One of television’s most groundbreaking series hit the airwaves over 50 years ago, and the small screen hasn’t been the same since. Emmy-winning “All in the Family” is one of the first programs to address sensitive topics previously considered unsuitable for television, one of the first sitcoms to effortlessly blend humor with drama, and one of the most influential programs of all time, impacting not only the industry but pop culture as well.
On January 12, 1971, Norman Lear‘s version of the British sitcom “Till Death Do Us Part” debuted on American television. Week after week, patriarch Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor), his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) and son-in-law Mike Stivic (Rob Reiner) would argue with each other, as well as a variety of family members and neighbors, over pretty much every hot issue of the day – racism, homosexuality, gun rights, rape, women’s liberation, war, abortion, breast cancer, menopause – issues that divide our country to this day. The writers and performers brilliantly portrayed both sides of the coin: both the conservative and liberal viewpoints, as well as the generational gap that affected these opinions.
Not only did the show tackle hot topic issues, they did so with a variety of characters that had never been fully represented on television. Archie’s prejudice against pretty much anyone who doesn’t look or act like him, and his clashes with Mike’s open-minded and liberal views, are the heart of the show. African-Americans, Hispanics, Catholics, people from Irish and Italian descent – they all are the bunt of Archie’s rage and misguided beliefs at some point. But Archie’s rages never come from hate – they come from lack of understanding and knowledge. But the younger generation isn’t portrayed as always right either – both sides are presented fairly, offering a touch of humor as well as understanding in heated, and even at times tragic, moments.
Throughout its nine-year run, the popularity of “All in the Family” led to five direct spin-offs, and two indirect spin-offs, including “Maude,” “Good Times” and “The Jeffersons.” Not only was it a commercial success, but the series soon became a favorite on Emmy night, and is the first of four sitcoms in which all the regular cast members won Emmy awards. O’Connor and Stapleton were each nominated almost every year the series ran, with O’Connor winning four and Stapleton winning three. Struthers and Reiner each won two. The series was nominated for Best Comedy Series each year of its run, winning four. All in all, the series won 22 Emmys out of 55 nominations.
Archie’s misuse of the English language and butchering of metaphors are legendary, and he enriched our vocabulary with words like “meathead” and “stifle.” Edith could meander her way through a story like nobody else, and her patience and ditziness are the perfect buffer to Archie’s blustering. And Mike and Gloria’s hippie ways fueling Archie’s flames show that the generational gaps are nothing new, and are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago.
It can be argued that every sitcom since has in some way been influenced by this one, and there will never be another quite like it. Yes, “those were the days,” and today we celebrate 25 of the best episodes from this legendary sitcom with our ranked photo gallery.
25. Edith’s Night Out
March 8, 1976
Edith is unsure about the pantsuit Gloria has bought her, because Archie likes women to wear dresses, but is determined for Archie to take her for one night out. When he comes home in a bad mood and unimpressed with her new look, Edith takes off for his favorite bar. She makes a couple of friends (including one played by Doris Roberts) and entertains on the piano. When Archie shows up, he learns a valuable lesson about appreciating his wife.
24. The Bunkers and Inflation Parts 1-4
September 14, 21, 28 and October 5, 1974
The fifth season started off with a four-part story about an issue that resonates today. Archie’s union goes on strike and he’s left moping about the house, driving Edith crazy. As the strike continues, the Bunkers start to worry about money and Archie is livid when Edith is willing to accept charity and get a job – at Jefferson’s Cleaners no less! As the story plays out, the generational and ideological differences between Archie and Mike surface once again.
23. The Dinner Guest
March 12, 1978
As Mike and Gloria are preparing for their move to California, Edith plans a big going-away dinner. However, Mike receives a dinner invitation from his new boss for the same evening, and the two must decide which dinner to attend.
22. Chain Letter
October 20, 1975
Archie throws out a chain letter even though everyone warns him he’ll have bad luck. He scoffs at the notion, but then a string of bad luck ultimately lands him in the ER, with a sarcastic black doctor and a no-nonsense nurse to attend him.
