
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.

Elyse is worried about her soon-to-be-divorced mother's quick jump into the singles world.

Alex discovers Uncle Ned's (Tom Hanks) serious drinking problem.

Alex pretends he is a supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment to impress an attractive feminist.

Mallory's afraid she'll lose her new boyfriend if she doesn't give in to his romantic requests.