Sitcoms from the 1970s occupy a unique space in television history, and Sanford and Son, which ran from 1972 to 1977 on NBC, stands out as both a product of its time and a comedy with staying power. The show, adapted from the British sitcom Steptoe and Son, centers on the cantankerous junk dealer, Fred Sanford, played brilliantly by Redd Foxx, and his long-suffering son, Lamont, portrayed by Demond Wilson. Their constant bickering, often over Fred’s get-rich-quick schemes and Lamont’s desire for independence, is the heart of the show. The chemistry between Foxx and Wilson is what makes it work, their comedic timing impeccable, and their performances are full of passion.
What makes Sanford and Son different from other comedies of the era is its setting in a Los Angeles junkyard. The show does not gloss over the realities of a working class existence, and it incorporates those real world struggles into the humor. The supporting cast, including characters like Fred’s friend Grady (Whitman Mayo), and his neighbor Rollo (Nathaniel Taylor), add a lot to the comedy, creating a strong sense of community and a framework for each episode’s storylines.
Though the humor is often broad, there’s a genuine warmth to the relationships, even in their squabbles. The series tackled some social issues too, including race and class differences, even when these subjects were not always approached with complete nuance. Some of the jokes might not land quite as well today, or might require a bit of context, but the majority of the humor is timeless. The writing is consistently sharp, the characters are memorable, and the situations, though often ridiculous, are always entertaining.
Sanford and Son aired on NBC.
Years ran: 1972-1977
Number of Episodes: 136
Creators: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear
Cast: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, Whitman Mayo, LaWanda Page, Nathaniel Taylor
