13. CBS Aimed for Something Edgy and Within Reason.
The network requested something that was edgy within reason. Homosexual terminology was kept to such a minimum the terms fairy and queer were also needed to be used sparingly. The regular fella was also preferred to be really “straight.”
14. Most of Archie Bunker Was Based on the Father of Norman Lear.
Lear usually told his son he was the laziest kid ever. He was then called Meathead. The characters in the series seemed to be shouting all the time as the entire family seemed to speak in volume.
15. Rob Reiner Also Auditioned for the Main/Original Pilot.
It was Rob Reiner who was paid for his time to audition for the main/original pilot. Nevertheless, he was turned down. As the 3rd pilot was already in production, Lear saw Reiner in another movie and gave him a chance.
16. Mike Stivic Role Was Also Offered to Harrison Ford.
Many have no idea that the role of Mike Stivic was also offered to none other than Harrison Ford. Nevertheless, the latter turned it down since he felt that Archie’s bigotry was somehow too offensive.
17. Scott Brady Was Also Offered with the Role of Archie Bunker.
Scott Brady was also offered the role of Archie Bunker. He too had turned it down and appeared in the series as a different character. Who knew?
18. All in the Family Was the First-Ever Program on Television to Earn Emmys.
With the active participation of the cast’s members, the series became the first-ever on television to earn Emmy Awards, as it captivated the heart and the attention of all viewers.
19. Vincent Gardenia Also Appeared in Several Episodes.
Vincent appeared in several episodes. Right after that, he assumed playing the role of none other than Frank Lorenzo.
20. Jean Stapleton Just Pushed through Her Role in the Series.
Jean Stapleton just pushed through her role in the series. She was more than interested in it rather than starring in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in the year of 1971 where she played the role of Mrs. Teevee.
21. ABC Originally Financed the Plot.
The original pilot of the series was financed by ABC. Right after the screening of the 1st pilot, producers were given the money in shooting a 2nd pilot along with other new actors as Mike and Gloria’s roles.
22. All in the Family as the First U.S. Series in Television to be Shot Infront a Studio Audience.
This was shot before a live studio audience. There were only two performances that were shot. As per the version in broadcast, it combined the most impressive takes. This is exactly how the comedy series are shot today.
23. The Reformat of the Series Took Place in 1979.
In 1979, the series was reformatted and was renamed ‘Archie Bunker’s Place’. It captivated the attention of a lot of viewers and despite the sudden reformat, it became extremely popular.
24. Easy Chairs are Now Put on Display.
The easy-chairs that were once used by Edith and Archie in the famous series were put on display at the Smithsonian. Indeed, even the chairs held a remarkable place in the hearts of all.
25. The Jeffersons Were Still the Longest Running Series for 11 Seasons.
The Jeffersons were still considered the longest-running series of 11 seasons compared to All in the Family.
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