50 Years Ago, Two Unlikely TV Families Made History At The Emmys

The ’70s were a defining point for television programs. Crucial foundations had been lain decades before, but the 1970s saw situational comedy and drama shows flourish in unprecedented ways – and in historic ways whose records still haven’t been beaten. Today, shows can disappear in a blink from cable and streaming services alike. But 50 years ago this autumn, the Bunkers of All in the Family and the titular clan from The Waltons made history at the 1973 Primetime Emmy Awards.

The Emmys had been formally occurring for just a quarter of a century by that point, so there were plenty of firsts and new high and low records to set – like the youngest victors. But some of these new thresholds still haven’t been passed to date, including the one for the youngest winner in a particular category. In a twist, the crude Bunkers and wholesome Waltons both played a key role in making the 25th Primetime Emmy Awards – the last of their kind – belong to CBS.

50 years ago, the 1973 Primetime Emmy Awards became a CBS showcase

If the ’50s were a time to lay the groundwork for television greatness, the ’70s were the era of showing this medium off at its fullest potential. And so it was that in 1973, All in the Family became the very first sitcom to win Best Comedy Series three years in a row, while also having time to scoop up Best Comedy Writing along the way. Quite a few great, trend-setting shows had already come and gone by this point, yet it was All in the Family that earned the win not once, not twice, but three times.

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Wherever All in the Family was only nominated but did not win, the show was in esteemed and familiar company. The 1973 Emmys were essentially a CBS sweep from all possible angles, as the Best Comedy Actor category was populated by nominees from M*A*S*H as well.

CBS dominated the competition during a very poignant ceremony, as 1973 would be the last time Daytime Emmys would be awarded during the same event; for the next 50 years, they would have their own separate ceremony. Although CBS had just established the Bunkers as a history-making family, they were not done yet and would make the history books again thanks to the Waltons.

‘The Waltons’ and the Bunkers from ‘All in the Family’ would be two unlikely sources of unbeatable success for CBS

The Bunkers found themselves receiving recognition at the same event where the Waltons got a chance to shine – all while paired up against some tough competition. But in the end, Richard Thomas’s performance as John-Boy Walton earned him the award for Best Drama Actor.

An admirable victory by itself, but it just so happens that Thomas was weeks away from turning 22; at his age, he became – and remains 50 years later – the youngest actor to win that category.

Just like the Bunkers, the Waltons helped take the 1973 Emmys home for CBS, with Michael Learned winning in Lead Actress and Ellen Corby claiming the Supporting Actress award.

50 years later, the landscape has changed; some Emmy counters now include shows exclusive to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. But just a year after this remarkable, historic victory, CBS would become the network with the most wins in a single year, taking home 44 statuettes. It’s a record Netflix would match – but not beat – in 2021. After that – only time will tell.