All in the Family debuted on CBS on January 12, 1971, and it hit the ground running. The Norman Lear-created sitcom about the Bunker family — including boorish everyman Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor), sweet wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), feisty daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and son-in-law Michael, a.k.a. Meathead (Rob Reiner) —finished its first season as the #34 show in the country, but jumped to number one in its second season — a spot it held on to for the following four seasons. The 1979 series finale was watched by over 40 million viewers, and to this day, the show is beloved both for its warm comedy and boldness in dealing with social issues.
Given credentials like that, you might be surprised to hear that before the show reached such great heights, it shot three pilots — two of which never aired.
What happened in the unaired All in the Family pilots?
All three pilots worked from the same script — which was adapted from a British show called ‘Til Death Do Us Part. Lear bought the rights and originally approached Mickey Rooney for the lead role, but the actor passed, feeling the show was doomed to failure. Lear then recruited O’Connor to play the role of a character then named Archie Justice, on a show then known as Justice for All. The Justice for All pilot was shot in 1968, and though it included Stapleton in the role of Edith, the role of Gloria was handled by Kelly Jean Peters, while her husband (then called Richard) was played by Tim McIntire. Though it included the signature opening of Archie and Edith singing “Those Were the Days,” instead of showing the pair crooning, the credits show shots of New York City, ending at the Justices’ front door.
Lear presented Justice For All to ABC, who passed on picking up the show, but gave him an infusion of cash to shoot a new pilot. That show, called Those Were the Days, was filmed in early 1969, and again starred O’Connor and Stapleton — but Gloria had been recast with Candy Azzara, while her husband (now called Dickie), was played by Chip Oliver. This version included a different but similar version of opening credits with Archie and Edith singing — though this was shot before a live audience, who chuckle throughout.
Lear took his second pilot again to ABC, who once again passed. He then brought it to CBS, who said yes, but with a caveat: it was time to once again recast Gloria and Meathead. It turned out, third time was the charm with the Bunker young’uns — Struthers and Reiner’s pilot made it to air as the show’s debut episode, “Meet the Bunkers.” Though they weren’t the show’s top-billed stars, Reiner and Struthers ended up being what finally got the show to air — and were an essential part of the secret sauce that kept them on top for so long.
Ever watched the first-ever episode of All in the Family and thought, “Wait… where are Meathead and Gloria?” If you’re like many devoted fans of this groundbreaking sitcom, you probably scratched your head when you realized Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers were nowhere to be seen in the debut. Strange, right? After all, their characters, Michael “Meathead” Stivic and Gloria Bunker, became absolutely essential to the show’s success.
So, why weren’t they there for the pilot? Buckle up, because the story behind their absence is a fascinating blend of TV history, casting changes, and network uncertainty.
The Importance of Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers to ‘All in the Family’
Who Were Michael and Gloria Stivic?
Before diving into the mystery, let’s remember who these two characters were. Gloria Bunker was Archie and Edith’s daughter—kind-hearted, naive, and always caught between her father’s old-school ways and her husband’s progressive ideas. Michael Stivic, nicknamed “Meathead” by Archie, was the liberal, outspoken son-in-law who clashed with Archie at every turn.
Why Did Fans Love These Characters?
Michael and Gloria weren’t just background players—they represented the voice of the younger generation during the early 1970s. Without them, the tension and humor that fueled Archie’s iconic rants would have felt… well, flat.
The Pilot Episode: ‘Those Were the Days’
What Made the First Episode Special?
The very first episode of All in the Family, titled “Those Were the Days,” aired on January 12, 1971. It was groundbreaking, bold, and unapologetically honest about taboo subjects like race, gender, and politics.
But Wait… Something Was Off!
If you watched carefully, you might’ve noticed the young couple at the dinner table weren’t played by Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers. Instead, two different actors filled those roles in the pilot. Huh? What happened?
The Original Cast of the Pilot: Meet the First Michael and Gloria
Who Played the Stivics in the Pilot?
In the original unaired pilot, the role of Michael Stivic was played by Tim McIntire, while Gloria was portrayed by Kelly Jean Peters.
Why These Actors?
Back when All in the Family was still trying to get off the ground, the producers—including Norman Lear—experimented with different actors to see what worked. McIntire and Peters were part of that early experimental phase.
The Problem with the Original Cast
Lack of Chemistry?
According to television historians, the biggest issue with McIntire and Peters was simple: there was no spark. Their scenes lacked the punch and conflict that would later define the show’s family dynamic.
Norman Lear’s Sharp Eye
Norman Lear, the genius creator behind the show, wasn’t convinced these two could bring the right energy. And let’s be honest—what is All in the Family without fiery dinner table debates?
The Power of Casting: Enter Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers
The Recasting Decision
Before the show officially launched, Lear and CBS made a bold move—they recast Michael and Gloria. Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers were chosen for the roles that would make them household names.
Why Rob Reiner?
Reiner’s sharp comedic timing and natural rebellious vibe made him the perfect Meathead. His clashes with Archie were electric—so much so that you almost forgot they weren’t really arguing at your own family’s dinner table.
Why Sally Struthers?
Struthers brought charm, vulnerability, and perfect comic delivery to Gloria. Her chemistry with both Archie and Michael made her unforgettable.
The Third Pilot: The Charm Finally Clicked
Yes, There Were Three Pilots!
Believe it or not, All in the Family wasn’t sold after just one pilot. Or two. It took three attempts before CBS finally gave the green light.
Third Time’s the Charm
By the time Reiner and Struthers joined the cast for the third pilot, everything clicked. The show now felt real, biting, and most importantly—funny.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of the First Episode
Did CBS Almost Reject the Show Entirely?
Oh, absolutely. CBS executives were nervous about the show’s controversial tone. Even after the recasting, they hesitated to approve the final version. Little did they know the show would go on to change television history forever.
What About Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton?
Luckily, O’Connor and Stapleton—Archie and Edith—were perfect from day one. Their performances never changed from pilot to series.
The Legacy of the Right Casting Choices
What If the First Actors Had Stayed?
Can you imagine All in the Family without Rob Reiner’s sarcastic eye-rolls or Sally Struthers’ exasperated sighs? The original pair might have sunk the show before it even started.
The Chemistry That Saved the Show
Their arrival didn’t just boost the show—it saved it. The tension, love, and arguments between Archie, Edith, Michael, and Gloria became the beating heart of the series.
Why Didn’t the Public Know This Sooner?
Hidden in TV History Books
For years, this odd fact about the pilot remained trivia for hardcore fans and TV scholars. Thanks to reruns and DVDs, viewers now spot the differences more easily.
What the Original Actors Said About Being Replaced
Disappointed… but Understanding
Tim McIntire and Kelly Jean Peters reportedly weren’t bitter about being replaced. In Hollywood, pilots get recast all the time. But missing out on one of TV’s biggest hits? Ouch.
Norman Lear’s Risk Paid Off
A Risk That Changed Everything
Norman Lear’s decision to gamble on Reiner and Struthers was gutsy—but it made All in the Family an American classic.
Conclusion: A Twist of Fate That Shaped TV History
If Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers had starred in that very first pilot, TV history might’ve felt smoother—but maybe less exciting. Their absence in the pilot and their late arrival gave the show the energy, charm, and fire it needed to succeed. It’s one of those strange “what if” moments that shaped the legacy of All in the Family forever.
