What is Step by Step about?
It follows two divorced parents, Frank and Carol, who meet on vacation, marry on the spot, and merge their families into one blended household.
Who are the main characters?
Patrick Duffy plays Frank Lambert, Suzanne Somers is Carol Foster, and the show features six children—Dana, Karen, Mark, J.T., Al, and Brendan.
How many seasons and episodes does the show have?
Seven seasons with a total of 160 half‑hour episodes.
Where is the show set?
In the fictional town of Port Washington, Wisconsin.
When did the series air?
It premiered on ABC in 1991, moved to CBS in 1997, and concluded in 1998.
Why is Step by Step compared to The Brady Bunch?
Both feature a blended family of six children living together and dealing with everyday family issues.
Was there a planned finale for Step by Step?
The series ended abruptly without a formal ending episode, leaving some storylines unresolved.
Is Step by Step available to stream?
It has appeared on Hulu and HBO Max in the past, but current streaming availability varies by region.
What kind of humor does the show use?
Light, family‑friendly comedy with situational jokes and gentle slap‑stick moments.
Were the kids based on real family members?
No, the child actors were selected through auditions and were not based on real relatives.
How did the writers handle the blended family dynamic?
They used common family conflicts and resolution scenes to highlight growth and teamwork.
Did the show ever feature a crossover episode?
No official crossovers with other sitcoms took place.
What was the theme music for Step by Step?
The opening theme “Second Time Around” was composed by Jesse Frederick and Bennett Salvay.
Who produced the series?
Miller‑Boyett Productions and Lorimar Television were the main production companies.
Where was Step by Step filmed?
The show was filmed at Culver Studios in California during the first two seasons, then at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.
Did any of the cast members go on to other notable projects?
Patrick Duffy starred in Dallas and later The Game; Suzanne Somers became a well‑known reality TV personality.
How did audiences receive the show initially?
Reception was mixed, with some critics comparing it unfavorably to the Brady Bunch, though it gained a solid fan base.
Were there any spin‑off attempts?
No official spin‑offs were produced from Step by Step.
What themes are explored in the series?
Themes include family bonding, parenting, step‑family acceptance, and the challenges of blending different personalities.
How does the show balance romance and family comedy?
The central romance between Frank and Carol provides the emotional core while the family dynamics deliver humor.
Are there any notable guest stars?
Several actors made guest appearances, including occasional cameos from other sitcom actors of the era.
How has the show influenced modern family sitcoms?
It helped pave the way for later shows that focus on blended families, such as The Fosters and Modern Family.
What was the reason for the abrupt cancellation?
Declining ratings led ABC and later CBS to cancel the show without a planned finale.
Are there any fan theories about the unresolved plotlines?
Fans speculate about potential story arcs, but no official explanation was provided.
Is Step by Step considered a classic sitcom?
While it may not reach the same iconic status as other shows, it holds a nostalgic place among 1990s family comedies.