Jaleel White Reflects on Turning Down ‘Family Matters’ Reboot

Jaleel White recently shared why he declined a proposed reboot of Family Matters, despite Netflix’s interest. In a clip promoting his memoir, Growing Up Urkel, White explained he was approached around 2013–2014 after the success of Fuller House. However, he felt Family Matters was unique and shouldn’t follow the same reboot formula, saying, “I didn’t feel that it was right for us to have to copy what Full House had done.”

White emphasized that the story of how Family Matters came to be was as meaningful as the show itself. Reflecting on his role as Urkel, he noted that the character wasn’t intended to be the star but quickly became central to the show’s success. While some in the industry doubted interest in his story, White remained confident, believing his experiences resonated with fans. Family Matters, which aired from 1989 to 1998, focused on the Winslow family, with White’s character evolving into an iconic figure.

Source: BET