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Quizzes > Entertainment & Pop Culture > Television

Family Ties Trivia Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Show?

Loved Family Matters trivia? Take this Family Ties quiz and prove your skills!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Family Ties trivia quiz with retro sitcom icons, catchphrase symbols on coral background

Use this Family Ties trivia quiz to see what you remember from the Keaton family's biggest moments, quotes, and guest stars. Play now for a fast, fun check of your recall - and pick up a fact or two along the way. If you want a shorter start, try the quick warm‑up quiz .

Who portrayed the conservative-minded eldest son Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties?
Michael J. Fox
John Rubinstein
Michael Gross
Christopher Lloyd
Michael J. Fox played Alex P. Keaton, earning widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the Reagan-era conservative youth on the hit sitcom. He was nominated for multiple awards and became the breakout star of the series. The role established him as a leading actor in television comedy.
What political party does Alex P. Keaton famously align with throughout the series?
Green Party
Republican
Democrat
Independent
Alex P. Keaton is characterized by his staunch Republican views, often clashing with his liberal, ex-hippie parents. His conservative stance drives many of the show's comedic and dramatic tensions. Despite his youth, Alex regularly debates politics with friends and family.
Who is the Keaton family's oldest child?
Alex Keaton
Andrew Keaton
Jennifer Keaton
Mallory Keaton
Mallory Keaton, portrayed by Justine Bateman, is the oldest of the Keaton children. Often portrayed as fashion-conscious and somewhat ditzy, Mallory evolves over the series to show more depth. She serves as a foil to Alex's seriousness and her parents' activism.
What is the last name of the family at the center of Family Ties?
Waltons
Keaton
Winslow
Bradford
The central family on the sitcom is the Keaton family, headed by parents Steven and Elyse Keaton. They raise four children in suburban Columbus, Ohio, navigating generational and political divides. The name 'Keaton' anchors the show's identity and brand.
What is the name of Alex Keaton's college love interest, a museum curator who appears in several episodes?
Lauren Miller
Lacey Thornfield
Ellen Reed
Molly Parker
Ellen Reed, played by Tracy Pollan, is a museum curator who becomes Alex's sophisticated college girlfriend. Their relationship spans multiple seasons and highlights Alex's softer side. Pollan's performance was well-received and led to a long-term relationship with Michael J. Fox.
In which U.S. state does the Keaton family reside?
California
Pennsylvania
Ohio
New York
Family Ties is set in Columbus, Ohio, reflecting the Midwestern backdrop for the Keatons' home life. Location scenes emphasize typical suburban culture of the 1980s. References to local events and seasons ground the family in Ohio.
What instrument does Jennifer Keaton often play when performing with her band, The Rebels?
Saxophone
Electric guitar
Drums
Keyboards
Jennifer Keaton, portrayed by Tina Yothers, plays the electric guitar in her band, The Rebels. This aspect of her character highlights her creative and rebellious streak. The show occasionally features her rehearsals or performances.
What fictional university does Alex attend during the series?
Leland University
Pearson University
Middleton College
Franklin State
Alex attends the fictional Leland University after high school, pursuing his political ambitions. Many episodes revolve around his campus life and involvement in student government. Leland serves as a backdrop for Alex's ideological battles and romance with Ellen Reed.
Which Keaton child is the youngest in the family?
Jennifer Keaton
Andrew "Andy" Keaton
Mallory Keaton
Alex Keaton
Andrew, commonly called Andy, is the youngest Keaton, introduced in Season 3. His birth is featured in the two-part episode "Birth… There's Always a Lesson." Andy often serves as the cute, comic relief in the later seasons.
What is the title of the final episode of Family Ties?
Birth... There's Always a Lesson
A, My Name Is Alex
Let's Do It Again
Da-Do Run Run
The series concludes with the episode "Let's Do It Again," which aired on May 14, 1989. It wraps up storylines as Alex heads to New York and the family reflects on changes ahead. The finale balances humor with heartfelt goodbyes.
Which serious social theme is addressed in the special episode "A, My Name Is Alex"?
Economic recession
Teenage pregnancy
Drug addiction
Coping with a friend's death
"A, My Name Is Alex" is an acclaimed hour-long episode in which Alex struggles with grief after his friend Greg dies in a car accident. The show shifts to a more dramatic tone, breaking the fourth wall during a family counseling session. This installment won a Writers Guild Award for its sensitive handling of loss.
In which episode does Elyse Keaton give birth to the youngest sibling, Andrew?
Babies, Babies, Babies!
A Keaton Christmas Carol
Birth... There's Always a Lesson
A Time to Let Go
Elyse's labor and the birth of Andrew are depicted over the two-part episode "Birth... There's Always a Lesson" in Season 3. It explores parenthood fears and family dynamics. The storyline marked a major shift as the Keatons became a family of six.
What career path does Mallory Keaton express interest in pursuing throughout the series?
Medicine
Fashion design
Law
Journalism
Mallory often shows ambition toward a career in fashion design, taking internships and classes in New York. This interest contrasts with her initial portrayal as a superficial teen and highlights character growth. Episodes follow her attempts to break into the fashion world.
How many Emmy Awards did Michael J. Fox win for his portrayal of Alex P. Keaton?
One
Zero
Three
Five
Michael J. Fox won three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series from 1986 to 1988 for his role as Alex P. Keaton. His performance was a key factor in the show's popularity. These wins solidified Fox's status as a major TV star.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Moments -

