The History of Sanford & Son | A Docu-Mini

[@styner3]

My 85yr old mother stopped watching TV after my dad died two years go (they always watched together) but I started playing old episodes of Sanford & Son (their favorite show). She started laughing and it helps her deal with her lost. RIP Dad.

[@chemistryrussell]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@smbcollector]

That's so sad. I hope she's doing even better now.

[@styner3]

@@smbcollector, thanks for your well wishes, but she's with him now.

[@smbcollector]

@@styner3 You’re welcome. And I mean this in the best way possible, maybe she can find more peace now.

[@SecondTake123]

That is beautiful, I'm so sorry for your loss ❤️

[@thisguy4505]

One of the only shows that can consistently cause me to burst out laughing, even after multiple viewings. Lightning in a bottle.

[@JSchaffer214]

Redd Foxx made everything hilarious! May he forever RIP

[@pycellesbeard9728]

@@JSchaffer214 and He doesn't get enough credit IMO, to me it's still not only the best character but also the best comedic performance in sitcom history. Redd doesn't get enough praise for his stand up or albums either, He's on my mount Rushmore of all time comedians considering he inspired both Pryor and Murphy, who are on it too.

[@MIKECNW]

@@pycellesbeard9728 well what more do you want?

[@siggylloyd3566]

@@MIKECNW your question doesn't make sense, so I have to assume it's trolling. The above commenter was simply stating his adoration for those comedians. Take it easy

[@chosenlight7289]

@@siggylloyd3566 question. I see that comment about trolling alot. So trolling is what, losers trying to pick fights on the internet?😂

[@samstephens378]

This was THE show in my house growing up in the early 1970's My Dad was a unemotional Man who very seldomly laughed or dispalyed any kind of outward expression of feelings. One day I was in my bedroom doing homework when I heard my father erupt in laughter, I had never heard my father laugh before that day.. . Sanford and son was on TV.. I fell in love with the show at that moment.

[@John-e4p1x]

Weak men show emotion

[@richiec.7637]

My house too. Everyone was glued to the tv on friday nites when sanford and son came on. EVERYBODY

[@liecrusher3506]

@@John-e4p1x I hear you, but this shouldn't be held to the extreme.

[@GEricG]

@@John-e4p1x ridiculous comment. Some of the toughest men out there have also been able to display emotion.

[@donstarlancer]

@@John-e4p1x that's complete nonsense. It's a part of humanity.

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, SANFORD & SON ( as of 01/14/22)!!!! One of the greatest sitcoms ever!!!

[@kianabrown2865]

This show has such a special significance for me. When I was growing up, my dad and I used watch Sanford and Son all the time. He had seasons 1,2, and 4 on DVD. He passed away 10 years ago when I was 12 and I’m 22 now. I ended up buying the complete collection to complete the set. I got to keep the DVD’s he had and I still have them to this day. I still watch the show to be closer to him. We used to act out our favorite scenes from episodes we liked. RIP Dad.

[@GeriatricGuitarGuy]

Your comment really spoke to me. I’m a 48 year old father of a 22 year old and he and I always watched the episodes on DVD. I am sorry you lost your dad and am grateful that you have a visual collection to stay hello stay connected. 👊

[@kianabrown2865]

@@GeriatricGuitarGuy Thank you so much.

[@_HMCB_]

This comment and reply are touching. Thanks everyone who contribute.

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

Wow I never knew that Red Fox wasn't an old man. That really says something about his skill as an actor.

[@butchs.4239]

Irene Ryan did much the same when cast to play Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies. On the show Granny was Jeb Clampett's mother in law, where in real life Irene was only 6 years older than Buddy Ebsen.

[@rickybrown2446]

Check out JJ and John Amos they were close to the same age.

[@Michadoo]

Right?! Amazing

[@hanoc101]

Neither was the actor who played Grady. He was only in his 40s

[@sazaraki]

He played a 65 yr old man for more than 20 years.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Sanford and Son is an incredible show. I still enjoy rewatching today.

[@stevenwheat3621]

I'd enjoy it also, but it's never on TV (and I have 20 billion channels).. Maybe I'm just too "old school" to see if it's on something like Netflix..

[@deenugent473]

@@stevenwheat3621 I bought the complete series o sale for $30. What a steal!

