All In The Family was not an easy sell for notoriously conservative networks. After all, the show was centered around an outspoken bigot in the lead role, which would surely invite controversy. ABC, still smarting from the disastrous failure of their variety show Turn-On (which was famously cancelled about eleven minutes into its first and only episode), rejected the pilot immediately. CBS, on the other hand, were looking for something a little edgier to counteract their reputation as a rural network whose slate featured shows like Green Acres, Mayberry RFD and The Beverly Hillbillies, and expressed immediate interest in the program. Defying the popular notion that lead characters need to be likeable, All In The Family was the story of a working class patriarch trying to come to terms with his rapidly changing world. It was one of the first shows that tackled serious societal issues that were usually considered taboo, and had cross-generational appeal with characters on both sides of the political spectrum that audiences could relate to. It was a massive success, and ran from 1971 to 1979, with several spin-offs that attained varying degrees of success (most notable among them was The Jeffersons). Which other mid-season replacement shows do you love? Let us know in the comments below.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
