Norman Lear, a prolific and influential television producer and writer, who brought groundbreaking shows like “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” to the small screen, passed away on January 9, 2022, at the age of 99.
Throughout his career, Lear was known for pushing the boundaries of television and addressing important social issues, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. However, not all of Lear’s projects were met with success.
In the mid-1980s, Lear’s hot streak came to an end after several short-lived shows, including “Hot L Baltimore” and “704 Hauser.” Despite these setbacks, Lear continued to keep his hand in television, writing episodes for “South Park” and developing new series such as a wrestling show for HBO and a proposed series about retirees in Southern California.
In 2017, Lear found success with a new version of “One Day at a Time,” centered on a Latino family, for Netflix. The series received enthusiastic reviews and lasted for three seasons. Lear continued to work on various projects, including a reboot of “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” for TBS and an animated version of “Good Times.”
In addition to his television work, Lear also hosted TV specials in 2019, where episodes of “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” were recreated live by an all-star cast. The specials were part of a larger deal with Sony that included an option to reimagine Lear’s past shows and potentially produce reboots of other series.
Norman Lear’s impact on television and his ability to address important social issues through his work will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. His contributions to the medium have paved the way for future storytellers and continue to resonate with audiences today.