4. Sanford and Son (1972-1977)
Like All in the Family, Sanford and Son is another Norman Lear adaptation of a British sitcom, this time based on a show called Steptoe and Son (1962-1974). Both shows are about an inter-generational gap between a junkman and his grown son. Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) and Albert Steptoe (Wilfrid Bramwell) are both cranky, cynical widowers who are set in their ways and social position. Their sons Lamont Sanford (Demond Wilson) and Harold Steptoe (Harry H. Corbett) both aspire to a better life, but their fathers always hold them back. The contrasting goals, desires and viewpoints of the fathers and sons are the focus and source of humor for both sitcoms.
Sanford and Son and Steptoe and Son are not only classic sitcoms, they are also groundbreaking shows in different ways. The former gets all the praise as a landmark show depicting African-American characters in a non-stereotypical, complex light (with Fred Sanford's own set of prejudices not unlike Archie Bunker), paving the way for predominately black-character shows like The Cosby Show. Steptoe and Son may have had white leads, but it is still one of the first sitcoms to incorporate social realism, giving it a unprecedented level of grittiness unseen before on television (plus it predates Till Death Us Do Part by three years). Without these shows, television may never have matured from idealistic 50s presentation of life.