All in the Family TV Show: Premise, Cast, Legacy, and Key Facts

All in the Family is a landmark American television sitcom that aired on CBS from January 12, 1971, to April 8, 1979, comprising 205 episodes across nine seasons. The show centers on Archie Bunker, a working-class, prejudiced dockworker in Queens, New York, whose clashes with his liberal son-in-law Michael Stivic and his traditional wife Edith form the core family tensions. Created by Norman Lear, it brought topical, often controversial social issues into living rooms, redefining sitcom storytelling and television comedy. This guide explains the premise, principal cast, cultural influence, key production details, and its ongoing legacy for new viewers and longtime fans.