It was a surreal night of TV on ABC. The network aired a live special called Live In Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons, which reproduced classic episodes of Lear’s two beloved sitcoms with new casts. Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes played George and Louise Jefferson, while Archie and Edith Bunker were played by Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei.
And here is Harrelson and Tomei loudly and badly (which is entirely accurate in this case, since Archie and Edith weren’t exactly opera singers) performing the original All in the Family theme song, “Those Were the Days”:
This is what we call classic! Tune in RIGHT NOW for #LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience to watch the star-studded event on ABC! #AllintheFamily #TheJeffersons @WoodyHarrelson @MarisaTomei pic.twitter.com/8GlCjVBpS1
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) May 23, 2019
Want to see how Harrelson and Tomei compare with the original Archie and Edith played by TV legends Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton? Here you go:
The rendition of The Jeffersons theme on Live In Front of a Studio Audience sounded a little better than that; it was sung by the incredible Jennifer Hudson.
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) May 23, 2019
The evening’s co-host and producer Jimmy Kimmel said Live In Front of a Studio Audience was a “dream come true” and “a testament to the greatness of these shows.” Lear claimed he wanted to show those who say “over and over again that these two shows were meant for the ’70s and would not work today” were wrong. It will be interesting to see whether the ratings bear that out. The recreation of the original shows was impressive, and made for a unique night of TV. I wouldn’t mind seeing more classic shows brought back to life for a special night here or there. How about Night Court next?
Talk about a blast from the past! When Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei stepped into the shoes of Archie and Edith Bunker to recreate the opening of All In the Family, fans were treated to a pitch-perfect homage to one of television’s most iconic shows. It wasn’t just a reenactment—it was a love letter to vintage sitcom magic.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Bunkers or discovering them for the first time, this unforgettable performance brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Let’s dive into the magic behind this incredible tribute.
The Live Tribute That Took Everyone by Surprise
A Special Night of Classic Television
The recreation aired during ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” a star-studded television special that revived classic sitcoms with modern-day actors. The concept? Go live. Go retro. And go bold.
Why ‘All In the Family’ Was Chosen
Norman Lear’s groundbreaking series isn’t just TV history—it’s American history. By recreating All In the Family, the producers weren’t just playing with nostalgia; they were honoring a show that tackled politics, race, gender, and generational clashes with unflinching honesty.
Meet the New Archie and Edith: Harrelson & Tomei
Woody Harrelson as Archie Bunker
Let’s be real: Archie Bunker is a tough act to follow. But Woody Harrelson brought his signature blend of grit, charm, and impeccable timing to the role. He didn’t try to mimic Carroll O’Connor—he made Archie his own, all while keeping the essence of the character intact.
Marisa Tomei’s Brilliant Take on Edith
Marisa Tomei as Edith Bunker? Absolute perfection. She captured Edith’s quirky voice, sweet innocence, and loyal spirit with grace and humor. And yes—she nailed the high notes in the opening theme song, too!
“Those Were the Days” – A Theme Song That Still Hits Hard
Why This Opening Still Works in 2025
The moment Harrelson and Tomei sat down at that old upright piano, everything clicked. As they sang “Those Were the Days,” it was like being teleported back to 1971. The lyrics—“Gee, our old LaSalle ran great…”—still resonate. Why? Because they reflect a longing for simpler times… even if those times weren’t perfect.
The Power of Live Performance
There’s something raw and electric about doing it live. No second takes. No digital polishing. Just two actors, a piano, and a room full of people holding their breath. It was intimate, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
The Legacy of ‘All In the Family’
A Sitcom That Changed Everything
Created by Norman Lear, All In the Family debuted in 1971 and turned the sitcom world on its head. It broke barriers and sparked conversations that had never been heard on primetime before.
Why Archie Bunker Still Matters
Archie wasn’t a hero. He was flawed, loud, and deeply stubborn. But that’s what made him human. Watching him clash with “Meathead” or misunderstand Edith was both hilarious and painfully real.
The Cast’s Dedication to Authenticity
Recreating Every Detail
From Archie’s worn-out recliner to the signature living room set, the production nailed the aesthetics. Even the lighting and camera angles mirrored the original. It was like stepping into a time capsule.
Behind-the-Scenes Preparation
Both Harrelson and Tomei studied the original episodes relentlessly. They weren’t just acting—they were honoring TV royalty. The result? A performance that was funny, poignant, and full of heart.
Social Media Went Crazy
As soon as the performance aired, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok lit up with praise. Fans called it “perfect,” “emotional,” and “one of the best TV moments of the year.”
“Woody and Marisa brought Archie and Edith back to life. What a tribute!” — @SitcomFan79
“I cried. I laughed. I rewatched it three times.” — @RetroTVRules
More Than Just Nostalgia: A Cultural Reminder
How the Recreation Speaks to Today’s World
While All In the Family is a show from the ’70s, the themes still ring true: political division, generational gaps, and the everyday struggles of working-class Americans. The recreation reminded us that comedy can open doors to deeper conversations.
Other Standouts From “Live in Front of a Studio Audience”
A Night of Revivals
Alongside All In the Family, the live event also featured a reenactment of The Jeffersons, Good Times, and more. Each segment brought its own flavor, but Harrelson and Tomei stole the show with their chemistry and authenticity.
Revisiting the Original Show
Where to Watch the Original ‘All In the Family’
Missed the golden age of Norman Lear’s genius? Don’t worry. You can stream the original episodes on platforms like Amazon Prime, Pluto TV, and Apple TV. It’s worth the watch—especially after seeing this stellar tribute.
The Message Behind the Moment
Why This Performance Matters Now
In an era of reboots and remakes, this recreation stands apart. It didn’t just modernize the show—it reminded us of how powerful television can be when it’s unfiltered, bold, and willing to push boundaries.
A Perfect Blend of Then and Now
Honoring the Past While Entertaining the Present
By blending old-school charm with modern-day talent, Harrelson and Tomei showed us that great storytelling never goes out of style. Whether you watched the original or were born decades after it aired, this performance felt both timely and timeless.
Conclusion: A Tribute That Will Be Remembered
Watching Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei recreate the classic ‘All In the Family’ opening was like opening a cherished photo album. It was funny, moving, and full of heart. More than just a performance, it was a celebration of television history—a reminder of where we’ve been, and how far we’ve come.
