The Jeffersons
"The Jeffersons" was perhaps the most-successful spin-off series to "All in the Family." George Jefferson was the Black version of Archie Bunker in many respects: both were loud-mouthed, opinionated, and set in their bigoted ways. By 1975, Jefferson's fledgling dry-cleaning business, Jefferson Cleaners, had successfully grown into a small chain; his newfound wealth led to moving his family to a "deluxe apartment in the sky" in Manhattan. His family included his wife Louise, a level-headed and open-minded woman who often had to scold George when his mouth got him into trouble; and their son Lionel, an engineering major at a local college. George especially disliked Tom and Helen Willis, an interracial couple (he was white, she was Black) whose daughter Jenny was dating and later married Lionel; Florence, his sharp-tongued maid; and Harry Bentley, the esoteric Englishman who lived next door. George often flaunted his wealth and displayed rude, arrogant, bigoted behavior; however, he often found that money didn't open every door or win him favor with everyone. In later years, George and Louise became grandparents when Lionel and Jenny welcomed their adorable little daughter Jessica; and Lionel and Jenny found work, he as an electrical engineer, she as a fashion designer; but Lionel and Jenny's marriage crumbled. Meanwhile, as Jefferson Cleaners continued to expand, George continually had to deal with competing dry-cleaning franchises who sought to put him out of business. In the final season, George and Tom formed a partnership and purchased Charlie's Bar, their favorite hangout.
- 1975-1985
- 11 seasons
- Amazon Prime Video
- Comedy
- TV-PG
"The Jeffersons" was perhaps the most-successful spin-off series to "All in the Family." George Jefferson was the Black version of Archie Bunker in many respects: both were loud-mouthed, opinionated, and set in their bigoted ways. By 1975, Jefferson's fledgling dry-cleaning business, Jefferson Cleaners, had successfully grown into a small chain; his newfound wealth led to moving his family to a "deluxe apartment in the sky" in Manhattan. His family included his wife Louise, a level-headed and open-minded woman who often had to scold George when his mouth got him into trouble; and their son Lionel, an engineering major at a local college. George especially disliked Tom and Helen Willis, an interracial couple (he was white, she was Black) whose daughter Jenny was dating and later married Lionel; Florence, his sharp-tongued maid; and Harry Bentley, the esoteric Englishman who lived next door. George often flaunted his wealth and displayed rude, arrogant, bigoted behavior; however, he often found that money didn't open every door or win him favor with everyone. In later years, George and Louise became grandparents when Lionel and Jenny welcomed their adorable little daughter Jessica; and Lionel and Jenny found work, he as an electrical engineer, she as a fashion designer; but Lionel and Jenny's marriage crumbled. Meanwhile, as Jefferson Cleaners continued to expand, George continually had to deal with competing dry-cleaning franchises who sought to put him out of business. In the final season, George and Tom formed a partnership and purchased Charlie's Bar, their favorite hangout.
Season 11 Episode Guide
24 Episodes 1985
Episode 1
Blood and Money
Sun, Oct 14, 1984 24 mins
Louise wants George to donate blood and he says he will, but pays Ralph to donate in his name. Later Whittendale shows up claiming that because of George his wife was able to have a transfusion. He is willing to give George whatever he wants and George wants a Rolls Royce. But when Ralph learns of this he tries to get his piece of the pie.
Episode 2
Ebony and Ivory
Sun, Oct 21, 1984 30 mins
A snobby socialites' bragging to Louise about how her grandson will win a piano recital. Prompting Louise to enter Jessica in the recital as well, in an effort to get even for another past event between the two ladies.
Episode 3
Bobbles, Bangles and Booboos
Sun, Oct 28, 1984 24 mins
A practical joke by Louise leads to the Jefferson's apartment being robbed.
Episode 4
A House Divided
Sun, Nov 4, 1984 24 mins
Louise thinks the elected position of the building's Tenant Council President is hers alone, until George is found to be running for it also.
Episode 5
Some Enchanted Evening
Sun, Nov 18, 1984 24 mins
Florence enters poem-writing contest for her dream man, soap opera "star" Kent Tobin. When she learns the Jeffersons and the Willises are attending an event that evening in which Tobin will appear, she begs to go. Alone at home, she dreams.
Episode 6
The Gift
Sun, Nov 25, 1984 30 mins
After overhearing Louise tell Helen that he's actually remembered her birthday, George must now race against time to find the perfect gift and plan a party for her as well.
Episode 7
They Don't Make Preachers Like Him Anymore
Sun, Dec 16, 1984 24 mins
When Reverend Daniels - the minister at Florence's church - says that one of the church's projects will have to be cancelled due to a lack of funds, Florence gives him the money she received from an IRS refund. Later, Rev. Daniels disappears. When it becomes obvious he ran off with the money, Florence begins to question her faith. When no one is able to console her, Louise decides to call the church's previous minster, Reverend Taylor, to see if he'd be willing to speak to Florence. Rev. Taylor finds Florence in the church, and has a long talk with her about not turning her back on God, because of the actions of Rev. Daniels. Florence eventually returns home, and thanks Louise for making the phone call to Rev. Taylor on her behalf, telling Louise how much their conversation helped. After Florence leaves the room, it is revealed through a conversation between George and Louise, that Rev. Taylor had passed away several hours prior to Louise calling him, insinuating that Florence had actually been speaking with Taylor's ghost.
Episode 8
Try a Little Tenderness
Sun, Dec 23, 1984 24 mins
After catching vandals trying to break into his store, George and Louise decide to stake it out. They are surprised when two young kids break in. George wants to call the police but Louise doesn't. Louise bets George that if she can't turn them around, he won't have to give her $2000 to save the Help Center's children's counseling program.