[@francisedwards4069]

I only enjoyed the first 3 seasons, and several episodes afterwards

[@edmundwoods829]

Classic

[@SQGReviewShow]

This is one of my favorite shows of all time. Frickin' love the chemistry between Fred and Lamont. The show really took off when Aunt Esther was introduced.

[@stevenwheat3621]

"You fish eyed fool !"

[@urbangorilla33]

and Grady!

[@jayriver1644]

Yhea, was like growing up with a second dad on TV. RIP

[@robertcross5794]

@@stevenwheat3621 I was gonna say that!

[@jordans7271]

And red foxx was so loyal to lowanda page , he threatened to quit if they fired her because she was new to sitcoms . He truly cared about her since they knew each other since the beginning .

[@wstine79]

I've worked at several nursing homes. I've noticed that the most watched shows at these facilities were Andy Griffith, Price is Right, and Sanford and Son.

[@nickrustyson8124]

I can imagine the old clean very polite old folks watched Andy Griffith, while the dirty don't give a fuck old guys watched Sanford and Son, and anyone in the middle watched The Price is Right

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@nickrustyson8124 I always have a lot of respect for the don't give a fuck old guys. They're those people that know they could go at any time so you better enjoy yourself and do what you want to do.

[@lloydkline1518]

❤️ Sanford and son ; could it forever ": certain episodes; last season it got very bad still got great rating it got bad :: got it on dvd

[@RobertDanielsR3DKAT]

All great shows honestly. I can remember as a kid watching all three in syndication. Don Knotts, Red Foxx and Bob Barker all GOATS

[@marshamariner7897]

The homes I worked in ....esp on Sat nite after supper ....guy Lombardo. And Lawrence welk ✌️🖖😽😺

[@aaronluna4779]

Growing up, my grandfather used to always watch “In The Heat of The Night” and this show. He would’ve loved this. RIP

[@TonyGonzales]

A lot of the jokes flew over my young head but I got just as many and loved this show, it felt genuine in a way few others have and was something I shared with my dad. And that theme song, what a funking jam.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

According to Quincy Jones he wrote that song in 20 minutes while high AF on opium. It just makes it all the more impressive when I hear that.

[@gutenbird]

Love that song. Used to have it as a ringtone.

[@gutenbird]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu Quincy Jones was so full of himself it's difficult to believe anything he says. The guy is a serious prick. Though it is one of the all time great sitcom songs.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@gutenbird It was apparently a story told to I can't remember his name one of the members of mad TV when he was really going through a serious period of addiction. Quincy may be a legend but yeah he's got a big head it doesn't surprise me. Most people at that point have a hell of a lot of ego and it does make them a bit insufferable. Still though that theme song is an absolute classic. It's funny I remember them using it in that Hitchcock movie with Will Smith and I was like is that the tune to Sanford and son?! and yes yes it was.

[@whiskeyrebellion4390]

For those wondering, the theme song is titled *Street beater* by Quincy Jones. There is a long version. And it's awesome.

[@Sanguivore]

I think Sanford & Son is one of the finest and funniest shows ever produced. I can't thank everyone involved in this show's creation enough for the ways in which it shaped my sense of comedy, and for its heartwarming moments. Redd Foxx's Fred Sanford always reminded me of my own grandfather, and I think the show still holds up incredibly well due a lot to his performance.

[@joeball13]

My dad is 64, and ever since I can remember we used to always watch Three stooges, Sanford and son, and boxing together. I'll always be thankful for that.

[@deepnation10009]

This show never gets old. Redd Foxx was one of a kind,

[@crystalgrose]

Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson had such great acting chemistry, no other spin-offs from the show could touch it.

[@billtree52]

This is one of those shows that I very often watched with my dad growing up in TV Land or Nick at Nite. It will forever hold a dear place in my heart, and it is why I always call my dad "Pop."

[@evilcaptainred]

Haha! Same!

[@TastySurrealBowl]

When I was growing up I didn’t realize how much I was influenced by Redd Foxx until about the third time I was suspended from elementary school for quoting him in class. By high school I discovered his comedy albums and I realized how lucky I was that I hadn’t found those earlier. I’d have been expelled! Still miss him to this day. He left us much too soon.

[@ewitles]

Confucius say... the horse race... the politician... oh, the comedy he brought. fugg soap

[@rexpresto]

I used to watch Sanford and Son re-runs religiously when I was a kid. Easily one of the greatest sitcoms ever made

[@OfficialTomMason]

The original is better

[@kevinbrown-ge6sz]

@@OfficialTomMason No it isn't.

