Based on a serialized novel with same title by Arswendo Atmowiloto,[3][4] the series was originally broadcast on RCTI from 1996 to 2003, and was continued under the title Keluarga Cemara: Kembali ke Asal (English: Cemara's Family is Back to Origin), which aired on TV7 in 2004 and 2005.

It stars Adi Kurdi, Cherrya Agustina Hendiawan, Anisa Fujianti, and Puji Lestari.

Also featured Lia Waroka, Novia Kolopaking, and Anneke Putri who take turns playing the role of Mother (Emak) during the series.

Together with the Lorong Waktu and Si Doel Anak Sekolahan, Keluarga Cemara is often referred to as the renaissance of the Indonesian television series.

Since that incident, all of Abah's family members have been trying to live their daily lives, with Abah working as a pedicab driver and Emak selling opaques with the assistance of her children, namely Euis, Cemara alias Ara, and Agil.