The Hogan Family -

Premise: The Hogan Family, originally titled Valerie and later Valerie’s Family, is a family sitcom that revolves around the lives of the Hogan family. The series begins with Valerie Hogan (Valerie Harper) as the central character, a working mother and wife. However, when Valerie’s character is killed off due to a contract dispute between the actress and the network, the show undergoes a significant change. It follows the Hogan family’s efforts to cope with her absence and continue their lives while facing various challenges, both humorous and heartfelt.

Main Central Characters:

Valerie Hogan (Valerie Harper): Valerie is the loving and hardworking mother of the Hogan family. She initially serves as the central character before her character’s fate changes.
Michael Hogan (Jason Bateman): Michael is the eldest son of the Hogan family, known for his wit and charm.
David Hogan (Jeremy Licht): David is the middle child in the Hogan family, often seen as the typical teenager facing typical adolescent issues.
Brendan Hogan (Danny Ponce): Brendan is the youngest child in the family, an innocent and endearing presence.
Mark Hogan (Josh Taylor): Mark is Valerie’s husband and the father of their children. After Valerie’s departure, he becomes a single father.
Sandy Hogan (Sandy Duncan): Sandy is Mark’s sister and a recurring character who helps the family adjust to their new dynamic.

Themes: The Hogan Family explores themes of family, resilience, and adapting to change. It deals with the challenges and humor that arise when a family faces unexpected shifts in their lives and must come together to navigate the new circumstances. The series also touches on the importance of support, love, and humor in the face of adversity.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 4/5): Critics generally appreciated The Hogan Family for its ability to successfully pivot the storyline after Valerie Harper’s departure. The show maintained its humor and heart, with a strong ensemble cast that continued to entertain viewers. While the transition from Valerie to Sandy Duncan’s character was initially met with skepticism, many critics and audiences found the series to remain engaging and enjoyable, earning it a favorable rating.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: The Hogan Family received a TV-PG rating. The show is generally suitable for a broad audience, with occasional mild humor and family-friendly content.

Original Network and Run: The Hogan Family originally aired on NBC and later on CBS. The series ran for six seasons, from 1986 to 1991.