It took until 1975 until television finally gave Black audiences a family that looked like them and that wasn't struggling. Lear agreed to let OConnor continue the series without him, but under one condition: he couldnt call itAll In The Family. Gloria Bunker Stivic became a single mom after Mike left her, so she got a job in a veterinary office. As noted by BET, The Jeffersons was a consistently high-rated showonly the second sitcom with a majority Black cast to land in the Top Five of the Nielsen Ratings, in fact. Maude Findlay (Bea Arthur) first appears as Edith Bunker's cousin in a 1971All in the Familyepisode called "Cousin Maude's Visit." With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. To make matters worse, when the show finally debuted on CBS, it was largely ignored by the public. Norman Lear's 1975 spinoff of All in the Family remains a unique show. You would be, too, if your neighbor was Archie Bunker. RELATED:WandaVision& 9 Other Shows That Have Paid Homage To Sitcoms. As withMaudeandGood Times, the main character of the new series was a maid onher previousseries. Stapleton expressed a desire to distance herself from the role of Edith. Dont miss on getTV:TwoAll In The Familyepisodes set up the circumstances ofGloria:The Stivics Go West(March 19, 1978) where Mike takes a job as a teacher andCalifornia, Here We Are(December 17, 1978) where Mike and Gloria separate (but reconcile). Sherman Hemsley even appeared in the premiere. Dont miss on getTV:Lionel Moves Into The Neighborhood(March 2, 1971) for Sanfords first appearance,Henrys Farewell(October 20, 1973) for Hemsleys debut,Lionels Engagement(February 9, 1974) for Mother Jeffersons (Zara Cully) and the Willis familys (played by different actors) first appearances, andThe Jeffersons Move Up(January 11, 1975) for the backdoor pilot. This spin-off of The Jeffersons came out about 8 years before Marla Gibbs' second series, "227." At least stories featuring Black people were being told, and Black actors were getting significant roles on TV. After a 1972 backdoor pilot onAll in the Family, Maude got a show of her own. Arthur was the only actor seen for the entire half-hour. In the spring of 1981, Paul Benedict left the show for a season and a half, returning in the final two seasons of the series. It only As a result, the series remained among the Top 20 for the next two seasons. It was a sort-of spin-off of The Jeffersons, as it featured Lynne Moody as Nurse Julie Williams, the niece of George and Louis Jefferson. Making George a little ridiculous softened the blow, because it made it clear that no matter how successful he and his family might be, they would always be second-class. Sitcom following a successful African-American couple, George and Louise Weezy Jefferson as they move on up from working-class Queens to a ritzy Manhattan apartment. A spin-off of All in the Family. This ill-advised spinoff featured Struthers returning as the title character, now a single mom raising her son Joey (Christian Jacobs) after Mike left her and moved to a commune with one of his students. All In The Family(19711979 205 episodes plus two un-aired pilots). The third episode, "Whose Side Are You On? Early seasons of the show used racial epithets for both Black and white characters fairly often, but as time went on Hemsley thought his character should be evolving and stop using expressions like "honky." This CBS spin-off of "All in the Family" featured an African-American couple, George and Louise, who rose from their humble beginnings and moved into an expensive high rise. The episode, the eighth of the series, centers on Louise, her son Lionel, and her husband George moving next door to Archie and Edith Bunker in the working-class section of Queens. So when he flubbed lines during episode tapings, it's safe to assume it wasn't due to nerves or incompetenceas reported by Fame10, it was a form of passive resistance. Paul Benedict arrived as Harry Bentley, an amiable, kind, loyal yet somewhat obtuse British next-door neighbor,[8] who worked as an interpreter at the United Nations. Thats bullshit.. The cast reunited in a stage play based on the sitcom. Lear and associate Al Burton talked about a possible show in which a Black family is moving on up to the East Side. The series was created by Don Nicholl, Michael Ross and Bernie West, and developed by Lear. It was her breakout role; as noted by The History Makers, Gibbs had started taking acting classes when her job with United Airlines transferred her from Detroit to Los Angeles, but prior to being cast as Florence the actress had only appeared in a handful of theater roles and one film, 1973's Sweet Jesus, Preacher Man. Gloria(19821983 21 episodes plus unaired pilot). Louise made friends with Tom and Helen Willis, an interracial couple with two adult children of their own[8] (whom George derided as "zebras"):[1][20] son Allan (played by Andrew Rubin in the first-season finale, and by Jay Hammer throughout season 5), a white-passing college drop-out; and daughter Jenny, an aspiring fashion designer. The Jeffersons (19751984 253 episodes plus pilot on All In The Family) Unlike Arthur and Rolle, who were