Long before Bill Cosby started wearing his friendly sweaters, urban middle-class African Americans burst onto television in the form of Louise (better known as "Weezy") and George Jefferson, portrayed by Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley. Spun off from
All in the Family,
The Jeffersons ran from 1975 to 1985, and it's easy to see what made the show so popular--Sanford and Hemsley were a knockout comic duo, surrounded by a skilled supporting cast that included the interracial couple Helen and Tom Willis (Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover), British expatriate Harry Bentley (Paul Benedict), as well as George's cantankerous mother Olivia (Zara Cully) and their snappy, cynical maid Florence (Marla Gibbs).
Set in a high-rise apartment building in the heart of New York City, the show spun around George, a classic character portrait of vanity, arrogance, and petty prejudice. Balanced by the more level-headed but just as strong-willed Weezy, George's self-serving abrasiveness struck comic gold, particularly in the second season, when the show's style had been set but was still fresh. Episodes tackled subjects trivial (George and Tom wear the same tacky dinner jacket to a party) and trenchant (a country club invites George to join, but only so that a newspaper reporter will think the club is open to minorities). The black and white mix of the cast allowed for a sharply satirical take on race relations, which managed to have a genuine sense of hope while never glossing over the complexity of racial tension--and was consistently funny. In fact, it's striking how well the show's humor holds up; The Jeffersons turned a series of half-hour farces into a sly examination of marriage, race, class, and the battle of the sexes; it's sad that so few contemporary sitcoms have this kind of intelligence, courage, and sheer talent. --Bret Fetzer
Beloved by fans and critics alike, this Emmy-award winning CBS series is one of the most highly rated and longest running sitcoms in TV history.
1 When Sitcoms Actually Made you Laugh!!!
This series just got better and better with each season!!! It's no surprize it lasted so long. The actor's were perfectly cast and the writing was brilliant!!! Need I say Norman Lear was a sheer genius at creating outstanding sitcoms, that featured older actors as it's lead characters. The episodes from this season leave you eagerly wanting more! The packaging was perfect and the quality of the discs were crisp and clear. True Jefferson's fans will not be disappointed! I JUST WISH COLUMBIA TRISTAR WOULD GET BUSY AND START RELEASING SEASONS THREE THROUGH TEN PRONTO!!! There are many more outstanding episodes in season three and others, like when george and louise seek marital advise from Tom and Helen, the trials and tribulations of Jenny and Lionel, and let's not forget the special guest appearance of Billy Dee Williams!!! These episodes are priceless!!! It's would also be nice to see the surviving cast be interviewed and pay special tribute to the late Isabel Sanford. WHAT A GREAT LADY!!! It's hard to believe she was almost 20 years older than Sherman Hemsley when they played husband and wife!!! GEORGE AND WEEZIE FOREVER!!!! AGAIN RELEASE SEASON THREE PRONTO COLUMBIA TRISTAR!!!
2 AWESOME!WE WNAT MORE!!!!
The Jeffersons is a comedy classic!But please we want more ...when is more releasing.I can'y wait...why not sell a complete box set....why the delay?... please.The Jeffersons is a comedy that one can watch over and over again.
3 Just about my favorite season of this great show.
For a show that ran for more than a decade this is just about my favorite season. It's basically a toss up between the first three season. Rarely have I laughed as hard as when I watched "George meets Whittendale". When Tom said he had to use the bathroom I almost used it myself. "Lunch with Mama" had me rolling in laughter as well. "The Break Up (parts 1 & 2) is a favorite of mine as well. Some people complained about the change in actors for Lionel Jefferson. I like the way Mike Evans portrayed the character but also thought Damon Evans (No relation to Mike Evans) did a great job. In some ways I like Damon's portrayal better. This show was never the same after Mama Jefferson died.
The DVD package was still underdeveloped. No extras at all. There are still enough of the original cast around to make a good documentary. One improvement over the first season release of THE JEFFERSONS is the option to play the episodes back to back. It is so much nicer when you can just watch episode after episode without being returned to the main menu to select each episode. I should also mention that the DVD producers must not be fans of the show. The packaging, for both seasons 1 & 2, contain stock photos from various episodes over the shows eleven seasons. In fact the front covers are all wrong. They have photshoped the images of George and Louise together from different years of the show. For example, the picture of Louise on the cover is taken from a photo that probably was taken 7 to 10 years after the 75-76 season. The photo of George was probably taken within a year or two of the 75-76 season. Anyway, this may not be a big concern, especially to the casual fan, but I find this kind of slaped together DVD packaging somewhat insulting to real fans of the show.
