Family Matters' Jaleel White Is Returning To TGIF
49 seconds ago
Did he do that? Yes, he did! Jaleel White is returning to ABC's TGIF lineup. The time slot that played home to his breakout role as Steve Urkel on Family Matters is welcoming the actor back. And he is doing it on the much-loved comedy Fresh Off the Boat, which will air new episodes on Friday nights this fall. So, who is Jaleel White playing? Here is what you need to know about White's role on the ABC comedy.
Fresh Off the Boat will welcome the Family Matters star in the role of Calvin. The acerbically witted general manager of a car dealership. Calvin is an underappreciated asset. Despite doing all of the work at the dealership, Calvin has to play second-fiddle when his boss comes to visit. So, how does the audience come to learn of Calvin's rough working situation? Well, Louis meets him when the former buys an RV at the dealership, per Variety.
It sounds like a promising scenario. Even though Jaleel White will appear on the TGIF lineup, he will not be doing so in a role that seemingly resembles Steve Urkel or Stefan Urquelle. Since Family Matters ended, White has remained busy. He competed on ABC's Dancing with the Stars and has had a bevy of roles in scripted series. It has been 21 years since Family Matters wrapped up its run on ABC. Its ninth and final season aired on CBS.
For years, ABC's TGIF block of programming had disappeared. Now, much like revivals and reboots, the Alphabet Network is seizing on the nostalgia of viewers by revitalizing the programming block. Fresh Off the Boat and fellow ABC comedy Speechless are both making the move to Friday nights this fall. With TGIF making a comeback, it makes you wonder about the potential of a Family Matters revival. Okay, it may never happen, but it was worth putting out in the universe.
Given that the 1990's TGIF lineup is doing so well on Hulu, there is evidence that there is still abundant interest in Family Matters. In fact, Hulu recently revealed that the show was being binge-watched with incredible zeal by its subscribers. There was also talk about the potential of Steve Urkel making his way to Fuller House. While we all await an update on that, we have Jaleel White's guest starring role on Fresh Off the Boat to look forward to.
An exact air date for the episode White will guest star in was not released. The fifth season of Fresh Off the Boat premieres Friday, October 5 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. For what else is coming up on ABC this fall, check out the network's premiere schedule. If you want to relive Family Matters, you can check out the show on Hulu. For new television that will arrive this fall alongside Fresh Off the Boat, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's fall premieres.
