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Revisiting 704 Hauser: A Groundbreaking Sitcom's Enduring Legacy

Allie Kessler Sr.

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Introduction: The Legacy Continues at 704 Hauser Street

In the annals of television history, few addresses resonate as strongly as 704 Hauser Street. This iconic Queens home, once the battleground for Archie Bunker's conservative tirades and liberal clashes, became a symbol of American social commentary. Years after Archie sold his beloved house, a new family moved in, bringing with them a fresh perspective and a new set of challenges. This was the premise of 704 Hauser, an American sitcom that dared to flip the script, offering a unique and often provocative look at race, politics, and family dynamics in the mid-1990s.

Airing on CBS from April to May 1994, 704 Hauser was more than just a spin-off; it was a bold social experiment conceived by television visionary Norman Lear. It took the familiar setting and infused it with new life, exploring similar themes of generational and ideological divides, but this time through the lens of a Black family, the Cumberbatches. While its run was brief, the show left an indelible mark, prompting discussions that remain relevant decades later, solidifying its place as a significant, albeit short-lived, piece of television history.

The Birth of a Bold Idea: How 704 Hauser Came to Be

The original "All in the Family" was a cultural phenomenon, renowned for its fearless tackling of controversial subjects through the character of Archie Bunker. Norman Lear, the creative force behind it, understood the power of using comedy to illuminate societal tensions and provoke thought. Decades later, with the social landscape having evolved, Lear envisioned a new way to revisit the iconic address at 704 Hauser Street. The idea was simple yet revolutionary: what if a Black family, with their own internal ideological struggles, moved into Archie's former home?

This concept gave birth to 704 Hauser, often referred to as "the black All in the Family." It wasn't merely a rehash but a thoughtful continuation of Lear's legacy of using television as a mirror to society. The series aimed to explore the complexities within the Black community itself, moving beyond simplistic portrayals and delving into the nuances of political and social beliefs across generations. This bold move, directed by Norman Lear himself, reflected his commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering dialogue, proving that the spirit of 704 Hauser Street was far from dormant. The decision to air it on CBS, a major network, further underscored the ambition behind this unique sitcom.

The Cumberbatch Family: A New Dynamic at 704 Hauser

At the heart of 704 Hauser was the Cumberbatch family, a quartet designed to mirror the generational and ideological clashes that made "All in the Family" so compelling. The series is built around the concept of a Black family, the Cumberbatch family, moving into the former Queens home of Archie Bunker after Bunker had sold the house located at 704 Hauser Street. The family consisted of Ernie Cumberbatch, the liberal patriarch played by the late John Amos; his equally liberal wife, Goodie Cumberbatch, portrayed by Lynnie Godfrey; their conservative son, Jamal; and Jamal's white girlfriend, who further complicated the family's dynamics. This setup immediately established the core conflict: a pair of liberal Black parents struggles with their conservative son and his white girlfriend.

The casting was crucial to the show's success. John Amos, already a beloved figure from "Good Times," brought gravitas and warmth to Ernie, anchoring the family's debates with his thoughtful performance. Lynnie Godfrey's Goodie provided a strong, intelligent counterpoint, often engaging in lively discussions that highlighted the show's commitment to exploring diverse viewpoints. T.E. Russell also contributed significantly to the cast, rounding out the family's dynamic. The Cumberbatches, residing at 704 Hauser Street, were not a monolithic representation but a vibrant, often contentious, group reflecting the multifaceted nature of American families and the ongoing dialogue about identity and politics.

John Amos: A Pillar of Talent and His Role in 704 Hauser

The casting of John Amos as Ernie Cumberbatch was a significant coup for 704 Hauser. Amos was already a household name, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of James Evans Sr. on "Good Times," a role that cemented his status as a powerful and respected actor in American television. His presence in 704 Hauser immediately lent the show credibility and drew in viewers familiar with his work. As Ernie, Amos brought a nuanced performance to the liberal father figure, often finding himself at odds with his conservative son, echoing the original series' dynamic but with a distinct racial and political twist. He was truly "the black All in the Family starring the late John Amos," a testament to his central role.

Biography of John Amos

John Allen Amos Jr. (born December 27, 1939) is an American actor widely recognized for his roles in film and television. Before his acting career, Amos was a professional football player, playing for teams like the Denver Broncos. He gained widespread fame for his portrayal of James Evans Sr., the hardworking patriarch on the CBS sitcom "Good Times" (1974–1976), a role for which he remains fondly remembered. His other notable roles include Gordy Howard on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries "Roots" (1977), and Cleo McDowell in the Eddie Murphy comedy "Coming to America" (1988) and its sequel. Throughout his extensive career, Amos has consistently delivered powerful and memorable performances, making him a respected and enduring figure in the entertainment industry. His role in 704 Hauser further showcased his versatility and commitment to socially relevant storytelling, proving his ability to tackle complex characters with depth and authenticity.

Personal Data: John Amos

Full NameJohn Allen Amos Jr.
BornDecember 27, 1939
BirthplaceNewark, New Jersey, U.S.
OccupationActor, Former Professional Football Player
Years Active1970–present
Notable RolesJames Evans Sr. ("Good Times"), Kunta Kinte ("Roots"), Cleo McDowell ("Coming to America"), Ernie Cumberbatch ("704 Hauser")

Exploring the Themes: Race, Politics, and Family at 704 Hauser

704 Hauser was not afraid to delve into complex and often uncomfortable topics, much like its predecessor. The show’s core strength lay in its ability to explore racial and political debates from a fresh perspective. The central conflict between liberal parents and their conservative son allowed for nuanced discussions on issues such as affirmative action, racial profiling, and the evolving identity of the Black community in America. For instance, in one poignant episode, Ernie and Goodie are eyed by a security guard in a clothing store, giving rise to another racial debate that highlights the pervasive nature of everyday prejudices and systemic issues.

The series also tackled the generational divide within families, showing how different life experiences can shape political ideologies, even within the same household. Goodie Cumberbatch's appearance on "Face the Nation" further amplified the show's commitment to engaging with real-world political discourse, bringing the family's discussions into a broader public forum. By setting these discussions within the familiar confines of 704 Hauser Street, the show grounded its weighty themes in relatable family dynamics, making them accessible to a broad audience. It challenged viewers to confront their own biases and consider multiple viewpoints, a hallmark of Norman Lear's groundbreaking approach to television, ensuring that the legacy of thought-provoking content continued at 704 Hauser.

Memorable Episodes and Key Moments in 704 Hauser

Despite its short run, 704 Hauser delivered several impactful episodes that encapsulated its ambitious themes. The first episode, for instance, not only introduced the Cumberbatch family to their new home at 704 Hauser Street but also featured a significant cameo by Joey Stivic, Archie's grandson from "All in the Family." The all in the family character Joey Stivic, Archie's grandson, makes an appearance in the first episode. This served as a symbolic passing of the torch, connecting the new series directly to its iconic lineage and setting the stage for the Cumberbatches to adjust to living at the

704 Hauser - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide

704 Hauser - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide

704 Hauser - Where to Watch Every Episode Streaming Online | Reelgood

704 Hauser - Where to Watch Every Episode Streaming Online | Reelgood

Kathryn Hauser on Twitter: "RT @DennisHouseTV: TONIGHT on @WTNH at 5

Kathryn Hauser on Twitter: "RT @DennisHouseTV: TONIGHT on @WTNH at 5

Detail Author:

  • Name : Allie Kessler Sr.
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