Episode 9
You'll Never Get Rich
Tue, Jan 8, 1985 24 mins
George, Louise and Florence go to Atlantic City, NJ. The 3 have different experiences. Louise trying to be 'star struck' but striking out. Florence's hot streak and George...is unbelievable.
Episode 10
The Unnatural
Tue, Jan 15, 1985 24 mins
George goes to a baseball game and drops a foul ball and it is shown on TV. He becomes despondent. Louise then goes to the man who struck the ball--Reggie Jackson to try and raise George's spirits.
Episode 11
Chairman of the Bored
Tue, Jan 22, 1985 25 mins
After his wife, Helen, teases him about his boring stories, Tom fantasizes about intriguing Playboy Playmates with them.
Episode 12
Sayonara: Part 1
Tue, Jan 29, 1985 24 mins
The Jeffersons and Willses are busy decorating the apartment in anticipation of Lionel and Jenny returning home from Japan. At first, all seems fine: Granddaughter Jessica is boasting about a "big surprise" that her parents are bringing for her, which (along with a letter from Jenny's doctor) leads everyone to believe that Jenny is pregnant. Then a subtle clue drops when Tom is reminded to save the real estate section from the newspaper, even though Lionel and Jenny live in a large house. Louise meets Lionel and Jenny at the elevator and is the first to hear their announcement: They've decided to file for divorce! The news devastates both the Jeffersons and Willises, but - after their children leave - it isn't long before a huge argument ensues, with both sides blaming the other for their children's crumbling marriage.
Episode 13
Sayonara: Part 2
Tue, Feb 5, 1985 24 mins
Jessica is working on a special project for her school's upcoming Parent's Night: a picture of her family. She's already drawn her Grandma and Grandpa Willis and her mother, Jenny, and now - after riding the elevator by herself - will be drawing her Grandma and Grandpa Jefferson and her father, Lionel. After Jessica asks about why her parents are getting a divorce, Lionel has a heart-to-heart talk with her, helping her understand that even though "mommy and daddy" will no longer be living together, they still love her very much and have no animosity toward each other. That's more than can be said about the Jeffersons and Willises, who are still blaming each other for their children's failed marriage. When Jenny shows up to pick up Lionel and Jessica for Parent's Night at her school, Louise decides to go along (even though Jenny reminds her she declined an invitation just a few days earlier); George, however, demands to go along (and as usual, gets his way). At school, the Jeffersons and Willises - despite Lionel and Jenny asking them to get along for the sake of the night - immediately get into a huge argument. When her grandparents refuse to stop arguing, a humiliated Jessica runs out of her classroom and into the night. Not to worry: She turns up safe and sound at the Jeffersons' apartment, where Florence consoles her. The foursome come home, frantically searching for their granddaughter before realizing she's home. George and Louise continue to bicker with Tom and Helen when Jessica begins tearing up her picture. After Lionel admonishes his parents and in-laws about their behavior, they finally realize that their children have really hurt during the past few years, their decision was not arrived at lightly and that Jessica is who's hurting the most. Although devastated and knowing their relationship will never be the same, the Jeffersons and Willises decide to try to revive their friendship ... if only for Jessica's sake.
Episode 14
Last Dance
Tue, Feb 19, 1985 24 mins
Florence agrees to be nerdy Clark's date at the high school dance since he can find no one else. In the meantime, the dashing teacher, Mr. Harris, is also coming to the dance but Florence doesn't seem to read him very well.
Episode 15
The Gang's All Here
Tue, Mar 5, 1985 24 mins
Charlie's bar is just breaking even and when he needs to go out to Florida, Louise seizes the opportunity to disprove George's assertion women don't have business minds. She plans to put the bar in the black with a biker gang private party.
Episode 16
Hail to the Chief
Tue, Mar 12, 1985 30 mins
Tom's hopes of being promoted from VP to Prez at the publishing company when the position becomes open are dashed when a rival gets the job. But there's more going on behind the scenes and George rallies to support Tom to keep his hopes up.
Episode 17
A Secret in the Back Room
Tue, Mar 19, 1985 24 mins
Charlie the bartender is sleeping in the back room at his bar because he has a serious problem.
Episode 18
That Blasted Cunningham
Tue, Apr 2, 1985 25 mins
When George's main competitor Cunningham dies, his widow begs for his help fearing the company will now fail leaving her without an income. But everyone else finds her intentions suspect and thinks George is too trusting.
Episode 19
State of Mind
Tue, Apr 23, 1985 24 mins
With the help of a new neighbor who's quite young, Louise realizes that age and how old (or young) one feels is just a state of mind.
Episode 20
And Up We Go
Tue, Apr 30, 1985 24 mins
With their wives away at a spa for the weekend, George and Tom decide to set a world record by riding the elevator up and down all weekend.
Episode 21
The Truth Hurts
Tue, Jun 4, 1985 24 mins
Somebody has to tell Louise the truth: her paintings are terrible.
Episode 22
The Odd Couple
Tue, Jun 11, 1985 24 mins
Florence places an ad in the "lonely hearts" column of the newspaper and is quite surprised with whom she meets as a result.
Episode 23
Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway
Tue, Jun 25, 1985 24 mins
The Help Center gets their funding cut and all their recent fund raising events have failed. A local TV talent hosts a talent show with the top prize being free TV time to promote their cause. George also enters so he can promote cleaners.
Episode 24
Red Robins
Tue, Jul 2, 1985 25 mins
George - coveting a Dry Cleaner of the Year Award, and to fulfill the community service portion of the award - becomes "nest mother" of Jessica's Red Robins troop, which is in the midst of its candy sale campaign. George gives the troop members some bad advice on how to sell the candy and really rake in the dough.