I usually have two versions of each Sanford and Son episodes but not from the first season. These are the reasons the first season is not my favorite

1.No Rollo
2.No Esther
3.No Hulio
4.No Grady
5.No Bubba

It was just too much Fred and Lamont in season one. The Father had no girlfriend, the son had no girlfriend, the son had no friends. I'm glad the producers realized they needed more characters.

Actually, the first season is one of my favorites for that very reason.

Lamont did almost get married in the third episode of the first season and the seventh episode had him moving out because Fred kept interferring with his dates. He didn't have a steady girlfriend, but they were periodically introduced during the first season.

Donna was also introduced during the first season and in the tenth episode he was engaged (a return appearance by Donna came in the 13th episode). I don't know if they planned Donna to last the length of the series but she did. In fact, I wish they would have kept Lamont and Donna adversaries since those episodes were really funny.

And while they didn't have Julio, Rollo, Esther, Grady and Bubba they did introduce Officers Smitty and Swanny (much funnier than Hoppy IMO) and Fred's friend Melvin (played by Slappy White in four eps.).

These episodes in the first season were outstanding:
Happy Birthday, Pop
Here Comes the Bride, There Goes the Bride
We Were Robbed
The Great Sanford Siege
TV or Not TV
The Piano Movers

My two cents

Did you know that Lynn Hamilton also played Lamont's landlord in the episode "A Pad For Lamont"??? She comes in when Lamont has his girlfriend in his house,and tells Lamont why the lights were on and that there was a time when everything was turned off. She was funny in that one.:lol:

The first season was actually my favorite. There were fewer characters, yeah, but it was less cluttered that way. Plus, the other characters showed up so much in later seasons that they started getting on my nerves, especially Esther.

I enjoyed the first season, but I do understand why Solomon doesn't like the first season.

Well, Solomon, lol, the show IS called "Sanford & Son" and WAS supposed to focus on Fred and Lamont. But the supporting cast of characters really did help define the show. The first season was hilarious, IMO, when I got the DVDs last November of the 1st season, I hadn't seen the show in 2 years, and I just could not stop laughing. But they really couldn't have gone on for the rest of the run with JUST Fred and Lamont, so the producers did the right thing by adding new characters to the mix.

I really don't understand what is so bad about the first season, but, it's just your opinion.

Originally posted by TVJunkie101
Well, Solomon, lol, the show IS called "Sanford & Son" and WAS supposed to focus on Fred and Lamont. But the supporting cast of characters really did help define the show. The first season was hilarious, IMO, when I got the DVDs last November of the 1st season, I hadn't seen the show in 2 years, and I just could not stop laughing. But they really couldn't have gone on for the rest of the run with JUST Fred and Lamont, so the producers did the right thing by adding new characters to the mix.

I really don't understand what is so bad about the first season, but, it's just your opinion.

I guess i didn't like the first season because it was hard for me to watch the same two characters in the same room for 30 minutes. So it really wasn't one of my favorite seasons.

Actually, the first season is one of my favorites for that very reason.

Lamont did almost get married in the third episode of the first season and the seventh episode had him moving out because Fred kept interferring with his dates. He didn't have a steady girlfriend, but they were periodically introduced during the first season.

Donna was also introduced during the first season and in the tenth episode he was engaged (a return appearance by Donna came in the 13th episode). I don't know if they planned Donna to last the length of the series but she did. In fact, I wish they would have kept Lamont and Donna adversaries since those episodes were really funny.

And while they didn't have Julio, Rollo, Esther, Grady and Bubba they did introduce Officers Smitty and Swanny (much funnier than Hoppy IMO) and Fred's friend Melvin (played by Slappy White in four eps.).

These episodes in the first season were outstanding:
Happy Birthday, Pop
Here Comes the Bride, There Goes the Bride
We Were Robbed
The Great Sanford Siege
TV or Not TV
The Piano Movers

My two cents


I'd like to throw a couple of cents towards the "Coffins for Sale" episode, which was notable for Lamont's complete deviation from character-Instead of being the sensible, cool-headed one, he flips out and in a hilarious way.
Also, wasn't this the first episode SLAPPY WHITE appeared in as MELVIN?

