1. “Family Ties” is mentioned several times. What is its significance in this chapter?

I'm sorry, you cite "chapter", yet, a chapter number has not been provided. Please advise.

The "Family Ties" significance is its representation of a life Wade wants and doesn't have. A house, family members who are there for you, financial stability, etc. The show is treated almost as a favorite teddy bear onto which Wade can hold when he's having a hard time. When his aunt takes his laptop to pawn it and his only means of watching "Family Ties" is removed, that comfort is stolen from him.