For a generation of television viewers, Friday nights in the 1970s meant gathering around the TV to watch the hilarious antics of Fred G. Sanford and his long-suffering son, Lamont. Sanford and Son, which ran from 1972 to 1977, was a cultural phenomenon. It broke new ground, not only for its portrayal of a working-class Black family but also for its masterful blend of physical comedy and sharp, witty dialogue. Today, over 50 years later, the show is still a fixture in reruns, a testament to its enduring humor. But like any classic television series, it is also a product of its time. A modern viewing reveals a show that has, in many ways, aged remarkably well, while in others, it has fallen victim to the changing tides of social and cultural norms.
Let’s take a look at five reasons why Sanford and Son has stood the test of time, and five reasons why it hasn’t.
5 Reasons Sanford and Son Has Aged Well
1. The Core Relationship is Timeless
At its heart, Sanford and Son is a story about a father and son. Fred and Lamont’s relationship, filled with both love and conflict, is a dynamic that transcends time. The endless push-and-pull between a son trying to build a new life and a father clinging to the past is a universal theme. The show’s ability to ground its zany comedy in this genuine, often touching, bond is what makes it so relatable, even today.
2. Redd Foxx’s Comedic Genius
Redd Foxx was a comedic force of nature, and his performance as Fred G. Sanford is a masterclass in physical comedy and impeccable timing. His signature heart attack routine, his withering stares, and his ability to deliver a punchline with a single grunt are moments of pure genius. Foxx’s talent is so immense that it makes the show’s jokes, regardless of their subject matter, feel fresh and hilarious. His performance is a testament to the power of a true artist.
3. It Broke Down Barriers for Black Television
Sanford and Son was a groundbreaking show that, for the first time, presented a Black family in a way that was both authentic and relatable. The show tackled social issues with a deft hand, and its success paved the way for future generations of Black actors and comedians. The show’s portrayal of a working-class Black family was a powerful and much-needed departure from the stereotypical roles that had dominated television for decades. It opened the door for a new era of Black television.
4. The Supporting Characters Are Unforgettable
While Fred and Lamont were the stars, the show’s success was also built on a talented supporting cast. From the fiery, church-going Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page) to the lovable, slightly scatterbrained Grady Wilson (Whitman Mayo), the supporting characters were crucial to the show’s enduring appeal. Their dynamic with Fred, their own unique quirks, and their ability to create a sense of community around the Sanfords made the world of Watts feel real and alive.
5. Its Exploration of Generational Conflict
The show’s central theme of generational conflict is as relevant today as it was in the 1970s. Lamont, representing the younger, more progressive generation, is constantly at odds with Fred, a man who is set in his ways. The show’s exploration of this theme—from Lamont’s desire to move away from the junkyard to Fred’s stubborn refusal to change—is a timeless story about the tension between tradition and modernity.
5 Reasons Sanford and Son Hasn’t Aged Well
1. The Use of Homophobic Jokes
One of the most jarring aspects of the show for modern audiences is its reliance on homophobic jokes. Fred’s constant ridicule of “sissies” and his use of homophobic slurs would be completely unacceptable today. The show’s portrayal of gay characters is deeply problematic, and it is a stark reminder of a time when homophobic humor was a common part of mainstream comedy.
2. The Unrelenting Sexism
While some of the show’s humor about gender roles is played for laughs, a modern viewing reveals a deeply sexist undercurrent. Fred’s constant belittling of women, his possessive attitude towards Lamont’s girlfriends, and the show’s portrayal of women as nagging and unfulfilled would be considered deeply problematic today. The show’s gender dynamics are a reflection of a bygone era with a very different set of social norms.
3. The Racial Stereotypes
While the show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a Black family, it also relied on racial stereotypes that would not fly today. The show’s portrayal of certain characters, particularly those from other cultures, often leaned into harmful and outdated stereotypes. The jokes about Japanese and Hispanic people, in particular, are cringe-inducing and would be completely unacceptable today.
4. Fred’s Unrelenting Misogyny
Fred’s character, while lovable, is also a deeply misogynistic one. He is constantly using women as a way to get what he wants, and his attitude towards women is one of casual disrespect and dismissiveness. While this was played for laughs in the 1970s, it is a disturbing aspect of his character that would be heavily criticized today. A modern audience would see his behavior as toxic and a major red flag.
5. The Lack of Character Growth
While the show’s lack of character growth is a key part of its comedic formula, it is also a major reason why it has not aged well. Fred never changes. He never learns a lesson. He is the same cantankerous, stubborn, and manipulative old man at the end of the series that he was at the beginning. In today’s era of television, which values character development and emotional complexity, the show’s refusal to evolve would be a major turn-off for many viewers.
The Final Verdict
Sanford and Son is a complicated show. It is a product of its time, a series that, in many ways, was ahead of its time, while in others, it was stuck in a time that we have thankfully moved on from. The show’s comedic genius, its heartfelt portrayal of a father-son relationship, and its groundbreaking legacy are undeniable. But its reliance on homophobic, sexist, and stereotypical jokes is a major reason why it would never be made today. The show is a testament to the power of a true comedic genius, and a powerful reminder that while some jokes are timeless, others, sadly, are not.
