The 1970s sitcom All in the Family remains one of the most iconic shows ever, chronicling the life of Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) and his family. Known for his strong opinions, many of Archie’s views are considered offensive by today’s standards.
After nine seasons, fans are also very familiar with Archie’s wife, Edith (Jean Stapleton), and daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers). However, there are numerous behind-the-scenes details about All in the Family that only its biggest fans might know. Read on to discover more.
The Show Led to Seven Spin-Offs
Typically, a successful show might get one spin-off, which often doesn’t fare well with ratings or critics. Fans usually miss the original characters and may not like the new storylines or setting.
However, All in the Family led to an impressive seven spin-offs: 702 Hauser Street, The Jeffersons, Checking In, Archie Bunker’s Place, Good Times, Gloria, and Maude. This is a testament to the show’s immense popularity and influence.
Edith Passed Away in the Spin-Off, Not the Original Show
A fact that only true fans know is that Edith Bunker’s death actually occurred in the spin-off series, Archie Bunker’s Place. Many fans believe it happened in the original show because they remember Archie gripping his wife’s pink slipper and crying. However, this poignant scene took place in the pilot episode of the spin-off. It’s easy to understand the confusion.
Harrison Ford Could Have Played Michael
Remember Michael Stivic, Archie’s liberal son-in-law, affectionately nicknamed “Meathead”? Harrison Ford was actually considered for this role but declined. While Ford’s film career certainly flourished, being part of this iconic TV show would have brought him a different kind of attention.
Fans Couldn’t Figure Out Part of the Theme Song
All in the Family‘s theme song puzzled many fans, leading them to write to and phone the network for clarification. The lyrics “Gee, our old LaSalle ran great” were particularly unclear. To address this, the song was rerecorded, and by the third season, it was much easier to understand.
Mickey Rooney Turned Down the Role of Archie
Before casting Carroll O’Connor, producer Norman Lear wanted Mickey Rooney to play Archie. Rooney, however, warned Lear, “Norm, they’re going to kill you,” believing the show would upset a lot of people. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in this role, making this a tidbit only the biggest fans would know.
Sally Struthers Was Absent from Two Episodes Due to a Legal Dispute
In 1975, Sally Struthers got involved in a legal dispute with Tandem Productions because she wanted to star in a movie called The Day of the Locust. She missed two episodes of All in the Family during this time. Her contract stipulated that she couldn’t act in other projects, leading to the legal issues.
Rob Reiner Wore a Hairpiece in Season 1
Rob Reiner, famous for playing Michael, wore a hairpiece starting from the first season due to early hair loss at the age of 24. This detail might not be obvious from watching his scenes but is something only true fans would know.
Norman Lear Threatened to Kill Off Archie After a Contract Dispute with O’Connor
Behind-the-scenes negotiations about salary are common in popular shows. In 1974, Carroll O’Connor was unhappy with his contract, prompting Norman Lear to threaten to kill off Archie. This dispute led to five episodes of the show without Archie’s character.
The Series Is Adapted from a British Sitcom
Many might assume that All in the Family is a wholly original creation, but it was actually adapted from the British sitcom Till Death Us Do Part, which aired on BBC1. The original show had a much darker title, making All in the Family seem even more unique in comparison.
The Original Title Was Justice for All
In the early stages of development, Archie’s last name was Justice, and the show was titled Justice for All. While this isn’t a terrible name, All in the Family is so iconic that it’s hard to imagine the show being called anything else.
These fascinating behind-the-scenes details only enhance the legacy of All in the Family, proving why it remains a beloved classic to this day.
