Could a Sanford and Son animated series have worked in the 70s?

NOPE! That's a DEATH KNELL for a sitcom, also going for a movie version! Especially if the sitcom is iconic! Can you imagine All In The Family, The Jeffersons or Good Times as a CARTOON? They tried that with Happy Days in the early 80s when I was around 10. It was HORRIBLE! The Fonz and a time machine? REALLY???