[@diverguy3556]

@@kevinbrown-ge6sz That's just your opinion bro. As a Brit, I find sanford and son to be hammy, badly acted, unsubtle and unfunny. And you know what? That's my opinion, man!

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@diverguy3556 I swear what you just described there is the difference between American comedy as a whole in British comedy. The reason the office here is completely different than the office in the UK. Comedy as a whole is universal but certain kinds of comedy tends to be subjective.

[@kevinbrown-ge6sz]

@@diverguy3556 I doubt that you ever watched Sanford & Son if you claim it was unfunny. One of the reasons Norman Lear had trouble selling the program to CBS is because the executives at CBS watched videos of Steptoe & Son and they thought the writing, production and scripts were subpar and above all, unfunny. Lear had to add comedy writers to punch up the scripts and main writers to add layers of depth to the characters and plots.

[@StromboliTastesGood]

I’ve been watching about 3-4 episodes a day for the past year, it’s not only one of the funniest shows ever it’s one of the most timely. The jokes hold up, racism, classism, sex, never get old. It’s funnier today than 99.4 % of all the sitcoms produced today. It will always be funny and always be relatable. Fred and Lamont will go down as some of TVs greatest characters. They might be the best duo of all time.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

You're not right on one thing. 100% of sitcoms of the last 25 years - at least - can't hold a candle to S&S or AITF.

[@mattjones5987]

Today's comedy is forced to be "woke" to get funded, and then it's not funny.

[@kirkindog]

@@mattjones5987, just curious, can you define “woke”?

[@TheDarkNateReturns]

Literally watching S&S right now as you posted this. It's a show my 91 year old grandfather and I have watched nonstop during the pandemic.

[@John-e4p1x]

Good taste.

[@ianstratton]

Fun fact: Malcolm X (then known as Detroit Red) used to work at a restaurant with Redd Foxx (then known as Chicago Red). Malcolm called him "the funniest dishwasher in the world".

[@andretyroneii941]

Woah, never heard of it. Redd sho'nuff was one Thanks for knowledge brotha

[@kirkindog]

I recall reading that in “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” One of the GREATEST books ever written & should be a required read for ALL…😎

[@wstine79]

I remember the episode where Fred decided to turn his junkyard business into a Chinese Restaurant with Pat Morita's character.

[@christopherharper9932]

Sanford and Rising Son and it was a Japanese restaurant 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@willharper7888]

Hey, Christopher..Shipmate, I see we have the same last name and I am a Navy Sailorman to...😁..got out a MM3 back in 1999..and did a year of reserves in 2003..now just collecting my benefits and chilling lol...still watch Sanford and Son now..funny as ever no matter how many times I see it, especially the scenes with Esther in them..and Woodrow..😃...did you serve overseas ever? I was in Yokosuka, Japan on the USS BLUERIDGE (LCC19)...⚓🛳...✌

[@jerrygerardi8552]

Ah Chew = The greatest character name in sitcom history

[@jaelredfern7381]

It was Eric Monte's idea to cast Redd Foxx in Sanford and Son.

[@jamesmorgan3212]

I would watch these reruns with my dad and we’d laugh and laugh 😆 good memories. I still watch them from time to time if I see it on . Red Foxx had some of the best comedic timing there’s ever been.

[@cityguy412]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHaap58jZqUb7M 🤣

[@loginregional]

Yesterday was Gregory Sierra's birthday, but you knew that already. He passed last year, Jan 4 2021. I went to the grocery store on Monday. Of course when I saw the price of a couple of pieces of chicken, I clutched at my chest and declared, "I'm coming Vivi!"

[@petemartinez9971]

This show reminds me of my youth, and I would sit with my father in the living room and just laugh so hard at the antics of Redd Foxx. Now, at 51, I watch it today and still laugh like I did in my youth, and it reminds me of my dad. RIP pops -

[@davidbradshaw699]

As a UK viewer I have never seen an episode of Sanford and Son, didn't know much about it, and wasn't familiar with the stars. However, when you mentioned the theme music I began humming a tune. I checked it out later and it was the Sanford and Son theme music. I don't know how, but you were right about not needing to play it. But that was too random!

[@HenrySchecker]

Me and my dad would watch Stanford and Son all the time in the 90s. My father was a gruff NYC taxi driver and was very much like Redd Fox in his hard headedness. Very much miss watching TV with him. He passed in 2021

[@marvinwhittaker]

My grandfather and uncle loved Sanford and Son. They used to be on the floor rolling. One of my all time favorite sitcoms.

