Archie Bunker and Lionel Jefferson - Best of (All in the Family)

[@gregford2103]

Nobody could mess with Archie like Lionel.

[@undergroundheatcypher1091]

George could!!

[@kendallrivers1119]

@@undergroundheatcypher1091 The difference is George hated Archie and was basically the black version of him. Lionel liked Archie but loved to mess with and tease him.

[@jackzabiski762]

Norman Lear, in addition to a star on the walk in Hollywood, I'd like to see a street in d.c sport your name as well.great work on All shows you were involved

[@jackzabiski762]

@@undergroundheatcypher1091 but Lionel pulled it off without Archie aware of the ribbing

[@evonza4858]

Yes someone could and it was Lionel's father George 🥰❤️🖤💚

[@Jotinko]

I love how Lionel toys with Archie every chance he gets.

[@dannymartinez9371]

Yeah but Archie didn't know any better whereas Lionel was deliberately mocking Archie. Instead of taking opportunity to try and bring Archie up by being polite and patient, Lionel put down Archie's ignorance often in front of others who understood what Lionel was doing and laughed along at Archie's expense and obliviousness. Therefore Lionel mistreated and disrespected Archie more than Archie did to Lionel. The joke is that Lionel is supposed to be smarter than Archie yet, in this light, Lionel really didn't show it. I know, I know, the running gag was just meant to be silly and entertaining.

[@Jotinko]

You’re right. Lionel even admitted that Archie doesn’t know better while debating Mike while playing that therapy Board Game. That’s genius of Norman Lear to create these characters.

[@dougnewman8379]

And Archie is so dumb he doesn't pick up on it.

[@icemike1]

@@dougnewman8379 not dumb ignorant

[@Jotinko]

@Ruby Tuesday Deep down he was a good guy but didn't know any better.

[@wallypalmer4704]

Despite all of Archie's eccentricities and picadilloes, he genuinely liked Lionel, and considered him a friend. Same with Louise. I think the Archie character was more of a victim of his upbringing than an outright racist. He was brought up to believe certain things, and he carried that into adulthood. In situations where Archie's morality was tested, he generally always did the right thing (though sometimes grudgingly). He said and did some dumb things, but in the end, he had a good heart. Carroll O'Connor brought a depth to that character that is not often seen in television shows these days. Excellent show!

[@bholaoates1542]

Great post.👍

[@newstarcadefan]

Oh yeah, that was very much brought out when he admitted that to Mike when they got stuck in the basement of the bar, and also when then Edith passed.

[@icemike1]

Deflect

[@icemike1]

You're not getting any passes from me

[@wallypalmer4704]

@@icemike1 I don't believe I was asking for a pass. I was just giving my opinion on a fictional television character. I've seen every episode of All in the Family and Archie Bunker's Place multiple times, and merely shared my observation. No one's asking for a pass. I'm not defending the things this fictional character did wrong, just giving my insight into who Archie really was as I perceived him.

[@lauriecederstrommatson1043]

I loved how Archie and Lionel used to play off of each other 😂😂😂😂😂

[@philipreynold1316]

Why cant we see sitcoms like this anymore.This is an excellent show

[@annbolyn4910]

Because we've turned into a nation of delicate snowflakes.

[@needles1987]

@@annbolyn4910 You know people are supposed to laugh at Archie and not with him, right?

[@annbolyn4910]

@@needles1987 Hi Needles: Yes, I do! 😂 I was generalizing, because we almost literally can't say anything anymore that isn't going to offend someone, no matter how trivial. Half a dozen different groups of people would be outraged about some of the jokes and dialog in The Golden Girls, my all time favorite show. Archie and George Jefferson were two hysterically funny characters, and people today would be fainting and screeching about them. We all need to lighten up, and remember one of the best things in life is humor! Enjoy your day! 🌞

[@chrispaschal7955]

Still the best 22 minutes of TV ever!