4 Not too much Florence but still very funny
It seems like it's taking forever for season 3 to be released but we still have season 2 of "The Jeffersons" to provide us with laughs. The Jeffersons was such a long running series it's hard to remember what happened in what season. Season 2 is a season in where the character of Mama Jefferson was still an integral part of the storyline. Florence was in the cast but she did not play as leading of a role as she did in later episodes. Episode 219, "Florence's Problem" is the only episode where Florence has a leading storyline.
But the second season of "The Jeffersons" has some mad hilarious episodes like "George Meets Whittendale" (where George, Helen, and Tom get locked in the bathroom), "George's Best Friend" (Lou Gossett stars as a old Navy pal who hits on Wheezy, and others. This set is 3 discs and worth the money!
5 Television
When I was born, most of the shows from Nick at Nite or TV Land had ended on regular television, except for a few which I was to young to see. When I was about 8, I started watching Nick at Nite. I first heard of The Jeffersons when I was 9,which was when I frist saw it. I was 10 when I first knew about TV Land. I enjoyed watching tHe Jeffersons. Anyhow, TV Land took the Jeffersons off in January 2003 to put on Sanford and Son.(I like that show too, but not as much as the Jeffersons.) So I decided to buy the Complete first and Second Seasons so I could see it some more. I was disapointed it did'nt have the pilot. I will be looking forward to when all eleven seasons are out.
6 The best comedy series made so far
This is the best series made so far....I only hope all the series are out on DVD. I have seen the other series on TV and waiting for it to be released on DVD. I recommend both the DVD's and I am sure you won't be disappointed.
7 WHERE IS SEASON THREE??!!
Interestingly enough, I was born after "The Jeffersons" started running and too young to catch the later years. It's a show that I caught in syndication on TV Land, and I must admit that I am HOOKED!!!!! I have the first two seasons on DVD, and am anxiously awaiting the release of Season Three. I've been checking upcoming release dates, and I see no mention of it! When will it be released?! I'm hoping that enough people will join with me and protest to Sony/Columbia. We want "The Jeffersons"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8 Great Show...Too bad my copy was defective....
The Jefferson's 2nd Season is one of the show's best. Now you can see this super season in all it's glory!
Unfortuately I had to return my first copy becuase for some reason the 1st disc wouldn't play on my 2 DVD players! At least I saw the last 2 discs. I did finally replace it with no problems.
Anyways, I love this show and like I stated above, think it's one of the series' best seasons. My favorite episode of course is "George Meets Whittendale" which is the classic episode where George gets locked in the bathroom with the Willises.
Funny stuff. A lot of the scenes during this season are featured in the following season's opening title sequence (ex. George dancing on his bed, Louise acting like an indian in front of Lionel and Jenny in the kitchen, the Willises and George locked in the bathroom, etc.)
Make sure you get this if you are a fan of The Jeffersons. If you like the first season set, you'll love this, and vice versa.
9 "Now we're up in the big leagues!"
There's a new Lionel and even more laughs and episodes with the hilarious second season of the Jeffersons! This is where the Jeffersons began to literally "move on up" both in writing and character development. In the second season, we not only get to know George & Weezie a lot better, but also the Willis', not to mention Mother Jefferson gets craftier, Bentley gets weirder, Florence gets sassier, and Ralph just gets more shameless! Another big change is Damon Evans replacing Mike Evans as Lionel Jefferson. Damon brings something new to the role and makes it his own from the get go. He would play Lionel until 1978 after which Mike reclaimed the role. Memorable moments abound in this DVD set like when George & Tom wear the same dinner jacket, Weezy's daughter visits, Mother Jefferson fakes a nasty fall, Louis Gosset puts the moves on Weezy, Lionel dents the company van, George locked in the bathroom with the Willis', Lionel & Jenny break up, Florence might jump off the empire state building, Lionel gets drunk, Bentley goes out on a date, George dances on the bed, and much much more! Here's the episode titles:
Disc 1:
Dinner for Harry
George's first vacation
Louise's daughter
Harry & Daphne
Jefferson vs. Jefferson
Mother Jefferson's Fall
Movin' on down
Uncle Bertram
George won't talk
Disc Two:
George's best friend
Jenny's grandparents
George's alibi
George and the manager
Lunch with Mama
George vs. Wall Street
The break up, part 1
The break up, part 2
Florence's problem
Disc three:
Mother Jefferson's birthday
Louise's cookbook
George meets Whittendale
Lionel's problem
Tennis, anyone?
