Jaleel White, best known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel on 'Family Matters,' is leaning into '90s nostalgia as the host of HGTV's new competition series, 'Totally '90s House.' The show features two teams of '90s television stars competing to renovate homes stuck in the decade.
For White, the decision to host was an "immediate yes." He believes the '90s hold a special place in pop culture due to a sense of "connectivity" that he feels is missing today. "We were all watching the same things. We were all listening to the same music. We were taking the same cues," White told Decider. He noted that cable television was still emerging, with major networks and MTV playing a significant role in shaping trends, unlike the more fragmented media landscape of the current decade.
The series reunites White with fellow '90s icons, including Jodie Sweetin ('Full House'), Keshia Knight Pulliam ('The Cosby Show'), Brian Austin Green ('Beverly Hills, 90210'), Melissa Joan Hart ('Sabrina the Teenage Witch'), and Matthew Lawrence ('Boy Meets World'). White described the experience as akin to a high school reunion, with many of their lives having intersected professionally over the years. He noted that he had even acted in a Lifetime movie directed by Melissa Joan Hart.
'Totally '90s House' mines the era's distinct design trends for comedic effect, with White playfully questioning choices like carpeted bathrooms and fuzzy toilet seats. He also recalled design elements such as brass fixtures, excessive mirrors, and bulky entertainment centers designed for older televisions.
White also reflected on his experience in Ben Affleck's Super Bowl commercial, "Good Will Dunkin'," calling it another "no-brainer." He cited the "ridiculous" lineup of co-stars, including Ted Danson, Jason Alexander, Matt LeBlanc, Tom Brady, and Jennifer Aniston, with whom he had worked as a child. He was particularly impressed by the show's use of AI and CGI technology to de-age the cast, making them look as they did in their younger years.
Beyond hosting, White has also explored other on-screen roles and a podcast. He previously hosted the game show 'Total Blackout' and finds joy in any role that allows him to connect with an audience or participants. He recently hosted the game show 'Flip Side.'
When discussing the cultural impact of 'Family Matters' and his character Steve Urkel, White credited his unique archetype and comedic influences, including Martin Short's Ed Grimley and characters from 'Revenge of the Nerds.' He acknowledged that while he doesn't focus on legacy or iconography, he is aware of the show's significant performance in syndication across diverse demographics.
White expressed admiration for the expertise of the interior designers featured on 'Totally '90s House,' such as Sabrina Soto, Carter Oosterhouse, and Jonathan Adler, and the surprising depth of knowledge demonstrated by co-stars like Drew Lachey, who served as a judge on the show. He also highlighted the unexpected personal interests and skills of his fellow '90s stars, such as Keshia Knight Pulliam's farming and Matthew Lawrence's carpentry abilities.