    Identify standout scenes like Alex's debate night and Elyse's family dinners, showcasing your mastery of family ties trivia.

  2. Identify Stephens Family Characters -

    Match names to faces as you distinguish the personalities and backgrounds of the Stephens family members using family matters trivia insight.

  3. Analyze Witty Dialogues -

    Break down Alex's comebacks and Elyse's quips to appreciate the humor and wit that made Family Ties a classic sitcom.

  4. Distinguish Catchphrases -

    Spot fan-favorite lines and associate them with the correct character, deepening your familiarity with the show's trademark sayings in this family ties quiz.

  5. Apply Show Knowledge -

    Solve challenging questions that require you to draw on your understanding of plot twists, character arcs, and series trivia facts.

  6. Engage with Quiz Format -

    Navigate a timed quiz structure to test your speed and accuracy, enhancing your retention of family matters quiz content.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Stephens Family Dynamics -

    Review how Alex's conservative views clash with Elyse's liberal ideals and Steven's middle-ground pragmatism - this triangle drives many plots. Knowing each character's core beliefs helps you anticipate plot twists, a trick often used in family ties trivia questions. For deeper insight, reference the Writers Guild script archives for original episode notes.

  2. Alex P. Keaton's Catchphrases -

    Alex's snappy one-liners like "Yeah, but Dad…" or "Oh, come on!" are staples in any family ties quiz. Memorize the exact phrasing and context - IMDb trivia sections list over 30 iconic lines by season. Practice by replaying key scenes on the official DVD commentary to lock in tone and delivery.

  3. Memorable Episodes & Themes -

    Focus on standout episodes such as "A, My Name Is Alex" (Season 5, Ep. 1) where Alex copes with loss - often cited in family matters trivia. Note the A-plot and B-plot structure, which follows a classic three-act formula studied in media courses at UCLA. Jot down episode titles alongside their moral or social theme for quick recall.

  4. Show's Historical Context & Ratings -

    Family Ties premiered in 1982 during Reagan's presidency, reflecting Cold War-era values - a common topic in academic media analyses at the Paley Center. It climbed to #1 in Nielsen ratings by Season 4; remembering this helps answer questions about its cultural impact. Link each season's rating peak to a major plot milestone for context.

  5. Effective Trivia Study Mnemonics -

    Use the "PASTA" method: People (characters), Appearance (costumes), Setting (episode locations), Tagline (catchphrases), Actor trivia - ideal for blitzing a family ties trivia round. Create flashcards for each PASTA category using resources from the Television Academy archives. Reviewing these in cycles builds long-term retention and boosts quiz confidence.

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