The Jeffersons: The Complete First Season

Running longer than the series it was spun off from (All in the Family), The Jeffersons (1975-1985) was a hilarious, outrageously popular sitcom that explored the lives of up-and-coming African-American couple George and Louise Jefferson. When George's dry-cleaning business expands, the family (including son Lionel and matriarch Mother Jefferson) moves on up "to the east side to a dee-luxe apartment in the sky," where they are befriended by a host of quirky neighbors. This two-disc set features 13 memorable episodes, including "A Friend in Need," which introduces lovably feisty maid Florence; "Mr. Piano Man" and "Meet the Press"--both revolving around George's customary get-in-good-with-well-to-do-ers schemes (which flop, as per usual); and "Lionel Cries Uncle" (in which Lionel's uppity behavior incenses his usually easygoing uncle). The comedic energy between Isabel Sanford as down-to-earth Louise and Sherman Hemsley as the bigoted, arrogant George is dynamic, and fans will enjoy watching them lovingly bicker over topics ranging from race and politics to family ties. Clever dialogue, solid plots, and a strong supporting cast (including Paul Benedict as odd Mr. Bentley, and the talented team of Franklin Cover and Roxie Roker--Lenny Kravitz's mother, for trivia junkies--as upstairs neighbors the Willises, TV's first interracial married couple on television) make The Jeffersons an absolutely enjoyable stroll down television's memory lane. Highly recommended. (J. Williams)