L.A. junk dealer Fred Sanford was Norman Lear’s black counterpart to Archie Bunker. The gravel-voiced widower hurled outrageous one-liners at his Bible-toting sister-in-law, Esther; cooked up get-rich-quick schemes with buddies Grady (who got his own spin-off series in 1975) and Bubba; and feigned countless ‘big ones’ (heart attacks) to win the sympathy of long-suffering son Lamont. Based on the British series ‘Steptoe and Son,’ the show consistently ranked in the Top 10.
Episode 1
The Surprise Party
Fri, Sep 13, 1974 30 mins
After he comes home from a trip, Fred gets the mistaken idea that Lamont doesn’t want him back. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Grady: Whitman Mayo.
Episode 2
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Fri, Sep 20, 1974 30 mins
Lamont will get an inheritance from his uncle only if he marries and has a child. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Fred: Redd Foxx.
Episode 3
Ol’ Brown Eyes Is Back
Fri, Sep 27, 1974 30 mins
After he is given a ring with his initials on it, Fred becomes certain that it was stolen from Frank Sinatra. Fred: Redd Foxx. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Rollo: Nathaniel Taylor.
Episode 4
Grady and His Lady
Fri, Oct 4, 1974 30 mins
The news of Grady’s engagement plunges Fred into the doldrums. Grady: Whitman Mayo. Dolly: Norma Miller.
Episode 5
There’ll Be Some Changes Made
Fri, Oct 11, 1974 30 mins
Lamont lures Fred into a session with a sensitivity group. Fred: Redd Foxx. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Ah Chew: Pat Morita. Aunt Esther: LaWanda Page.
Episode 6
Going Out of Business
Fri, Oct 18, 1974 30 mins
Lamont decides to quit the junk business and find a job that pays better. Fred: Redd Foxx. Calvin: Philip Bruns.
Episode 7
Home Sweet Home
Fri, Oct 25, 1974 30 mins
A real-estate company makes a generous offer to buy out the Sanfords’ block. Fred: Redd Foxx. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Miss Sato: Helen Funai. Sato: Yuki Shimoda.
Episode 8
My Kingdom for a Horse
Fri, Nov 1, 1974 30 mins
Bent on making a fortune in stud fees, Fred buys a broken-down old racehorse. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Grady: Whitman Mayo. Cranshaw: Ned Wertimer. Calvin: Philip Bruns.
Episode 9
Sanford and Niece
Fri, Nov 8, 1974 30 mins
Fred turns into a doting uncle during the visit of his niece, who reminds him of his dead wife Elizabeth. Fred: Redd Foxx. Elizabeth: Tina Andrews. Delores: Berlinda Tolbert. Lewis: Ray Vitte. Lamont: Demond Wilson.
Episode 10
Julio and Sister and Nephew
Fri, Nov 15, 1974 30 mins
Lamont invites Julio’s sister and her son to stay with the Sanfords, outraging Fred, who hates Puerto Ricans. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Fred: Redd Foxx. Carlotta: Miriam Colon. Roberto: Manuel Carrasco.
Episode 11
Fred’s Treasure Garden
Fri, Nov 29, 1974 30 mins
With Fred in St. Louis, Grady has been put in charge of taking care of his garden. Grady quickly notices a strange plant growing and assumes that it’s wild parsley. However, Rollo is convinced it’s marijuana and Lamont decides to turn it into the police. However, when Smitty and Hoppy arrive, the plants are gone but Grady has made dinner for everyone, a nice big salad for everyone.
Episode 12
Tower Power
Fri, Dec 6, 1974 30 mins
Fred decides to become famous by creating a sculpture out of junk. Fred: Redd Foxx. Lamont: Demond Wilson. Grady: Whitman Mayo. Aunt Esther: LaWanda Page.
Episode 13
A Little Extra Security
Fri, Dec 13, 1974 30 mins
Grady is getting too many Social Security checks in the mail and he is contemplating on whether or not he should be honest about reporting them or not. He finally decides the latter and keeps them, gambling them away in Las Vegas. Aunt Esther hits the ceiling when she learns of the situation and just then a phone call from the Social Security office comes into the Sanford residence.
