“The program you are about to see is All in the Family. It seeks to throw a humorous spotlight on our frailties, prejudices, and concerns. By making them a source of laughter, we hope to show—in a mature fashion—just how absurd they are.”
With this bold disclaimer, CBS introduced the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family” to viewers. Created by Norman Lear, the show didn’t just push the envelope; it sealed and stamped it. Each week, audiences tuned in to see taboo topics like menopause, rape, homosexuality, and race relations tackled with humor and candor. Here’s a look behind the scenes at this revolutionary show.
1. British Inspiration
“All in the Family” was based on the British sitcom “Till Death Do Us Part.” Norman Lear acquired the rights to the BBC series in the late 1960s after reading about it in Variety. The original show featured Alf Garnett, a working-class conservative in London’s East End, who shared his home with his wife, daughter, and liberal son-in-law. Alf’s outspoken disdain for anyone different from him provided a rich vein of humor and social commentary that Lear saw as ripe for an American adaptation.
2. From Archie Justice to Archie Bunker
In Lear’s original pilot script, the show was titled “Justice for All,” featuring Carroll O’Connor as Archie Justice and Jean Stapleton as his wife, Edith. The younger characters were initially played by Kelly Jean Peters and Tim McIntire as Gloria and Richard. However, ABC passed on the show due to the lack of chemistry between the older and younger cast members. After recasting Gloria and her husband with Candy Azzara and Chip Oliver and renaming the show “Those Were the Days,” ABC remained uninterested.
3. CBS’s Crucial Decision
CBS executive Robert Wood saw potential in Lear’s creation. Market research indicated a younger audience favored socially relevant, cutting-edge content. Wood championed “All in the Family,” seeing it as a relevant and bold addition to the network’s lineup, and the show finally found its home on CBS.
4. Almost Penny Marshall
Penny Marshall, who would later marry Rob Reiner, almost landed the role of Mrs. Stivic. She was brought in to improvise and read lines with Reiner, but ultimately, Sally Struthers was chosen for the part.
5. A Porch Mismatch
Eagle-eyed fans noticed that the porch scenes did not match the exterior of the Bunker’s home in Queens. The discrepancy didn’t detract from the show’s success, but it remains a fun fact for dedicated viewers.
6. A Cultural Milestone
“All in the Family” became one of the most important television series of all time. It addressed public affairs and social issues in a thought-provoking and comedic manner, utilizing innovative filmmaking techniques and pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on TV.
7. Theme Song Confusion
In the first two seasons, viewers struggled to understand the last line of the opening theme song, “Gee, our old LaSalle ran great.” Due to numerous inquiries, the song was re-recorded for season three to clarify the lyrics.
8. Real-Life Inspiration
The quirky habit of Rob Reiner’s character, Michael “Meathead” Stivic, putting on a sock and shoe on one foot before the other, was inspired by Reiner’s real-life routine. He shared this with the writers, who incorporated it into the show.
9. Breaking Taboos with Baby Joey
In 1976, “All in the Family” featured frontal male nudity with the character of baby Joey Stivic, breaking new ground on television. That same year, a physically correct doll of baby Joey was released.
10. Carroll O’Connor’s Contribution
Carroll O’Connor co-wrote the lyrics for the show’s closing theme song, adding a personal touch to the series’ musical elements.
11. Salary Disputes
O’Connor’s salary disputes led to four episodes being taped during his protest over wages and working conditions. These episodes, starting with “Where is Archie?”, were produced without him on set.
12. Limited Viewer Backlash
Despite concerns, the anticipated backlash from viewers did not materialize. Extra operators were hired to handle potential outraged calls, but only a few viewers were offended. Instead, Americans embraced Archie Bunker, and the character became a cultural icon, inspiring campaign buttons and bumper stickers.
“All in the Family” changed the landscape of American television, using humor to address serious social issues and challenging audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and prejudices. Its legacy endures as a testament to the power of comedy to provoke thought and inspire change.
