[2] The show starred Sada Thompson and James Broderick as Kate and Doug Lawrence, an upper-middle-class couple living at 1230 Holland Street in Pasadena, California, with their three children: Nancy (portrayed by Elayne Heilveil in the original miniseries, then by Meredith Baxter), Willie (Gary Frank), and Letitia, nicknamed "Buddy" (Kristy McNichol).

After the fourth season, the McKeands departed[3] and were replaced by Edward Zwick, who later produced the acclaimed series Thirtysomething, My So-Called Life, and Once and Again.

TV critics called the show a rare quality offering in ABC's schedule, which included Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and other Spelling-Goldberg productions such as Charlie's Angels and Fantasy Island.

In February 1979, the PTA said Family contained "good parenting lessons" and "slightly controversial" but "excellent" content,[7] recommending it for viewing by teens and older.

In February 1979, Noel Holston of the Orlando Sentinel called Family "ABC's most prestigious program" but claimed "the producers' crisis-of-the-week approach is starting to strain the series' credibility.

[10] Although Family earned solid ratings and a loyal following, ABC was criticized for failing to promote the show; the network never aired summer reruns, which could have expanded its audience.