21. We’re Still Having a Heat Wave
September 22, 1973
As the heatwave rages on, Archie finds little satisfaction in his successful campaign to keep a Hispanic family out of his neighborhood. For neighbors, he now has a boisterous singing Italian man and his Irish wife, who irritate Archie to no end. While Edith tries to make friends, Archie complains, and Edith finally has enough and puts him in his place.
20. We’re Having a Heat Wave
September 15, 1973
A heat wave is causing tempers to flare, and none more so than Archie, who is put out when he hears that a Hispanic couple might buy the house next door. He and Henry Jefferson start a movement to keep them from moving in, but they learn the hard way that the grass isn’t always greener. . .
19. Lionel Moves Into the Neighborhood
March 2, 1971
Archie finds out that his neighbor has sold his house to a black family, not knowing that it’s the Jeffersons. Archie tries to rally his neighbors to buy the house back to keep the neighborhood from becoming integrated, but Lionel figures it out and tries to trick Archie into revealing his plans.
18. Archie Sees a Mugging
January 29, 1972
Archie witnesses a mugging, but doesn’t want to talk to police because the victim is Italian and Archie is convinced the man was attacked by the Mafia. As only Archie can, he manages to infuriate his family, the victim, the mob and the police before he gets scared into doing the right thing.
17. Flashback: Mike and Gloria’s Wedding (Parts 1 and 2)
November 11 and November 18, 1972
On Mike and Gloria’s second anniversary, they reminisce about the wedding that almost wasn’t when a culture clash nearly derailed the ceremony. Archie and Mike’s Uncle Cashmir argue over wedding arrangements, causing Mike to storm out. Obviously, all is resolved, as Mike and Gloria decide on a civil ceremony
16. Lionel’s Engagement
February 9, 1974
Everyone is invited to Lionel’s engagement party but Archie, but he assumes that he was and shows up anyway. It doesn’t take long to figure out why they wanted him kept away – Lionel’s future in-laws are an interracial couple. But, George isn’t happy about it either, and for once, the two strong- headed men have something to commiserate about.
15. Archie and the Editorial
September 16, 1972
It’s a debate that still rages today. Archie is incensed by an anti-gun segment on the news, and goes on television himself to offer a rebuttal – even suggesting that the best way to deal with hijackers on an airplane is to arm the passengers before they get on! Afterward, Archie and his family are confronted by a real-life situation that makes the debate all too real.
14. Mike’s Hippie Friends Come to Visit
February 23, 1971
Clashes between the ultra-conservative Archie and his liberal son-in-law Mike were the heart of the show, and it’s played to full hilarity here. Archie is already outraged when Mike invites his hippie friend Paul to spend the night, but he hits the roof when he learns that Paul’s girlfriend is coming as well. Despite his objections, Archie ends up with an unmarried couple sleeping on his couch – and Mike ends up equally annoyed with his friends’ behavior.
13. Archie Is Branded
February 24, 1973
When Archie finds a swastika painted on his front door, he thinks it’s a juvenile prank, but Mike is concerned. They learn from a man who works with an anti-hate group that the swastika was meant for a Jewish man who lives nearby. A debate ensues about the best way to deal with a hate crime, and the Bunkers are confronted with the tragic consequences of prejudice.
12. Archie and the Computer
October 27, 1973
Computers were already driving people crazy 50 years ago! In this ode to computer mistakes, an error has Edith receiving a ton of quarters while Archie has been declared dead. The perfect fuel for an Archie rant.
11. Lionel Steps Out
October 14, 1972
Lionel takes Archie’s visiting niece out dancing, and Edith tries to keep Archie from finding out. Of course, he does find out, and in typical Archie fashion blows up, leading to a confrontation with the Jeffersons and the silent treatment from his niece.
