The Jeffersons
The Jeffersons was an American television sitcom that aired from 1975 to 1985, following a Black family who "moved on up" from Queens to a Manhattan high-rise apartment.
A spin-off of All in the Family, it portrayed upward mobility and racial dynamics through comedy.
The theme song's refrain—movin' on up—became shorthand for achieving success and climbing the social ladder.
- QueensEasternmost NYC district
- crossoverGenre-blending work or transition
- MaudeTraditional feminine name
- Good TimesEnjoyable periods remembered fondly
Traditional male name
Fourth decade, twentieth century
- discoSeventies dance music
- bell-bottomsFlared-leg trousers
- CBSMajor television and radio network
- Saturday nightWeek's final evening
Norman Lear · prime time · laugh track · live audience · social commentary · groundbreaking · boundary-pushing · controversial
Competition of speed
- upward mobilityRising social or economic status
- classGrouping by shared traits
- integrationCombining into a whole
- African-AmericanU.S. ethnic identity category
success · prejudice · social issues · inequality · stereotypes · discrimination · gentrification · assimilation
Solvent-based fabric care
- entrepreneurOne who starts businesses
- self-madeSuccessful through own efforts
- chain storesBranded shops, many locations
- expansionIncrease in scope
success · owner · businessman · enterprise · hard work · American Dream
Of lasting excellence
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- landmarkNotable point of reference
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- historicOf lasting significance
influential · memorable · timeless · nostalgia · syndication · reruns · cultural touchstone · groundbreaking
Archie Bunker
George
Traditional male name
1970s
Fourth decade, twentieth century
- discoSeventies dance music
- bell-bottomsFlared-leg trousers
- CBSMajor television and radio network
Norman Lear · Saturday night · prime time · laugh track · live audience · social commentary · groundbreaking · boundary-pushing · controversial · trailblazing
race
Competition of speed
- upward mobilityRising social or economic status
- classGrouping by shared traits
- integrationCombining into a whole
African-American · success · prejudice · social issues · inequality · stereotypes · discrimination · gentrification · assimilation · interracial
dry cleaning
Solvent-based fabric care
- entrepreneurOne who starts businesses
- self-madeSuccessful through own efforts
- chain storesBranded shops, many locations
expansion · success · owner · businessman · enterprise · hard work · American Dream
classic
Of lasting excellence
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- landmarkNotable point of reference
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
historic · influential · memorable · timeless · nostalgia · syndication · reruns · cultural touchstone · groundbreaking · trailblazing
Manhattan
NYC's densest borough
- luxury apartmentUpscale residential rental unit
- skylineUrban profile against atmosphere
- penthouseTop-floor luxury apartment
doorman · high-rise · elevator · Bentley · neighbors · city life · New York · upscale
dry bones
Moisture-free skeletal remains
- Fictional FamiliesThe Simpsons, The Addams Family, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Munsters
- Retro TVI Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, Leave It to Beaver, The Andy Griffith Show, The Twilight Zone
- Spinoffsbackdoor pilot, derivative, offshoot, sequel series, prequel series
The JeffersonsLeave It to Beaver
Fifties domestic comedy series
The Brady Bunch · Happy Days · Father Knows Best · The Waltons · Green Acres
The JeffersonsGreen Acres
Rural television comedy series
The Beverly Hillbillies · The Andy Griffith Show · Schitt's Creek · Northern Exposure