spun-off quickly, the Jeffersons were on All In The Family for five seasons before they got their own show. This page was last edited on 9 December 2022, at 13:35. Over the course of its 11-year run, the series was almost always one of the most-watched on television. The cast was not informed until after the July 2, 1985, episode, "Red Robins"; actor Sherman Hemsley, who portrayed George Jefferson, said he learned that the show was canceled by reading it in the newspaper. Your subscription to our list has been confirmed. [10] Sherman Hemsley guest-starred as George in two episodes of the series, which lasted for one season. WebThe Jeffersons is an American sitcom that was broadcast on CBS from January 18, 1975, through June 25, 1985, lasting 11 seasons and a total of 253 episodes. 10 Iconic Black TV Shows That Defined The Culture, Another interesting connection of the sitcom universe, Lionel is the first Jefferson to be seen on. The two-part season opener for Maude in 1973 dealt with the alcoholism of her husband Walter (Bill Macy). Unlike Arthur and Rolle, who were spun-off quickly, the Jeffersons were onAll In The Familyfor five seasons before they got their own show. See production, box office & company info, Metromedia Square - 5746 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Communications Company from 19751982 and by Embassy Television from 19821985. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. Affluent and successful, the Jeffersons still had to deal with race, prejudice, and economic pressures, and the show represented a more nuanced and more complex view of the Black American experience. The conversation resonated with Lear, and he began to conceive of The Jeffersons as an effort to show a Black family having real economic success and living the American Dream. Many spinoffs tend to set themselves up for comparison by using the same location as the original show. The Jeffersonsis the next spin-off to come directly fromAll in the Family. Other NEC graduates include John Amos, Richard Roundtree, Denzel Washington, and Angela Bassett. Over the course of its 11-year run, the series was almost always one of the most-watched on television. While the character was initially conceived as a Black antagonist for Bunkerclearly a racistJefferson was also conceived almost from the very beginning as being beyond Bunker. But he's actually one of the most complex characters in TV history. It was a sort-of spin-off of The Jeffersons, as it featured Lynne Moody as Nurse Julie Williams, the niece of George and Louis Jefferson. Archie was used as a device for commentary on important social issues in the 1970s. The series was centered on the Jeffersons' housekeeper, Florence, who takes a job as cleaning management at a hotel. Archie and Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) share their home with their daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers), and her husband, Mike Stivic (Rob Reiner). Looking back on decades past, it'sremarkable how seven shows followedAll in the Familyand belong to its universe. Hemsley was so good, show creator Norman Lear waited years to be able to hire him. A nouveau riche, African-American family who move into a luxury apartment building develop close, if occasionally fractious, relationships with other tenants. A top 20 show for most of its 11 seasons, The Jeffersons was canceled abruptly without an official series finale. As reported by New Ravel, network executives weren't happy about taking things that far, and pressured the producers to remove the scene. The Jeffersons avoided that by making the titular characters move to a different neighborhood. The show was produced by the T.A.T. As Smithsonian Magazine notes, when Diahann Carroll debuted in 1968's Julia, portraying a Black woman working as a nurse and raising her son as a widow, it was controversial because it avoided any reference to the racial politics of the time and presented what many felt was a "white" character simply played by a Black actress. 1. Five is a lot, but its not a record. This show wasnt very successful, however. Many great shows and movies turn 50 years old in 2021, andAll in the Familyis one of the most iconic. As with Maude and Good Times , the main character of the new series was a maid on her previous series. [2] Lionel, played by Mike Evans, first appeared in "Meet the Bunkers", the premiere episode of All in the Family.[2]. As noted by MeTV, Barry is something of a legendhe co-wrote (with his wife, Ellie Greenwich) a long list of classic songs, including "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Then He Kissed Me," "Be My Baby," "River DeepMountain High," and "Leader of the Pack.". [8] However, the ratings sank below the top 30, and The Jeffersons aired its last episode, "Red Robins", on July 2, 1985.