Norman Lear’s controversial work led to a disclaimer from CBS.
Written Features
Video Features
Clip | Norman Lear – All in The Family Disclaimer
Clip | “Maude” on Tough Issues
Clip | Why Norman Lear is the “Most Influential Producer in the History of Television”
Clip | Norman Lear and Inspiration from The Jeffersons
Clip | Norman Lear on Network Censorship
Clip | Norman Lear on Tough Conversations
Clip | Norman Lear’s Legacy: “There Were a lot of Shoulders That Preceded Me”
Clip | Norman Lear’s Psychiatrist
Clip | Rob Reiner on “All in the Family” Success
TRANSCRIPT
There's a reason Richard Nixon put Norman on his enemies list. To be able to talk about real life and real issues - forget how controversial they are - they're real. That's what - that's what's so relevant. That stuff didn't happen in sitcoms I mean - it was - you know we used to say it's too hip for the room. You know it was just too smart and too different and too edgy and you know we thought goodbye and good luck. And the fact is, CBS was nervous about it; they put on a big disclaimer saying you know essentially we don't want - we don't have anything to do with this show. Warning the program you are about to see is All in the Family.
It seeks to throw a humorous spotlight on our frailties, prejudices and concerns.
By making them a source of laughter we hope to show - in a mature fashion - just how absurd they are.