommon.

The Cosby Show (1984-1992)

Cliff and Claire brought comedy to the table. It was comedy, but serious life issues as well. They taught you many things in just one episode. Especially Claire.

Full House (1987-1995)

A single dad raising his three daughters with the help of his brother in law and his best friend, and all under one roof in San Francisco. This is very uncommon, when a parent dies, typically the remaining parent would just continue on as a single parent.

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

A single mom raising her teenage daughter. And to top it off, she got pregnant young. This unusual idea of family touched girls everywhere and had them wanting this type of relationship with their mothers.

The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)

The original blended family. The idea that you didn’t have to be from the same mother and father to be family. A mother and father can come together with their separate children and be a family.

Family Matters (1989-1998)

Urkel was first introduced and loved here. Carl had a love/hate relationship with him. But this family man was loveable and hilarious.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Will was the kid that got sent to Bel-Air and everyone had that theme song stuck in their heads. The show was hilarious and everyone loved Carlton and Uncle Phil.

These families were all different but they all had so much to offer the viewers in America. Each had love and support of each other and lots of laughable moments. It gave people this idea and hope for what their family would be like or could be like. Some say it was false hope, others say it was a way for families to bond while watching the shows. What do you think?