Over 50 years ago, one of television’s most groundbreaking series hit the airwaves, forever changing the small screen landscape. The Emmy-winning “All in the Family” was among the first shows to tackle sensitive topics previously deemed unsuitable for TV, blending humor with drama seamlessly. This influential program not only reshaped the industry but also left a lasting impact on pop culture.
On January 12, 1971, Norman Lear’s adaptation of the British sitcom “Till Death Do Us Part” debuted on American television. Week after week, patriarch Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor), his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and son-in-law Mike Stivic (Rob Reiner) engaged in heated debates over every hot-button issue of the day—racism, homosexuality, gun rights, rape, women’s liberation, war, abortion, breast cancer, and menopause. These issues, which continue to divide our country, were portrayed through the lens of both conservative and liberal viewpoints, as well as the generational gap that influenced these opinions.
The show’s groundbreaking approach extended beyond its themes. Archie’s prejudices against anyone who didn’t look or act like him clashed with Mike’s open-minded liberal views, forming the heart of the show. African-Americans, Hispanics, Catholics, and people of Irish and Italian descent all became targets of Archie’s misguided beliefs at various points. However, Archie’s rants stemmed more from ignorance than hatred, and the younger generation wasn’t always depicted as being in the right either. The show presented both sides fairly, using humor and understanding even in the most heated and tragic moments.
Throughout its nine-year run, “All in the Family” spawned five direct spin-offs and two indirect ones, including “Maude,” “Good Times,” and “The Jeffersons.” It wasn’t just a commercial success; it also became an Emmy favorite, being the first sitcom where all the regular cast members won Emmy awards. O’Connor and Stapleton were each nominated almost every year the series ran, with O’Connor winning four and Stapleton three. Struthers and Reiner each won two. The series was nominated for Best Comedy Series every year of its run, winning four times. In total, it won 22 Emmys out of 55 nominations.
Archie’s misuse of the English language and butchering of metaphors are legendary, enriching our vocabulary with words like “meathead” and “stifle.” Edith’s meandering stories and her patience and ditziness provided the perfect foil to Archie’s bluster. Mike and Gloria’s hippie ways, which fueled Archie’s flames, showed that generational gaps are nothing new and remain relevant today.
It’s arguable that every sitcom since has been influenced in some way by “All in the Family,” and there will never be another quite like it. Yes, “those were the days,” and today we celebrate 25 of the best episodes from this legendary sitcom with our ranked photo gallery.
25. Edith’s Night Out
March 8, 1976
Edith, unsure about the pantsuit Gloria bought her because Archie prefers women in dresses, is determined for Archie to take her out. When he comes home in a bad mood and unimpressed with her new look, Edith heads to his favorite bar, making new friends and entertaining on the piano. Archie learns a valuable lesson about appreciating his wife.
24. The Bunkers and Inflation Parts 1-4
September 14, 21, 28 and October 5, 1974
The fifth season kicks off with a four-part story about an issue that still resonates today. Archie’s union goes on strike, leaving him moping around the house and driving Edith crazy. As the strike continues, the Bunkers start worrying about money. Archie is livid when Edith is willing to accept charity and get a job—at Jefferson’s Cleaners, no less! The generational and ideological differences between Archie and Mike resurface once again.
23. The Dinner Guest
March 12, 1978
As Mike and Gloria prepare to move to California, Edith plans a big going-away dinner. However, Mike receives an invitation from his new boss for the same evening, and they must decide which dinner to attend.
22. Chain Letter
October 20, 1975
Archie throws out a chain letter despite warnings of bad luck. He scoffs at the notion but experiences a string of bad luck that lands him in the ER, attended by a sarcastic black doctor and a no-nonsense nurse.
21. We’re Still Having a Heat Wave
September 22, 1973
Amidst a heatwave, Archie finds little satisfaction in keeping a Hispanic family out of his neighborhood. Now, he has a boisterous Italian neighbor and his Irish wife, irritating Archie to no end. While Edith tries to make friends, Archie complains, and Edith finally puts him in his place.