[@davemr6193]

"You ain't whistling dixie Lionel"........"Oh, i never do that Mr. Bunker"

[@SuperPrince1007]

I loved Lionel. He was so funny the way he teased Archie. He always knew deep down inside Archie had a heart of gold and just didn't know any better and never really meant the things he said. Lionel always handled Archie brilliantly. RIP to the both of them.

[@Moneyg73]

That's the thing about Archie. He's not so much a racist as he is ignorant. Lol. My dad's Nigerian and I tease him because he has a lot of out dates ideals.

[@topseykretts7608]

well, I guess race hustling, virtue signaling, and "playing the victim" is not a new thing....... apparently Lionel Jefferson was practicing all these tropes back in the 70's. And of course meathead struggling to prove to the world how "woke" he was. Too funny!

[@Theodore81547]

@@topseykretts7608 You are on the wrong comment & wrong video.

[@topseykretts7608]

@@Theodore81547 ....awwww....is that what your woke buddies at starbucks told ya to say? LOL

[@Theodore81547]

@@topseykretts7608 (1) I don't frequent Starbucks (2) you're way in left field with your racial pandering.

[@toddgrogg8005]

Lionel, loved to mess with Archie in a fun way. Bravo Lionel, for standing up to archie.

[@johnnotgalt2697]

The cool thing for fans of All in the Family and The Jeffersons is that Lionel did become an electrical engineer. More than ten years after this episode, around 1982, there was an episode of the Jeffersons centered around Lionel doing the wiring of one of George's stores. This was when basically all the crossovers between the two shows were over, yet the writers still kept this aspect of Lionel's character This kind of continuity in the storyline is very rewarding to longtime viewers!

[@Kaboomboo]

Yup. Even though he changed actors they kept the story.

[@DrDee-xv8bh]

I love Lionel's sense of humour and his afro. 😂

[@kevinhassell2620]

The greatest television comedy ever made. It changed television forever.

[@steviem5279]

RIP Mike Evans. Passed away too young.

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Totally agree. And not only was he great here as an actor, but he also went on to co-create Good Times, which was an excellent show in its own right. That man definitely knew his profession and had talent.

[@xell5252]

@@rickmontgomery3037 and the youngest member of the Evans family was named after him "Michael Evans"

[@jessiejames7492]

@@xell5252 that was another show.

[@xell5252]

@@jessiejames7492 Hey Jessie, I am aware that it was another show, my comment was in response to the commenter above me Rick Montgomery, he and I are talking about "Good Times"

[@marcusmedlock847]

Love me some Lionel lol. He constantly played Bunker like a fiddle and Archie didn’t have enough sense to realize it.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Gotta love the friendship between these two. Lionel always knew how to mess with Archie and knock him down a peg without being aggressive or volatile. Just a smart character.

[@ralphabreu5022]

Archie and Lionel priceless.

[@Brett33]

I never realized how funny "Lionel" was in this series.

[@mr.nobody9697]

"what do you`s people think about guns?" "well it depends on whos holding`em"

[@catherine4970]

I loved these two together! ❤️👍🏻

[@TheTriplelman]

Lionel: "yeah, hes the white sheep of the family"

[@CadillacSedanDeville]

Ahh yes Archie Bunker (Caroll O'Connor) and Lionel Jefferson (Mike Evans) 2 legendary actors that are no longer with us..RIP to both

[@roymorris4378]

No

[@sluggzmcgee6272]

Lionel is living proof that intelligence (not to mention a little sarcasm and wit) always triumphs over ignorance.

[@missspencer7744]

Exactly

[@jamesorsby7553]

Archie: "You people into that women's liberation"? Lionel: "Naw...we still working on plain ol liberation". 😆😂😆🤣

[@nkosistrainbullies5806]

Yes but sometime ya just gotta wittingly smash a mf nose in.

[@jackzabiski762]

Also we realize that Archie dogged on Pollack's , like the "meathead", more than anything

[@topseykretts7608]

well, I guess race hustling, virtue signaling, and "playing the victim" is not a new thing....... apparently Lionel Jefferson was practicing all these tropes back in the 70's. And of course meathead struggling to prove to the world how "woke" he was. Too funny!

