Ratings Effect
In syndication Steve is in the pre-credits introductory scene of "Rachel's First Date", but his first appearance in first-run episodes is in the 1989 episode "Laura's First Date", where Carl and Eddie separately set up dates for Laura for a dance or party (both terms used), and the first thing known about him is that he allegedly ate a mouse, and he later makes reference to a mouse when speaking to Carl, implying that it might be true. Prior to Urkel, the show was on the brink of cancellation due to low ratings. After Urkel was introduced, several scripts had to be hastily re-written to accommodate the Steve character, while several first-season episodes that had been completed had new opening gag sequences filmed featuring Steve trying to push open the Winslows' front door while the family holds it shut. The addition of Steve immediately helped the show boost its modest ratings. White was credited as a guest star in the first season and became a regular member of the cast in season two.
Read more about this topic: Steve Urkel
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