The Jeffersons Roxie Roker was asked during a casting interview if she'd be comfortable with her character having a white husband. The successful series ran for six seasons and, like its predecessor, dealt with some serious issues during its day. Sherman Hemsley even appeared in the premiere. We cant talk about the offspring without a few words about the parent. Other NEC graduates include John Amos, Richard Roundtree, Denzel Washington, and Angela Bassett. The list of firsts achieved by The Jeffersons is impressive. Lionel is introduced in the pilot, and is a core cast member for season one. According to Encyclopedia.com, Hemsley had built a reputation as a powerhouse performer, and Lear had caught his performance in Purlie in New York in 1970 and knew he wanted him for the character of George. WebIn 1975, George Jefferson was eager to move out of Queens. Zara Cully played George's mother, Olivia "Mother" Jefferson, who constantly disparaged her daughter-in-law. 3. After the huge success of shows like All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, and Sanford and Sonin terms of ratings as well as critical receptionhe had the ability to do things other showrunners couldn't. CreatorNorman Learwas just happy the Bunkers were on the air. Spin-off Maude(19721978 141 episodes plus pilot onAll In The Family). Over the course of its 11-year run, the series was almost always one of the most-watched on television. But he's actually one of the most complex characters in TV history. Checking In 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. The series is bookended in a very creative way. s noted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as one of the writers on the show, Jay Moriarty, told The Hollywood Times, In a contemporary review by The New York Daily News. While many of the shows connected toAll in the Familydid extraordinarily well,Checking Inonly lasted for four episodes. Over the course of its 11-year run, the series was almost always one of the most-watched on television. [16], Louise Jefferson, played by Isabel Sanford, first appeared in the All in the Family episode "Lionel Moves Into the Neighborhood", which was broadcast on March 2, 1971. The final spin-off of this world of Norman Lear shows is704 Hauser. Weezy is initially reluctant to hire a housekeeper in the first episode in part because she's had that experience herself. "HONKY IN THE HOUSE Writing & Producing The Jeffersons," Antler Publishing, LA, CA, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 18:06. And the series (which co-starred Oscar nomineeBurgess Meredithas a vet) didnt do much to win anybody over. Sherman Hemsley even appeared in the premiere. [7], In its first season (197475), the show ranked at number four, surpassed by its parent series All in the Family (which landed at number one for the fifth year in a row). WebChecking 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. It took until 1975 until television finally gave Black audiences a family that looked like them and that wasn't struggling. WebSpun-off from The Jeffersons (1975) This spin-off of The Jeffersons came out about 8 years before Marla Gibbs' second series, "227." [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. All In The Familyfans will recognize Torres as Teresa Betancourt, the hospital worker who rents Mike And Glorias room when they move out. Florence Johnston (Marla Gibbs) worked for the Jefferson family on their show, but Checking In focused on her life as the executive housekeeper of the St. Frederick Hotel in New York City. Florence Johnston (Marla Gibbs) worked for the Jefferson family on their show, but Checking In focused on her life as the executive housekeeper of the St. Frederick Hotel in New York City. TV shows can be huge, massive hits for yearsand then vanish into near-obscurity (seriously, when was the last time you had a conversation about Lost?). In a reversal ofAll in the Family, Ernie is liberal while his son is quite conservative. 10 Unforgettable Black Sitcom Families - cbr.com Portrayed by Mel Stewart, Henry got the lines and screen time that would have gone to George. 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. It only It was a spinoff of a spinoff, centering on Maudes maid Florida (Esther Rolle) and her family. In the season two episodeCousin Maudes Visit, Ediths liberal cousin Maude Findlay (Beatrice Arthur) comes to help out when the Bunkers are sick with the flu. Lear said Good Times (created by Mike Evans and Eric Monte) was the first full Black family on television, meaning two parents and more than one kid. Lear called the704 Hausercharacters "responsible" and explained they knew what they were talking about in arguments. [36], The Jeffersons changed time slots at least 15 different times during its 11-year run, unusual for a popular long running series. Checking In At least stories