By the way, note that when Melvin makes his exit due to the coffins in the living room, Fred chides Lamont for driving his "best friend" away.

"Fairweather Friend" seems more like it, given that Melvin was gone for good shortly thereafter...:lol:

I loved the first season of Sanford & Son

I liked the funky flute music they used for the outdoor shots in the first season.....like when Lamont finds the note on his windshield in piano movers..... the shot of Lamont noticing the breathmobile, ect.....

Having "NO" Grady during the first season, is why this is one of my favorites. I could never stand that ass!:lol:


Yeah Grady was always my Least favorite of fred friends. He brung nothing to the table and was just a grady haired GOOFBALL-lol

Grady just annoyed the hell out of me; he was not remotely funny; acted like he was ******** or someone with a mild case of multiple sclerosis:rolleyes:


Did you ever see his spinoff? On there he was normal I guess because it was his show and not just a character who made ocassional apperances

Ha, I have absolutely no desire to see the spin-off (regardless if Grady is serious or not); even seeing Grady acting normal, he is still an ass to my eyes.


By the way, his spinoff lasted 3 months-lol

Bubba was horrible, too; one of the very worst actors I have EVER seen on television; the only highlight(s) of Sanford and Son was Redd Foxx and LaWanda Page; and Fred interaction with Rollo..The End.


I really have nothing to say about Bubba. He wasn't weird, or unusual looking, just your typical looking older black man. He gave me a chuckle very once in a while but he was a CLASSIC character

if its too painful to watch Sanford and Son eps with Bubba and/or Grady then FOR THE MOST PART....you might not really even like the show......lol........its just TV comedy to me!

I understand......the supporting cast on the show couldnt hold a candle to the obvious comedic genius of Redd Foxx....so Grady(Whitman Mayo), and Bubba (Don Bexley)were only that BAD in comparison to how GOOD Fred was....... maybe you should focus on the positive ........?

The first season was the best to me, Way more funnier.

Any episode with Julio (:eyes: :heart: :eyes:) is golden in my eyes. Seriously, I don't remember a lot about the first season. Here's a fun bit of trivia: both Noam Pitlik (Swanny) and Howard Platt (Hoppy) had recurring roles on The Bob Newhart Show. Howard Platt also guest starred on a first season ep of Barney Miller ("Ms. Cop") which reunited him with Gregory Sierra, and the ep was directed by Noam Pitlik!!

I liked the funky flute music they used for the outdoor shots in the first season.....like when Lamont finds the note on his windshield in piano movers..... the shot of Lamont noticing the breathmobile, ect.....
Sort-of the "Sanford & Son" version of that music they played on "Beverly Hillbillies" (different rendition of the theme song).

Almost all the first year shows are derived from Steptoe and Son and I think that really helped get the show off to a strong start. The writing and the acting are very, very good in some of those first year shows, there's more balance between the two characters, more like Lamont is just as much a leading character as Fred. Fred is more pathetic and Lamont more antagonistic. Also I was noticing that in year 1 Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson actually look younger. I'm wondering if their drug habits aged them as the show went on. Redd Foxx looks healthier in the first season- I can see it in his face and Demond Wilson actually looks like someone in his twenties. By the later seasons he looked like he was pushing 40.
Each season is enjoyable in its own way, but this show was better before Redd Foxx quit midway through and year 6 is the worst.

Almost all the first year shows are derived from Steptoe and Son and I think that really helped get the show off to a strong start. The writing and the acting are very, very good in some of those first year shows, there's more balance between the two characters, more like Lamont is just as much a leading character as Fred. Fred is more pathetic and Lamont more antagonistic. Also I was noticing that in year 1 Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson actually look younger. I'm wondering if their drug habits aged them as the show went on. Redd Foxx looks healthier in the first season- I can see it in his face and Demond Wilson actually looks like someone in his twenties. By the later seasons he looked like he was pushing 40.
Each season is enjoyable in its own way, but this show was better before Redd Foxx quit midway through and year 6 is the worst.

