20 TV Shows That Are Practically Flawless
11. All In The Family
Created by the great Norman Lear, All In the Family was so ahead of its time when it debuted in 1971 that it still feels both daring and revelatory to this day. It wasn't just an hysterical sitcom that influenced countless shows to follow, but it was also arguably the most progressive and challenging drama of its time.
On the surface, the series was about the Bunkers, a working-class family from Queens who got into all sorts of enjoyable sitcom shenanigans that are still undeniable comedy gold. Deeper than the comedy, though, was the way the writers talked about so many issues, and how they did it with such intelligent frankness.
All In the Family could go from silly family comedy to discussing issues such as racism, sexuality, gun control, religion and equality in a single frame, and did it whilst expertly pushing the boundaries of what network television would allow. Simply put, if it came out today, it would still be the funniest and most important sitcom on TV.