featuring Black people were being told, and Black actors were getting significant roles on TV. The Jeffersons The Jeffersons But, if you love Carroll OConnors Archie, its a gift that we got to see more of him (even if the show isnt as good). Normally successful shows are allowed to develop in a specific time slot in order to become an anchor for the network, but for some reason The Jeffersons was moved around constantly, forcing viewers to seek it out and figure out how to re-arrange their viewing schedules to accommodate it. Often, people calling in to book flights would tell her that her voice sounded familiar, and she'd just laugh it off. Happy Daysalso had five spin-offs between 1976 and 1979. Untold Truth Of The Jeffersons 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. 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. The characters and mood set by All in the Family left a big mark on television history, including these seven spin-offs: The title character, played by Bea Arthur, was a tall, ultra-liberal feminist who drove Archie crazy; she was introduced in as Ediths cousin in two All in the Family episodes in the 1971-72 season. Florence Johnson returned toThe JeffersonsafterChecking Inended. A spin-off of All in the Family. Florence misunderstands and thinks an elderly salesman is coming on to her, but he's really trying to make a sales pitch. WebFor her full interview, see http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/isabel-sanford George Jefferson was, in some ways, a black version of the white anti-hero Archie Bunker. As noted by The Baltimore Sun, many Black Americans found aspects of the showfrom George Jefferson's "pimp walk" strut to his general foolishnessto be offensive. Weve both mellowed. The cast commonly visited the bar for a drink or to attend a party. Evans A nouveau riche, African-American family who move into a luxury apartment building develop close, if occasionally fractious, relationships with other tenants. The Jeffersons The 12 Most Unexpected Spinoffs in TV History 3). 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 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 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. Ralph was also known for making up stories of him struggling to fulfill the Jeffersons request to get more tips. The Jeffersons(19751984 253 episodes plus pilot onAll In The Family). The show was a spin-off ofThe Jeffersons. And in one episode when George is told a white worker should be referred to as a "custodian" he remarks that if he was black, he'd be called a "janitor.". 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. Luckily, producer (and future network president) Fred Silverman fought to keep the scene in, and protest was muted. Which makes it curious that its network, CBS, treated it as if the show was in trouble. Almost as well known, but less controversial was the Nov. 10, 1975, episode of Maude talking to her psychiatrist. It was funny and entertaining. 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. But just because Lear could push those characters and storylines onto the screen didn't mean everyone was happy about it. WandaVision& 9 Other Shows That Have Paid Homage To Sitcoms, Younger & 9 Other Shows Or Movies That Couldn't Have Existed Before Social Media, Abby's Mother Reveal In Night Court Resolves The Harry/Christine Romance, Big Bang Theory Secretly Hinted At Paiges Dark Young Sheldon Future, One Big Bang Theory Main Character Was Only Meant To Be A Guest Role. As he had done with Bea Arthur onAll In The Family, Lear immediately recognized a breakout character and quickly began developing a spinoff for Florida with writersEric Monte(Cooley High) andMike Evans(Lionel onAll In The Family). Shows like Sanford and Son and Good Times had all-Black main casts and made an attempt to depict Black American life more realistically. Evans The series began after a backdoor pilot on Archie Bunker's Placecalled "Gloria: The First Day." released season 7 on DVD in Region 1. [13] Per an article in the May 8, 1985, Los Angeles Times, the series was cancelled by announcement at the CBS network "upfront" presentation the day before, nearly two months before the airing of the final episode. Show Show Arthur was the only actor seen for the entire half-hour. [8] Damon Evans's last episode was "Lionel Gets the Business". 