A Triple Threat
All in the Family stands out as the quintessential television show of the 1970s, excelling on three brilliant levels: as a classic sitcom filled with uproarious comedy, as a searing social satire, and as a top-tier character study.
Airing on CBS from 1971 to 1979, the complete series has been released in a deluxe 28-disc DVD box set by Shout Factory, licensed from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Priced at $180, the set features a treasure trove of extras, including a new interview with creator Norman Lear, a 40-page book with essays by USC professor Marty Kaplan and TV critic Tom Shales, two documentaries on the series, both of the show’s pilot episodes, and the pilots of spin-offs Gloria and Archie Bunker’s Place.
Constructed for Comedy
Despite its frank discussions of race, politics, and gender issues, All in the Family was crafted in the finest tradition of television comedy under the guidance of Norman Lear.
“In a world of so many TV shows, you’ve got to do something that catches the viewer’s attention,” said Tim Brooks, long-time media research expert and co-author of The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. “At the same time, if you get somebody to watch you because of that, there has to be a ‘there’ there. It can’t just be a gimmick. This one kept the buzzworthiness up because it had episodes that made people say, wow, did you see that?”
Classic Sitcom Roots
Many of the funniest episodes are riffs on time-honored sitcom plots, with Archie often hatching schemes that backfire or taking blustery, wrong-headed stances on various issues. Carroll O’Connor, a great admirer of Jackie Gleason, sometimes saw All in the Family writers borrow and adapt The Honeymooners plots, making them fit the world of the Bunkers.
For example, in the season 2 episode “The Election Story,” Archie is furious about a liberal candidate in a local election and decides to vote just to oppose her, only to discover he isn’t registered. This episode blends humor with sharp social commentary, touching on issues like women’s liberation and the nuclear arms race.
Social Satire
Lionel Jefferson, played by Mike Evans in his first acting role, provided a constant source of inspiration for the writers as they tackled race issues. Lionel’s interactions with Archie, often highlighting the absurdity of Archie’s racist beliefs, became a staple of the show. By Season 3, Lionel and Archie’s relationship had evolved, grounding their interactions while still addressing racial tension.
In the episode “Lionel Steps Out,” Lionel dates Archie’s niece, Linda, leading to a confrontation where Lionel draws a line in the sand, telling Archie to “put a lid on” his bigoted views. This episode exemplifies the show’s ability to be hilarious, make strong anti-bigotry statements, and develop its characters.
Character Development
All in the Family faced controversy over whether it promoted bigotry by making it seem funny. Some worried that people who agreed with Archie’s views would feel validated. However, the show’s genius lay in its ability to be interpreted in different ways. Archie was not one-dimensional; he was a product of his upbringing, and his character evolved over the series.
Mike Stivic, Archie’s son-in-law, was another complex character. While he represented progressive views, the writers didn’t shy away from pointing out his hypocrisies. In “Mike’s Move,” Mike questions affirmative action when he loses a job opportunity to a black applicant, much to Archie’s delight. This nuanced portrayal added depth to the show’s social commentary.
Television Legacy
All in the Family’s legacy as a landmark of TV comedy is indisputable. It’s often said that such a sitcom could never air on broadcast television today due to its ethnic humor. However, the style of verbal slams and insult humor is still prevalent on TV. As media studies professor Jeffrey McCall noted, while some aspects might be controversial today, the show’s ability to engage and provoke thought remains a significant part of its enduring appeal.
In conclusion, All in the Family not only entertained but also challenged viewers, making it a seminal piece of television history. Its humor, social satire, and character development continue to resonate, ensuring its place as a classic sitcom that transcends its era.