Norman Lear Blazed a Path for Pushing Political Buttons on Network Television | Appreciation

Known for boundary-pushing series like “All in the Family,” “Maude” and “The Jeffersons,” the producer moved the needle while setting the bar for the American sitcom

Norman Lear at the “Live in Front of a Studio Audience" after party in Los Angeles
Norman Lear at the “Live in Front of a Studio Audience" after party in Los Angeles (Credit: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)

Baseball had Babe Ruth. Rock ‘n’ roll had The Beatles. Television had Norman Lear.

The legendary writer and producer died at age 101 one week ago — Tuesday, Dec. 5 — and left behind a legacy cementing him as one of TV’s most influential figures and the forefather of the American sitcom, especially as it relates to tackling politics and hot-button issues on broadcast television.

Inducted nearly 40 years ago as part of the Television Academy Hall of Fame’s first-ever class, Lear’s storied career saw him produce, write, create or develop over 100 shows, including “All in the Family,” “Maude” and “The Jeffersons.”

Comments

One response to “Norman Lear Blazed a Path for Pushing Political Buttons on Network Television | Appreciation”

  1. cadavra Avatar
    cadavra

    While Norman’s contributions are indeed monumental, it is completely irresponsible to omit any mention of Bud Yorkin, who was his partner during the 60s and 70s, the latter being Lear’s peak decade.

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