Norman Lear

Production

Norman Lear

Born July 27, 1922 · New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Died December 5, 2023 · aged 101

Norman Milton Lear (July 27, 1922 – December 5, 2023) was a legendary American television writer and producer who produced such 1970s sitcoms as All in the Family, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Maude. As a political activist, he founded the advocacy organization People for the American Way in 1981 and has supported First Amendment rights and progressive causes. Born in New Haven, C…

Known For

The Princess BrideThe Princess Bride · 1987
The Princess Bride
7.71987
MovieAdventureFantasy
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
Fried Green TomatoesFried Green Tomatoes · 1991
Fried Green Tomatoes
7.71991
MovieDramaComedy
Amidst her own personality crisis, a southern housewife meets an outgoing old woman who tells her the story of Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison, two young women who experienced hardships and love in 1920s Whistle Stop, Alabama.
Before We ForgetBefore We Forget · 2025
Before We Forget
10.02025
MovieRomanceDrama
A coming-of-age story that follows Matias, an Argentine filmmaker in his forties, struggling with an unfinished movie inspired by his elusive first love to Alexander, a Swedish friend he met at an international school in the 90’s. Tenderness and fascination define their strong friendship, which is short-lived when Alexander is suddenly expelled back to his country, leaving young Matias with an unresolved story of undeclared emotions. 25 years later, and Matias decides to reopen Pandora’s box as he embarks on a journey to find the ending to his story by coming face-to-face with Alexander, discovering life imitating art.
"Sr.""Sr." · 2022
"Sr."
6.92022
MovieDocumentary
A portrait of the life and career of Robert Downey Sr. (1936-2021), the visionary and fearless US filmmaker — father of actor Robert Downey Jr. — who in the sixties and seventies laid the foundations for countercultural comedy.
Color AdjustmentColor Adjustment · 1992
Color Adjustment
6.91992
MovieDocumentaryHistory
From Amos 'n' Andy to Nat King Cole, from Roots to The Cosby Show, black people have played many roles on primetime television. Brilliantly weaving clips from classic TV shows with commentary from TV producers, black actors and scholars, Marlon Riggs blends humor, insight, and thoughtful analysis to explore the evolution of black/white relations as reflected by America's favorite addiction.
A Virtual Princess Bride ReunionA Virtual Princess Bride Reunion · 2020
A Virtual Princess Bride Reunion
6.32020
MovieFantasyComedy
The cast of The Princess Bride is together again! The stars of the iconic 1987 fantasy film reunited for a virtual table read hosted by Jason Reitman. The 3-hour virtual reunion included director Rob Reiner and actors Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, and Christopher Guest. A Q&A after was moderated by Patton Oswalt. Guest stars stepped in for actors who were not available, including Finn Wolfhard, Josh Gad, Eric Idle, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Lucy and DesiLucy and Desi · 2022
Lucy and Desi
7.12022
MovieDocumentary
Explore the unlikely partnership and enduring legacy of one of the most prolific power couples in entertainment history. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz risked everything to be together.
Funny Is MoneyFunny Is Money · 1999
Funny Is Money
10.01999
MovieDocumentaryHistory
Showtime's "In the 20th Century" is a millennium-related strand of feature-length documentaries in which famous directors take on major subjects of their choosing. In the fifth of the six films, "Funny Is Money," filmmaker Norman Jewison delves into the topic of comedy, using the hype surrounding the finale of the wildly successful NBC series "Seinfeld" as his launchpad to explore how the artform has evolved over the past 100 years.