[@brianadams1318]

Shows like this broke the race barrier they attacked it directly and somthing positive came from it thank god for the bunkers and the jeffersons

[@retrorockdriquesrock9638]

I love "Lionel" hes my favorite , and Archie is a real piece of work...lolz

[@vincentdefeo5917]

😄

[@luislaplume8261]

The writing on this show was great!

[@annbolyn4910]

And the delivery of the actors was brilliant!

[@bradbyington6662]

Lionel was awesome. Breath of fresh air

[@tommyk6719]

George didn’t like the idea of white folks being in his house. 🤣

[@MrWilhelm1950]

Loved Lionel and Archie episodes! So sad to hear that Lionel ( the actor) passed away many years ago . Too soon.

[@drksyde72]

Lol....Lionel's words were light-hearted sarcasm but his facial expressions said "f**k you" 😂😂😂

[@mitchellseiff6928]

Rest in peace Lionel you were definitely the funniest one from the Jefferson family!!

[@lonigrabosky7078]

My dad isn't that stupid but he was still just like Archie, and you could never change his train of thought love my dad more than you know . I miss him when he is negative or positive.

[@reidwhitton6248]

The Lionel character played by Mike Evans rarely gets mentioned by the critics or people writing about this show but Evans played him brilliantly. He made fun of Archie's ignorance in a lighthearted way but never expressed any malice towards his stupid attitudes. There's been countless silly and mindless sitcoms on the air over the decades but All In The Family was comedy and satire at its best. The sad part is 50 years later people seem to have a harder time facing these truths and violent racism is boldly raising its ugly head in America unashamedly. It's tragic.

[@rbeygarcia]

Lionel is so adorabe.

[@Sapper201D]

This show was life imitates art in motion. The writers and actors walked the lines perfectly.

[@paxotium7971]

Archie was never evil to Lionel

[@mattslupek7988]

Archie was never evil. He was ignorant. He was mean sometimes, but wasn’t really bad. Racism/bigotry has a lot more to do with ignorance and being out of touch than anything. That’s why the show worked. They made him look stupid, not bad or evil.

[@bholaoates1542]

@@mattslupek7988 Great point, Matt.

[@tommyk6719]

Archie genuinely liked Lionel.

[@snoxbox]

How this guy never won an award for his role, I'll never understand.

[@johnstriker480]

Bunker: "What do your people think about *guns* ???" Lionel: "Well that DEPENDS ON WHO'S HOLDING 'EM." THANK YOU!

[@dariusdiamante317]

Lionel had Archie all figured out. He knew just how to deal with him. Archie didn't even know he was being made fun of, because Lionel knew how to stroke his ego and to play deadpan to Archie's ridiculous stereotypes of black people.

[@marytermini1381]

Lionel was hilarious!!!!!

[@alvinkelley1255]

Lionel was clowning Archie the whole time and Archie was too stupid to realize it

[@danielcapote7464]

That's why it is so damn funny

[@Ram44]

That is why it’s a satire

[@tremekawilson9238]

Exactly

[@netrade3898]

"I got a room. He got a room. All God's children got rooooooms."

[@rosieb9]

This is way funnier watching this as an adult 😂😂😂

[@keithhicks3006]

I didnt realize these 2 was as funny as Archie and George going at it 😆

[@topseykretts7608]

well, I guess race hustling, virtue signaling, and "playing the victim" is not a new thing....... apparently Lionel Jefferson was practicing all these tropes back in the 70's. And of course meathead struggling to prove to the world how "woke" he was. Too funny

[@tremekawilson9238]

Exactly

[@joshx022]

@@topseykretts7608 this was groundbreaking television that eased the tensions after the Civil rights movement made equality real to those that didn't follow political things. I think it was perfect for people to question their own beliefs they were brought up on, showing how it was time to evolve and how different generations felt and dealt with the new ways of the country at that time.