[@yotsubafanfan]

My Dad and I don't have a ton in common, especially in TV tastes. I can count on a few shows to reach both of our interests are older sitcoms. This was one we recently enjoyed together. God bless this show!

[@nickrustyson8124]

Ain't that ironic

[@kiana5741]

Sanford and Son and The Dukes of Hazzards are showing I grew up watching with my dad. They both have a special place in my heart and I try to rewatch both of them every year.

[@Dorelaxen]

Lots of younger people see shows like this as old timey, but it was one of the edgiest shows on TV during it's time and got away with shit you couldn't even imagine happening today. Fred busting Esther's chops never fails to make me laugh.

[@grumpyjay37]

Yeah I didn't remember but they even got away with the n-word a few times which watching it now on Prime kind of shocked me a little bit for the time it was on.

[@dukecraig2402]

A lot of these self-righteous younger people complain and call this show racist, I actually had one try to tell me several years ago that it was canceled for that reason, the fact is it addressed racism at times but it wasn't racist. The Some of these kids nowadays see racism in their soup.

[@Nothingbutahoundog]

The scene in the court house was jaw dropping and today would have been canceled the words were an expression and reflection of what truly was felt by the Black community back in those days.words that were needed to be told out loud although in comedy form the message was clear and cut throat.

[@SoapinTrucker]

@@dukecraig2402 "the fact is it addressed racism at times but it wasn't racist." VERY interesting observation, you are right!!!!! :)

[@Dorelaxen]

@Zolar Czakl "Somebody left a gorilla on the doorstep."

[@bornkinguniversal]

The best supporting cast I’ve ever seen in a sitcom 💯

[@Valspartame_Maelstrom]

Redd was the kinda performer that even with no sound he can make you cry-laugh.

[@1313s]

Sanford and son is the original king of comedy and a legendary television show and a part of my childhood, thank you for the memories

[@16nowhereman]

Yes, chemistry and dynamic of the Sanford and his son. They both worked so well together. Loved the show!

[@TheIceAnt]

Damn it. The show’s last scene actually choked me up.

[@christ1stmindsetEG3]

This is a greatest show of all time that should have had more shows. These two are excellent together

[@mollymcdade4031]

Steptoe and Son is fascinating, the characters hated one another but were trapped together in a toxic codependent relationship when they both wanted to escape - and the actors were the exact same. The actors hated each other and wanted to be known as other roles but were typecast and trapped as the show was so successful. I wouldn’t say Steptoe and Son loved each other, they just couldn’t live without each other - that’s what kept them trapped.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

Ever since I heard the background of what was going on and essentially caused the collapse of Sanford and son it's hard to watch it the same way. It's really sad that neither of the actors could really go on to anything successful afterward which is I think the saddest detail of all. Redd was the closest and of course right as he was getting something successful again be up in pulls a Fred Sanford for real.

[@SmegulonPrime]

Like Mark and Jeremy in Peep Show

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@SmegulonPrime I freaking loved that show. I loved how it ended with them basically thinking the same thing that one of them is going to kill the other. And the other one thinking the exact same thing. That kind of felt like where things were headed actually as depressing as it may be. The true logical, inevitable conclusion. Also I kinda love darkly comedic endings.

[@markbarker6739]

That's be that got on fine just travelled in different circles Harry h was a married family man and Wilfred was a gay man in a time when it carried a prison sentence it's been stated by Harry's daughter that they actually liked each other and the hating each other was a myth brought about by them not spending time together outside of work

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@markbarker6739 Yup, that makes a lot more sense. Those kind of details really do change the entire situation because you have one person living a normal life and one person that basically has to hide everything they do from the public. Context is always key and it's the thing missing until you hear something like that.

[@katemaloney4296]

I remember growing up watching this show and loving it. I had such a HUGE crush on Lamont and wished that I could grow up and marry him. Fifty years later the show still has magic. I am glad to have grown up in the era that I did.

[@jonm8438]

I wasn't born when this show was on but was introduced to it by my father watching the reruns. Today, this is one of my favorite tv shows. They couldn't get away with that dialogue on tv today. I also had the opportunity to meet and get La Wanda Pages autograph before she passed away from diabetes in South Central LA. Demond Wilson disliked Nathaniel Taylor (Rollo) very much. I was told they didn't get along and Demond tried to get him fired from the show.

