The 1970s American sitcom has been a staple of popular culture, and one show that has stood the test of time is Norman Lear’s All in the Family. The show’s success can be attributed to its groundbreaking themes, lovable characters, and ability to navigate the complexities of American society during the 1970s.
At its core, All in the Family revolves around the Bunker family, an embodiment of the American family dealing with social, political, and personal issues. The ensemble cast, featuring Jean Stapleton as the lovable matriarch, Edith Bunker, Sally Struthers as her open-minded daughter, Gloria Stivic, and Rob Reiner as her semi-hippie husband, Mike, and Carroll O’Connor as the brutish bigot, Archie Bunker, brought the show to life.
Throughout its nine-season run, Archie exhibited growth, becoming one of the most loved and important characters of the series. However, there was a curious period in the show’s history where a month’s worth of Archie-less episodes aired. What viewers didn’t know was that a behind-the-scenes dispute almost ended the character’s very existence. Carroll O’Connor, the actor playing Archie Bunker, had grown upset with behind-the-scenes issues on the set, saying, “There are a lot of things wrong.”
With his star refusing to work, Norman Lear and the show’s producers decided to proceed with production, writing three completely Archie-less episodes. The arc continued with the episode, “Archie is Missing,” as the show picks up with Archie having been MIA for 24 hours and Edith, Gloria, and Michael trying to decide what to do. Episode 10, “The Longest Kiss,” wraps up the plot, with Archie revealing that he was just having so much fun on his trip that he forgot to call.
A Still From All in the Family (Via IMDB)
Norman Lear considered killing off Archie Bunker when O’Connor went on strike. Lear made his position well known and even had a replacement for Archie in mind. James Cromwell had recently debuted his character, Stretch Cunningham, a friend of Archie’s, shortly before O’Connor’s absence. In the end, O’Connor returned to the series, and ironically, Cromwell’s Stretch was killed off just two seasons later, allegedly at the request of O’Connor.
All in the Family remains one of the single most successful sitcoms ever produced, with its success in large part thanks to Carroll O’Connor’s work as Archie Bunker. While the actor’s frustration and lawsuit nearly caused the character to be killed off, he was able to settle his differences with Norman Lear and the show’s production company. He would go on to play the character for nine seasons in All in the Family and an additional four in the sequel series, Archie Bunker’s Place.
Throughout its run, All in the Family tackled a range of issues, from women’s rights to civil rights, and its influence can still be seen today. The show’s impact on television and popular culture is undeniable, with its influence extending to future generations of writers and showrunners. Norman Lear’s masterful storytelling and commitment to tackling tough topics remains an important part of American television history.
All in the Family’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of masterful storytelling. By tackling controversial issues, creating memorable characters, and maintaining a delicate balance between drama and comedy, the show has left an indelible mark on American television history. Despite the challenges and obstacles faced during its production, the show remains a shining example of the heights that sitcoms can achieve.
