The Laughs Have Changed: A Look at How Sanford and Son Has Aged
When Sanford and Son premiered in 1972, it was a revolution. The sight of a cantankerous, cane-wielding junkman and his long-suffering son bickering in a cluttered junkyard was a bold, unprecedented step for primetime television. For six seasons, the show, starring comedic legend Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford and Demond Wilson as his son, Lamont, was a cultural phenomenon. Its raw, unapologetic humor and unflinching portrayal of a working-class Black family made it an instant classic that remains a staple of syndication to this day.
However, watching the show in the 21st century is a different experience. Like many shows from the era, Sanford and Son is a product of its time, and as societal norms have evolved, some of its humor and themes have not. A modern viewing reveals a fascinating duality: a show that is both a timeless comedic masterpiece and a stark reminder of how much has changed. Here are five reasons why Sanford and Son has aged well, and five reasons why it hasn’t.
5 Reasons Why It Has Aged Well
1. The Timeless Chemistry of Fred and Lamont The heart of Sanford and Son is the relationship between a father and son who are two halves of a whole. Fred is a man anchored in the past, while Lamont is desperately trying to build a new future for himself. Their constant bickering is a comedic engine that transcends time. The show’s humor comes from their generational conflict, their love-hate relationship, and their shared desire to protect their family and their small business. This dynamic is a universal comedic trope that will never go out of style.
2. Redd Foxx’s Comedic Genius No matter how much time passes, Redd Foxx’s performance as Fred G. Sanford remains a masterclass in physical comedy and impeccable timing. His famous “heart attack” routines, his exasperated sighs, and his ability to deliver a devastating insult with perfect comedic precision are a testament to his genius. Foxx’s humor was raw, real, and often based on ad-libbing and a long career in stand-up. His comedic style is a timeless force of nature, and he single-handedly carries many of the show’s episodes.
3. Groundbreaking Representation Sanford and Son was a landmark moment for Black representation on television. It was one of the first mainstream shows to center on a Black family that wasn’t idealized or tokenized. It showcased the everyday struggles and joys of a working-class family, and its setting—a junkyard in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles—was a bold and authentic backdrop that gave a voice to a community rarely seen on primetime television. The show’s focus on family and community was a powerful statement in itself, and it remains a crucial piece of television history.
4. The Universal Themes Beyond the comedy, Sanford and Son grappled with universal themes that remain relevant today. The show explored the challenges of a small business owner, the difficulty of moving on from the past, and the unwavering bond between a father and son. These themes are relatable to all audiences, regardless of background. The show’s honest portrayal of family life, with all its messiness and love, is a big reason for its enduring appeal.
5. The Unforgettable Supporting Cast The world of Sanford and Son was populated by a hilarious and memorable supporting cast. From the fire-and-brimstone insults of Aunt Esther to the naive innocence of Bubba, and the lovable presence of Grady, the show’s secondary characters were essential to its success. Their chemistry with Fred and Lamont created a rich, lived-in world that made the show feel like a real community. Their antics and their relationships are still as funny today as they were in the 1970s.
5 Reasons Why It Hasn’t Aged Well
1. Outdated and Harmful Stereotypes A modern viewing of Sanford and Son reveals that some of its humor relies on outdated and harmful stereotypes. While the show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a Black family, it often leaned on jokes that perpetuated stereotypes about race and culture. Some of Fred’s insults, particularly those directed at other minority groups, are deeply uncomfortable to watch in today’s more socially aware climate.
2. The Misogynistic Humor The show’s portrayal of women and the jokes directed at them have not aged well. A significant portion of the humor relies on fat-shaming and misogynistic insults, especially those directed at Aunt Esther. Fred’s constant barrage of insults towards her appearance and his casual use of sexist language are a jarring contrast to modern comedic sensibilities. While it was a product of its time, this humor is now seen as problematic and can be difficult for viewers to get past.
3. The Clumsy Handling of Serious Issues While Sanford and Son was revolutionary for addressing serious issues, its handling of them could sometimes be clumsy and reliant on punchlines that don’t hold up. Jokes about poverty, race, and even mental health are often delivered without the nuance that modern shows would use. For example, some of the jokes about Fred’s health or his constant attempts to manipulate others can feel insensitive. While the show’s heart was always in the right place, its methods were a product of an era with a different level of social awareness.
4. The Intrusive Laugh Track Like many sitcoms from the 1970s, Sanford and Son relied heavily on a loud and often-intrusive laugh track. In a modern era of more naturalistic comedies, the forced laughter and canned applause can feel jarring and detract from the more subtle comedic moments. It often feels like the show is telling the audience when to laugh, rather than allowing them to experience the humor naturally.
5. The Physicality of the Performances While a testament to Redd Foxx’s genius, some of the more violent physical comedy, such as Fred’s relentless feigning of a heart attack or the physical fights between Fred and Lamont, can feel over-the-top and dated. The cartoonish nature of some of the show’s violence is a hallmark of ’70s sitcoms, but it’s a comedic style that has largely fallen out of favor in modern television.
Conclusion
Sanford and Son is a show that demands to be viewed through a dual lens. It is impossible to deny its genius as a groundbreaking, hilarious, and culturally significant show that forever changed the television landscape. However, it is equally important to acknowledge that some of its humor and themes are a painful reminder of how far society has come. Watching it today is a unique experience—a chance to appreciate the comedic brilliance of a legend while simultaneously reflecting on a past that is both cherished and critiqued. The show’s enduring presence is proof that its core themes of family and resilience are timeless, even if some of its jokes are not.