[@lionheartroar3104]

I agree. Sanford & Sold is re-watchable, no matter how many times you've seen it. Foxx MADE that show

[@jr3254]

Nothing better than Ester and Fred, one of the most classic comedies ever on t.v

[@Maxaldojo]

Thanks for the memories! I grew up with Sanford and Son. The characters on the show are a part of me, to this day. Fred saying, "I'm coming, Elizabeth!" Is something I continue to joke about. Oh, and, Champipple, combination of Ripple wine and champagne...

[@wesmcgee1648]

I met Redd Foxx in July 1985 at the old Hacienda casino in Vegas. 10 in the am he was playing poker and roaring drunk. He gave me a ticket to his show that night and I sat stageside!

[@templumofaten]

I met redd foxx when i was 6 yrs old in my living room... He was a friend of my grandpa in Los Angeles... Big Al... Redd is proud of this video you created... Great job!!!

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

This was a fantastic little documentary. Was always a huge fan of Redd Foxx, but didn't know a lot of this. Such a great show.. and such a great tribute. Thanks for posting!

[@mikeymizor2934]

BROOKLYN NY, Such an icon Show that was way ahead of it's Time, Rest in Paradise ReDD, Thanks for all the Memories, GoD Bless

[@musicman2569]

I had no Idea This show and All In The Family were remakes. Sandford & Son was always such a great show

[@thadoc5186]

Threes Company too

[@musicman2569]

@@thadoc5186 Wow didn't know that either

[@nickrustyson8124]

I guess it does make sense given this show spoke to more people, while the original was very British

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

It's a little bit astonishing to know just how many shows were originally British before being adapted for American audiences. Of course plenty of shows attempted it and failed miserably. Even shows that were highly popular over there just couldn't translate or translate well. Sometimes they would try to adapt our shows over there with equally terrible results.

[@libertubey2199]

@@thadoc5186 Come and dance on our floor...All kidding aside, Three's Company was the only sitcom where it and its spinoffs (The Ropers and Three's A Crowd) were based upon a British sitcom (Man About The House) and its spinoffs (George & Mildred and Robin's Nest).

[@MSTRISHZFROMDACPT]

I love Fred and Lamont. Reminds me so much of my Grandpa RIP and Uncle. Who lived in Watts, his house was the same, his buddies the same, talking crazy to Lamont the same, they dress the same to the T. I watch to keep my Grandpa memory alive. I love me some Sanford and Son. 2022

[@SoapinTrucker]

Sanford & Son was amazingly perfect on every level, especially timing! As a "pre teen" in the mid 70's, in *SoCal* , I distinctly remember Black Folks as being so freaking laid back and cool, so this show was all the more enjoyable! :) Sanford & Son, Good Times, All in the Family, Barney Miller, Fish, and "Welcome Back, Kotter", my favorites growing up, the 70's (and the 60's!!!!!), what a time to be alive, LIFE was good!

[@richiec.7637]

Barney Miller was also one of my favorite shows

[@SoapinTrucker]

@@richiec.7637 Ha ha don't forget "Fish" then! :)

[@rustilldown]

I was teenager when i discovered this show on tvland...my dad walked in my room one day and asked me what i was watching and he watched 2 episodes with me and he was hooked for years after so before he passed. im fortunate to have introduced him to this show which he ended loving as much as i originally did and still do

[@qms1000]

I was born in 96, this show use to play on local channels, I did not choose to watch it but by the end of the first show, I was actually wanting to watch it. RIP Fred G Sanford

[@jimmyjennings8956]

I liked all in the family but Sanford and son was the best sitcom i ever saw and i miss that show more than any show i ever saw, nobody was a team like Fred and Lamont.

[@DominickChirchirillo]

Truly one of the greatest shows ever made. They had the funniest writers in the 1970s. Sanford, All In The Family, and Good Times make me laugh harder then any other shows from any other era

[@Liggie55821]

Fun trivia about “Steptoe and Son”, the British original that inspired “Sanford and Son”: its producer, Beryl Vertue, was the mother-in-law of Steven Moffat, the writer behind the new “Doctor Who” episodes and the Benedict Cumberbatch “Sherlock” series.

[@Jackp8578]

Such a classic. Great memories of watching this show with my family. God bless them all for the laughs.

