It was all about the 1970s last night on ABC. Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear hosted "Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons.’”
The “All in the Family” remake featured Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tormei as Archie and Edith Bunker, with Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes doing the honors for George and Louise Jefferson on “The Jeffersons.”Ellie Kemperappeared as Gloria (the role originated by Sally Struthers) with Ike Barinholtz as "Meathead" (originally played as Rob Reiner). Jamie was the first one to make a mistake –which he played off hilariously (see below) --but everyone was good.Sean Hayes turned in a surprise cameo as Mr. Lorenzo - while Anthony Anderson was hilarious as Henry Jefferson.
During "The Jeffersons,"Kerry Washington andWill Ferrell did an excellent job as Helen and Tom Willis, And whileJackée Harrymade a cameo, the highlight of the evening wasMarla Gibbsreprising her role as Florence Johnson, the Jeffersons’ maid. Interestingly? The cast kept the "n-word" - which was aired clearly back in the day - in...though it was bleeped out. Later, during a reflection piece on the show, Washington said the cast felt that taking that approach honored the script, but also gave respect to how far the country has come.
Naturally, social media went crazy. Here are a few of the reactions: