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
Family Affair is a series that ran for 12 seasons (139 episodes) between September 12, 2002 and on The WB
