Sanford and Son Was Even More Interesting Behind The Scenes

Sanford & Son “Cultured” Version of All in the Family

Norman Lear, creator of All In The Family, was also the mind behind Sanford & Son. If you’ve ever watched Sanford & Son and wondered why the feeling is so familiar, it’s because of him. Lear wanted to carry the same ideas into different cultures and see if they’d take.

The same writer’s room that thought up the controversial and racially insensitive Archie Bunker was the same group of professionals that introduced Fred Sanford to the world. Both characters had mean spirits about them and walked around making the same rude remarks. They’re essentially culturally opposite, but one at heart and script, on purpose.