Did Redd Foxx really do drugs? I know he was an alcoholic, but I never heard of him doing drugs.

Am I the only Grady fan on these boards? :lol:

The first season was okay but it was better once the regular supporting characters came on like Aunt Esther, Grady, Julio and Rollo.

Did Redd Foxx really do drugs? I know he was an alcoholic, but I never heard of him doing drugs.
I had read/heard stuff back then that he had done drugs. I can't say for certain that he did, but the rumors were rampant.

Am I the only Grady fan on these boards? :lol:

The first season was okay but it was better once the regular supporting characters came on like Aunt Esther, Grady, Julio and Rollo.

:lol: I've always been a Grady fan. The guy never gets any respect. :grady:

As for the first season, I thought it was good and there are a few classic episodes from season 1, but seasons 2-4 were the best, IMO. The show was much better when they got some supporting characters. I think Aunt Ethel was the only supporting character they had during the first season, but she was such a boring character. :lol:

:lol: I've always been a Grady fan. The guy never gets any respect. :grady:

As for the first season, I thought it was good and there are a few classic episodes from season 1, but seasons 2-4 were the best, IMO. The show was much better when they got some supporting characters. I think Aunt Ethel was the only supporting character they had during the first season, but she was such a boring character. :lol:
You said it and Aunt Ethel couldn't compare to Aunt Esther. I'm so glad they got rid of her. :lol:

Am I the only Grady fan on these boards? :lol:

The first season was okay but it was better once the regular supporting characters came on like Aunt Esther, Grady, Julio and Rollo.

:lol: Naw, you're not the only fan. I always thought he was sweet, cute and funny!

:lol: I've always been a Grady fan. The guy never gets any respect. :grady:

Sadly, no. :lol:

That smilie is.... hot.

:lol: Naw, you're not the only fan. I always thought he was sweet, cute and funny!



Sadly, no. :lol:

That smilie is.... hot.
like the time Grady and Fred went on that game show and Grady dressed up like the Fairy Godmother. Classic Grady. :lol:

Also, Noam Pitlik, directed a lot of episodes of Barney Miller, too; he was better known as a television director than an actor.
You're right; he was Barney Miller's main director and did a fine job. He was also a funny actor and his appearances as Mr. Gianelli in Bob Newhart's therapy group are golden. :lol:

You're right; he was Barney Miller's main director and did a fine job. He was also a funny actor and his appearances as Mr. Gianelli in Bob Newhart's therapy group are golden. :lol:

Really?? Noam Pitlik was Mr. Gianelli? I never realized that.:o

Really?? Noam Pitlik was Mr. Gianelli? I never realized that.:o
Yes, that's him! He was actually replaced in one episode by Daniel J. Travanti, who went on to Hill Street Blues.

Mr. Pitlik played Mr. Gianelli in these episodes (from Seasons 1-2): "Fly The Unfriendly Skies", "Mutiny on the Hartley", "The Crash of 29 Years Old", "Bum Voyage" and "The Last TV Show". Mr. Travanti took over in "Battle of The Groups", which would be Mr. Gianelli's last appearance before being crushed by a ton of zucchini!! :eek:

like the time Grady and Fred went on that game show and Grady dressed up like the Fairy Godmother. Classic Grady. :lol:

Oh man, no doubt. :lol: I need to see that episode again.

like the time Grady and Fred went on that game show and Grady dressed up like the Fairy Godmother. Classic Grady. :lol:

When they got back home to Lamont's birthday party, didn't Grady say something like "Turn the lights back out, Lamont's a very good dancer." ? That was a great Grady line.

