Norman Lear passed away, the creator of many of 70s classic shows what are your thoughts?

[Oliverlogan263]

Norman Lear passed away at age 101

What an unbelievable producer he was during the 70s. I mean from All in the Family to Square Pegs, so many classic sitcoms that stood the test of time. He was thought provoking and way ahead of his time when it comes to telling stories in a comedic way. He lived a great life. Without him, sitcoms wouldn’t be what it is today.

Sanford and Son

Good Times

One Day at a Time

The Jeffersons

Mary Hartman

Maude

What do you think of the news of Norman Lear the creator of many shows like Sanford and Son, Good Times, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, All in the Family, Mary Hartman, and Maude passed away at the age of 101?

[Adventurer23]

My all-time favourite TV show is All in the Family. I was a saddened to hear he passed away, but it's incredible he lived to be 101. He was a visionary pioneer who brought thought-provoking themes into the living rooms of millions of people during a time where people needed it. Whether they knew it at the time or not.

He was also one of the most important figures in creating black-centric shows featuring black actors, portraying black families, for not only a black-only audience, but for everyone. Before Norman Lear, there weren't any TV shows that were made for, or that specifically spoke toward a black audience. Not only did he create an entire movement toward the merit of black television, arguably one of Norman Lear's most successful TV shows, The Jeffersons, went on to be one of the most culturally lasting and relevant shows in history. He wasn't just a creator of white culture, he was a prolific advocate for everyone, and the shows he created reflected a diversity that simply did not exist before he came along.

But in particular, as a show that aired from 1971-1979, All in the Family was one of the most important, ground-breaking and incendiary shows in TV history. It regularly dealt with issues of race, bigotry, hate, anti-semitism and religious intolerance, racial and gender inequality, worker's rights, LGBTQ rights, free speech, inflation, recession, poverty, gun violence, politics, political indifference... the list goes on. All of these themes which we are still talking about today. Sometimes it's almost eerie to watch episodes of All in the Family to realize just how current and relevant the topics are to today's world.

But the real genius with All in the Family wasn't just the topics it talked about, but in the way they were portrayed, and how it caused people of the day to look inward at themselves to see how perhaps their way of thinking wasn't necessarily a very good one. Yet it always did so in a very subtle manner (and often not-so-subtle in the shocking language used) that was highly entertaining in a way that never made audiences feel like they were being talked down to or taught a lesson. The brilliance of what it accomplished was not presenting these topics as "what to do" or "how to think", but instead in a way that was by example that caused people to reflect on their own lives and way of thinking.

For most people who watch All in the Family today, it is often quite a shocking and jarring first time experience if you don't know about the show's main character, Archie Bunker, and the language he often used in the show. It often causes people to be astounded how people were able to say such things back then... but that was, and still is part of the point. It was shows like All in the Family that actually helped change our society's thought processes about their beliefs and values about other people, as well as our own responsibility within all of that, which helped create measurable changes in things like hate and intolerance in particular. It's because of shows like All in the Family that caused a certain cultural introspection that not only changed the landscape of TV shows that followed, but the show's popularity also played a part in the change in societal views we have seen over the last 50+ years. Especially during its time.

All in the Family is certainly not responsible for all of those things. No TV show can be. But there was never a show anything like it before, and there certainly has never been a show like it ever since. With everything that's going on in today's world, the themes and topics in All in the Family is as relevant as it's ever been, and I think there's still a lot that can be learned from it. As shocking as it may be to some viewers. To anyone who dismisses it based on its content is missing the point completely.

It's not a stretch at all to say that Norman Lear changed the landscape of TV and entertainment forever. But ultimately, I don't think he gets enough credit for just how influential he was as a creator. Not just within the realm of the entertainment industry, but in regards to culture and society as a whole. He left an indelible mark that I don't think will be equalled anytime soon. But above all of that, he brought a lot of laughter and enjoyment into this world. Something we need more of. RIP, Norman. You will be missed. 💙

[Oliverlogan263]

Dude forreal that was super insightful. I never really knew all about how groundbreaking All in The Family was until you explained it. Like just from watching a few episodes I knew it had to be crazy controversial but I didn't realize how much deeper it went.

Its wild thinking about shows from the 70s talking about stuff like racism, LGBTQ rights, politics and all that. Takes balls to put stuff like that on TV. And the fact it made people actually think about their views instead of just pointing fingers is genius. Really ahead of its time in a good way.

No wonder Norman Lear was such a legend, to come up with a concept like Archie and have the whole family argue about real issues. But in a funny way that got people listening. he's absolutely right that its still relevant today too which is crazy. Just goes to show how much work is still left.

Its awesome he also helped make shows for black audiences and families too before anyone else. Dude truly changed the whole game. All the shows he made are still classics even now. Mad respect for everything Norman Lear accomplished and the impact he had. Major loss but incredible legacy he left behind. Gonna have to check out more of All In The Family for sure!

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

He is an intelligent man who will be deeply missed, and that's when television was good. RIP Norman Lear

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Thanks for MHO :)

[DizzyDesii]

His shows had some of the best theme songs but Good Times, Different Strokes and Facts of Life were the only ones i enjoyed aside from the theme song

[Oliverlogan263]

Yeah, Norman Lear really knew how to create catchy, memorable theme songs that still hold up today. Even though others didn't grow up watching a lot of his shows from the 70s, we can appreciate how groundbreaking they were in using humor and sitcoms to shine a light on important social and political issues.

It's interesting that for you, the theme songs from Good Times, Different Strokes and Facts of Life were the ones that really stuck out and made you want to watch more of the actual shows. Those three themes in particular just have an infectious, upbeat energy that's really inviting. And I'm sure seeing a family or group of friends overcoming challenges and supporting each other through laughter and togetherness gave a sense of comfort and inspiration.

Even if all the other shows' themes sounded good too, it makes sense that the content of just those three managed to keep hooking you in as a kid beyond one catchy song. Lear was a true pioneer in using the sitcom format to start important conversations and make people laugh at the same time. While his full legacy may not have fully resonated with others yet, we can still appreciate all the groundwork he laid that influenced the TV comedies I enjoy today. At 101 years old, he lived an incredible life creating timeless work and leaving such a massive impact on the industry.

[DizzyDesii]

Oh no i was saying all his shows had good theme songs but that only the three shows i named were watchable. Like i could not get into jeffersons, sanford & son nor all in the family but i loved their theme songs too

[FunkyMonkee]

You didn't mention the one he was the most famous for, "All In The Family"?

[Adventurer23]

He did in the text further down, he just didn't add a picture of it.

[FunkyMonkee]

@Adventurer23 I see.

[stratford]

Didn't know him