Why Don't They Create Shows Like Sanford and Son Anymore that Are Truly Funny?

Sanford and Son, which premiered in 1972 on NBC, was the first of its kind in terms of comedic storytelling and on-screen confrontation. This was a time when television comedy was exploring edgy themes and breaking barriers. Remarkably, it was inspired by the already successful British sitcom Steptoe and Son, which ran on BBC1 from 1962 to 1974. However, it was Sanford and Son that truly stood out in the American television landscape.

The Setting and Characters

Sanford and Son followed the misadventures of Fred G. Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, and his son Lamont, portrayed by Demond Wilson. Fred commanded a junkyard on his property, but his gruff, bigoted personality marked his character. Lamont, on the other hand, proved to be his complete opposite, naturally catalyst for conflict. This duo was no stranger to the producers of All in the Family, a show widely known for its success and similarly centering a bigoted father and a conscientious peacemaker of an in-law, often clashing over numerous topics ranging from marriage and politics to simple domestic choices.

The Influence of Norman Lear and Norman Yorkin

Norman Lear and his partner Bud Yorkin were behind both Sanford and Son and All in the Family. As co-founders of Tandem Productions, their works were instrumental in pioneering a new era of television comedy, characterized by edginess and candid depictions of social issues. Shows like Maude, The Jeffersons, Good Times, and One Day at a Time broke new ground in their themes of comedy, reflecting the fury and grief of everyday Americans. They navigated complex and sometimes contentious topics, such as civil rights, political struggles, and economic hardships, making Sanford and Son a stark contrast in its focus on comedy without as much social commentary.

The Comedy and Drama Balance

A major difference between All in the Family and Sanford and Son was the emphasis on comedy. All in the Family tackled global issues and social norms with its characters, while Fred Sanford's misadventures were inherently comedic and personal. For example, Fred and Lamont argued about household tidiness and finances, rather than larger social issues like the Vietnam War or civil rights. This style found favor with audiences who appreciated both humor and stark confrontations.

The Evolution of Humor in Television

The cultural and societal impact of Sanford and Son cannot be overstated. It brought a sense of hostility and reality to comedy through characters like Fred, who often projected overt prejudices. This was a stark departure from the family-friendly sitcoms still dominant at the time, such as The Brady Bunch, which faced declining ratings against Sanford and Son. The Brady Bunch, operating on ABC, primarily focused on a generic family setting without the external social issues that were becoming more prevalent in Sanford and Son.

The Decline of Raw Comedy

As the 1970s progressed, television comedy began to shift towards cleaner humor. Shows like Three’s Company and Happy Days ascended to popularity, with a focus on closeted sexuality and relatable, often generic scenarios. These programs spent less time addressing societal issues and more on interpersonal and comedic conflicts, often within the limited scope of three roommates or a family dynamic. This shift towards gentler comedy paved the way for subsequent shows, like Taxi and Cheers, which tackled issues of personal ethics and intelligence but did so through a more sanitized lens.

Conclusion

The legacy of Sanford and Son remains a unique and irreplaceable chapter in television history. Its blend of raw comedy, honest confrontation, and unrelenting honesty made it a beloved and impactful series. While subsequent shows have touched on similar themes, the raw honesty and cultural commentary present in Sanford and Son have yet to be fully replicated. These television achievements remind us of the power of comedy to reflect and shape societal discourse in meaningful and impactful ways.