When Norman Lear set out to create “All in the Family,” he was determined to push boundaries and tackle controversial issues head-on. If an episode didn’t challenge societal norms or provoke thought, it simply wasn’t worth producing. This daring approach is precisely why the show became renowned for addressing some of the most contentious topics of its time, right from its inception on the CBS schedule. A prime example is the fifth episode, “Judging Books by Covers,” which offered a groundbreaking perspective on homosexuality — a subject scarcely addressed on television in the early 1970s.
Challenging Stereotypes
In “Judging Books by Covers,” Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O’Connor, assumes he can identify a homosexual on sight. When Mike Stivic (Rob Reiner) invites his flamboyant photographer friend Roger (Anthony Geary) over, Archie immediately labels Roger as gay. Seeking refuge from his discomfort, Archie retreats to Kelcy’s Bar, where he feels at ease among his “he-man” friends. However, his old arm-wrestling buddy Steve (Philip Carey) shocks Archie by revealing that he is, in fact, gay — a truth Archie never suspected.
A Bold Move
Television historian Jim Colucci, currently co-writing a 50th-anniversary book on “All in the Family” with Norman Lear, explains the episode’s significance. “This was a brand new show blazing out of the gate, and tackling touchy issues in 1971, especially gay representation, was incredibly gutsy. Not only did it have a good message for its time, but they did it so early in the show’s run.”
Anthony Geary, who later became famous as Luke Spencer on “General Hospital,” fondly recalls working on the episode. “It was a terrific, wonderful experience working with those people on a show that was so innovative at the time. The night we taped it, ‘All in the Family’ was premiering its first episode. They didn’t know how the public was going to react, but as it turned out, they reacted well.”
Historical Context
Colucci notes that gay representation on TV was virtually non-existent before this episode. “The Corner Bar,” which aired in 1972, featured the first regular gay character on American television, and Billy Crystal’s character on “Soap” came later. “All in the Family” predated these shows, addressing a subject that was beginning to gain attention in society, thanks to movements like the Sexual Revolution and the Stonewall riots of 1969.
Shattering Stereotypes
What made the episode truly revolutionary was its nuanced portrayal of gay characters. The show avoided reinforcing harmful stereotypes and instead presented a more complex reality. Roger, Mike’s friend, is flamboyant and expressive, but the show never confirms his sexuality. In contrast, Steve, the macho, arm-wrestling “he-man” whom Archie idolizes, is openly gay, a fact that Archie had never realized.
Colucci emphasizes the importance of this portrayal: “In 1971, people probably thought all gay men were feminine and flamboyant. The episode demonstrated that these stereotypes were not universally true. Steve is not ashamed of being gay; he is matter-of-fact about it when Archie finds out, which is another positive aspect of the episode.”
A Step Forward
“All in the Family” did more than just include a gay character; it challenged viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about homosexuality. By showing that gay people can come from all walks of life and embody a range of characteristics, the show took significant steps forward in the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals on television.
In tackling such a sensitive issue so early in its run, “All in the Family” cemented its legacy as a show unafraid to push boundaries and provoke thought, making it a landmark in television history.
