Sanford and Son centers around a Black junk dealer (Sanford) and his adult son (Lamont) in their Los Angeles neighborhood. The show debuted in 1972, following the success of All in the Family. Both shows were developed by Norman Lear.
The wit of this 70s sitcom actually transpired a solid decade before its debut; the American show was based on a British sitcom called Steptoe and Son that premiered in 1962. Today, Sanford and Son is still enjoyed by many loyal fans. The vintage hit has consistently high episode ratings on IMDb, with the show’s overall rating reaching 7.9. Here are the top ten episodes according to IMDb.
It’s the luck of the draw in this season two episode. Lamont has invited some questionable friends over for a game of poker. His dad, Fred, is more well-versed in the game and recognizes Lamont’s disadvantage. However, Lamont scorns Fred’s efforts to interfere in the game play.
According to IMDb user “kevinolzak,” the episode is “a direct adaptation of its British cousin.” It also has one of Fred’s famous one-liners: “Deal unto others as they have dealt unto you.”
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Sanford and Son and Sister Makes Three – 8.4
This season two episode includes some of Fred’s off-color language for an off-color topic. His old flame, Juanita, pops in for a visit along with her daughter, Alice.
Lamont falls for Alice, but there’s a slight problem, as indicated by the title. Juanita and Fred were once together, so Alice could be Lamont’s sister!
Rated X – 8.4
The naming of this season two episode is blunt, but accurate. Lamont and Rollo are ready to pursue a big acting opportunity, and Fred joins in for a chance, too. The three men are in for a surprise when their big break is actually a pornographic movie.
The police happen to arrive before Fred, Rollo, and Lamont can leave. Aunt Esther gets them out of jail after reading Bible verses to them, though.
Superflyer – 8.4
1970s shows were particularly skilled with storylines about magnanimous bequests. The season three episode “Superflyer” gives Fred one such bequest. His Uncle Leotis from St. Louis dies and leaves Fred $1500. There is a catch, though.
Fred, who is afraid of flying on an airplane, must go to St. Louis personally to retrieve the money. It turns out that he is not dealing with a bequest, just the money for Uncle Leotis’s funeral expenses.
A House is Not a Pool Room – 8.4
Lamont tries to do something special for Fred’s birthday in the third season and buys him his own billiards table. Fred is so pleased and loves playing pool with his friends. In fact, he loves it a little too much.
People are over at the Sanfords’ house all the time; it no longer feels like a home because it’s a pool hall! Lamont has to get creative to solve this one, and Fred only gets rid of the pool table when he thinks it’s his idea.
Wine, Women, and Aunt Esther – 8.4
This season three episode is Fred’s time to reckon with the process of aging. He is propelled into these thoughts by the death of one of his friends.
The crotchety junk dealer turns his mourning into dancing by throwing a wild party at his home. The event really pushes the envelope with an invitation to the topless waitress known as “Fast Fanny.” Of course, Aunt Esther is going to have something to say about this.
Lamont, Is That You? – 8.5
This is definitely one of those old television episodes that has not aged well. Fred’s friend Bubba spots Rollo and Lamont around a gay bar.
Fred is not accepting of homosexuality, and he is worried that Lamont and Rollo are both gay. Fred then seeks a “cure” for his son. Definitely a problematic episode.
The Blind Mellow Jelly Collection – 8.6
Blind Mellow Jelly is the band Fred listens to on his record over and over again. Lamont is tired of hearing the music and gets his father to donate it to a library as a tax write-off. However, upon realizing that the records are worth a lot of money, Fred schemes to get them back.
He has Bubba dress up as Blind Mellow Jelly’s son, ultimately leading to the classic line, “I want my daddy’s records!”
Mama’s Baby, Papa’s Maybe – 8.8
This episode from season three has an interesting premise. Fred and Lamont may not always see eye-to-eye, but they are a tight father and son unit.
All of that is called into question when one of Fred’s old St. Louis friends pays the Sanfords a visit. The man has traveled to Los Angeles to claim that he is Lamont’s biological father.
Fred Sanford, Legal Eagle – 8.8
Season three was quite a time for good episodes. This one is still relevant today. At Fred’s urging, Lamont goes to court over a traffic ticket.
In a broken system, Grady gets Lamont some legal advice over a bartering deal. Fred and his friends come to support Lamont in court, but they show a lack of decorum, which unfortunately detracts from the young man’s case.
