The Museum of TV and Radio in NYC has 8 episodes in its viewing library. I am guessing they were chosen to give anyone who has no idea what this show is about a basic primer in the series. They have:

1 A Friend in Need- Florence's debut
2 George's Family Tree- 2nd telecast, Mother Jefferson has a
significant role
3 George and the President- year 3 premiere episode, Damon
Evans is in it with a moustache
4 Blackout- Marcus episode from year 4
5 Half A Brother- Allan Willis episode
6 A Short Story- 2nd one from year 6
7 The First Store- flashback episode from 1980
8 New Girl In Town- Florence's cousin visits, from year 10

They also have the pilot from All in the Family.

If you were archiving 8 episodes for a novice viewing audience which 8 would you choose? From the above list Blackout is a rather rudimentary episode and there is nothing special at all about New Girl In Town.

I guess my 8 would cover:

1- A Friend In Need- because its the first episode
2- some other year 1 episode that showcased Mike Evans
3- some episode that showcased Damon Evans- maybe the one where Lionel gets drunk on his graduation or the wedding episode
4- one of these more touching episodes: And the Doorknobs Shined Like Diamonds, The First Store, Louise's Sister
5- one episode showcasing Florence
6- one episode which prominently features Mr Bentley
7-8 Either of the following 2 parters:Laundry is A Tough Town or The Strays. Laundry... distills the essence of the show in its later years into a coherent storyline, The Strays also exemplifies the best of the later years and particularly shows the devotion of George to Weezie.