“All in the Family” was a television sitcom that aired from 1971 to 1979 and was unique in its depiction of issues such as racism and homosexuality, which had previously been viewed as unsuitable for television comedies. Comparing “All in the Family” to a contemporary sitcom such as “Everybody Loves Raymond”, similarities and differences can be found in both the themes and structure of the two programs.
One of the major differences between the two shows is that “All in the Family” dealt with very controversial issues of the time period and satirizing the protagonist, father and obvious bigot Archie Bunker, and his views on the issues. Beginning in the early 1970s, the change and social movements of the 1960s were fresh on the minds of many citizens, so the show sought to capitalize on the sentiments of the period. In the episode we watched in the screening, Archie was portrayed as a staunch homophobe and the presence of homosexuals around him was troublesome to his beliefs. In “Everybody Loves Raymond”, in contrast, did not deal with much in the way of controversial social issues, possibly because many such issues had already been dealt with in earlier comedies such as “All in the Family”.
Similarities can be found between the two sitcoms in their basic family structure and certain elements of the comedic timing such as “one-liners”. “All in the Family” centered on Archie, his wife, daughter, and son-in law with whom Archie had many differing beliefs leading to constant argument. “Everybody Loves Raymond” focused on Raymond Barone, a successful, lazy sports writer, his wife, mother, and father. Raymond’s wife Debra constantly butts heads with Raymond’s intrusive and insulting if caring mother Marie. The conflict between parent and son or daughter-in law is very similar in both programs. Another commonality is the indifferent and sometimes oblivious parent spouting hilarious “one-liners” at awkward moments. Wife and mother Edith Bunker fulfills this role for “All in the Family”, as does husband and father Frank Barone for “Everybody Loves Raymond”.
For the most part, “All in the Family” dealt with far more controversial issues ranging from rape and menopause to racism, and in our particular episode, homophobic views and willingness to identify against. The time period for the show was very fitting as a parody of the social struggles and issues not long ago overcome at that point. “Everybody Loves Raymond”, on the other hand, dealt with less controversial issues associated with the common family such as the nagging wife, overprotective mother, competition between brothers, and the lazy husband.
Everybody Loves Raymond, season 3 intro:
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