
Steven and Elyse Keaton, once 1960s radicals, now find themselves in Reagan-era American trying to raise a traditional suburban family. Son Alex P. Keaton is an ambitious young Republican, and his sister Mallory is a shallow victim of the corporate culture, obsessed with music, clothes and boys. Their only normal kid is young Jennifer, a bit of a tomboy. In later seasons, the Keatons add a fourth child, Andrew. Most of the comedy arose from the conflict between the liberal parents and the conservative children.

Alex faces a dilemma when Lauren returns to town, and they meet in the cafeteria with Marty.

The Keatons are concerned when Jennifer becomes obsessed with environmental issues.

Nick's temporary residence in the Keaton home ruins Steven's vacation.

Emotions run high in the Keaton household as Alex prepares to leave for a prime job with a New York stock brokerage firm.