Sanford and Son

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NBC (ended 1977)
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Show Summary

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Sanford and Son first aired in January of 1972 on NBC as a mid-season replacement. The series was the second series created by the All in the Family creator, Norman Lear and it was based on the British sitcom, Steptoe and Son. Sanford and Son was the first sitcom that Lear created that had a cast composed mostly of African Americans. Lear would follow it up in 1974 with Good Times and The Jeffersons in 1975. Sanford and Son was also the only Lear sitcom that didn't air on CBS. Sanford and Son starred stand-up comedian, Redd Foxx as 65-year old junk collector, Fred Sanford. Fred ran his junk collection business from his home located in Los Angeles. His home was run-down but it was comfortable enough for him and his son, Lamont, with whom he lived with and who was a partner in the business. Lamont was dissatisfied with the business and would threaten to leave but Fred would fake a heart attack and yell "I'm coming, Elizabeth." Elizabeth had been Fred's wife who had preceded him in death. Other members of the cast and recurring characters included, Aunt Esther Anderson, Elizabeth's "ugly" Bible-toting sister who was married to wino Woody Anderson. Donna Harris, was Fred's steady girlfriend who worked as a nurse. Grady Wilson, Melvin and Bubba Bexley were good friends of Fred's while Rollo Lawson, Ah Chew and Julio Fuentes were friends of Lamont's. Officer Smith "Smitty", Officer Hopkins "Hoppy" and Officer Swanhauser "Swanny" were police officers who were seen occasionally. At the end of the 3rd season and the beginning of the 4th season, nine episodes (production numbers 0320-0325 and 0401-0403) were filmed without Redd Foxx who underwent contract negotiations that led to a hiatus. It was explained that Fred was in St. Louis visiting family and Grady Wilson moved in temporarily to watch over Lamont. During the first couple of seasons of Sanford and Son, episodes of Steptoe and Son were re-done and are marked with a note in the episode guide. Spin-offs: Grady, The Sanford Arms and Sanford NBC Broadcast History January 1972-April 1976----Fridays----8:00 p.m. April-August 1976----Wednesdays----9:00 p.m. September 1976-September 1977----Fridays----8:00 p.m. Nielsen Ratings: (Top 30 or Better) #6 in the 1971-1972 Season #2 in the 1972-1973 Season #3 in the 1973-1974 Season #2 in the 1974-1975 Season #7 in the 1975-1976 Season #27 in the 1976-1977 Season First Telecast: January 14, 1972 Last Telecast: September 2, 1977 Episodes: 136 Color Episodes Theme Song: "The Streetbeater" Written by: Quincy Jones Performed by: Quincy Jones (Instrumental)moreless
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Episode Guide

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S 6 :  Ep 25 Aired 3/25/77
S 6 :  Ep 24 Aired 3/18/77
S 6 :  Ep 23 Aired 3/11/77
S 6 :  Ep 22 Aired 3/4/77
S 6 :  Ep 21 Aired 2/25/77

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Fan Reviews (22)

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  • When you think of Fred Sanford, you think of junk!

    8.0
    "Great"
    By DojinFan_2K, Jun 14, 2010
    Sanford & Son was a sitcom created from the fertile mind of Norman Lear & a hit for NBC from 1972-77. Redd Foxx plays the irascible junk man Fred Sanford, a widower who runs a junkyard with his son, Lamont portrayed by Demond Wilson who puts up with his father's shortcomings.

    Fred Sanford maybe in his twilight years, but his wit is sharp enough to cut down a California redwood. Fred also has some friends like the slow-witted Grady and jolly Bubba. He also has some not-quite enemies like Aunt Esther & Rollo.

    I first saw this show back in the 70's when it was rerun in the Summer on NBC & have become a huge fan since. Not all of the episodes are considered to be classic, but the show can be funny nonetheless.moreless

  • Great...

    10
    "Perfect"
    By spongebobs1fan, May 29, 2009
    Sanford and Son first aired in January of 1972 on NBC as a mid-season replacement. The series was the second series created by the All in the Family creator, Norman Lear and it was based on the British sitcom, Steptoe and Son. Sanford and Son was the first sitcom that Lear created that had a cast composed mostly of African Americans. Lear would follow it up in 1974 with Good Times and The Jeffersons in 1975. Sanford and Son was also the only Lear sitcom that didn't air on CBS.

    Overall, 10/10 Great show
    Thats all for this review. . .moreless

  • A grumpy old African American widower and his son run a junkyard in a Los Angeles suburb.

    9.7
    "Superb"
    By Woolsey, Aug 21, 2008
    One of the greatest and most influential TV shows in history. Fred Sanford is a fine speciman of a man; lying, cheating, drinking, and being annoying and abusive to everyone he comes into contact with, but still deep down a loving and passionate. Lamont, his long-suffering son, also has some rough edges, which really brings to light the fact that nobody is perfect, and sometimes you turn out being just like the company you keep. Really a great show, almost reminding me of an African American All in the Family. i highly recommend it for some great, and occasionaly incorrect humor.moreless

  • This tv show was about junk. Well not exactly. Sanford and Son was a cool show for the working men and women out there trying to make ends meet. Father and son in the world of junk. Nothing but a good time. And lots of laughs if you grew up around there.moreless

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By kingtazzy, Jul 06, 2008
    Id like to start off and say ive seen most of these episodes from this great masterpiece that hollywood brought to me. Ive been a fan for along time. I have most of the seasons on dvd. This tv show spun off afew tv shows after it was off the air. This by far is a special one to me. I have many memories from this great show. Lots of laughs and goodtimes about Fred G Sanford and his son Lamont. I also had the pleasure of being friends to a guy named Chester Harvin who is similar to Redd Fox. It was sad when I heard about Redds passing. When Chester
    passed away last year. I thought of this show and many goodtimes with him. I know lifes not fair but this tv show will live on through me and friends and family. In my own words a great cast and influential show for the 1970s.moreless

  • Sanford and Son is absultely the best

    10
    "Perfect"
    By grumpyolddude42, Jan 28, 2008
    Sanford and Son is the funnest show back in its time and still is to day. There has been nothing like it sence.Sanford and son is the perfect show for the whole family can watch.Its clean and absoultely funny.When the producers casted Redd Foxx to play the part of fred they couldnt of picked a better actor to do so.As they did for Demond Wilson who played Lamont. All the actors were great.But you really have to love Aunt Ester LaWanda Page Who played fred sister in law.Even though they hated each other they both did some pretty good things foe one and other from time to timemoreless
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bad parenting, feel good comedy, for the nostalgic, love/hate relationships, odd jobs

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