‘Family Affair’ star Kathy Garver says failed remake ‘sucked,’ reveals what went wrong

Kathy Garver is revisiting her childhood role as Cissy on the classic sitcom "Family Affair," but she isn't holding back her thoughts on the show's ill-fated 2002 reboot.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Garver was blunt about the remake's failure, stating simply, "Excuse my language, but it sucked."

The original series, which premiered in 1966, was a groundbreaker for its time, centering on a bachelor, Bill Davis, who suddenly becomes the guardian of his three orphaned niece and nephews. Garver believes the show's enduring legacy stems from its high production quality—noting it was one of the first color sitcoms—and a genuine sense of warmth and stability.

"People really like each other — what a concept," Garver said, describing the show as a "comfort cake" for viewers.

According to Garver, that emotional chemistry was missing in the 2002 version. While she praised the talent of Gary Cole and Tim Curry, she argued that their interpretations shifted the tone too far from the original. She noted that Brian Keith brought a unique contrast to the role of Bill Davis as a "macho" ex-Marine who was unexpectedly tender with the children. In contrast, she felt Cole simply didn't fit the audience's image of the character.

Garver felt the same disconnect with Tim Curry’s portrayal of the butler, Mr. French. While Sebastian Cabot played the role as a low-key figure driven by love for the children, Garver described Curry's version as "loud and boisterous," suggesting the performance felt more like "the Tim Curry show" than a cohesive part of a family ensemble.

"I think it’s very difficult to do a remake," Garver said.

The actress is now preparing to celebrate the original series' 60th anniversary. On Sunday, Sept. 13, Garver will host a special marathon on the Catchy Comedy Network, featuring eight of her favorite episodes that track Cissy's growth from a child into a young adult.