The sitcom Maude, which aired on CBS from 1972 to 1978, wasn’t just another show; it was a cultural moment, a series that tackled social and political topics head-on with a frankness rarely seen on television at the time. Created by Norman Lear, the program spun off from All in the Family, featuring Bea Arthur as the titular Maude Findlay, a liberal, outspoken woman living in suburban Tuckahoe, New York.
The show never shied away from controversial subject matter, such as abortion, menopause, alcoholism, and even the Vietnam War, consistently sparking conversations and sometimes heated debates across households nationwide. What separated Maude from other sitcoms wasn’t just the topics it chose to discuss, but also the abrasive yet lovable nature of its main character, which became the show’s central focus. Maude was not created to be liked by everyone. She was, in many ways, very difficult. The show’s popularity was surprising given that, and that’s part of what made it so compelling.
The supporting cast also played a large part in the show’s success. Bill Macy as Walter Findlay, Maude’s fourth husband, provided a necessary foil to her often overbearing personality. His dry wit and more laid-back attitude frequently found him at odds with Maude’s dramatic approach to life. Adrienne Barbeau as Carol Traynor, Maude’s divorced daughter, acted as both a confidante and a counterpoint to her mother’s generation. And who can forget Conrad Bain as Dr. Arthur Harmon, Maude’s conservative next-door neighbor, whose arguments with Maude were a consistent source of humor, and Rue McClanahan as Vivian Harmon, Arthur’s often ditzy wife and Maude’s best friend. These characters helped form a microcosm of American society during the 1970s, and the way they interacted with one another gave a glimpse of different political viewpoints as well as the generational gap that defined the time. Arthur and McClanahan would go on to star together in the equally successful “Golden Girls.”
Maude didn’t just make you laugh; it made you think. It dared to present complex issues, even if the solutions were never neat and tidy. It did this in a way that was funny and thought provoking at the same time, making it a truly unique viewing experience.
Maude aired on CBS.
Years ran: 1972-1978
Number of Episodes: 141
Creators: Norman Lear
Cast: Bea Arthur, Bill Macy, Adrienne Barbeau, Conrad Bain, Rue McClanahan.
