Parents' Guide to

All in the Family

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Landmark '70s sitcom lightens bias with humor.

TV Syndicated , TV Land Comedy 1971
All in the Family Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Rick G.
Rick G. Adult
October 2, 2023
age 10+
This is excellent show. While it deals with some touchy issues Archie Bunker always comes through with good advice and is a great role model. Edith is also a great role model in how a wife should be. I think this a great show for kids and adults alike

This title has:

Great role models
Ashnal
Ashnal Adult
September 23, 2020
age 18+

Bigotry is not acceptable

The only people who thought the show was entertaining are those that can relate to the characters.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

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. Archie Bunker 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). 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." Episodes typically addressed Archie's bigotry, putting him in situations where he has to confront his prejudices. For example, in one show, 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 "perverts" or winos, and 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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (7 ):

Before this show, serious political and social topics like homosexuality, rape, racism, and women's rights weren't discussed on a network comedy show. Though Archie expressed his beliefs frequently, his illogical reasoning and hilarious malapropisms seriously decreased their impact. And Edith was funny, too -- her simple nature allowed for some humorous misunderstandings. 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 prime time 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about race and prejudice in All in the Family. 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?

  • How do the characters in All in the Family demonstrate empathy and humility? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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