All in the Family
Meet the Bunkers
Season 1, Episode 1 · Aired 1971-01-12
Synopsis
It's Edith and Archie Bunker's 22nd wedding anniversary and their daughter Gloria and her husband Mike are planning a surprise Sunday brunch. Edith is pleasantly surprised, however, Archie's "no big deal" attitude leads to a huge argument with his son-in-law on topics ranging from Archie's prejudices, problems with the nation's government and Mike's atheism.
From the desk: All in the Family opens its catalog run with “Meet the Bunkers” (1971-01-12). Rewired what a sitcom was allowed to say on American TV. Carroll O'Connor vs. character confusion and the constant sponsor panic.
In the series
This episode is part of All in the Family (1971–1979) on CBS.
The living-room argument as national sport — bigotry, love, and loud chairs.
Key cast
- Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker
- Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker
- Rob Reiner as Michael Stivic
- Sally Struthers as Gloria Stivic