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It was surprisingly thoughtful on issues of race and class within the confines of a broad comedy in prime time national television. As noted by Ebony, while it's easy to view George Jefferson as a "Black Archie Bunker," that's not accurate. As groundbreaking as The Jeffersons was in terms of depicting Black America on the small screen, it still earns criticism for some of its choices. Communications Company from 19751982 and by Embassy Television from 19821985. With Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover. ), Dueling Detectives: Kojak and Jim Rockford, getTV talks CASEY JONES and 1950s Westerns An Interview with Toby Roan, 10 Times Farrah Fawcett Was an Undercover Angel on CHARLIES ANGELS, 10 Times HART TO HART Was Relationship Goals, TV Like It Used To Be A Guide to Crimetime on getTV, Christmas with the Evans Family Holiday Episodes of GOOD TIMES, Christmas on getTV 10 Holiday Highlights, Alfonso Ribeiro: 10 Facts About the Star of CATCH 21. What is the chronological order of these Norman Lear shows? Gloria Bunker Stivic became a single mom after Mike left her, so she got a job in a veterinary office. Simply put, "Movin' On Up" isn't just a great TV show theme song, it's a great song, full stop. [42][43], On April 28, 2015, Shout! Sanford was also the recipient of five of the eight Golden Globe Awards nominations the program received.[48]. [15], In 1985, Hemsley and Sanford made a special joint guest appearance in the Canale 5 comedy show Grand Hotel, starring the Italian actors Paolo Villaggio, the comic duo Franco & Ciccio, and Carmen Russo. George is an obstreperous, often rude guy who thinks his wealth should get him anywhere he wants to go. [24][25] He also became known for addressing the Jeffersons as "Mr. J" and "Mrs. George is an obstreperous, often rude guy who thinks his wealth should get him anywhere he wants to go. The Jeffersons (1975 TV Show Lear is more willing to listen nowadays. Groundbreaking and performed by some of the most talented actors and actresses of its time, The Jeffersons has remained a cultural touchstone for some very good reasons. Untold Truth Of The Jeffersons WebIn 1975, George Jefferson was eager to move out of Queens. [37] The most common time slot was on Sunday night. It starred Sherman Hemsley and Isobel Sanford, with Marla Gibbs as the Jeffersons maid Florence and Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover as the racially mixed couple upstairs, a real sitcom innovation. The series' eighth season was the first African-American sitcom in years (since Sanford and Son) to peak in the top 5 (the series' eighth season debuted at No. The character of George Jefferson was conceived of as a mirror image in some ways of Archie Bunker. Sherman Hemsley even appeared in the premiere. Only five of the six taped episodes were aired, in April and May 1994. Until then, Lear created the character of Henry Jefferson, George's brother. 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. The show was produced by the T.A.T. 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." Lionel is introduced in the pilot, and is a core cast member for season one. WebThe Jeffersons had one spin-off, titled Checking In. Show 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. The shows spin-off series continued to break boundaries with discussions of abortion, alcoholism and racism. She appeared in seven episodes in 197677, so watch any of those! Florence often teased George, mostly about his short stature and receding hairline. Tolbert became a regular guest star throughout the rest of the series. In the 1984-85 season, CBS aired a forgotten comedy called E/R, starring Elliot Gould. Although Archie and George (Sherman Hemsley) argue a lot, Louise Jefferson (Isabel Sanford) is a dear friend to Edith Bunker, and it's hard for the two to say goodbye when the Jeffersons move away. The song also adamantly drew from Black culture, styled almost as a spiritualcomplete with 35-member choirthat wouldn't have been out of place in church. In fact, the parent show would have been completely different without the Jefferson family in the neighborhood. Rather than cast someone else, Lear decided to keep George offscreen until Hemsley was available. Dont miss on getTV:Lear got the name Cumberbatch from an early episode of ofAll In The FamilycalledWriting The President(January 19, 1971). THE FAMILY 7 Spin-Offs From The characters of Lionel and Jenny were written out by stating that they had marital problems, the result of which became a two-part episode storyline as the series' eighth-season premiere. Lionel is introduced in the pilot, and is a core cast member for season one. Checking In Edith and Gloria appeared occasionally at first, then Jean Stapleton wanted to make a clean break and Sally Struthers got her own show. CBS quickly pivoted, scheduling rebroadcasts of the first 13 episodes that summer. Dont miss on getTV:While theres no direct Bunker connection,Checking Indoes featureLiz Torresas Florences assistant. 