NPR's Book of the Day
Norman Lear's memoir recalls a life and career that shaped American television
Dec 6, 2023
Norman Lear, TV writer and producer, recalls his challenges in shaping American television, from his unconventional upbringing to the struggle to get All In the Family on air. The podcast explores his impact on the sitcom genre, his wartime experiences, and the pushback he faced from ABC. Lear also shares his idea for a new TV show.
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Quick takeaways
- The challenges Norman Lear faced in getting 'All In the Family' on the air, including pushback from executives, showcased his determination and paved the way for socially relevant sitcoms.
- Norman Lear's empathy towards minorities, influenced by his upbringing as a Jewish outsider, led him to create shows that addressed important social issues and provided more opportunities for African Americans.
Deep dives
The challenges of getting 'All in the Family' on the air
Norman Lear faced difficulties in getting his groundbreaking show, 'All in the Family,' on the air. It took three years and negotiations with multiple networks before CBS finally picked up the show. Even then, there were concerns and second-guessing from the executives right up until moments before it aired. Lear fought to keep controversial lines in the script, like a reference to a married couple going upstairs together on a Sunday morning. Despite the initial pushback, the show became a huge success and paved the way for more socially relevant sitcoms.
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