There are classic shows, and there are groundbreaking shows. All in the Family enjoys the distinction of being both. Debuting as a mid-season replacement on Jan. 12, 1971, it became one of the most influential comedies in TV history and made an immediate impact on the entire television industry.

All in the Family pioneered a whole new brand of realistic and hard-hitting satire based on the real world, rather than the naive escapism of most entertainment programs. The sitcom revolves around blue-collar worker Archie Bunker and his family. Opinionated and uneducated, Archie makes no bones about his racial and political views, which are borne out of every negative stereotype imaginable.