The Wedding
Don't be a weird dude or a jive turkey...get the Jeffersons Season 2 right now! Can't wait for season 3! By the way, this DVD set has the play all episodes feature and you can skip past the opening theme...as if anyone would want to do that! 3 DVDs and 24 episodes for the same price as season 1!
Also recommended:
Good Times season one (which Mike Evans co-created and named the family after his!)
Sanford & Son seasons 1, 2, & 3 (coming in October 2003!)
All in the Family Seasons 1 & 2
and of course the Jeffersons Season 1...duh!
WEEZAY!
10 Definatly worth the money
First of all, this season is better than the first. And for 1 buck an episode is a pretty good price. This season is probably one of the best. it has great sound and video quality, If you buy this I don't think you will be dissapointed.
11 24 BOMB EPISODES!
Along with I love Lucy, Strangers with Candy, Buffy, The Golden Girls and Charlie's Angels, I think the Jeffersons is also counted in on my top 10 favorite TV SHOWS. How funny are these people? Seriously, hours and hours of fun on 3 discs for just ...? Yes, for $... with your suncoast replay card, you can have all 24 episodes on this great box set. Definitely worth the money, and every episode is very good. Although Strangers with Candy has always basically been my favorite show ever (along with the Golden Girls), this 70'S SITCOM IS also close to me and I really like it.GEORGE AND WEEZY BE MOVIN' ON UP-YO!
12 More of the black Archie Bunker
Here are the episodes that aired between fall 1975 and spring 1976 on CBS. One that I loved was the two-part "The Break-Up",which is between the Jeffersons' son Lionel and Jenny,Tom and Helen Willis' daughter. ... The beauty of it is,Lionel and Jenny reconcile in part two. Also in that episode,the friendship between the Jeffersons and the Willises dissolves with their respective childrens' relationship. When Lionel and Jenny reconcile,the Jeffersons and the Willises become friends again. George does continue to refer to Tom,English neighbor Harry Bentley,landlord Mr. Whittendale(sorry,don't know his first name) and doorman Ralph Hart,occasionally seen as honkies. I think this is the season where Marla Gibbs joins the Jeffersons cast as Florence Johnston,the Jeffersons' maid. Also,Damon Evans resumes the role of Lionel,originally played by Mike Evans,who at this time served as a producer for Good Times which he had co-created. As for the Jeffersons' former residence,now occupied by Archie Bunker's daughter,Gloria Bunker Stivic and husband Mike, at this time they have become proud parents. The Jeffersons at this time were in the Nielsen Top 10.
13 The Jeffersons
The second season of The Jeffersons is one of the series' best. I highly recommend it for any classic tv fan. Finally we get each season of The Jeffersons together with each episode in its entirety. On TV Land they edit each episode heavily to allow for more commercial time, so there is lots of footage that has not been show since its original run. Only problem is that there are none of the special features we all love and full treatment that other companies like Paramount and Fox have given to the televison shows they have put out. For whatever reason Columbia has not gotten the message that fans want special DVD features. Certainly they could come up with new documentaries and extras for notable and beloved shows like the Jeffersons, All In The Family, and Sanford and Son. Overall I highly recommend the Jeffersons, because we do get the most important thing, which is each full and complete season the the series. Can not wait for season three!
14 TOO, TOO MUCH!!!
Bigger, badder, and even funnier than series I. Weezie, Florence, George "and the zebra-couple" knew what pure fun and true laughs were all about. There will never be another like it.
Keep belting out those series' for us pleeeeeze!!!
15 finally..season 2!
