I do not remember it getting much press when mike was on it. It seemed like 8 simple rules it got more publicity when unusal circumstances caused lead to leave. I could be wrong but I do not remember it being as big family ties or two and a half men during the mike days. Even today it is remembered more for being sitocm that went from mike to charlie. Anyone old enought to remember the show tell how big was it during 1996-2000
shareIt was quite big, well received by critics and the public. I loved watching it back then. Also loved that the actors were on Bill Lawrence's next show SCRUBS later on. An indicator for that its success are also the numerous Golden Globes and Emmys. And Charlie also did a good job taking over, even though I preferred Mike. Not a fan of 2 1/2 though - the writing is quite different. Hope I could help.
sharehere is ratings for first 4 season in fox years
1st September 17, 1996 May 13, 1997 1996–1997 #17[6] 11.7[6]
2nd September 24, 1997 May 20, 1998 1997–1998 #47[7] 8.4[7]
3rd September 22, 1998 May 25, 1999 1998–1999 #25[8] 9.1[8]
4th September 21, 1999 May 24, 2000 1999–2000 #33[9]
the first season did amazing the show still good rating.i never cared for the show loved 2 and a ahlf men. but i laughed a lot more during mike episodes the show then charlie. the show is never on synidcate the only time it is talked is when mentioned charlie replacing mike and mike Parkinson it seesm fmasily ties is more talked aonbut the show i do not think it ever matched family ties popularity. awards do not aways indciate populairtty. arreested got tons of emmy nom but not popular with ratings. here is ratings for first 4 seasons of fmaily ties 1) 1982–1983 Wednesday nights at 9:30pm #49[9] 15.1 N/A
2) 1983–1984 #34[10] N/A N/A
3) 1984–1985 Thursday nights at 8:30pm #5[11] 22.1 18.7
4) 1985–1986 #2[1