GOLDEN GLOBE® winner

Family Ties

The show's fourth season marks the appearance of Alex's first serious girlfriend, Ellen Reed. Alex tries to pick out his perfect girl in the school directory but falls in love with her roommate, with whom he has nothing in common. Meanwhile, Steven has a very difficult time accepting that Jennifer is growing up and no longer wants to hang out with him. Later, Mallory faces the possibility of failing her senior year in high school because of her poor grades.

IMDb 7.3198224 episodes

X-RayTV-PG

Comedy

Available to buy

Episode number
Newest episodes
Available to watch

S4 E1 - The Real Thing, Part 1
September 25, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Alex picks out his dream girl from the school directory and falls for her roommate.
Available to buy
S4 E2 - The Real Thing, Part 2
September 25, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Alex takes drastic measures to stop Ellen from getting married.
Available to buy
S4 E3 - Mr. Wrong
October 16, 1985
24min
TV-PG
The Keatons are shocked by Mallory's new gruff boyfriend, Nick.
Available to buy
S4 E4 - Designated Hitter
October 23, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Jennifer takes on a class bully to defend her boyfriend.
Available to buy
S4 E5 - Don't Go Changin'
October 30, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Alex tries to change himself to fit in with Ellen's world of artsy friends.
Available to buy
S4 E6 - The Old College Try
November 6, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Mallory announces that she doesn't want to go to college.
Available to buy
S4 E7 - My Tutor
November 13, 1985
24min
TV-PG
A young genius falls for Jennifer while tutoring Alex in math.
Available to buy
S4 E8 - Mr. Right
November 20, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Nick takes on a polished image to win the approval of Steven and Elyse.
Available to buy
S4 E9 - Just One Look
December 4, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Steven gets jealous when his old college buddy shares memories with Elyse.
Available to buy
S4 E10 - How Do You Sleep?
December 11, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Alex refuses to admit that he's struggling with insomnia.
Available to buy
S4 E11 - You've Got A Friend
December 18, 1985
24min
TV-PG
Mallory tries to help a troubled teen after catching her shoplifting.
Available to buy
S4 E12 - Nothing But A Man
January 1, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Steven neglects his family after getting a promotion at work.
Available to buy
S4 E13 - The Disciple
January 8, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Jennifer seeks Alex's help on a speech for her class.
Available to buy
S4 E14 - Where's Poppa?
January 15, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Alex creates conflict by inviting Ellen's father to Parent's Day Weekend.
Available to buy
S4 E15 - Fool For Love
January 22, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Skippy refuses to accept that Mallory is in love with Nick.
Available to buy
S4 E16 - Checkmate
January 29, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Alex has a fierce chess tournament with a Russian opponent.
Available to buy
S4 E17 - Engine Trouble
February 5, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Elyse takes an auto mechanics class to prove women are competent.
Available to buy
S4 E18 - A Word To The Wise, Part 1
February 12, 1986
25min
TV-PG
The Keatons recall humorous events in Alex's life.
Available to buy
S4 E19 - A Word To The Wise, Part 2
February 12, 1986
25min
TV-PG
The Keatons recall humorous events in Alex's life.
Available to buy
S4 E20 - Art Lover
February 19, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Mallory feels threatened by an older woman who takes interest in Nick's work.
Available to buy
S4 E21 - Teacher's Pet
March 1, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Alex lands an assistant teaching position and has to grade Ellen's papers.
Available to buy
S4 E22 - My Buddy
March 5, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Steven has a hard time accepting that Jennifer is growing up.
Available to buy
S4 E23 - Once In Love With Elyse
April 30, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Elyse's coworker tells her that he's in love with her.
Available to buy
S4 E24 - Paper Chase
May 7, 1986
24min
TV-PG
Mallory's poor grades jeopardize her high school graduation.
Available to buy