In the world of All in the Family, no moral gray area was ever off-limits—and the episode “Everybody Does It” is a perfect example of how the show held up a mirror to society’s casual hypocrisies. With biting humor and sharp writing, this episode tackles a surprisingly relatable theme: the little cheats and justifications we all make to get by.
Archie’s Shortcut Turns Into a Moral Minefield
The story begins when Archie Bunker gets caught for padding an insurance claim. To him, it’s no big deal—just a few dollars more for something he sort of lost. When confronted, he shrugs it off with the episode’s signature line: “Everybody does it!”
But that casual defense sets off a family-wide debate. Mike, ever the moral idealist, is appalled. Gloria questions the ethics. Edith, in her gentle but firm way, asks: “But Archie… what if everybody didn’t do it?”
Suddenly, what seemed like a harmless lie becomes the basis for a deeper examination of honesty, accountability, and self-deception.
Laughs with a Dose of Discomfort
What makes “Everybody Does It” stand out is its refusal to let any character off the hook easily. Mike, though morally righteous, is shown to have his own blind spots. Even sweet Edith wrestles with past moments when she may have let things slide. The episode cleverly shows that dishonesty isn’t just a “bad person” problem—it’s a cultural habit, rationalized by millions in small ways.
Norman Lear’s Genius: Ethics Without Preaching
Like the best episodes of All in the Family, this one doesn’t offer a clean resolution or moral sermon. Instead, it forces viewers to examine their own behavior. Who among us hasn’t bent the rules, justified a white lie, or claimed, “Well, everybody does it”?
By exposing this mindset through Archie’s lovable but flawed character, the show disarms its audience—then delivers the punch.
A Timeless Social Commentary
Decades later, “Everybody Does It” remains incredibly relevant in an age where “fudging the truth” is often treated as a survival tactic. Whether it’s taxes, online streaming passwords, or workplace corners cut, the question remains: does it really make it right if everyone’s doing it?
This episode reminds us that integrity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being conscious of our choices.
