The early 1970s were a transformative period for CBS, marked by sweeping changes that redefined television programming. Under the leadership of new network programming president Fred Silverman, CBS initiated the infamous “rural purge,” canceling a slew of popular shows like Green Acres and The Beverly Hillbillies. Silverman’s goal was to shift the network’s focus from older viewers in the Midwest to younger, urban audiences, leading to the introduction of more contemporary and daring series such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and All in the Family.
The Birth of “All in the Family”
Created by Norman Lear, All in the Family distinguished itself by boldly addressing topics that were largely taboo on television at the time. Racism, the Vietnam War, political ideologies, and other contentious issues were all tackled head-on, grounded in the realism of everyday life. The show’s success was due in no small part to its exceptional cast, including Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, and Rob Reiner, as well as its sharp writing and groundbreaking moments, like being the first show to feature the sound of a flushing toilet.
Television historian and author Jim Colucci, co-author of the upcoming 50th-anniversary companion to All in the Family, shares an anecdote about the show’s early struggles with network censors. The pilot was initially rejected twice by ABC before CBS took a chance on it under Silverman’s new direction. William H. Tankersley, the network censor at the time, was reportedly shocked by the show’s coarse humor and use of a toilet flush as a comedic device.
The Toilet Flush That Shocked America
Tankersley’s reaction highlights the cultural shift that All in the Family represented. In his interview with the Archive of American Television, he recalls being appalled by the show’s raw humor and the sound of a toilet flush. Despite his initial horror, the toilet flush would become one of the show’s most iconic elements, symbolizing its commitment to authenticity.
Jim Colucci notes the stark contrast between All in the Family and other shows of the era, such as The Brady Bunch. While The Brady Bunch presented an idealized, sanitized version of family life, All in the Family offered a grittier, more honest portrayal. The Brady kids shared a bathroom that notably lacked a toilet, reflecting the era’s tendency to avoid realistic depictions of bodily functions.
Making the Flush Funny
Lear and his team didn’t just include the toilet flush for shock value; they used it to enhance the humor and realism of the show. Jim explains, “The writers played the toilet like a percussion instrument, using it as a punchline in various scenes.” For instance, in one first-season episode, Edith repeatedly calls up to Archie in the bathroom, leading to a series of comedic exchanges culminating in the sound of a toilet flush. In another episode, during a flashback to Mike and Gloria’s wedding, the toilet flush is perfectly timed to interrupt Edith’s piano playing and Gloria’s anxious wait for her father.
The choice of toilet flush sound was deliberate. The production team opted for an exaggerated, roaring flush to maximize the comedic effect. This decision was justified by the setting of the Bunker household, an older home in Queens, where such an old-fashioned toilet might be plausible.
Balancing Comedy and Controversy
While All in the Family pushed boundaries with its humor, it also handled serious issues with sensitivity and depth. One notable example is the episode where Gloria and Mike’s son Joey is born. Amidst the joy of the new arrival, Archie is embroiled in his own comedic subplot, hiding from his lodge brothers who want him to perform in blackface for a minstrel show. This storyline not only provided laughs but also subtly critiqued outdated and offensive traditions.
Jim highlights a scene from this episode where Archie is seen flushing a modern toilet, a rare glimpse into the Bunker bathroom. This moment underscores the show’s blend of realism and comedy, balancing everyday occurrences with larger social commentary.
A Legacy of Innovation
All in the Family remains a landmark in television history, renowned for its fearless approach to controversial topics and its innovative use of humor. By addressing issues head-on and incorporating realistic details like the infamous toilet flush, the show set a new standard for what television could be. It challenged audiences to think critically about societal norms while providing laughs through its authentic portrayal of family life.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of All in the Family, it’s clear that Norman Lear’s creation not only redefined sitcoms but also left an indelible mark on American culture, proving that even the sound of a flushing toilet can be a powerful tool for change.