You said it and Aunt Ethel couldn't compare to Aunt Esther. I'm so glad they got rid of her. :lol:

:lol: The should have called her Aunt Ether instead of Aunt Ethel cause everytime she opened her mouth I felt like passing out. :lol:

BTW did you know that LaWanda Page auditioned for the role of Aunt Ethel during the first season? :eek: I found that out the other night when I was reading my Sanford and Son book that came with the season 6 set.

:lol: The should have called her Aunt Ether instead of Aunt Ethel cause everytime she opened her mouth I felt like passing out. :lol:

BTW did you know that LaWanda Page auditioned for the role of Aunt Ethel during the first season? :eek: I found that out the other night when I was reading my Sanford and Son book that came with the season 6 set.
:lol: That's so true. Her character was not developed very well. She was so bland.

No I didn't know that. I'm glad that she didn't get that part. I can't picture anyone else but her playing Aunt Esther. When she says...Watch it sucker....that still gets to me. :lol:

No I didn't know that. I'm glad that she didn't get that part. I can't picture anyone else but her playing Aunt Esther. When she says...Watch it sucker....that still gets to me. :lol:

I crack up everytime she says that line and also when she says "you old fish eyed fool". :lol:

I still laugh at the episode

BTW did you know that LaWanda Page auditioned for the role of Aunt Ethel during the first season? :eek: I found that out the other night when I was reading my Sanford and Son book that came with the season 6 set.

My 6th Season didn't come with a book. :( How did you get the book??

My 6th Season didn't come with a book. :( How did you get the book??

I bought the Collector's Edition. It's nothing to be upset about though. There really isn't much info, just some profiles on the actors and a list of all the writers and some of the guest stars.

I bought the Collector's Edition. It's nothing to be upset about though. There really isn't much info, just some profiles on the actors and a list of all the writers and some of the guest stars.

Oh, thanks for the info! Are there any good books out there about S&S? Doesn't seem to be much coverage about the show other than the VHS tapes and DVD's.

Oh, thanks for the info! Are there any good books out there about S&S? Doesn't seem to be much coverage about the show other than the VHS tapes and DVD's.

No problem. :)

I don't believe there are any S&S books. There are a few interesting articles at one of the Sanford and Son sites though. Heres the link. :cool:

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Maze/3101/sandsfaq.html

No problem. :)

I don't believe there are any S&S books. There are a few interesting articles at one of the Sanford and Son sites though. Heres the link. :cool:

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Maze/3101/sandsfaq.html



Thanks for the link--very interesting! I feel 'starved' for information about the show. My late, great father and I used to watch the show together during it's original airing. We both loved the show and 'howled' with laughter. I love the many references to Nixon and the politcal flavor of the USA at the time because it is all stuff I vividly remember. Dated in respect to the content of some of the jokes, but timeless in it's comedic brillance and delivery.

Thanks for the link--very interesting! I feel 'starved' for information about the show. My late, great father and I used to watch the show together during it's original airing. We both loved the show and 'howled' with laughter. I love the many references to Nixon and the politcal flavor of the USA at the time because it is all stuff I vividly remember. Dated in respect to the content of some of the jokes, but timeless in it's comedic brillance and delivery.



I will keep you mindwhen doing my Daily TV research-lol I used to post fun facts all the time but no one cared-lol I posted the TV Guide Review of Sanford and Sin earlier in the year. It was from a 1972 Tv guide

I will keep you mindwhen doing my Daily TV research-lol I used to post fun facts all the time but no one cared-lol I posted the TV Guide Review of Sanford and Sin earlier in the year. It was from a 1972 Tv guide


Can you repost, or tell me where to search for it in the archives? Thanks.

Can you repost, or tell me where to search for it in the archives? Thanks.



I will bump all my Findings for You

Thanks for the link--very interesting! I feel 'starved' for information about the show. My late, great father and I used to watch the show together during it's original airing. We both loved the show and 'howled' with laughter. I love the many references to Nixon and the politcal flavor of the USA at the time because it is all stuff I vividly remember. Dated in respect to the content of some of the jokes, but timeless in it's comedic brillance and delivery.

