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Born on July 27, 1922, Normal Lear led a remarkable life, starting as a World War II veteran and entering the television industry in the ’60s with The Martha Raye Show. Despite early short-lived shows, Lear’s commitment to engaging programming resulted in the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, renowned for its edgy humor and impact on subsequent black sitcoms. Lear challenged conventions and addressed controversial topics in his work, influencing iconic ’70s shows like Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons. Lear passed away on December 5, 2023, at 101, prompting reflections on his profound and enduring impact on American culture.
Celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, expressed their admiration for Lear’s ability to address political issues with humor, fostering learning and laughter. Aniston shared her yearning for the days when creativity served as a tool for inspiration and encouraged people to think differently.
In honor of Lear’s legacy, this article explores six of his most influential TV shows that forever transformed the television landscape.
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Norman Lear Created 6 Shows That Changed Television Forever
All in the Family (1971-79)
Centered around Archie Bunker, a blue-collar, conservative individual, All in the Family explored contemporary working-class issues, delving into the socio-political landscape of its time. The series introduced Archie Bunker, portrayed by Carroll O’Connor, as an iconic TV father figure, influencing subsequent characters like Red Forman in That ’70s Show.
All in the Family became a cultural phenomenon in American sitcom history, breaking new ground by addressing the societal changes of the 1960s and tackling sensitive topics such as race and antisemitism. Spanning nine seasons and comprising 205 episodes, the show played a pivotal role in shaping the structure of the American sitcom.
Sanford and Son (1972-78)
Sanford and Son, a popular TV series starring Redd Foxx as junk dealer Fred G. Sanford and Demond Wilson as his son Lamont, followed their comedic and often tumultuous relationship. The show, spanning six seasons and 136 episodes, consistently ranked in the top ten Nielsen ratings for five seasons.
While the humor occasionally relied on stereotypes, the series had a significant cultural impact. It played a crucial role in advancing discussions about race by featuring black actors and addressing real-life challenges. Despite the controversy surrounding certain aspects of the humor, Demond Wilson emphasized the enduring legacy of Sanford and Son in a Get TV interview, stating that only a few television shows from the 1950s onward have stood the test of time, and Sanford and Son will continue to be a part of pop culture for years to come.
Maude (1972- 1978)
Starring the legendary Bea Arthur in a spin-off derived from her All in the Family character, Maude depicted the life of a forthright and liberal woman residing in Tuckahoe, New York, alongside her fourth husband, Walter. The series delved into the societal and political issues of its time, using Maude’s comedic flair and her interactions with family and friends as a vehicle.
The show gained notable attention for its controversial episode in which Maude decides to undergo an abortion. While this contributed to increased viewership, certain channels declined to broadcast the episode, and the ensuing discussions and censorship surrounding the topic had a lasting impact on television for years.
Norman Lear, the executive producer, is credited with bringing Maude to television after seeing Bea Arthur’s compelling performance in a live theater production. Arthur herself acknowledged the resonance with the character, expressing her admiration for Maude and noting shared qualities, stating, “I adore Maude… I have some of her qualities… I’m very vocal about things that move me.”
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Good Times (1974-79)
Good Times is centered around the challenges and successes of the Evans family, an African-American household residing in Chicago’s housing projects during the 1970s. In its early episodes, the show broke away from stereotypes by emphasizing strong individualities and the resilience of family, while also providing insightful commentary on contemporary issues like Watergate, the gas crisis, and inflation.
Running for a total of six seasons with 133 episodes, Good Times marked a significant departure from conventional TV norms, aligning with Norman Lear’s commitment to addressing substantial societal issues. For those unfamiliar with the series, it’s likely they recognize the famous catchphrase from Jimmie Walker’s character J.J., who often exclaimed “Dy-no-mite!”
The Jeffersons (1975-85)
The Jeffersons, a spin-off of All in the Family, gained iconic status by portraying the lives of an affluent New York family. The show, spanning 11 seasons and 253 episodes, used a simple premise to explore various societal issues such as racism, alcoholism, and gun control. Starring Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford, it became a cultural phenomenon, with George and Louise Jefferson becoming household names. The dynamic interactions between George and the somewhat-racist Archie Bunker provided both humor and poignant reflections on societal tensions. In essence, the show’s appeal was captured by George Jefferson’s philosophy: “Be on the offensive, like me. I’m the most offensive person in the world.”
The Facts of Life (1979-88)
Norman Lear continued his prolific career in TV and film production until his death in 2023, and one of his significant contributions to the American sitcom genre was “The Facts of Life.” This series centered around a group of female boarding students, later transitioning to college life, and their housemother, Edna Garrett (played by Charlotte Rae), who served as a guiding figure for the girls. While emphasizing heartwarming reflections on youth and coming-of-age struggles, the show, consistent with Lear’s style, also addressed controversial topics such as eating disorders, drug use, peer pressure, abortion, homosexuality, and teen pregnancy. Lasting nine seasons with 201 episodes, including two TV movies, the series left a lasting impact on the landscape of American television.
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