[28]. Similar to its parent sitcom, All in the Family, the Jeffersons explored controversial issues such as alcoholism, racism, suicide, being transgender, and much more, certainly making it one of the most importantsitcoms of all time. Sherman Hemsley, for example, came out of the revered Negro Ensemble Company (NEC), as did Roxie Roker (Helen Willis). WebThe Jeffersons: Created by Norman Lear, Don Nicholl, Michael Ross, Bernard West. The show was a spin-off ofThe Jeffersons. Gloria works as the assistant to two veterinarians. But whatHappy Daysdidnt have were spin-offs of spin-offs. As noted by The New York Times, the ostensible reason given was that he was uncomfortable walking into a white man's house, setting up the character as a foil for Archie Bunker's racism. That's exactly what happened withGood Times. The final spin-off of this world of Norman Lear shows is704 Hauser. [1][4], The show focuses on George and Louise Jefferson, a prosperous African-American couple who have been able to move from Queens to Manhattan owing to the success of George's dry-cleaning chain, Jefferson Cleaners. [21], Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the first six seasons of The Jeffersons on DVD in Region 1 between 2002 and 2007. [36], The Jeffersons changed time slots at least 15 different times during its 11-year run, unusual for a popular long running series. You would be, too, if your neighbor was Archie Bunker. It's unsurprising then that once The Jeffersons aired, it remained on television for almost a decade.The Jeffersons was a spin-off that took the blueprint provided by All in the Family and made minor changes by making the Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. After eight seasons, Lear thoughtAll In The Familyhad run its course, but OConnor didnt agree. Before we go any further, a few words about math. Web3. [22] One episode featured George requesting Florence to insult him, in order to get to a prospective business partner who was fond of her wisecracks. WebIn 1975, George Jefferson was eager to move out of Queens. Florida and James have three children: J.J., Michael, and Thelma. All in the Familytook a leaf out of its own book and spawned yet another sitcom afterthe series ended. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Checking In was the first All in the Family spin-off series that was not successful, unlike The Jeffersons, Maude and Maude spin-off Good Times. Maudealso introducedJohn Amosas Floridas husband Henry later changed to James and established their marital dynamic in preparation for the spinoff. [1] The Jeffersons is one of the longest-running sitcoms in history,[2] the second-longest-running series with a primarily African American cast by episode count behind Tyler Perry's House of Payne[1][3] and the first to prominently feature a married interracial couple. Archie mentions a friend from the old neighborhood named Cumberbatch. A national phenomenon was born. Most television is ephemeral. The list of firsts achieved by The Jeffersons is impressive. A sitcom world must be a good one for a spin-off to spawn another spin-off! Many spinoffs tend to set themselves up for comparison by using the same location as the original show. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. The epithets nigger and honky were used occasionally, especially during the earlier seasons.[2][4]. Ernies wife is played byLynnie Godfreyand Goodies girlfriend who is white and Jewish is played byMaura Tierney. [8] The characters of Lionel's multiracial fiance, Jenny, and her family, all of whom first appeared in the 1974 All in the Family episode "Lionel's Engagement", were also written into the new series. All In The Familyfans will recognize Torres as Teresa Betancourt, the hospital worker who rents Mike And Glorias room when they move out. Every time you see a Black man on the tube, he is dirt poor, wears shit clothes, cant afford nothing," Lear recalled in his autobiography. He also used it in a blackmail manner, usually requiring George to pay more in order to keep his mouth shut about something such as a stock tip. [27] He was known for constantly stalling at the Jeffersons' door with his hand out waiting for a tip. Eventually this tactic worked, and the writers stopped using the offensive terms. [5][6] The show was the creation of Norman Lear. This show debuted after the wrap of All in the Family. Archie Bunker (Carroll OConnor) and his new partner Murray (Martin Balsam) run a tavern in Queens. WebThe Jeffersons had one spin-off, titled Checking In. The show was produced by the T.A.T. Dont miss on getTV:Lear got the name Cumberbatch from an early episode of ofAll In The FamilycalledWriting The President(January 19, 1971). In 1975, Norman Lear was possibly the most powerful man working in television. I remember watching Checking In in the early 80s and even remember the theme song. Lionel is introduced in the pilot, and is a core cast member for season one. Checking In is an American sitcom television series and a spin-off of The Jeffersons that aired for four episodes on CBS from April 9 to April 30, 1981. They complained that shows featuring Black casts always portrayed Black people as poor, reinforcing some stereotypes even as they undermined others. After 25 episodes, Lear had finally found someone who could go toe-to-toe withCarroll OConnors Archie. By what name was Checking In (1981) officially released in Canada in English? Maude arrives at the Bunker home to help out when the family gets hit with the