114: FAMILY TIES - 40th Anniversary! - With Special Guest, JOHN WENTWORTH (Former Paramount TV Exec)

On Episode 114 of the RETROZEST podcast, Curtis celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the great TV Sitcom FAMILY TIES! Beginning on September 22, 1982, and running for seven seasons, this program aired on NBC. Created by Gary David Goldberg, the show captured the transition in American culture from the cultural liberalism of the 1960s and 1970s to the conservatism of the 1980s. The interaction between teenage Republican Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) and his ex-hippie parents, Steven and Elyse Keaton (Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter-Birney), was a notable example of how this culture was expressed. Along for the ride are Alex's sisters; fashion-conscious, gossipy Mallory (Justine Bateman); and tomboy Jennifer (Tina Yothers). Other show regulars were Marc Price, Brian Bonsall, Tracy Pollan, Courteney Cox and Scott Valentine. Joining Curtis to assist is John Wentworth, former CBS/Paramount TV Exec who began at Paramount TV just after the Family Ties premiered. John was heavily involved with the promotion and production of the show; so he has some great behind-the-scenes stories! This is a great inside look at the this wonderful TV sitcom (which happens to be one of Curtis' favorites)! Incidentally, you may help the RetroZest podcast by purchasing a unique RETRO-THEMED T-Shirt or two (many different designs and colors!) from our store at store.retrozest.com/home. You may also help the RetroZest Podcast by purchasing a Celebrity Video Message gift for a friend/family member from CelebVM! Choose from celebrities like Barry Williams, Gary Busey, Ernie Hudson, Robert Fripp, Right Said Fred, etc.! Simply enter their website through our portal at store.retrozest.com/celebvm, and shop as you normally would; it's no extra cost to you at all! Contact Curtis at [email protected], or via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Also, check us out on TikTok!