All In The Family broke new ground during a pivotal moment in American history. With the civil rights movement in full swing, issues of race, creed, and sex became common topics at dinner tables across the country. Emerging in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and amid a significant generational gap between parents and their progressive children, the show voiced what everyone was thinking.
Whether liberal or conservative, black or white, theist or atheist, All In The Family has done more to foster dialogue than any other sitcom in history. Here’s a look at five ways the show has aged well over the years, and five ways it hasn’t.
Aged Well: The Comedy
First-time viewers of All In The Family will likely be surprised by how open and unapologetic the comedy is. The show tackles racial stereotypes, gender slurs, and political clashes head-on, resulting in some of the best comedy ever seen on television. The characters’ interactions—whether it’s the misguided bigot Archie Bunker, his sweet yet naive wife Edith, their feminist daughter Gloria, or her hippie husband Mike—are nothing short of hilarious, largely due to their ability to play up serious subjects and find humor in them.
Not Aged Well: The Delivery
In today’s ultra-politically correct world, All In The Family would face serious challenges. As open dialogue becomes increasingly stifled, America grows more divided and tribal. The show was ahead of its time in spotlighting important issues and demonstrating the value of open discussion. Unfortunately, many might find its content unpalatable today, as serious topics are often deemed off-limits. The absence of such frank conversation has left our society poorer.
Aged Well: The Themes
The core values of All In The Family remain relevant. The show emphasizes doing the right thing by others, regardless of who they are, and each episode drives home this message. Themes of racial unity, equal rights, and common goals despite differences resonate as much today as they did then. All In The Family is fundamentally about human solidarity, not divisiveness.
Not Aged Well: The Political Climate
The political landscape of the 1970s differs vastly from today’s. While the show’s progressive ideals were once forefront, they’ve since been overshadowed by a tribal mindset fostering radicalism. First-time viewers might be surprised by how some of the show’s themes clash with contemporary social and political norms, touching on issues like abortion, feminism, and race relations.
Aged Well: Archie Bunker
Archie Bunker remains a fascinating character, serving as a human platform to explore various issues. Despite his bigotry and stubbornness, he is, at heart, a good man with solid values who occasionally needs reminders. Watching his character navigate and confront important topics provides timeless entertainment.
Not Aged Well: Certain Jokes
The show was created for a different, arguably more innocent audience, and some jokes may now seem dated or cringe-worthy. These moments offer a glimpse into the 1970s mindset but might leave modern viewers scratching their heads or rolling their eyes. Some characters, like Frank Lorenzo, haven’t aged well, and discomfort is occasionally visible among the co-stars.
Aged Well: The Performances
The performances in All In The Family are a testament to the show’s quality. The cast navigated intense emotional scenes, physical comedy, and rapid-fire dialogue with remarkable skill. Their ability to handle such demanding material without faltering highlights the show’s exceptional writing and the actors’ talent.
Not Aged Well: Mike Stivic
Mike, or “Meathead,” was intended to be the rational counterpoint to Archie’s ignorance. However, his character hasn’t aged well. Some of Mike’s progressive beliefs have since been proven flawed, and his character arc ended disappointingly. The revelation that he abandoned his wife and child to live with another woman damaged his credibility as a husband, father, and moral voice.
Aged Well: Edith Bunker
Edith Bunker is the grandmother everyone wishes they had. Her unwavering goodness and ability to counterbalance Archie’s harshness make her timeless and universally beloved. Edith’s influence helps Archie grow and reconsider his views on many issues, from race relations to homosexuality.
Not Aged Well: The Later Seasons
The later seasons of All In The Family lack the brilliance of its early years. While there are still laughs to be had in Seasons 8 and 9, they don’t match the hilarity of Seasons 3-5. The narrative shift that pushed Mike and Gloria out of the Bunker home, along with the introduction of Stephanie in Season 9, diluted the show’s dynamic, especially the iconic Archie-Mike rivalry.
