24/11/2019
The Jeffersons (CBS) – 1975-85
One of the most successful spin-off sitcoms in television history, The Jeffersons was “movin’ on up” for 11 seasons on CBS, with its peak primetime ranking at No. 3 overall in 1981-82.Isabel Sanford was “Weezie” (aka Louise Jefferson), the faithful but long-suffering wife of Sherman Hemsley as loudmouth George. Franklin Cover and Roxie Roker were Tom and Helen Willis, the first in*******al couple featured on a television series.
And then, of course, was Marla Gibbs as no-nonsense maid Florence (who was upgraded to her own spin-off sitcom, Checking In, in the spring of 1981, but quickly returned after its failure). Like that other classic TV maid before her, Shirley Booth as Hazel, Florence also always knew best!
Did You Know?
When The Jeffersons began, Isabel Sanford was 57 years old in real life, while Sherman Hemsley was a mere 36. Do the math, and George Jefferson would have been about 14 at the time of son Lionel’s birth. No wonder why “Mother” Jefferson (Zara Cully) disliked her!