[@KylaTea]

My coworkers and I were recently talking about how this show honestly was so impactful and funny just last week. Glad I stumbled upon this amazing documentary!

[@Ralphieboy]

Fred and Esther got along just like Melvin and Dolores, the black kids next door I used to hang out with. I still think of them whenever I watch the show.

[@henrykujawa4427]

The night I ran "A HARD DAY'S NIGHT" for my Dad, I explained to him that "Paul's Grandfather" was played by Wilfred Brambell, who starred in STEPTOE IN SON, at the time the #1 most popular show in England... and that it was the basis for SANFORD AND SON. So Wilfred Brambell, I said, was "the original Fred Sanford".

[@squiddygirl1633]

He's very clean

[@banzaibobA7V]

I love this show! Sanford & Son was aired on South African TV dubbed into Zulu, but with the English audio track broadcast at the same time on Radio 2000. I taped the audio for the shows on an old reel-to-reel tape recorder (we didn't have a video recorder at the time) and would listen to them over and over again.

[@travis_mitchell]

Also the rare instance where a replacement lead character was at very least, as good as the original. The brief period where Grady replaced Fred as the main character actually worked surprisingly well, and allowed for a fresh and original dynamic to the Fred/Lamont relationship.

[@keithbentley6081]

There's no way to compare. American and British humour is completely different. We find American comedy a bit obvious and machine gun gag delivery, exhausting!

[@gnbman]

@@keithbentley6081 That's not what he was talking about.

[@chrisa7905]

@@keithbentley6081 well we find your lack of reading comprehension a bit obvious and exhausting.

[@sloandonavan]

@@chrisa7905 😂😂

[@dreamquesttv]

Two of my top 5 episodes are Grady/Lamont's: Fred's Pleasure Garden and Lamont Goes Karate!

[@davidrogers0717]

I was 10 yrs old in '73. I used to watch this show just about every Friday night during it's run.

[@Kirkorama]

My grandpa loved this show and All in the Family. He watched them all the time when I was a kid.

[@shirleyminassian1547]

Sanford & Son is awesome, love watching the reruns.

[@Jamessmith-xk3fh]

The one reason I saw a lot of Sanford and Son as a kid is because it would be the show on before WCW Saturday night on TBS

[@free-birdrocker8809]

I saw that series when I lived in GA back is the terrible 70's under Jimmy crappy Carter. It was funny as hell. Good Times had its moments with Dynomite but Sanford and Son did a great job. I still tune in and laughing in my older years. You big Dummy! Ill give you five of these across the lip. LOL!

[@KairuHakubi]

oh and fun fact, the guy that played Steptoe was Paul's Grandfather in Hard Day's Night. That's why they were always insisting he's "a very clean old man." because in that show he was always called a dirty old man, the equivalent of Esther calling Fred a heathen.

[@JoJoJoker]

Wow! Thanks for clarifying this - that home never made sense to me. At the time, that show would have been far more popular than The Beatles.

[@BonJoviBeatlesLedZep]

@@JoJoJoker I love that it even got a reference in The Beatles: Get Back, when John asks Paul "who's the little old man" referring to George's Hare Krishna friend, and Paul replies "he's very clean". And then a few months later, a "dirty old man" reference would make its way into the song "Mean Mr. Mustard"

[@ianmichalski7997]

Hello Grandfather!

[@KairuHakubi]

@@JoJoJoker my dad, who did not know the origin of the joke, always told me it was because he was very clean-shaven and even bald. That was a fair guess I suppose hehe. I dunno, was it more popular than the beatles? Was _anything?_

[@JoJoJoker]

@@KairuHakubi it’s possible. They were still a pretty new band mostly popular with the youths.

[@rollo71112]

This is an exceedingly well-done mini doc. Writing, narration, and editing are production company quality. Thank you for so aptly highlighting such a monumental achievement in American television. I wish those who were not old enough to watch its original run or reruns would be readily able to see this gem.

[@Susie_Floozie]

LaWanda Page worked the comedy-club circuit with Redd, and she worked so blue it was electric! In the late '90s, some rowdy pals who saw LaWanda live were shocked to the shoes by her obscene material. They laughed so hard they were gasping for air. I have an LP she did with Skillet & LeRoy, and MAN!!!

[@jacksampsonforever]

so glad you got around to this classic!!

