Sanford and Son (1972)
The classic NBC sitcom that made Redd Foxx a household name and redefined American comedy for a generation.
Sanford and Son - Series Information
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1977
- Created by: Norman Lear, Ray Galton et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 136
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 14, 1972 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Bud Yorkin Productions, Norman Lear/Tandem Productions, NorBud Productions, Tandem Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Sanford and Son - Plot
The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.
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Sanford and Son - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Norman Lear
- Ray Galton
- Bud Yorkin
Main Cast
- Redd Foxx
- Demond Wilson
- LaWanda Page
- Don Bexley
- Whitman Mayo
- Nathaniel Taylor
- Lynn Hamilton
- Howard Platt
- Hal Williams
- Gregory Sierra
Writers
- Gene Farmer
- Jerry Ross
- Winston Moss
- Garry Shandling
- Terry Ryan
Executive Producers
- Bud Yorkin
Sanford and Son - FAQs
What is Sanford and Son about?
Sanford and Son follows Fred G. Sanford, a wily and cantankerous junk dealer in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, and his long-suffering son Lamont. The show blends sharp social commentary with physical comedy, exploring generational conflict, race, and working-class life in 1970s America.
Is Sanford and Son based on a true story or original show?
Sanford and Son is an American adaptation of the British sitcom Steptoe and Son, created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin reimagined the premise with an African American cast set in Los Angeles, transforming it into one of the most culturally significant comedies of the 1970s.
Who are the main actors in Sanford and Son?
The series stars Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford and Demond Wilson as his son Lamont. The supporting cast includes LaWanda Page as Aunt Esther, Whitman Mayo as Grady Wilson, Don Bexley as Bubba, Nathaniel Taylor as Rollo, Lynn Hamilton as Donna, and Gregory Sierra as Julio Fuentes.
Is Sanford and Son worth watching today?
Absolutely. Sanford and Son remains a landmark of American television comedy, celebrated for Redd Foxx's magnetic, groundbreaking performance and its sharp, socially aware writing. Critics and audiences alike regard it as one of the finest sitcoms of the 1970s, with humor and heart that still resonate decades later.
How many seasons and episodes does Sanford and Son have?
Sanford and Son ran for 6 seasons and 136 episodes on NBC, from January 1972 to March 1977. Season 1 had 14 episodes, while subsequent seasons each featured 24 or 25 episodes, giving the show a substantial and consistently popular run throughout the decade.
Where can I stream Sanford and Son?
Sanford and Son is available to stream on several platforms in the United States, including Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus, YouTube TV, Philo, Tubi TV (with ads), and Spectrum On Demand (free). Availability may vary by region; check JustWatch for the most current options.
Did Redd Foxx leave Sanford and Son mid-series?
Yes. Redd Foxx departed Sanford and Son after Season 4 in a contract dispute over salary and profit sharing, leading producers to introduce Whitman Mayo's Grady Wilson as a temporary lead. Foxx returned for Season 6, though Demond Wilson had by then also left the show.
Who created Sanford and Son?
Sanford and Son was developed for American television by Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, based on the British series Steptoe and Son originally created by Ray Galton. The show was produced under Tandem Productions and Bud Yorkin Productions, and aired on NBC beginning in January 1972.
More About Sanford and Son
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