[@topseykretts7608]

@@joshx022 right......with the old white guy ALWAYS being cast as the "bigot".....while the progressive, social Marxists, "new generation" (as you call them) are always seen as virtuous and moral. SAVE IT!!! The show peddled liberal-progressive ideologies by setting the conservative, white, male character up as the stooge. And targeting his traditional values as wrong or evil.........NO THANKS!!

[@fredcundiff4458]

They should have never let Lionel leave the show. He really made the show so much better when he messed with Archie mind

[@JonSmith-zl5wc]

This was my show watching it with my parents when they were alive

[@christopherharper9932]

Mike Evans was the BEST Lionel! He gave Archie the biz every chance he got! The funniest part is half the time Archie thinks he's serious! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@18breaths66]

"yeah but you people was worth something". Didn't see that coming. Almost fell out chair laughing.

[@vanmann8347]

Mike Evans was so perfect for the part of Lionel. He always knew how to handle Archie with his quick comebacks and hilarious facial expressions. RIP brother.

[@Rasputin443556]

Archie's burn on Mike at 4:26 is an underrated classic.

[@gilbeau5254]

“Yeah, yeah I sweeps 🧹 up.” 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@j-rschmoove]

Maaaaaaaaaan one of my favorite shows!!!😂😂😂

[@DaveFrank]

One of the great relationships of the 20th century. These two unbelievable actors plus the inexpressible genius Norman Lear can put the truth of 400 years of disgusting racism into a comedy sketch and it works! God bless them.

[@gaipontiff2]

Despite all the things Archie may have said to Lionel. You can still tell there was a certain amount of love and affection that Archie had for him. That was the basis of the entire relationship.

[@johnf120]

Mike Evans delivered that first line so well, I think that was a real laugh out of Carroll O’Connor

[@sharishelmadine465]

Lionel was the best!! ❤️

[@gaddyify]

Mike Evans the original, and only Lionel in my book.

[@kevinhassell2620]

Agreed.

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

Yep. Loved this Lionel. How did he die (Mike Evans)?

[@rickmontgomery3037]

@@SalvationinCHRISTalone888 Sadly, it was throat cancer back in 2006, he was only 57 :(

[@kendallrivers1119]

Love how Lionel handled Archie and George. He was never disrespectful but messed with their heads with a sense of joy. Mike Evans was so great in the role that it's unbelievable that this was his first acting role ever.

[@bholaoates1542]

"Yeah, I sweeps up".... lol 0:37

[@mattslupek7988]

Lionel was the best!! He kinda reminds me of Darryl from “The Office”, and the way he used to mess with Michael. CLASSIC!!

[@stringerbell4471]

4:47 the one and only time archie could match wit with Lionel ! He even made Lionel crackle lol

[@stringerbell4471]

And then he lost back to Lionel seconds later

[@DonnyAJ1]

Terrific duo right here…😂…highly underrated duo back in the day! 🤣

[@zvbx]

3:33 is hilarious!

[@mindriot91_96]

Mike Evans had some incredible chemistry with Carroll 'O Connor. Damn, what a phenomenal show. Best ever, imo.

[@retrorockdriquesrock9638]

Lionel is the best

[@darlanagreen4318]

I love 💗 Lionel Jefferson

[@curtpiazza1688]

Oh my gosh....great stuff!

[@Jiltedin2007]

The Electrical Engineer was my favorite part. That was too hilarious. Mike Evans was one heck of a Comedian then.

[@hrajotte]

Mike Evans, what a great actor. I believe I read somewhere that AITF was his first acting job.

[@jerseytomato100]

“I sweeps up’ 😂

[@jamesghiorzoe107]

At 1:00, one of the rare times Carroll O' Connor had to keep himself from laughing.

[@rickmontgomery3037]

There's one or two more Lionel/Archie scenes from this doctor's office clip that aren't shown here that are just as funny...well worth watching if you can find the whole episode somewhere (it may even be here on YT, I've come across it before). :)

[@victorevanssr.5034]

I can't stop laughing at Lionel

[@spartygirl121]

Mike Evans was perfect for that role The eye rolls, smirks and side glances when Archie isn't looking is just gold. They left out a great scene when they're donating blood and Lionel says black people in South Africa aren't liberated "like they are here." Archie is so clueless and Lionel's expressions are so funny.