[@beingmyself000]

Best sitcom in television history. Pioneer of the laugh your azz off sitcom. As classy as Redd was he played the miserable junk man perfectly. From his comedic sarcasm down to his walk and his facial expressions. Redd and Demond had excellent chemistry and the supporting cast was great. Smitty having to translate. The gorilla cookies bit etc. The best

[@raypage1334]

This TV show brings back alot of memories I'm only 22 but my grandfather used to watch this show all the time before he passed, he acted just like Fred and even looked like him so when I watch this TV show it brings back alot of nostalgia. My grandfather was a mixed black white and native american man so it was nice watching shows like this as a kid that wasn't just about white people and their problems, this TV show will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Consistently funny through all 5 seasons. It went out on top too. Truly a timeless show.

[@disneyfan8178]

I don't mean to be picky, but the show was actually on 6 years.

[@guapounggoy]

Good Lord! Foxx was my age when he started Sanford? I always thought he was really an old man. Makes him even a better actor than I gave him credit for.

[@JeonardShadby505]

Wow, the original Fred Sanford in STEPTOE also played Paul McCartney's "very clean" grandfather in A HARD DAY'S NIGHT. Never knew until now!

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

And apparently the whole "very clean" thing was a little joke because Steptoe was always called a dirty old man.

[@BonJoviBeatlesLedZep]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu Yep, it was a very contemporary reference that has now superceded thenthings it's referencing in popularity. Weird Al effect.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@BonJoviBeatlesLedZep Yep, weird Al effect indeed. Cultural osmosis, where the parody becomes more culturally relevant and remembered than the thing it was parodying. What a concept indeed.

[@greg_216]

I love Frasier. Watching this I realized that show probably never would have existed without Sanford & Son. Both shows speak to how hard it is to capture that complicated father-son relationship. The writers (and actors) for both shows knocked it out of the park.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

The problem with Fraiser is that it didn't know when to quit. 5 or 6 seasons was plenty. Not 11!

[@jjryan1352]

Hahahahahahaha yeah sure. Sanford & Son paved the way for Frasier. A lame spinoff from Cheers about an uptight upper middle class white guy. Buahahahahaha.

[@Nichole-440HP]

One of my favorite shows growing up in the 70's . never laughed harder at 10 years old and still makes me laugh .

[@davidadams2395]

When I was around 11, my uncle gave me his Redd Foxx albums from the '60s. I loved that he was dirty by innuendo alone. In '91, I saw Redd on stage at the Hacienda in Vegas shortly before his death. His openers were Slappy White, a tap dancer, and a surprise guest, LaWanda Page. Her legs like peanut butter and divinity joke has remained fresh in my mind. But Slappy and Redd were nasty that night, and we all loved every minute. He was soon to be headed to L.A. for his new show with Della Reese's Pieces (In Living Color).

[@hopelessmetsfan3583]

The 70s might very well be the golden age of TV. So many classics.

[@rickszabo4312]

True , as for "That 70's show" didn't reflect a lot of what was happening back in the 70's as I lived it.

[@garbo3682]

I was young in the 70's but I believe it had the best shows.... .best music....

[@SoapinTrucker]

@@rickszabo4312 LOL I agree man!!!!! :)

[@Rashomon69]

I have fond memories of being in elementary school, lying on the couch with my day, my head on his arm, watching “Sanford and Son”.

[@thirdeyewide369]

I could watch this show over and over again and never get tied of it.

[@CoachDarren]

Thank you for this upload. You did a great job very informative. One of my favorite TV shows as a kid and one that I still watch.

[@theblankyblankness]

My last half year of HS I did half days. This was the best part coming home to watch TV land play Sanford and son.

[@jamesb8193]

I've been laughing at this show since the 70's. When you turn the channel and see it and forget about the previous show you were watching, that says alot.

[@marvinyogut7482]

I can remember as a small child in the mid 1970’s sitting around watching this show with the family! It was a real treat! I laugh even harder now 40+ years later! This is by far my favorite show and it was way ahead of its time!

[@LVLouisCyphre]

A very good analysis on why Sanford & Son worked. I wish Redd wouldn't have had his contract and salary tantrum. Redd was a genius and the chemistry was there. I miss Grady (Whitman Mayo). He was a genius as well. I remember the episode of Conan where he did "Where's Grady?" When the found him and he stepped onto the set of the show, he got a standing ovation.

[@Coles_notes]

I love this and love that youre covering a series. If youre considering any other Norman Lear Id love to hear your thoughts on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Truly a forgotten failure and almost a cult classic. One of my favourite shows and satire at its finest.

