Storyboard / Get to Know Norman Lear, the Master of Comedic Controversy

Back to Storyboard Posts

Get to Know Norman Lear, the Master of Comedic Controversy

October 26, 2016

rewire-200

This article originally appeared on Rewire.

By Mantha Petrovich

“Movin’ on Up” and “Those Were the Days”—you hear these theme songs and immediately think of George Jefferson and Archie Bunker. These are just two of the groundbreaking shows created by Norman Lear that changed television forever. While families watched TV in their comfortable chairs, he tackled uncomfortable subjects of the ‘70s and ‘80s such as racism, sexism, and poverty through comedy. Nobody had ever done this.

I didn’t know much about Norman Lear except that his name was on the credits of about a million sitcoms. However, he was more than just an innovative television producer. “American Masters – Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” documents Lear’s 94 year life from his tough childhood, his controversial TV career, his family life, and his political and social activism.

When I was young, I watched Nick at Nite and remember “The Jeffersons” and “All in the Family”mostly due to the catchy theme songs—but not grasping how these shows impacted our society, not only at that time they premiered, but in today’s world. “American Masters” has behind-the-scenes footage and old interviews of the stars of “Good Times,” “Maude” and “All in the Family” talking about their success, but also the tension and pressure that came with making bold societal statements.

This film discusses the many achievements Lear had as a producer—creating over 15 TV series and 700+ hours of primetime entertainment (holy moly)—but it doesn’t ignore the fact he didn’t get along with everyone, his scripts weren’t always accepted by the cast, and he was put on President Nixon’s enemies list because of a sitcom. We now live in a world filled with content that embraces differences and questions everything—who knows if that would be the case without Lear’s creativity.

044FRAMED_PHOTOS021

Norman Lear left the TV sitcom world and pursued his passion for activism. He became very involved with the People for the American Way (PFAW) after the Moral Majority movement began. However, he didn’t stay away from television for long, creating political variety specials like “I Love Liberty” with Robin Williams.

Fun fact: Did you know Lear purchased a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence for the low price of $8 million dollars?!

Let me name drop a few people who are interviewed and featured in this documentary: journalist Bill Moyers, actors John Amos, George Clooney, Phil Rosenthal (no food was served), Rob Reiner, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Amy Poehler, and more!

Bill Moyers gave the following quote from George Orwell, “The most important thing is to see what’s obvious and tell us about it.” After viewing “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You,” you learn he did just that—whether it be in his comedy writing or his political and social involvement.

Directed by Oscar nominated Heidi Ewig and Rachel Grady, this documentary celebrates and teaches us about a man who pushed the envelope throughout his career, on and off screen.

As Norman Lear puts it best “even this I get to experience” and you should too.

Watch “American Masters – Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” now!

© Twin Cities Public Television - 2016. All rights reserved.

Comments

Read Next

Top
To Top