“All in the Family” tells the story of a working-class man and his family navigating the rapidly changing social landscape of 1970s New York. Running for nine seasons, the series never shied away from tackling controversial topics. In fact, CBS executives were so nervous about one episode that they censored it before it even aired. So, what was the most controversial episode of a show known for pushing boundaries? Which episodes were censored, and who played the draft dodger that sparked so much debate?
Archie Bunker: The Reluctant Hero of Social Change
Archie Bunker, the quintessential curmudgeon, often found himself pushing back against social reform. Meanwhile, his long-suffering wife, Edith, emerged as an unlikely hero in the fight for women’s liberation. While some viewers felt the show went too far, others believed it didn’t go far enough. This tale of the “All in the Family” episode that was too hot for TV is one you won’t want to miss.
A Bold Beginning
The idea for “All in the Family” was born when Norman Lear read an article about the popular British sitcom “Till Death Us Do Part,” which bore similarities to his own family. CBS initially intended the show for Jackie Gleason, but Lear offered it to ABC. After shooting two pilots with Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, ABC passed on the show, hesitant to take a chance on a series with a foul-mouthed, bigoted lead.
Despite a rocky start, “All in the Family” climbed to the top of the Nielsen ratings during summer reruns of its inaugural season and remained there for an unprecedented five seasons. Unlike CBS’s rural comedies, the series focused on taboo topics such as racism, homosexuality, women’s liberation, abortion, and the Vietnam War. Even President Nixon took notice, discussing the show in the Watergate tapes and fearing it would corrupt America’s youth.
The Most Controversial Episode
Determining the most controversial episode of “All in the Family” is no easy task. According to Gold Derby, “Sammy’s Visit” ranks number one. The episode features the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. stopping by Archie’s home to retrieve a briefcase left in his cab. The episode’s highlight is Sammy kissing Archie on the cheek, eliciting one of the longest laughs in TV history.
Voters on Episode Ninja favored “The Bunkers and the Swingers,” where Edith answers a personal ad from a couple seeking new friends, only to realize they are swingers. Meanwhile, Screen Rant’s Nathan Sharp ranked “Weekend in the Country” from season nine as the worst episode, citing a tired storyline involving a heated argument over a Monopoly game.
Censorship and Controversy
Norman Lear was no stranger to controversy. His father’s blunt remarks and frequent use of slurs inspired some of Archie’s most memorable lines. Lear aspired to expose bigotry through humor, aiming to make viewers recognize and reject their own prejudices. However, not everyone appreciated this approach. Laura Z. Hobson, author of “Gentleman’s Agreement,” critiqued the show for not going far enough in depicting bigotry.
One of the most notable instances of censorship involved the 1976 Christmas episode “The Draft Dodger.” Written by Jay Moriarty, the episode was initially shelved but produced after Jimmy Carter announced his intention to pardon Vietnam draft dodgers. In the episode, Archie’s friend Pinky Peterson unexpectedly sides with a draft dodger at Christmas dinner, leading to a heated exchange. CBS forced Lear to overdub a line where Archie takes the Lord’s name in vain, much to the confusion and anger of fans.
The Legacy of “All in the Family”
Norman Lear’s willingness to tackle controversial topics earned him a lasting legacy in television history. In a 2009 interview, Lear said, “We would go after the most controversial topic of the day. That was our stock in trade to make trouble.” Lear continued to make waves in the entertainment industry well into his later years, including producing the documentary “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” and a revival of “Good Times.”
Norman Lear passed away on December 5, 2023, at the age of 101, leaving behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking television. “All in the Family” remains a significant part of TV history, challenging audiences to confront social issues through the lens of humor and humanity.
Your Turn
Now, we want to hear from you. What’s your all-time favorite episode of “All in the Family”? Should more episodes have been censored? Who was your favorite character, and do you think the show was ahead of its time or simply subversive trash? Share your thoughts in the comments below!