[@AndreaTAndreaT]

My Sister Sandra Loved The Original Lionel 😀

[@TubeRJF]

I liked watching these two on the show. I laugh when Lionel busts on Archie. There are even times when Archie likes it. There was an episode Lionel was fighting with his Dad and moved in with Archie and Edith. Lionel even invited Archie to his wedding. Lionel and Archie seemed to genuinely like each other.

[@kinglord6348]

Lionel teasing with Archie but Archie is low key teasing back with his sense of humour

[@wrAIth-AI]

This was from a time when our TVs and movies brought us together. Everybody laughed at the ridiculousness of racism. (Soap had gay characters, Mary Tyler Moore and Maude had female lead stars- almost fifty years ago.) Not like today. Not at all. Now TV has been retooled to do the exact opposite. They pretend like it never happened- which not only ruined the hard work of all those people on the shows, but they're also the same exact Industries they're telling us how bad we hate each other today. Thanks, Media. Thanks Hollywood. Together, you've helped ruin the country for clicks, views, ratings and money. But the joke's on you. We still love each other. We just need to turn our TV's off long enough to feel it and remember it.

[@johnfisher1006]

Lol I don't get where you have the idea that everyone laughed at racism when racial was extremely high in 70s

[@kendallrivers1119]

@@johnfisher1006 Clearly people laughed at racism which is why All In The Family, Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons were so successful. Duh lol.

[@jennk9399]

I've watched this 100 times. Lionel was the only one that could handle Archie!!!!

[@25mfd]

don't forget maude

[@66zebulon]

After Lionel tells Archie to "shove yours"..... Archie: Ya know, a guy could take that two different ways Mike: Yeah, but knowing Lionel, I think he only meant it ONE way Archie: Oh yeah, he's a good kid (LOLOL) Outstanding compilation, but you missed the one where it's Archie and Edith's 25th wedding anniversary, and Archie (who forgot, of course, and didn't care when reminded) told Lionel to go out and get him some Knicks basketball tickets. Lionel brings him the tickets, and Archie says, "Here's 2 dollars, buy y'self sumpthn". Edith then argues with Archie about why he isn't taking her to Atlantic City. Hearing that it's Archie's wedding anniversary, Lionel gives him back the $2, and says "buy y'self sumpthn". After the audience's laughter runs out, Archie looks at the bills and says, "What can you buy for $2?" A classic TV show, with actors who played off of each other magnificently! Michael Evans and Carroll O'Connor, RIP

[@xell5252]

Seems as though you like this show almost as much as I do, almost 😏

[@66zebulon]

@@xell5252 Like I said, an outstanding compilation! AITF was one of the crown jewels of the golden age of television. It likely was the prototype for the sitcom, and perhaps the beginning point of reality TV. The actors, even the ones with relatively smaller parts, worked so well together, and the writing that was done was just brilliant. I can watch the same episodes over and over again, and still laugh at the same comedic situation. Rob Reiner speaks to some of these things in interviews done for the Academy of American Television. They told timeless stories about characters who have likely always existed. What more could be asked for? Thanks again for posting this! [:VD]

[@victorevanssr.5034]

I love this guy

[@neembowsky]

You know the great irony is that Archie would always help out Lionel by giving hiring him for odds and ends jobs. Great show.

[@njpubadjuster3710]

Edith would say, "Cheaper than a handyman."

[@richardswartz296]

Mike Evans was awesome on here great acting

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Yes indeed, definitely agree. Not sure if you're aware, but he went on to co-create Good Times, which was an excellent show in its own right. Very talented that man was! And gone way too soon :(

[@sonjatait4089]

I loved the way Lionel teased Archie!!! 😂😂😂

[@bigh9884]

Classic television at its best

[@williamberry4615]

I'd be such good friends with a Lionel type personality. I'd mess with Archie Bunker characters with him. He's just so cool and calm.

