Star-Studded 'All in the Family,' 'The Jeffersons' Live Event Set at ABC

[left-of-center2012]

ABC is putting a new spin on the live TV production.

The Disney-owned broadcast network is teaming with Jimmy Kimmel and legendary producer Norman Lear for a live, 90-minute, star-studded tribute to classic sitcoms All in the Family and its spinoff, The Jeffersons. The event — Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons — is set to air May 22 and will feature Woody Harrelson taking on Carroll O'Connor's famed role of Archie Bunker. Jamie Foxx will play George Jefferson in the role originally made famous by Sherman Hemsley.

The one-night-only event will also see Marisa Tomei play Archie's beleaguered wife, Edith Bunker, and Wanda Sykes as George's wife, Louise Jefferson. Ellie Kemper will play Archie and Edith's daughter, Gloria Stivic; Ferrell will appear as George and Louise's friend, Tom Willis; and Justina Machado — the star of Lear's since canceled One Day at a Time reboot — will play George and Louise's housekeeper, Florence Johnston. Additional stars will be announced soon.

“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. To be a part of this is a dream come true for me and for everyone involved," Kimmel said.

The live production — set to begin at 8 p.m. May 22 — was years in the making for producers Sony Pictures Television, the indie studio that Lear has called home for years.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/star-studded-all-family-jeffersons-live-event-set-at-abc-1203282

[The Genealogist]

1. Both of these programs were staples of my early childhood

I was born in 1973, and "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" are two of the first TV programs I remember. To this day, I can still watch an old episode of "The Jeffersons" and be thoroughly engaged entertained. It was a magnificent show!

[VarryOn]

2. I cant picture Harrelson as Archie...

But I cant wait to see how he does. I could see Ed O'Neil or Jason Alexander playing him, too.

Growing up in the 70s, I watched both the shows. Unfortunatley, I had a few family members who took Archie seriously. Fortunately, most have evolved in a positive way!

[mr_lebowski]

3. Who's playin' Meathead?!?

Wonder how much tickets are to that particular event? Impressed they're also (apparently) showing it live on TV rather than being recorded ...

Kinda think Wanda Sykes would be a way more logical choice for Florence than Weezie ...