I have been waiting for this series to make it to DVD for a long time! Needless to say, I am not disappointed. It still is one of the greatest sit-coms ever made!
There really aren't any special features or extras, but still well worth it, if you're a fan.
16 great show...decent DVD set
I have both season 1 & season 2 sets. The show is great as everyone says, but the DVD is kinda lacking. The good news is you get 24(as opposed to season one's 13) episodes from the second season(only seen a handful of episodes so far but Florence the Maid is more sassy like you remembered her, and there's a different Lionel, etc). The bad news is, no extras whatsoever(dissapointing) and in mono/fullscreen(which is to be expected for a 70's show). Bare bones DVD presentation, but if you really liked the show, that should be enough(again, 24 episodes!). Highly recommended.
17 George&Weesie still the Baddest Couple on Tv Ever!
I Love the Jeffersons as I do Sanford&Son&Good Times.Love my 70's Black Shows better than any other Era Before or since.the writing&Social vibe truly added so much.this Show touched on so many themes&wasn't afraid to take those risks.the Chemistry between everyone on this show truly is still felt to this day.Great Price,Great Value&a Hall Of Fame Show.One of the Baddest Shows Ever.
18 5 stars for series, 1 for lack of subtitles
the jeffersons must be one of the greatest tv shows of all time and this dvd is great. unfortunately I'm really disappointed by the complete lack of subtitles (the first series had them).
so I'll give 5 stars for the series (and the dvd the reunites the complete second season) but just 1 star because of the missing subtitles.
19 Funniest And Most Entertaining Sitcom Ever!
The JEFFERSONS, without a doubt, was the most hilariously FUNNY sitcom on television. It didn't matter if you tuned in weekly, occasionally or sporadically - you were consistently ENTERTAINED and walked away fully satisfied with every viewing. This show NEVER lost it's appeal nor its audience, and was also one of the most enduring(1975-85) TV sitcoms in television history. MARLA GIBBS as "Florence", without a doubt, has to be the all-time ULTIMATE maid in the sense that she totally took over and ran the household, stole the show each and everytime she appeared on camera, and basically had everyone around her being her servants. She was too funny and quite a memorable character no other actress could have played. Our beloved FLORENCE lives on - instilled in our memories forever! Sherman Hemsley is just as funny and has enjoyed a long running career since the Jeffersons, playing basically, "GEORGE" himself through other subsequent and successful sitcoms. It's always great to see both George and Louise(the lovely ISABEL SANFORD)appearing on commercials and cameos on various sitcoms through the years. The whole Jeffersons gang is here, Mother Jefferson; The Late Roxie Roker("Helen" and rocker Lenny Kravitz' real life Mom); Lionel & Jenny; Tom; etc. The gospel style tinged theme song, "MOVIN' ON UP" written and performed here by none other than the multi-talented JA'NET DUBOIS(she played sassy neighbor "WILLONA" on "Good Times")is also featured in every opening sequence. ISABEL SANFORD once said that CBS cancelled the show without even giving the JEFFERSONS a "Goodbye" final episode, so making it available on Dvd collector's sets to fans kinda makes up for that. I can't wait till all the subsequent seasons are released!
20 Oooh, can't wait!
Yeah, I can't wait for this to come out either... I think this is my all time favourite sit-com since I sorta grew up with it! It rocks!!! In fact, I can't wait for all the episodes to come out on DVDs...
21 The **BEST** Show Ever Made!!
"The Jeffersons" is the *BEST* show that was ever made. Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson) and Marla Gibbs (Florence Johnston) is what made "The Jeffersons" such a hit in my opinion. Sherman Hemsley and Marla Gibbs are so funny. Marla Gibbs is fantastic as The Jeffersons wise cracking maid. Florence and George can't stand each other, which is one reason why they are so funny. The rest of the cast is also terrific. I can't wait untill The Complete Second Season comes out on DVD. I hope that all seasons of "The Jeffersons" come out on DVD. George Jefferson is my idol.
Memorable Line From Season Two:
Florence is talking to George: "Ask me how I got to work this morning."
George: "I know how you got to work. You flew over on your broom!"
To understand why the quote above is so funny you need to watch the show. In other words this show is a *CLASSIC* they don't make shows like this any more.