[@scottdunn2178]

Lionel saw inside Archie's heart and knew he wasn't a racist deep down.

[@tomcat5359]

In the episode "Games Bunkers play", Mike asked Lionel about the things Archie said and why he put up with it. Lionel replied he(Archie) didn't know any better.

[@topseykretts7608]

well, I guess race hustling, virtue signaling, and "playing the victim" is not a new thing....... apparently Lionel Jefferson was practicing all these tropes back in the 70's. And of course meathead struggling to prove to the world how "woke" he was. Too funny!

[@scottdunn2178]

@@topseykretts7608 Isn't it funny how sometimes life imitates art. Rob Reiner is every bit the hypocrite liberal in real life as the meathead he portrayed 50 years ago.

[@topseykretts7608]

@@scottdunn2178 oh yeah....he's another limousine liberal preaching to us about how "racist" we all are? LOL

[@josephasner171]

Scott Dunn: Gomer was the same way to Sargent Carter on Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. he saw beyond Sargent Carter's yelling And Blusteriness, that he had a good heart.

[@eskinjohnful]

Lionel Jefferson had the best Afro. I tried but I could never get it.

[@docadams7099]

There's a thin line between ACTING and REACTING. At 0:57 I think we see Carroll O'Connor reacting to Lionel's joke. Lionel knew how to jokingly mess with Archie, yet, underneath it all, Lionel and Archie were friends.

[@davefitzpatrick6370]

Mike Evans .damn that guy Is funny!!!

[@DM-ty4jb]

Lionel is my favorite character on this show.

[@creoleDJ]

4:00 was the funniest shit EVER!

[@GabrielRodriguez-um8fi]

Lionel was more civil than his dad

[@warrenspeaks]

Much more.

[@majr72]

How I wish this show was on today to make the snowflakes go crazy and show them that everyone can get along.

[@benthomson9397]

Yup..it's easy to see why the Archie character was so beloved by right wingers.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

@@benthomson9397 It was loved by both sides. It showed how stupid racism is wrong. Then they came out with the Jefferson's. Showing reverse racism. They were just comedies laughing at it all. Yes I lean right and hate a lot of what Archie says, but know it was just fun. For the left that think only Archie was stupid. The Character Mike lives in his house rent free, eats his food, and is able to go to college because of him. Yet he insults Archie on everything (yes Archie is wrong in a lot), but you should show some respect to him. Again the show is just fun and you learn racism is stupid. Remember Carrol O Conner was actually a Democrat in real life. So quite being a snowflake and enjoy. Life is better when you laugh at TV, that was meant for fun

[@icemike1]

@@passqualecaiazza7728 the underclass can't be racist

[@topseykretts7608]

well, I guess race hustling, virtue signaling, and "playing the victim" is not a new thing....... apparently Lionel Jefferson was practicing all these tropes back in the 70's. And of course meathead struggling to prove to the world how "woke" he was. Too funny!

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

10/28/2021: You would think that RACISM would be a thing of the pass by now, but we are more divided and racial than ever before.

[@99sporttruck]

I forgot how funny Lionel was. You wouldn’t be able to make this show today!

[@docadams7099]

All in the Family isn't exactly politically correct. It pulls no punches.

[@jarrodbarkley9061]

Lionel's afro fascinated me when I was a kid.

[@osiawideman4851]

Lionel:Mr Bunker,can I call you Uncle Archie Archie:well,I’ll tell you,Lionel, I think it’s against the law 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@df5295]

I think he use to give Lionel a quarter for the work he did! 🤣

[@renegaderunner332]

Lionel wore some DOPE clothes for that time!

[@thenewyorkredneck4735]

Can we remake this show? I would love to play Archie

[@mattb6369]

A couple episodes have been remade for "Live in front of a Studio Audience"

[@gregorywilliams8555]

Lionel Really Like Screwing With Archie!

[@dontrustwhiteyevery1]

The first version of trolling.

[@jeffcadet82]

Imagine today

[@drtalkboxsa9412]

Lionel was such a smart mouth. He enjoyed dishing come backs at Archie