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. Communications Company from 19751982 and by Embassy Television from 19821985. DuBois infused the song with her own storyCNN reports that DuBois had always dreamed of moving her mother into a "deluxe apartment" when she achieved success. The Bunkers and their neighbors, the Jeffersons,developed relationships with other characters, many of whom got spin-offs of their own. Isabel Sanford on not wanting to do "The Jeffersons" spin off Norman Lear created the character of George Jefferson specifically for Hemsley. [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. Sherman Hemsley was nominated for Best Actor in 1984. The Jeffersons' Left Lasting Television Legacy 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. As Black America Web reports, when the show was canceled in 1985 the network didn't even bother to inform the cast. [12] Isabel Sanford (Louise Jefferson), who heard about the cancellation through her cousin who read it in the tabloids, has publicly stated that she found the cancellation with no proper finale to be disrespectful on the network's part. For the American Horror Story episode, see, The 200th Episode Celebration of All in the Family, Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Checking_In&oldid=1126465217, 1980s American workplace comedy television series, Television series by Sony Pictures Television, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. All in the Familytook a leaf out of its own book and spawned yet another sitcom afterthe series ended. As with Maude and Good Times , the main character of the new series was a maid on her previous series. The series was centered on the Jeffersons' housekeeper, Florence, who takes a job as cleaning management at a hotel. Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest updates about getTV. The Black experience wasn't portrayed muchor at allon television prior to the 1970s. [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. Maude Findlay (Bea Arthur) first appears as Edith Bunker's cousin in a 1971All in the Familyepisode called "Cousin Maude's Visit." The sitcom was about the black family who had lived next door to the Bunkers, but Good Times was partly responsible. [44] Season 8 was released on August 11, 2015. 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. George, Louise, and Lionel continued to appear on All in the Family until 1975, when the spin-off The Jeffersons, also created by Lear, premiered. While Florida's husband onMaudewas a firefighter named Henry (John Amos), her husband onGood Timeswas James, a hard worker often taking on multiple jobs to support the family. The cast reunited in a stage play based on the sitcom. Charlie was also revealed to be an alcoholic in the season 11 episode "A Secret in the Back Room", in which Charlie is in denial, but the Jeffersons eventually get him to admit to his problem and advise him to get some help. The Jeffersons The Jeffersons Edith's death in the context of the spin-offmade Archie a widow, and though he missed Edith terribly, he continued on with his pub and focused on taking care of Edith's young relative, Stephanie Mills (Danielle Brisebois). It was funny and entertaining. If you include those inAll In The Familys grand total and you must, because they wouldnt exist otherwise All In The Familybegat 7 shows, 860 episodes, and more than 400 hours of network television. The Jeffersons Many great shows and movies turn 50 years old in 2021, andAll in the Familyis one of the most iconic. The Jeffersons Although this backstory wasn't explicitly referenced, it showed up in the writing. All In The Family(19711979 205 episodes plus two un-aired pilots). Archie and Mike are always butting heads since Archie is politically conservative and Mike is usually portrayed as being liberal. [45], The Jeffersons received 14 Emmy Award nominations during its time on the air. George's career as a dry-cleaner began in the first season of All in the Family in the third episode "Oh, My Aching Back" (though the character himself did not appear on-camera). 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. As progressive as it was when it came to race relations, it hedged its bets in many ways. His writers onArchie Bunkers Placewrote a pilot for Struthers that CBS rejected and OConnor had no further involvement, despite the fact that he was still playing Archie Bunker. On one level, The Jeffersons is just a silly sitcom, and George Jefferson is a very silly character, prone to foolish schemes (like buying a piano he doesn't know how to play only to discover there's no way to fit it through his front door) and loud, boorish outbursts. Ernies wife is played byLynnie Godfreyand Goodies girlfriend who is white and Jewish is played byMaura Tierney. And The Jeffersons was in many ways a broad, superficial comedy that relied on racially-charged jokes and physical comedy to get laughs. WebSpun-off from The Jeffersons (1975) This spin-off of The Jeffersons came out about 8 years before Marla Gibbs' second series, "227." In response she showed a picture of her husband, Sy Kravitz, who was white. The 12 Most Unexpected Spinoffs in TV History