The Hogan Family

The Hogan Family centers on a working mother managing a busy household of three growing sons while their father spends long stretches away as an airline pilot. Episodes mix everyday humor with family moments, from sibling arguments and school troubles to dating missteps and job pressures. When a close relative moves in to help, the household rhythms change, new routines form, and the boys adapt to a different adult presence at home. The tone stays light but sincere, focusing on how ordinary families juggle responsibilities, support one another, and learn from small mistakes without turning every episode into melodrama.

The series premiered as Valerie on NBC in March 1986 and ran there until May 1990, then continued on CBS through July 1991. It was produced by Miller-Boyett and Tal Productions in association with Lorimar, and featured Valerie Harper originally, later joined by Sandy Duncan and a young Jason Bateman.

The show didn’t collect major industry prizes, and it didn’t earn Emmy or Golden Globe wins during its run. Awards recognition was limited compared with some contemporaries, and it’s remembered more for its steady network presence than for a trophy case.

The Hogan Family drew attention in the press when the lead actress left after the second season, which led to a high-profile title change and cast reshuffling. That episode in the show’s history is often what people recall, along with its place in the 1980s wave of family sitcoms and as an early screen credit for Jason Bateman, who went on to greater fame.

Critics offered mixed reviews while viewers appreciated the show's warmth and straightforward approach. On fan and review sites it averages about 6.8 out of 10 from a small number of votes. Major themes include balancing career and parenting, unconventional support systems in a family, and the everyday comedy found in raising kids.