The NBC sitcom "Sanford and Son" which broke new ground with its mainstream portrayal of Black life, premiered half a century ago this month.

“Sanford and Son” debuted 50 years ago this month on NBC, and the ratings smash opened the door for other Black family shows at a time TV was virtually all white.

But the comedian cleaned up his act for the small screen, and “Sanford and Son,” with Wilson co-starring as Foxx’s beleaguered adult son, debuted 50 years this month on NBC.

The groundbreaking TV series 'Sanford and Son' made its debut in January 1972.

But the comedian cleaned up his act for the small screen, and “Sanford and Son,” with Wilson co-starring as Foxx’s beleaguered adult son, debuted 50 years ago this month on NBC.

Redd Foxx (left) and Demond Wilson are seen in “Sanford and Son.” Norman Lear, who had roiled network waters the year before with the topically driven CBS sitcom “All in the Family,” said ...

TELEVISION: ‘Sanford and Son’ at 50, ‘double-edged’ pioneer January 27, 2022 at 1:31 a.m. by Lynn Elber, The Associated Press ...

"Sanford and Son" episodes, which aired from 1972-77, are on Amazon Prime Video, licensed for for streaming from Sony Pictures Television.

They showcased performers beloved by Black audiences, and, starting with “Sanford and Son,” proved that a series about a family of color could be widely successful.

It was 50 years ago this month that the sitcom “Sanford and Son” debuted on NBC.

‘Sanford and Son’ at 50, ‘double-edged’ Black sitcom pioneer It was 50 years ago this month that the sitcom “Sanford and Son” debuted on NBC ...