Sanford and Son
Depending on when in the ’70s or ’80s you were born, you may only remember this show through reruns.
Redd Foxx played the show’s central character Fred Sanford, a Los Angeles junk dealer. Sanford’s son, Lamont Demond Wilson, is his reluctant partner in the business, always looking for a way out – but he ultimately cares for his pop too much to leave him to his own devices. A cast of quirky characters added to the hilarity of the series, and the funky theme song, written by Quincy Jones gave the show a distinct flair.
“Sanford and Son” was ranked in the Top 10 for its full five-and-a-half-year run. When the two lead actors opted out of the series after the 1976-77 season, the rest of the cast carried on with the forgettable follow-up series “The Sanford Arms.” An attempt was made at a revival in 1980 with Foxx returning to the series “Sanford,” but it only lasted one season.
Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper
Starring the fun, loving Mark Curry and lovely Holly Robinson, “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” was an immediate hit among viewers during the 1990s. Set in Oakland, California, the sitcom lasted five straight seasons and centered around Mark Cooper, a former NBA player-turned-substitute teacher who lived with two strong-willed women, his childhood friend and his future wife, both of whom eventually taught Mr. Cooper how to lose his player ways.