flu. Similar to its parent sitcom, All in the Family, the Jeffersons explored controversial issues such as alcoholism, racism, suicide, being transgender, and much more, certainly making it one of the most importantsitcoms of all time. [46], Isabel Sanford was nominated for seven consecutive Best Actress Emmys, from 1979 until 1985. Florence is caught between Lyle and Elena when they have an argument, but she won't take anyone's side. Most of the cast usually didn't respond, but George almost always gave in. John Amos (who played James Evans onGood Times) is the father, Ernie Cumberbatch. The Jeffersons (19751984 253 episodes plus pilot on All In The Family) Unlike Arthur and Rolle, who were spun-off quickly, the Jeffersons were on All In The Family for five seasons before they got their own show. [24][25] He also became known for addressing the Jeffersons as "Mr. J" and "Mrs. Archie Bunker's Placestarted out with both Archie and Edith, but Jean Stapleton left the show and was killed off shortly after the series began. But the real reason was more pragmatic: Norman Lear had created the character for Sherman Hemsley, but Hemsley was under contract for the play Purlie and refused to break his contract. It's unsurprising then that once The Jeffersons aired, it remained on television for almost a decade.The Jeffersons was a spin-off that took the blueprint provided by All in the Family and made minor changes by making the [39], On August 27, 2013, it was announced that Mill Creek Entertainment had acquired the rights to various television series from the Sony Pictures library including The Jeffersons. Ratings for the first season were poor, and the network didnt exactly shout about it from the antenna-covered rooftops. All In The Familyis one of the most transformative sitcoms in the history of the medium, if not the most. Checking In, created by Mike Milligan and Jay Moriarty, only lasted for four episodes, one of the few Tandem/TAT sitcoms that wasnt a success. Ja'Net DuBois and Jeff Barry co-wrote The Jeffersons theme song, "Movin' on Up", which was sung by DuBois with a gospel choir. [19] The Jeffersons premiered the following week, on January 18, 1975.[8]. Sherman Hemsley even appeared in the premiere. Situation comediesaka "sitcoms"aren't always noted for their complex writing and deeply-imagined characters. [14] In season 5 episode 17 of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, titled "Will Is from Mars" (1995), the Jeffersons made a guest appearance as a couple in therapy class. [49] Marla Gibbs reprised her role as Florence Johnston. The Jeffersons ended up lasting 11 seasons, beating All In The Family's 9 seasons. On their own show, the Jeffersons interact with new friends and neighbors while inhabiting a new lifestyle. It was surprisingly thoughtful on issues of race and class within the confines of a broad comedy in prime time national television. [26] She appeared regularly in the first two seasons, but made sporadic appearances over the next two years, much thinner due to a severe case of pneumonia. One other reason she kept her job despite becoming famous on a top-rate television show? Thanks to Lear and his characters, 70s TV audiences saw and heard things they never had before in primetime. As progressive as it was when it came to race relations, it hedged its bets in many ways. Almost as well known, but less controversial was the Nov. 10, 1975, episode of Maude talking to her psychiatrist. 0. WebThe Jeffersons had one spin-off, titled Checking In. It's unsurprising then that once The Jeffersons aired, it remained on television for almost a decade.The Jeffersons was a spin-off that took the blueprint provided by All in the Family and made minor changes by making the Here are the shows that make up the Archie Bunker Extended Universe a.k.a. Arthur was such a hit as Maude that Lear developed a series for her, with the second season finale ofAll In The Familyacting as the backdoor pilot for the spinoff. Lionel is introduced in the pilot, and is a core cast member for season one. Which is why it's easy to forget that George Jefferson actually had a fascinating fictional background story that was more thoughtful than your typical sitcom fare. Mike Evans ("Lionel") left the show after the first season; his replacement was Damon Evans (no relation),[6] who took over the role until halfway through the fourth season. The show was a spinoff from "All in the Family." It was a sort-of spin-off of The Jeffersons, as it featured Lynne Moody as Nurse Julie Williams, the niece of George and Louis Jefferson. Gibbs says that she worked out an adjusted schedule with United that allowed her enough time to film her scenes and then race into work, where she worked the phones in their reservations office. Checking In lasted only four episodes, after which Florence returned to The Jeffersons with the story that the hotel had burned down in a fire. In a contemporary review by The New York Daily News, in fact, a scene in which Tom and Helen Willis engage in a long, tender kiss is explicitly noted for being unusual because they are an interracial couple.

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