All in the Family - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Syndicated, TV Land Cast: Rob Reiner, Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton
Genre: Comedy
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this landmark sitcom features a main character who is racist and homophobic -- and was recognized as such even when the show initially aired in the '70s. Archie's bigotry is used to highlight serious social topics like rape, breast cancer, and homosexuality in a humorous, thoughtful, ultimately positive way. Racially charged language (like the n-word) is sometimes used. In one episode, a guest character is killed by an explosion in the distance.
Families can talk about race and prejudice. How have discussions of race changed since this show began? How are they the same? What kinds of racial divisions do kids notice in their school? Have kids ever heard someone use a racial epithet? What do kids think about Archie's bigotry? Is this a racist show? Is it the media's job to bring attention to issues like prejudice? How do today's media tackle these topics?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci
Starring Carroll O'Connor as "loveable bigot" Archie Bunker, groundbreaking 1970s sitcom ALL IN THE FAMILY topped the ratings during much of its original nine-year run and has justifiably earned a spot in the TV hall of fame.
Before All in the Family, serious political and social topics like homosexuality, rape, racism, and women's rights weren't discussed on a network comedy show. Archie Bunker changed that. He was a prejudiced, blue-collar white guy from Queens whose socially conservative opinions clashed frequently, and hilariously, with those of his lefty son-in-law Mike "Meathead" Stivic (Rob Reiner) and his daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers).
Though Archie espoused his beliefs frequently, his illogical reasoning and hilarious malapropisms seriously decreased their impact. His long-suffering spouse, Edith (Jean Stapleton), was a traditional wife who usually deferred to her husband, even tolerating his pet name for her: "Dingbat." But Edith was funny, too -- her simple nature allowed for some humorous misunderstandings.
Episodes typically addressed Archie's bigotry, putting him in situations where he has to confront his prejudices. In one, for example, Archie travels with Mike and Gloria on the subway back from a visit to the Bronx, where the couple was looking at a house. On the train, Archie warns Gloria not to sit next to "preverts" or winos. He alludes to the Bronx being a place where African Americans live -- and therefore, using his logic, not a neighborhood for white people like Mike and Gloria. In some episodes, Archie uses the n-word and other derogatory terms for African Americans and gay people.
It's worth noting that O'Connor went on to star in the show In the Heat of the Night, in which he played a wise, tolerant sheriff in the Deep South. Obviously, Archie's intolerance was all an act -- and an excellent one, at that (O'Connor earned eight Emmy nominations for the role and won four times).
Families might enjoy watching All in the Family together, although it may seem too dated for the younger set. Much of what was considered risqué in the 1970s seems modest by today's standards (the sound of a toilet flushing had never been heard on primetime before this series). Parents will probably want to discuss Archie's prejudices with younger folks to help them put it in context and understand the subtleties of the show's humor.
Fans might also enjoy The Jeffersons (which was a spinoff of All in the Family), Roseanne, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome very tame allusions to Mike and Gloria's sex life. Some brief kissing. Discussion of sexually related issues, like homosexuality. |
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ViolenceUsually no violence, except for occasional slapstick stuff. In one episode, a man is killed during a hate crime outside the Bunker house. Discussion of other crimes, including rape. |
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LanguageSome mild cursing, like "hell" and "dammit." Occasional bigoted language, like the n-word and derogatory terms for homosexuals. |
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Social BehaviorArchie Bunker is a conservative bigot with a good heart. His prejudices are meant to highlight cultural issues in a positive, thoughtful way. Serious topics like women's rights, gay rights, racial equality, etc. are addressed. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoThe main character drinks an occasional beer and smokes a pipe. |
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