All in the Family Season 1 Episode 1

Ep 1. Meet the Bunkers

  • January 12, 1971
  • 25 min
  • 8.4  (525)

All in the Family is a classic American sitcom that premiered in 1971. The show centers around the Bunker family, a working-class family living in Queens, New York. The main character, Archie Bunker, is a conservative and strongly opinionated bigot who often clashes with his more progressive daughter and son-in-law. The show explores themes of racism, sexism, and generational conflict, and quickly became a cultural touchstone during its nine-season run.

The first episode of All in the Family is titled "Meet the Bunkers," and it introduces us to the show's central characters and themes. The episode begins with Archie, a blue-collar worker, coming home and finding his wife Edith preparing dinner. They exchange banter and Archie makes several derogatory comments about his daughter Gloria's "hippie" lifestyle, hinting at his conservative views.

When Gloria and her husband Mike arrive, tensions rise as Archie and Mike butt heads over politics and social issues. Mike, a college student and liberal activist, expresses his disdain for Archie's regressive opinions, which only infuriates Archie further. Gloria tries to mediate, but sparks continue to fly between the two men.

The episode also introduces several side characters who will become regulars throughout the show's run. The Jeffersons, a black family who live next door to the Bunkers, are briefly introduced when Archie goes to borrow a tool and is initially suspicious of their friendly demeanor. Harry and Irene Lorenzo, a couple who frequent the Bunkers' living room as part of a running gag, make their first appearance as well.

Throughout the episode, Archie makes several politically incorrect comments that elicit uncomfortable laughter from the studio audience. He uses racial slurs and makes disparaging remarks about women and gay people, all while insisting that he's not a bigot. The show walks a fine line between satirizing Archie's prejudices and reinforcing them, and critics have debated the show's intentions and impact ever since.

Despite the edginess of the humor, "Meet the Bunkers" is a strong introduction to the Bunker family and the themes the show will tackle. The episode sets up the generational conflict between Archie and Mike, as well as the tension between Archie's conservative worldview and the changing social landscape of the 1970s. Edith and Gloria provide moments of levity and warmth, but the heart of the show is clearly Archie and his flawed, complex character.

Overall, the first episode of All in the Family is a bold and memorable debut that sets the tone for the series as a whole. Its themes and humor may not be for everyone, but there's no denying the impact the show had on the cultural conversation during its run. "Meet the Bunkers" is a must-see for fans of classic sitcoms and anyone interested in the social history of 20th-century America.

Description
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All in the Family, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on CBS. You can also buy, rent All in the Family on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    January 12, 1971
  • Runtime
    25 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (525)