Two of Your Favorite TV Shows from the '70s Are Being Rebooted for One Night Only
Two of the most beloved television shows from the ’70s, “All in the Family,” and “The Jeffersons,” are returning to TV for a one-night reboot featuring a new cast portraying the original characters.
The event is scheduled to air on ABC on May 22 and will be a 90-minute live segment. Norman Lear, 96, the writer and producer behind both sitcoms will host the event alongside Jimmy Kimmel.
Lear is well aware that today’s audiences do not think the content of the shows will be well-received, but he is looking forward to proving everyone wrong.
The two classic 1970s series are coming back for one live special, and there’s a new generation of stars who will fill familiar roles. – @TODAYShow https://t.co/IL8KFnOrMe
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 27, 2019
“They have said over and over again that these two shows were meant for the ’70s and would not work today,” Lear said in a statement.
“We disagree with them and are here to prove, with two great casts depicting ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons,’ the timelessness of human nature.
“I cannot wait to see what these glorious performers make in our time of these indelible characters, and I couldn’t be more grateful for Jimmy Kimmel, Sony and ABC for their collective willingness to conceive and pursue this never-been-done-before event.”
One-night reboot planned for “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” https://t.co/2L5MhRpD84 #AllintheFamily #Jeffersons pic.twitter.com/4hrTkJ02ZB
— The World of Pugh (@TheWorldofPugh) April 21, 2019
The lead cast members have already been announced, as well as a handful of supporting roles to be played by a slew of well-known entertainers.
Archie Bunker, the lovable loudmouth originally played by Carroll O’Connor, will be played by Woody Harrelson. Bunker’s wife, Edith, will be played by Marisa Tomei, according to “Today.”
The Bunker family shared a neighborhood with George and Louise “Wheezy” Jefferson, two characters that became so popular they got their own sitcom.
George Jefferson, first portrayed by actor Sherman Hemsley, will be played by Jamie Foxx.
Louise “Wheezy” Jefferson, originally played by Isabel Sanford, will be played by actress and comedian Wanda Sykes.
Other cast members include Ellie Kemper, Will Ferrell and Justina Machado.
“The fact that a group of Oscar winners eagerly agreed to play these iconic characters is a testament to the greatness of these shows and their creator, Norman Lear,” Kimmel said in a media release.
Kimmel and Lear are eager for audiences to watch the event, which is less than a month away.
Do you plan to watch the one-night live reboot?
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