The Addams Family is a fictional, eccentric, macabre-themed family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. Originating as a series of about 150 single-panel cartoons published primarily in *The New Yorker* from 1938 until Addams's death in 1988, the family is known for delighting in the grotesque and bizarre, which they view as normal, creating a satirical contrast with mainstream culture[1]. The core members include Gomez and Morticia Addams, their children Wednesday and Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, the butler Lurch, and other quirky characters like Thing, a disembodied hand, and Cousin Itt. Names for most characters were established in the 1960s with the advent of a TV series and licensed merchandise[1][2]. The Addams Family transcended its cartoon origins to become a multi-media franchise encompassing television shows, films, video games, comic books, and a popular musical. The 1964 ABC television series introduced the family to a wider audience, portraying their spooky yet loving family life with humor and charm, breaking from the idealized American family stereotype prevalent at the time[6][7]. Key achievements include successful film adaptations in the 1990s that revived interest in the franchise, and the ongoing presence of the family in pop culture through musical theater, notably *The Addams Family* musical which debuted in the 2010s and explores themes of family, love, and change with dark comedy[3][4][5]. Currently, the Addams Family remains culturally relevant, with stage productions like the one running at the Ordway Center in 2025, and the popularity of related modern media such as the Netflix series *Wednesday*, which draws on the character Wednesday Addams[8]. The franchise's enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of macabre humor, family values, and satire, making it a beloved and influential icon in both entertainment and popula