10. Edith’s Accident
November 6, 1971
In a fluke accident, Edith accidentally dents a car fender with a can of peaches in heavy syrup, and leaves the owner a note with her name and address. Archie is annoyed, thinking she could have gotten away without paying, and is suspicious when a Catholic priest shows up claiming to be the owner of the car. Once again, Archie gets his comeuppance in the end.
9. Edith’s Problem
January 8, 1972
While Archie is excited about a planned trip to Disney World, Edith is suddenly suffering from hot flashes and mood swings, and realizes that she is beginning menopause. While she is concerned about “turning into an old lady,” Archie has to be the kind and nurturing partner even though it’s driving him crazy. He kindly gives her “just 30 seconds” to change, but her “Stifle!” puts him in his place. The episode won an Emmy for Writing.
8. The Bunkers and the Swingers
October 28, 1972
In this Emmy-Award-winning episode (for Writing), Edith answers a magazine ad from a couple seeking new friends, and invites them over for dinner. Poor Edith is completely oblivious to the fact that they are swingers – until Louise sets her straight. Rue McClanahan, later famous for her role as Blanche Devereaux on “Golden Girls,” plays the wife.
7. The Draft Dodger
December 25, 1976
In one of the most powerful episode of the series, Archie has invited his friend Pinky, who recently lost his son in the Vietnam War, to Christmas dinner. Mike’s friend David unexpectedly shows up, and is invited to stay, but things get heated when David reveals that he is a draft dodger. Archie launches into what may be his most famous tirade, and expects his friend Pinky to join him. But, Pinky surprises him and shows a true Christmas spirit, leaving Archie stunned.
6. Cousin Maude’s Visit
December 11, 1971
These days she may be better remembered for “Golden Girls,” but Bea Arthur had a huge impact as Maude Findlay in the 1970s. She plays Edith’s cousin who comes to help when everyone but Edith gets the flu. Archie is displeased because Maude is an ultra liberal, and the two fight about pretty much any issue big in the day – from the legacy of FDR to Nixon to the Civil Rights movement. Nobody could quite come nose-to-nose with Archie like the deep-voiced and stern Maude, and it’s no wonder that Arthur ended up with her own series.
5. Meet the Bunkers
January 12, 1971
A half century ago we were introduced to two completely opposite hotheads, Archie Bunker and his son-in-law Mike Stivic, and their wives, the dingy but lovable Edith and the kind but stubborn Gloria. It sets the tone for the series that followed: conservative Archie and liberal Mike clash, but there’s a lot of love in this house – in this case, Mike and Gloria planning a surprise anniversary party for the Bunkers.
4. Everybody Tells the Truth
March 3, 1973
Archie and Mike give vastly different accounts of their experience with a refrigerator repairman – who happens to be black (TV debut of Ron Glass of “Barney Miller” fame). Each man is convinced his version is the true one, but it’s Edith who really knows what happened. Featuring closeups and “Rashomon”-style storytelling, this is a one-of-a-kind episode and one of the funniest.
3. George and Archie Make a Deal
November 30, 1974
George Jefferson is running for public office, citing his desire to improve his community. But he has to have all his neighbors – including Archie- to sign a petition supporting him. As he cajoles Archie into helping him, his true motives come to light. One of the funniest episodes with the Jeffersons, and it’s clear why they would soon be “moving’ on up” to their own series.
2. Edith’s 50th Birthday
October 16, 1977
As her family and friends prepare a “surprise” birthday party for her next door, Edith is home baking her own cake. However, she receives a horrible surprise when a man posing as a police officer comes into her home and attempts to assault her. Although she gets away, she must deal with the aftereffects of her ordeal. Stapleton received much praise for her performance, winning her third Emmy.
1. Sammy’s Visit
February 19, 1972
Archie is excited because the legendary Sammy Davis, Jr. has left his briefcase in his cab, and is coming by the house to retrieve it. Of course, Archie puts his foot in his mouth more than once (as usual), but Sammy takes it in stride – and plants a big ole kiss on Archie’s cheek at the end – which incited one of the longest audience laughs in TV history and has become one of the most memorable moments of the medium.
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