Family Affair

Family Affair is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from September 12, 1966 to September 9, 1971. The series explored the trials of well-to-do civil engineer and bachelor Bill Davis as he attempted to raise his brother's orphaned children in his luxury New York City apartment. Davis' traditional English gentleman's gentleman, Mr. Giles French, also had adjustments to make as he became saddled with the responsibility of caring for 15-year-old Cissy and the 6-year-old twins, Jody and Buffy. The show ran for 138 episodes. Family Affair was created and produced by Don Fedderson, also known for My Three Sons and The Millionaire.

Family Affair (1966-1971) is an American network sitcom created by Don Fedderson and Edmund L. Hartmann for CBS. Brian Keith plays Bill Davis, a well-to-do civil engineer and lifelong bachelor who, after his brother's death, must raise his orphaned children in a luxury Manhattan apartment. Sebastian Cabot plays Mr. Giles French, his impeccably proper English gentleman's gentleman, who finds his dignity tested by the responsibility of caring for 15-year-old Cissy, played by Kathy Garver, and the six-year-old twins Jody and Buffy, played by Johnny Whitaker and Anissa Jones. The engine of each episode is the daily friction of a bachelor household suddenly full of children: missed appointments, schoolyard crises, awkward dates and small domestic mishaps resolved with patience and a laugh. The show runs five seasons and 138 episodes in a single-camera-era half-hour format built on self-contained stories with warm, recurring family bonds. Set in 1960s Manhattan, it carries a gentle, cozy and sincerely hopeful register, with an emotional core in the found-family bond between uncle and children. Fans of My Three Sons, The Brady Bunch and Bachelor Father will find the same wholesome, comforting household comedy here.

• My Three Sonsshared family sitcom warmth, single father figure raising children, household comedy
• The Brady Bunchshared wholesome family sitcom tone and guardian-raises-kids premise
• Bachelor Fathershared gentle sitcom comedy about a bachelor adjusting to family life

Created by

Don Fedderson, Edmund L. Hartmann

Release Date

1966-09-12

Episode runtime

20 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (44)

What is Family Affair about?

A bachelor civil engineer and his English valet unexpectedly raise three orphaned children in a Manhattan apartment.

What is Family Affair like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Family Affair as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Family Affair violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Family Affair.

Which shows are like Family Affair?

Shows with a similar feel include My Three Sons, The Brady Bunch, and Bachelor Father.

How long is Family Affair?

Family Affair: 5 seasons, 138 episodes.

Is Family Affair still running?

No, Family Affair has ended.

Where can I watch Family Affair?

In United States, Family Affair streams on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Pure Flix, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus, Great American Pure Flix Amazon Channel.