I know how you feel cause I'm always checking out websites looking for any information on my favorite tv shows. I found that link about a week ago and I was surprised that they had several articles about the show.

Speaking of Nixon, I was watching an episode of S&S last night and Fred had some news and he wanted Lamont to guess what the news was and Lamont says "Nixon's not going to run." and Fred responds "If he comes through Watts he will.". :lol: That's one of the funniest Nixon references I've ever heard.

True, some of the jokes are a bit dated but for the most part, it's still fresh. You can't really say that about too many shows from that era.

I know how you feel cause I'm always checking out websites looking for any information on my favorite tv shows. I found that link about a week ago and I was surprised that they had several articles about the show.

Speaking of Nixon, I was watching an episode of S&S last night and Fred had some news and he wanted Lamont to guess what the news was and Lamont says "Nixon's not going to run." and Fred responds "If he comes through Watts he will.". :lol: That's one of the funniest Nixon references I've ever heard.

True, some of the jokes are a bit dated but for the most part, it's still fresh. You can't really say that about too many shows from that era.



You are so right about the jokes still being fresh. I shouldn't have even used the term 'dated' because it has a negative and stale connotation, and they're anything but. Rather, the jokes are more of a 'historic' genre and significance.

That is a good Nixon joke. The show was full of references to that era, and they are still funny today. The show truly is timeless. I guess that is why we are all here talking about it after 30 years! :talk:

Through the six seasons, Fred joked Nixon, Ford, and Carter....
Lamont- "Yeah but there is a law against BRIBERY, and that's what you're trying to do BRIBE me!"
Fred- "Why would I try to bribe you, you aint no Vice President...."(talking about the Watergate scandal-of course....)
Daniel-"I just told her I didn't believe in God"
Fred- "Tellin' Esther there is no God is like tellin' Jimmy Carter there aint no more toothpaste!"(a joke about Carter's big smile-of course)

Although it was a short season, I like season one of Sanford And Son. The interaction between Fred and Lamont is very funny, and those first season episodes have some funny situations. The second season held it's own, but as the series progressed it went steadily downhill with the mix of too many secondary characters and the episodes just weren't as funny after awhile.

Actually, the first season is one of my favorites for that very reason.

Lamont did almost get married in the third episode of the first season and the seventh episode had him moving out because Fred kept interferring with his dates. He didn't have a steady girlfriend, but they were periodically introduced during the first season.

Donna was also introduced during the first season and in the tenth episode he was engaged (a return appearance by Donna came in the 13th episode). I don't know if they planned Donna to last the length of the series but she did. In fact, I wish they would have kept Lamont and Donna adversaries since those episodes were really funny.

And while they didn't have Julio, Rollo, Esther, Grady and Bubba they did introduce Officers Smitty and Swanny (much funnier than Hoppy IMO) and Fred's friend Melvin (played by Slappy White in four eps.).

These episodes in the first season were outstanding:
Happy Birthday, Pop
Here Comes the Bride, There Goes the Bride
We Were Robbed
The Great Sanford Siege
TV or Not TV
The Piano Movers

My two cents
It was obvious to me that the first season was still finding it's way and addressing new characters. I wouldn't expect perfection in the first season or episodes.

Did you know that Lynn Hamilton also played Lamont's landlord in the episode "A Pad For Lamont"??? She comes in when Lamont has his girlfriend in his house,and tells Lamont why the lights were on and that there was a time when everything was turned off. She was funny in that one.:lol:

Lamont: "You can't come in here spittin' all over my candle...I'm payin' the rent here!"

Land Lady: "Not anymore you don't, lover-boy!":lol:

It was obvious to me that the first season was still finding it's way and addressing new characters. I wouldn't expect perfection in the first season or episodes.
Especially when the first season is only 13 episodes long AND a midseason replacement. :nod:

Am I the only Grady fan on these boards? :lol:

No. I loved Grady!