Video: 'SANFORD AND SON S1E01 Crossed Swords'

(Friday, January 14, 1972, 8:00 p.m. EST) — Sanford and Son an American sitcom television series based on the British sitcom Steptoe and Son and known for its edgy racial humor, running gags, and catchphrases, debuted tonight on NBC.

The series, based on the British sitcom Steptoe and Son and adapted by Norman Lear, was considered NBC’s answer to CBS’s All in the Family and has been hailed as the precursor to many other African-American sitcoms

It stared Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford, known for his bigotry and cantankerousness, and Demond Wilson in the role of Lamont Sanford, Fred’s long-suffering, conscientious, peacemaker son.