Why Weren’t Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers in the Very First Episode of ‘All in the Family’?
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.
When you think of ‘All in the Family’, you can’t help but picture the entire Bunker family — Archie, Edith, Gloria, and of course, Michael (aka “Meathead”). But did you ever realize that two of these beloved characters — Rob Reiner’s Michael and Sally Struthers’ Gloria — were mysteriously missing in the show’s very first aired episode?
Strange, right? Why would such central figures be absent when the show was kicking off? Was it a casting mishap? Budget cuts? A secret network decision?
Grab your favorite chair — like Archie’s famous armchair — and let’s dive deep into this TV mystery.
The Importance of ‘All in the Family’ to American Television
Before we break down the mystery, let’s set the stage.
A Groundbreaking Sitcom
‘All in the Family’ wasn’t just another sitcom — it changed television forever. Tackling hot-button issues like racism, women’s rights, and war — it was fearless, funny, and uncomfortably real.
The Unforgettable Bunker Family
The Bunker household — full of laughter, arguments, and generation gaps — became a symbol of the American family in turmoil during the 1970s.
But surprisingly… the Bunker family we know wasn’t entirely present at the show’s start.
Wait…Who Actually Appeared in the First Episode?
Let’s get this clear. The first aired episode, titled “Meet the Bunkers”, featured:
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Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker
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Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker
That’s it. No Rob Reiner. No Sally Struthers.
Fans tuning in met only half the family.
So, Where Were Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers?
Here’s the part that surprises most viewers — and even some die-hard fans.
They Simply Weren’t Cast Yet!
Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers weren’t absent because of drama or conflict. The reason is simple: they hadn’t been cast when the first pilot episodes were filmed.
Wait… Pilots? As in More Than One?
Yep. This show had three pilots — not one, not two, but three different attempts before CBS gave the green light.
The Forgotten Pilots of ‘All in the Family’
Before ‘All in the Family’ hit the air, Norman Lear, the show’s creator, tried to sell the show twice.
Pilot #1: ‘Justice for All’ (1968)
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Different actors for Gloria and Michael
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Similar plot, same Archie and Edith (O’Connor and Stapleton)
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Rejected by ABC
Pilot #2: ‘Those Were the Days’ (1969)
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Still no Rob Reiner or Sally Struthers
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Same rejection story
Third time’s the charm, right?
Pilot #3: ‘Meet the Bunkers’ (1971)
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Enter Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers
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This was the pilot that finally aired as the official first episode
But here’s the twist: due to production and airing schedules, the episode list can be confusing. Some fans thought the first episode filmed was different from the first episode aired — adding to the mystery.
Casting Woes: Why Was It So Hard to Find Michael and Gloria?
Finding the perfect “Meathead” and Gloria wasn’t easy.
Producers Wanted Chemistry
For a show built on generational clashes, Norman Lear needed actors who could hold their own against Carroll O’Connor’s grumpy Archie.
Rejections and Auditions
Many young actors auditioned, but the magic wasn’t there — until Rob Reiner (ironically the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner) stepped in.
Sally Struthers, full of life and humor, nailed Gloria’s vibe — but only in time for the third pilot.
The Confusion: Which Episode is Really the First?
Airing Order vs. Production Order
TV nerds (bless them) know that the order an episode is filmed isn’t always the order it airs.
Some fans argue that older versions of the pilot were shown later in reruns, sparking confusion. But for official records — ‘Meet the Bunkers’ with the full cast is Episode 1.
Why Didn’t CBS Like the First Two Pilots?
CBS wasn’t sold on the show’s boldness.
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Too political?
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Too honest?
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Too… uncomfortable?
All of the above.
Only after Lear tweaked the scripts, adjusted the cast (hello Reiner and Struthers!), and toned the humor just enough, did CBS bite.
Rob Reiner’s Own Thoughts on the Matter
Rob Reiner later joked in interviews that he didn’t know he was almost replaced in TV history.
Imagine if he’d missed the chance — no Meathead, no Gloria… no Bunker battles!
Sally Struthers’ Take on the Casting Drama
Sally has also shared that she was thrilled (and shocked) to get the part. She had no idea the role was such a big deal — until fans started stopping her on the street.
A Show That Almost Never Happened
It’s wild to think:
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CBS almost passed — three times!
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The family almost looked totally different
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We might never have had Archie yelling “Meathead!”
How ‘All in the Family’ Changed TV Forever
Because they got the cast just right, ‘All in the Family’:
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Became the #1 show in America
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Spawned several spinoffs like ‘The Jeffersons’ and ‘Maude’
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Changed sitcoms into social commentary platforms
Lessons from This Strange Casting Story
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Patience Pays Off — Three pilots later, history was made.
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Right Cast = TV Gold — Chemistry trumps all.
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Networks Fear Risky Shows — But risk sometimes brings reward.
The Legacy of Reiner and Struthers in ‘All in the Family’
Once they joined, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers became TV icons — forever tied to the Bunker name.
Their banter with Archie defined what made the show tick — tension, humor, and uncomfortable truth.
Conclusion: A Quirky Start to a Legendary Sitcom
So now you know — the real reason why Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers weren’t in the original pilot is simply because they weren’t cast yet. No scandal. No drama. Just the slow, awkward birth of what would become one of TV’s greatest families.
Isn’t it funny how things that seem mysterious usually have such practical — even boring — explanations? And yet, this small casting hiccup became a curious footnote in television history.
