Courteney Cox on ‘Family Ties’ — All 19 Episodes

Everybody knows that Courteney Cox landed a role on Family Ties several years before she landed as Monica Geller on Friends.

But you *might* think Alex P. Keaton ditched his beautiful girlfriend, Lauren Miller (Cox), for the mousy but opinionated Ellen.

After all, Michael J. Fox and Tracey Pollan ended up married in real life, so their storybook romance must have been the one that prevailed on Family Ties, too, right?

Nah.

Alex and Ellen were done before Lauren ever came along, which happened as the show rounded the bend and headed into Season 6.

So, now that you know how Lauren and Ellen stacked up with each other, here is a rundown of all the Courteney Cox episodes from those last two seasons of Family Ties.

The Last of the Red Hot Psychologists

Season 6, Episode 1 (9/13/1987)

Back at Leland University after a summer off, Alex agrees to take part in a psychology study run by another student. Yeah, it’s Lauren, and while the two are oil ad water at first, they’re all “you-got-your-chocolate-in-my-peanut-butter” before long.

The Last of the Red Hot Psychologists: Part 2

Season 6, Episode 2 (9/13/1987)

You might also call this episode, “First Kiss,” because that’s exactly where Lauren’s ongoing study with Alex leads them. Hilarity and awkwardness ensue before the duo settle into an understanding that they might have something on their hands.

The Other Woman

Season 6, Episode 4 (9/27/1987)

Alex juggles his affections, struggling to maintain his brotherly bond with Andy while building on his relationship with Lauren. A three-way date at a carnival isn’t the paradise Alex envisioned, but it helps the trio grow closer.

Super Mom

Season 6, Episode 6 (10/18/1987)

This one is all about Elyse and her struggles to have and do it all. But, even in the midst of a parental crisis, we get a dose of Lauren, a sure sign things are getting serious for Alex P. Keaton.

Invasion of the Psychologist Snatchers

Season 6, Episode 8 (11/1/1987)

Lauren’s old flame pays a visit, dredging up feelings of inferiority for Alex. How could she possibly turn down Eric for preppy APK?

Citizen Keaton

Season 6, Episode 11 (11/22/1987)

Another small supporting role for Lauren/Cox, as Mallory takes center stage when she runs for class president.

The American Family

Season 6, Episode 14 (12/13/1987)

Ah, the beloved and yet hated retrospective episode, facilitated by Lauren’s term paper on the typical American family. What better way to illustrate the species than with a trip down memory lane with the Keatons?

Miracle in Columbus

Season 6, Episode 16 (12/20/1987)

Alex rides his holiday gig as a mall Santa on a rollercoaster from money-grabbing to despair when he can’t grant a little girl her heartfelt wish. Lauren, of course, is there to support him.

The Blues Brother

Season 6, Episode 19 (1/24/1988)

While spinning blues records for the Leland radio station, Alex declares one of the artists dead … only to have the dude call in and visit to prove he wasn’t. This one features passing interactions with Lauren.

Quittin’ Time

Season 6, Episode 22 (2/21/1988)

Amid some reminiscences about Steve and Elyse’s early days, Lauren turns her devoted (overbearing!) focus on Alex when a school paper frustrates her. It proves to be too much togetherness for the young couple, leaving 2020 audiences to wonder how they would have ever weathered coronavirus quarantine.

It Happened One Night

Season 7, Episode 1 (10/30/1988)

Lauren is just one of the reasons Alex doesn’t want to go on a camping trip with his parents, and Mallory and Jennifer join him in the boycott. After the oldsters leave on their own, though, the kids chase after them … and get lost.

Beyond Therapy

Season 7, Episode 4 (11/27/1988)

After just over a year together, Lauren tells Alex they aren’t close enough and don’t communicate well, and that they need to see a therapist. “Geez, O’Pete,” he says (if not out loud), “what would be like if we were actually married??”.

Heartstrings: Part 2

Season 7, Episode 6 (12/11/1988)

Another retrospective, this time spurred on by Steven’s heart attack. The fam sits around, waiting for dad to die, or whatever, and reminisce about how he used to be before he became a burden. Lauren chimes in.

Heartstrings: Part 3

Season 7, Episode 7 (12/18/1988)

Steven survives his heart operations, comes home, and feels the pity of his family as they treat him like an invalid. Again, Lauren chimes in.

My Best Friend’s Girl

Season 7, Episode 14 (2/19/1989)

Skippy falls in love with Lauren when she tries to play matchmaker for him. Alex is left to ponder a life-and-death decision and starts to wonder: if Skippy likes Lauren, is she really good enough for Alex?

They Can’t Take That Away from Me: Part 1

Season 7, Episode 19 (4/2/1989)

Lauren takes off for a multi-week conference (a likely story), leaving Alex to spark some sparks with a music student who is struggling with his economics class.

They Can’t Take That Away from Me: Part 2

Season 7, Episode 20 (4/9/1989)

Lauren comes home … Alex tells her he likes the econ dunce … once again, hilarity, ensues.

Wrap Around the Clock – Part 1

Season 7, Episode 22 (4/23/1989)

One more retrospective before the Keatons slid off our TV dial, this on prompted by Andy’s time capsule school project. Lauren is part of the family’s history, and part of this retro.

Alex Doesn’t Live Here Anymore

Season 7, Episode 25 (5/14/1989)

In the series finale, Alex leaves home to meet his inevitable destiny — heart attacks and loneliness brought on by the pressure of a high-stakes New York job. Lauren stops by to bury the hatchet (in his head) and deliver a parting gift. (“I’m going to be on Friends!”)

—

So which your favorite Courteney Cox Family Ties episode? The good news is, you have plenty to pick from!

Here are a few other things you might want to know about the Courteney Cox Family Ties role of Lauren Miller…

Why did Courteney Cox leave Family Ties?

Cox’s character of Lauren Miller ended her relationship with Alex when he cheated on her with a music student while Lauren was out of town. That happened in 1989, though, and the series was just about finished, anyway.

What was the final Courteney Cox Family Ties episode?

Cox, as Lauren, came back for the final episode of Family Ties, “Alex Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” which aired on May 14, 1989.

(Like our article on Courteney Cox on Family Ties? Then you might like our article on Family Ties Cast Members, click here.)

(affiliate links)

Note: When you click on links to various merchants in this post and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates.