Unsung Hollywood Season 6 Episode 3 The Jeffersons

In season 6 episode 3 of Unsung Hollywood, titled "The Jeffersons," viewers are taken on a journey through the making of the iconic television show The Jeffersons, which ran for eleven seasons from 1975 to 1985.

The episode begins with a brief history of Sherman Hemsley, the actor who portrayed George Jefferson. Hemsley's journey to stardom was not an easy one. He grew up in poverty in Philadelphia and had a difficult childhood. However, he found solace in music and eventually moved to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming a performer. Hemsley's big break came in 1971, when he was cast in the Broadway musical Purlie. This role led to his being cast as George Jefferson in the television show All in the Family, which was an instant hit.

"The Jeffersons" was a spin-off of All in the Family, and it followed the lives of George and Louise Jefferson (Isabel Sanford) as they move from their working-class neighborhood in Queens to a luxury high-rise in Manhattan. The show dealt with issues such as racism, classism, and the challenges of upward mobility. "The Jeffersons" quickly became one of the most popular shows on television, and it was the first prime-time television show to feature an all-black cast.

The episode features interviews with the show's stars, as well as producers and writers who worked on the show. They discuss the challenges of creating a show that was both funny and socially conscious, and which accurately portrayed the experiences of African Americans in the United States at the time. The producers also talk about the show's impact on popular culture, and how it paved the way for other shows featuring diverse casts and storylines.

Viewers also get a glimpse into the personal lives of the stars. Sherman Hemsley was known for being a bit of a diva on set, and he had a reputation for being difficult to work with. However, his co-stars say that he was always professional and that they had a great deal of respect for him. Isabel Sanford, who played his wife Louise, was a trailblazer in her own right. She was the first African American woman to win a Primetime Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and she was an inspiration to many young women at the time.

The episode also touches on the challenges that "The Jeffersons" faced as the years went on. The show was criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes of African Americans, and some of the storylines were seen as insensitive. However, the producers and writers say that they always tried to balance the humor with serious topics, and that they were proud of what they accomplished with the show.

In conclusion, Unsung Hollywood season 6 episode 3, "The Jeffersons," is a fascinating look at one of the most groundbreaking television shows of all time. It celebrates the contributions of the actors, writers, and producers who made the show a success, while also acknowledging the challenges they faced along the way. If you're a fan of "The Jeffersons," or just interested in the history of television, this episode is definitely worth a watch.