20. We’re Having a Heat Wave
September 15, 1973
A heatwave causes tempers to flare, especially for Archie, who is upset when he hears a Hispanic couple might buy the house next door. He and Henry Jefferson start a movement to keep them out, but learn the hard way that the grass isn’t always greener.
19. Lionel Moves Into the Neighborhood
March 2, 1971
Archie discovers his neighbor has sold his house to a black family, unaware it’s the Jeffersons. He tries to rally his neighbors to buy the house back to prevent integration, but Lionel figures it out and tricks Archie into revealing his plans.
18. Archie Sees a Mugging
January 29, 1972
Archie witnesses a mugging but hesitates to talk to the police because the victim is Italian and Archie believes the Mafia is involved. He infuriates his family, the victim, the mob, and the police before fear drives him to do the right thing.
17. Flashback: Mike and Gloria’s Wedding (Parts 1 and 2)
November 11 and November 18, 1972
On Mike and Gloria’s second anniversary, they reminisce about their wedding, which almost didn’t happen due to a cultural clash. Archie and Mike’s Uncle Cashmir argue over wedding arrangements, causing Mike to storm out. Ultimately, all is resolved as Mike and Gloria opt for a civil ceremony.
16. Lionel’s Engagement
February 9, 1974
Everyone is invited to Lionel’s engagement party except Archie, who assumes he was invited and shows up. It quickly becomes clear why they wanted to keep him away—Lionel’s future in-laws are an interracial couple. But George Jefferson isn’t happy about it either, giving Archie and George something to commiserate about.
15. Archie and the Editorial
September 16, 1972
Archie is incensed by an anti-gun segment on the news and goes on television to offer a rebuttal, even suggesting that arming passengers before they board planes is the best way to deal with hijackers. Afterward, Archie and his family face a real-life situation that makes the debate all too real.
14. Mike’s Hippie Friends Come to Visit
February 23, 1971
Clashes between ultra-conservative Archie and liberal Mike are at the heart of the show, and it’s played to full hilarity here. Archie is already outraged when Mike invites his hippie friend Paul to spend the night but hits the roof when he learns Paul’s girlfriend is coming too. Despite his objections, Archie ends up with an unmarried couple on his couch, and Mike is equally annoyed by his friends’ behavior.
13. Archie Is Branded
February 24, 1973
When Archie finds a swastika painted on his front door, he thinks it’s a juvenile prank, but Mike is concerned. They learn from an anti-hate group worker that the swastika was meant for a Jewish man nearby. A debate ensues about dealing with hate crimes, confronting the Bunkers with the tragic consequences of prejudice.
12. Archie and the Computer
October 27, 1973
Computers were already driving people crazy 50 years ago! In this ode to computer mistakes, an error results in Edith receiving a ton of quarters while Archie is declared dead—perfect fuel for an Archie rant.
11. Lionel Steps Out
October 14, 1972
Lionel takes Archie’s visiting niece out dancing, and Edith tries to keep Archie from finding out. When he does, he blows up, leading to a confrontation with the Jeffersons and the silent treatment from his niece.
10. Edith’s Accident
November 6, 1971
In a fluke accident, Edith dents a car fender with a can of peaches in heavy syrup and leaves a note with her name and address. Archie is annoyed, thinking she could have gotten away without paying, and is suspicious when a Catholic priest shows up claiming to be the car owner. Archie gets his comeuppance in the end.
9. Edith’s Problem
January 8, 1972
Excited about a trip to Disney World, Archie is suddenly confronted with Edith’s menopause symptoms. Edith is worried about “turning into an old lady,” and Archie has to be a kind and nurturing partner, even though it drives him crazy. He kindly gives her “just 30 seconds” to change, but her “Stifle!” puts him in his place. The episode won an Emmy for Writing.
8. The Bunkers and the Swingers
October 28, 1972
In this Emmy-Award-winning episode (for Writing), Edith answers a magazine ad from a couple seeking new friends and invites