Hollywood and television have always had a contentious relationship, often pulling in different directions. As brands and intellectual properties took center stage in the early 21st century, TV became a haven for creatives eager to tell original and bold stories. However, back in the 1960s, networks often preferred safer content.
In this climate, Norman Lear was inspired by the British series “Till Death Do Us Part”, which premiered in 1965. He saw parallels between its characters and his own family, especially the bigoted patriarch who constantly insulted his wife and clashed with his liberal son-in-law.
The initial “All in the Family” pilot aired on CBS on January 12, 1971, bore a striking resemblance to its British counterpart. However, it soon developed its unique identity, becoming a long-lasting hit and spawning multiple spin-offs.
ABC’s Reluctance and Financial Gamble
Remarkably, ABC invested $250,000 into an earlier version of the pilot but decided not to air it. $250,000 spent by CBS to avoid controversy. They wanted to protect and not offend
, Norman Lear commented about ABC’s decision. They feared potential backlash despite knowing it was a humorous script.
Impactful Yet Controversial Content
The lack of initial confidence wasn’t solely ABC’s burden. CBS also hesitated, launching the revised “Meet the Bunkers” pilot with an extensive disclaimer to brace for possible backlash. After years dominated by shows like “The Andy Griffith Show”, CBS wasn’t accustomed to sitcoms featuring blunt discussions on race or using terms like “Dingbat” and “Meathead”.
A Turning Point in Television
Ultimately, ABC’s caution proved futile as CBS embraced the show after recognizing viewers’ readiness for socially relevant content. With $250,000 spent to avoid controversy
, ABC learned its loss was indeed CBS’s gain.
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