All In The Family” has cemented its place in the canon of classic television. Focusing on the relationship between a Baby Boomer couple and their parents, the show revolutionized the sitcom genre by addressing contemporary social issues with humor and authenticity. Premiering in the 1970s, it tackled topics like racism and abortion, which remain relevant today.
The show’s enduring popularity inspired ABC to revive it with live episodes, capturing the essence of the original while introducing new elements. Although the original cast couldn’t reunite, the new ensemble delivered remarkable performances. Woody Harrelson embodied Archie Bunker’s brash confidence, while Marisa Tomei perfectly mimicked Edith’s quirky mannerisms, from her vocal inflections to her walk. Ike Barinholtz and Ellie Kemper rounded out the family as Mike and Gloria Stivic, the Baby Boomer couple still clashing with Archie. Despite the cast change, they made the material their own.
Similarity: The Spirit
Though “All In The Family: Live In Front of A Studio Audience” featured a different cast, it maintained the original’s spirit. The show masterfully balanced humor and serious issues, resonating with audiences through its genuine, unpretentious approach. This authentic spirit was alive and well in the live show, capturing the essence of what made “All In The Family” timeless.
Difference: The Draft
One key difference was the choice of episode. “The Draft Dodger,” selected for the live performance, centered on the Vietnam War draft—a topic highly relevant in 1976 but not in 2019. While many original episodes addressed issues still debated today, this particular episode felt more like a historical snapshot than a contemporary discussion.
Similarity: The Theme Song
The iconic theme song, performed by Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton as Archie and Edith Bunker, was a beloved element of the original series. The live show honored this by having Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei sing the same song at the piano, instantly transporting viewers back to the world of “All In The Family.” The song, “Those Were The Days,” remains a simple, charming piece of television history.
Difference: The Old LaSalle
A famously confusing lyric from the theme song, “Gee, our old LaSalle ran great,” referred to a car made by Cadillac from 1927 to 1940. Many viewers misunderstood the line due to O’Connor and Stapleton’s delivery. In the live show, Harrelson and Tomei clarified this lyric, acknowledging the audience’s longstanding confusion with a knowing nod.
Similarity: The Script
The script of “The Draft Dodger” was identical to the original 1976 episode. It follows the Bunkers’ Christmas dinner with two guests: David Brewster (Jesse Eisenberg), a draft dodger, and Pinky Peterson (Kevin Bacon), who lost his son in the war. The episode’s conflict arises as Mike and Gloria try to keep David’s secret to avoid offending Pinky. Despite its period-specific references, the episode’s message about empathy and understanding remains timeless.
Difference: Archie Bunker
While Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Archie Bunker was commendable, there were notable differences from Carroll O’Connor’s original performance. Harrelson brought a quieter intensity to the role, contrasting with O’Connor’s explosive anger. Harrelson’s physical presence also differed—though shorter, he appeared to tower over his castmates more than O’Connor did. Additionally, Harrelson, a Texan, didn’t quite capture the Queens demeanor as authentically as O’Connor, a Queens native.
Similarity: Edith Bunker
Marisa Tomei’s portrayal of Edith Bunker was astonishingly close to Jean Stapleton’s. Tomei meticulously replicated Stapleton’s distinctive voice, posture, and mannerisms. While no one could truly replace Stapleton, Tomei’s performance was a loving homage that brought Edith Bunker back to life on stage.
Difference: The Filming
Originally, “All In The Family” was groundbreaking for being filmed on videotape in front of a live audience, unlike other sitcoms of its time. The 2019 live episodes retained the multi-camera setup but were filmed digitally, giving the show a different visual quality from the 1970s original.
Similarity: The Audience
“All In The Family” made history by being the first major American sitcom filmed in front of a live studio audience, eschewing canned laughter. The 2019 live episodes continued this tradition, capturing genuine audience reactions and bringing the show full circle.
“All In The Family: Live In Front of A Studio Audience” successfully recaptured the magic of the original series, paying homage to its legacy while introducing subtle updates for a modern audience.
