It was a chilly winter evening in January 1971 when Archie Bunker, a working-class bigot, and his family settled into their favorite armchairs to watch the news. Archie, a 47-year-old dockworker, was a proud but stubborn man who loved to complain about the state of the world. His wife Edith, a sweet and gentle soul, tried to keep the peace, while their daughter Gloria, a sassy and outspoken 18-year-old, often clashed with her father.

Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin optioned a script based on a British comedy, Till Death Us Do Part, but struggled to get it made. ABC passed on the pilot twice. CBS, looking to shake off their "rural" image to attract a younger, urban demographic, took a chance. They added a disclaimer to the premiere, a warning that the show sought to throw a humorous spotlight on the prejudices of the era.

Classic Sitcom All in the Family Review and Discussion - Facebook

Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor): A bigoted, blue-collar patriarch who longs for "the good old days" and frequently clashes with anything modern or progressive.