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The Jeffersons

The Jeffersons is an American sitcom created by Norman Lear that aired on CBS from 1975 to 1985.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Jeffersons is an American sitcom created by Norman Lear that aired on CBS from 1975 to 1985. It follows George and Louise Jefferson, a prosperous African American couple who move from Queens to a luxury apartment in Manhattan after George's dry-cleaning business succeeds. The series was a spin-off of All in the Family and became one of the longest-running sitcoms in U.S. television history.

Premise

The series follows George Jefferson, his wife Louise, and their family as they adjust to life in a luxury apartment in Manhattan. The move reflects George's success running Jefferson Cleaners and drives much of the show's social and class-based comedy.

Production and broadcast history

The Jeffersons premiered on CBS on January 18, 1975 and ended on July 2, 1985. It was created by Norman Lear and produced as a spin-off from All in the Family.

Cast and characters

The central cast included Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, and Marla Gibbs. The series also featured a recurring ensemble, including characters who represented different racial and social backgrounds.

Cultural significance

The show is frequently described as a landmark sitcom for its portrayal of an upper-class Black family on network television. It is often cited as influential in later TV depictions of African American family life.

Key facts

  • Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley starred as Louise and George Jefferson.
  • The premise focuses on the Jeffersons' move to a Manhattan high-rise after George's business success.
  • The Jeffersons was a spin-off of All in the Family.
  • It ran for 11 seasons and 253 episodes on CBS.
  • The series is noted for its portrayal of an affluent African American family on prime-time television.
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Canadian context

The Jeffersons is part of classic North American television and has remained available to Canadian viewers through broadcast, streaming, and home-video distribution over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Jeffersons about?
It follows George and Louise Jefferson after they move into a luxury apartment in Manhattan following the success of George's dry-cleaning business.
When did The Jeffersons air?
It aired on CBS from January 18, 1975, to July 2, 1985.
How many seasons and episodes did it have?
The series ran for 11 seasons and 253 episodes.
Is The Jeffersons a spin-off?
Yes. It was a spin-off of All in the Family, where the Jeffersons originally appeared as recurring characters.
Who starred in The Jeffersons?
The best-known stars were Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson and Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson.
Why is The Jeffersons considered important?
It is widely recognized for its portrayal of a successful Black family in prime-time television and its influence on later sitcoms.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jeffersons
    Supports: Aired dates, season and episode count, premise, creator, and spin-off status.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Jeffersons
    Supports: Series significance and depiction of African American family life.
  3. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/communication-and-mass-media/jeffersons-tv
    Supports: Cultural impact, premise, characters, and historical significance.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072519/
    Supports: Series run, premise, and main cast.