by Kathryn Kirby

Created on: September 24, 2010   Last Updated: September 25, 2010

TV show reviews: All in the Family

I fondly remember all in the Family from my childhood. While I was young enough to not understand most of what was said, I caught on to some of it. Besides, the way Archie Bunker always blew-up and Gloria always wailed made for some laughs after dinner and before bed. To this day, the theme song "Those Were the Days" still conjures up warm memories of laughter shared with my family.

All in the Family was based on a TV series in the United Kingdom called "Till Death Do Us Part" and ran in the states for fifteen seasons. Seems funny to think that a half hour show set in New York about a "typical American family" of four ran for that long. Especially with some of Archie's comments and behavior. Even though Carroll O'Connor played Archie the entire time, he was not the first choice for the part.

Originally, the writers and studio wanted Mikey Rooney to play the part of Archie. Harrison Ford was offered the part of Michael but turned it down because he found some of Archie's dialogue offensive. That is when Rob Reiner stepped in wearing a hairpiece to play the part of Michael, Archie's son-in-law. Sally Struthers portrayed Archie's only daughter Gloria.

An interesting side note is that even though she played Gloria for the full fifteen seasons, Sally Struthers sued to be released from her contract in the early seventies. Jean Stapleton played Edith, Archie's mousey and naive wife. Archie had pet names for everyone in his family and most of them were not nice. He called Gloria "Little Girl" and Edith was the "Dingbat".

Michael was known as both the "Dumb Polack" and "Meat Head, dead from the neck up, Meat Head". All in the Family captured a few firsts during its time span. It was the first TV show to allow the sound of a flushing toilet, usually at the hand of Archie himself. This was also the first TV show to be filmed on video tape rather than film, giving it a new, clean appearance rather than the usual grainy appearance.

The popularity of this show was responsible for spin-offs such as the Jefferson's, Maude and Good Times. It is also the reason why you can find episodes on TVLand nearly everyday. Another interesting fact is that while the show was taped in front of a live studio audience, it was taped twice. The best parts of both tapings became the final show, which is how comedy shows are still made.

So for a brash look at life in the seventies switch the channel to TVLand and catch an episode or two of All in the Family. It may even become your favorite again. On the other hand, take a trip to the Smithsonian Museum where you will find the chairs of Edith and Archie Bunker. Even with all of the controversial topics the show covered, All in the Family will forever be one of the top family sit-coms of all time.

Learn more about this author, Kathryn Kirby.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.