Watch Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You

Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You is a 2016 documentary film that explores the life and work of one of the most influential television producers in the history of the medium, Norman Lear. The film offers an intimate look at Lear's personal and professional journey, from his humble beginnings in Hartford, Connecticut to his eventual rise to become one of the most recognizable names in American television.

The film begins by introducing us to Lear's childhood, where we learn that he grew up in a Jewish family during the Great Depression. Lear was often exposed to injustice and inequality, particularly racism, which he would later confront through his work in television. We then see how Lear's early career, which included stints as a public relations executive and a comedy writer, eventually led him to the world of television.

From there, the film delves into the show that made Lear a household name - All in the Family. Through interviews with Lear himself, as well as with actors and colleagues who worked on the show, we learn about the behind-the-scenes process of creating the groundbreaking series. The film also dives into the controversy surrounding the show, which dealt with issues such as racism and feminism in a way that had never been seen on mainstream television before.

Throughout the film, we are treated to a wealth of archival footage from Lear's various shows, including Maude, The Jeffersons, and Good Times. These clips provide both a nostalgic look back at Lear's work as well as a reminder of the impact it had on American culture.

As the film progresses, we get to see Lear's personal side, including his relationship with his family and his philanthropic efforts. We learn that Lear has always been dedicated to using his influence to make a positive change in the world, whether that meant creating shows that tackled taboo subjects or founding political organizations to effect change.

Ultimately, Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You paints a portrait of a man who, despite his immense success, has never lost touch with the values that have guided him throughout his life. For anyone curious about the history of American television or the impact that one person can have on an entire industry, this insightful and heartfelt documentary is well worth a watch.

Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 66.