[@calvinnigh5489]

I’ve been trying to figure out how and where to watch that show for months. My Papa was telling me about ‘Fernwood Tonite’ and I got hooked.

[@rickszabo4312]

@@calvinnigh5489 Soap was another one

[@ryanmccolloch4734]

I'm only 23, but thankfully, I got to grow up with this show. I remember faking heart attacks as a kid, thanks to Redd

[@Phaota]

Loved the series and it's amazing how funny it still is, even from just scattered clips.

[@vaevictusdeus]

I watched this show EVERY NIGHT as a child before falling asleep. It was ahead of its time, but still important for it's time just the same. Redd Foxx is a fucking legend.

[@tremorsfan]

I read that Redd Foxx went to a fan convention looked and saw that almost nobody showed up and then walked off the stage without saying anything leading the house band to just play the theme song.

[@anthonywilliams4100]

Thank you! I've actually had the honor to pay homage to Red Foxx at his grave and last home in Las Vegas. His last home is now a Real Estate office but on thier curb sign in the lower corner is painted the head of a Red Fox. The same Red Fox is done on his head stone.

[@UndergroundUncle]

I didn't know that Red Fox and Lawanda Page were long time friends. That just makes the jokes and the burning so much funnier to me. I think it's because my friends and I burn each other all the time. It's just what close friends do.

[@KairuHakubi]

Right? Plus it gives this undercurrent to watching the show, you can tell these are performers who know each other. They have that Vivian Vance / William Frawley energy (and those two did NOT get along, but it's the same chemistry). Same with Grady and that big dude with the moustache, all Redd Foxx's friends.. the nepotism actually contributed to the unique feel of the show since they were not exactly the most telegenic and probably wouldn't have been cast otherwise, but that's exactly the kind of people Sanford would live near.

[@noahbossier1131]

Makes sense

[@frogger1952]

LaWanda Page - Mighty Joe Young's cousin....mighty ugly.

[@stinkskc]

lol “burn” who says that anymore

[@j.c.ca.o.l7035]

I really remember the show from my childhood but it was only when I had TV land in the early 2000s that I pretty much was able to see most if not all the episodes and boy yeah it really broke a lot of ground and Redd Fox and the Demond Wilson were you couldn't have asked for a better duo.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

The saddest part about this is how the behind the scenes stuff completely derailed the show and ruined the relationship between the two main actors forever essentially. They never really reconciled in any significant way even all those years later, they were close but Redd died before it could happen. Lamont felt pretty guilty about that which is also very sad. It's a great show and I love going back to it but ever since I found out about the behind the scenes stuff it's really hard to forget.

[@deenugent473]

Good thing I just watched the show and not get into the behind the scenes stuffs. Makes me sad to think that there were rifts going on.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@deenugent473 It's kinda the same as never meet your heroes. Sometimes enjoying things in a bubble is best because knowing too much just ruins it.

[@deenugent473]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu I agree! I don't know how many times I have re-watched Sanford and Son since I bought their complete DVDs. Funny thing is I always laugh the same way as the first time. Love the casts of the show!

[@cchavezjr7]

I've seen the actor who plays Lamont in interviews and he seemed to be a miserable kind of person. It really turned me off. I'll read more about the behind the scenes. That has me curious and does make sense about how he might have turned out the way he is now.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@cchavezjr7 The problem with a show when it really becomes popular and takes off is people's egos really start to show their ugly side. You see people expecting more money or more money than this person gets and it just gets super ugly fast. It's a story that I guarantee has gone on behind the scenes of countless shows and it does kind of sour you to the show a bit when you find out.

[@EaZyKiNg]

I couldn't watch TV during the school week but my dad would let me watch whatever he was watching with him after finishing my homework and he watched this like every day. Good times

[@jimanderson5883]

Esther was my favourite. The only character who didn't hesitate to stand up to Fred. "Watch it, sucker!"

[@kyrasoze516]

I used to watch this on Nick at Nite in the 90s. Always hilarious, if a little bit of a relic of its time today. Same with All in the Family and The Jeffersons, all cut from the same cloth. TV is afraid to push boundaries like those anymore, even accounting for the fact that the boundaries aren't quite the same anymore

[@ReinEngel]

The Fred Sanford walk cycle is comedy gold by itself.

[@rogersmith7396]

My favorite line is "Rollo is going to jailo".