The Jeffersons is one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history. Using IMDb ratings, we’ve ranked the best of their 253 episodes.
The Jeffersons was a TV show created by Norman Lear that ran from January 18, 1975, to July 2, 1985. The All in the Family spin-off focused on the titular family after moving to Manhattan from Family’s setting of Queens. It starred Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford as George and Louise Jefferson, with Mike Evans (and later Damon Evans) starring as their son Lionel. The show was unique because it used stellar writing and acting to tackle tough topics such as alcoholism, gentrification, and racism. It was also the first major sitcom to feature an interracial couple in major roles.
The Jeffersons lasted for 11 seasons and 253 episodes. Here are the 5 best, according to IMDb.
Florence in Love – 8.1
“Florence in Love” was the 11th episode of the third season. Family maid Florence (Marla Gibbs) begins dating a man and brings her to the Jeffersons’ home without consulting either George or Louise. They’re unhappy about this and an argument ensues about Florence’s work ethic. She quits her job as their’ live-in maid and moves in with their neighbors the Willises in response. After discovering her boyfriend is married, she plans to move to Mississippi. Louise enlists Mr. Willis’s help to convince George to re-hire Florence.
A Friend in Need – 8.1
This is the episode that started it all. The series premiere sets up the basic idea of the series: George and Louise have trouble getting used to their new life in Manhattan. George, in particular, gets a little hot-headed and demands Louise hire a maid. He wants a maid that “fits [his] position,” but Louise remembers what it’s like to be poor and is reticent about spending the money. So she hires Florence, who gives the pair perhaps more sass than they can handle and quickly serves as a reminder to the Jeffersons not to pull the ladder up behind them.
George and Jimmy – 8.2
“George and Jimmy” is the second in a series of episodes involving Presidents of the United States, both real and imagined. The president in this episode is very much real: then-current President Jimmy Carter. George calls the President to invite him to stay over when he comes to New York. The call doesn’t go too well and Secret Service agents end up on the Jeffersons’ doorstep.
George’s defiance gets him in even more hot water and the agents eventually draw their weapons, leading to a parade of almost every major character on the show and a rare sequence of physical comedy that nearly approaches slapstick.
Louise Gets Her Way – 8.2
“Louise Gets Her Way” partly sets up “Florence in Love.” Florence is evicted from her home after the building she lived in is scheduled to be demolished. Louise offers to let Florence live with the Jeffersons without consulting George. He’s already on pins and needles because he’s trying to close a business deal with Mr. Owens for new vans and this news is this last straw. He wants Florence gone, but she saves him from the business deal. She eavesdrops on Mr. Owens, who reveals the entire thing is a scam and the vans are worthless. He then allows Florence to live with them full-time.
Florence Meets Mr. Right – 8.3
Florence takes another crack at dating, but this time doesn’t go much better than her previous attempts. She meets Buzz Thatcher at church and begins dating him. He quickly uses his faith to shackle Florence. It’s painfully apparent to all involved except Florence that Buzz isn’t the right one for her. Something’s not right about these two and Florence isn’t her usual sassy self. It’s only when Buzz insults a dress Florence receives as a gift that she sees him for who he truly is. She reasserts her independence of both body and thought and breaks off the relationship for good.
