Both All in the Family and The Jeffersons are considered two of the most iconic TV sitcoms of all time, and just like everything else nowadays, they're due for a revival. Jimmy Kimmel announced last night that he'll be presenting Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons, a live 90-minute primetime event which will serve as a tribute to the sitcoms.
An original episode from each sitcom will be re-created and performed by a new cast. The All in the Family episode will find Woody Harrelson playing Archie Bunker (originally played by Carroll O'Connor) with Marisa Tomei as Edith Bunker (originally played by Jean Stapleton), and Ellie Kemper as Gloria Stivic (originally played by Sally Struthers). The Jeffersons episode will feature Jamie Foxx as George Jefferson (originally played by Sherman Hemsley) and Wanda Sykes as Louise Jefferson (originally played by Isabel Sanford), with Will Ferrell as Tom Willis (originally played by Franklin Cover) and Justina Machado as Florence Johnston (originally played by Marla Gibbs). More casting announcements are expected. In a statement, All in the Family and The Jefferson's creator Norman Lear said:
They have said over and over again that these two shows were meant for the ’70s and would not work today. We disagree with them and are here to prove, with two great casts depicting All in the Family and The Jeffersons, the timelessness of human nature. I cannot wait to see what these glorious performers make in our time of these indelible characters, and I couldn’t be more grateful for Jimmy Kimmel, Sony and ABC for their collective willingness to conceive and pursue this never-been-done-before event.
"The fact that a group of Oscar winners eagerly agreed to play these iconic characters is testament to the greatness of these shows and their creator, Norman Lear," Kimmel said, adding that the project is "dream come true." Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons will air on May 22, 2019.