Movies

The Princess BrideThe Princess Bride · 1987
The Princess Bride
7.71987
MovieAdventureFantasy
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
Fried Green TomatoesFried Green Tomatoes · 1991
Fried Green Tomatoes
7.71991
MovieDramaComedy
Amidst her own personality crisis, a southern housewife meets an outgoing old woman who tells her the story of Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison, two young women who experienced hardships and love in 1920s Whistle Stop, Alabama.
Before We ForgetBefore We Forget · 2025
Before We Forget
10.02025
MovieRomanceDrama
A coming-of-age story that follows Matias, an Argentine filmmaker in his forties, struggling with an unfinished movie inspired by his elusive first love to Alexander, a Swedish friend he met at an international school in the 90’s. Tenderness and fascination define their strong friendship, which is short-lived when Alexander is suddenly expelled back to his country, leaving young Matias with an unresolved story of undeclared emotions. 25 years later, and Matias decides to reopen Pandora’s box as he embarks on a journey to find the ending to his story by coming face-to-face with Alexander, discovering life imitating art.
"Sr.""Sr." · 2022
"Sr."
6.92022
MovieDocumentary
A portrait of the life and career of Robert Downey Sr. (1936-2021), the visionary and fearless US filmmaker — father of actor Robert Downey Jr. — who in the sixties and seventies laid the foundations for countercultural comedy.
Color AdjustmentColor Adjustment · 1992
Color Adjustment
6.91992
MovieDocumentaryHistory
From Amos 'n' Andy to Nat King Cole, from Roots to The Cosby Show, black people have played many roles on primetime television. Brilliantly weaving clips from classic TV shows with commentary from TV producers, black actors and scholars, Marlon Riggs blends humor, insight, and thoughtful analysis to explore the evolution of black/white relations as reflected by America's favorite addiction.
A Virtual Princess Bride ReunionA Virtual Princess Bride Reunion · 2020
A Virtual Princess Bride Reunion
6.32020
MovieFantasyComedy
The cast of The Princess Bride is together again! The stars of the iconic 1987 fantasy film reunited for a virtual table read hosted by Jason Reitman. The 3-hour virtual reunion included director Rob Reiner and actors Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn, and Christopher Guest. A Q&A after was moderated by Patton Oswalt. Guest stars stepped in for actors who were not available, including Finn Wolfhard, Josh Gad, Eric Idle, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Lucy and DesiLucy and Desi · 2022
Lucy and Desi
7.12022
MovieDocumentary
Explore the unlikely partnership and enduring legacy of one of the most prolific power couples in entertainment history. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz risked everything to be together.
Funny Is MoneyFunny Is Money · 1999
Funny Is Money
10.01999
MovieDocumentaryHistory
Showtime's "In the 20th Century" is a millennium-related strand of feature-length documentaries in which famous directors take on major subjects of their choosing. In the fifth of the six films, "Funny Is Money," filmmaker Norman Jewison delves into the topic of comedy, using the hype surrounding the finale of the wildly successful NBC series "Seinfeld" as his launchpad to explore how the artform has evolved over the past 100 years.
I Want My MTVI Want My MTV · 2019
I Want My MTV
7.52019
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The film is about the formation of a music channel that has shaped modern pop culture. On August 1, 1981, the life of a whole generation of Americans changed forever - on this day MTV began its broadcasting day, making VJ a new teen hero and creating a canon of music video as a vivid artistic statement.
Traveling HopefullyTraveling Hopefully · 1982
Traveling Hopefully
6.51982
MovieDocumentary
A documentary about Roger Baldwin, the founder of the ACLU.
Casting ByCasting By · 2012
Casting By
6.92012
MovieDocumentary
This essential new documentary pays tribute to the legacy of the late, legendary casting director Marion Dougherty and shines a light on one of the most overlooked and least understood crafts in filmmaking.
I Love LibertyI Love Liberty · 1982
I Love Liberty
1982
MovieMusicTV Movie
An all-star variety special saluting America.
Pioneers in SkirtsPioneers in Skirts · 2020
Pioneers in Skirts
8.72020
MovieDocumentary
Pioneers in Skirts is an Emmy-nominated 60-min documentary following filmmaker Ashley Maria’s quest to peel back the layers of obstacles that can limit a woman or girl's pioneering ambition.
Come Blow Your HornCome Blow Your Horn · 1963
Come Blow Your Horn
5.11963
MovieComedy
The story of a young man's decision to leave the home of his parents for the bachelor pad of his older brother who leads a swinging '60s lifestyle.
I Carry You with MeI Carry You with Me · 2021
I Carry You with Me
7.02021
MovieDrama
An epic love story spanning decades is sparked by a chance encounter between two men in provincial Mexico. Based on a true story, ambition and societal pressure propel an aspiring chef to leave his soulmate and make the treacherous journey to New York, where life will never be the same.
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for ItRita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It · 2021
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It
7.42021
MovieDocumentary
Rita Moreno defied both her humble upbringing and relentless racism to become one of a select group who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Over a seventy year career, she has paved the way for Hispanic-American performers by refusing to be pigeonholed into one-dimensional stereotypes.
Way Past CoolWay Past Cool · 2003
Way Past Cool
6.52003
MovieDrama
Based on the award-winning best seller by Jess Mowry, "Way Past Cool" is a coming-of-age story told in reverse, for it is the story of a group of young black kids and their fight to reclaim their childhood.
PabloPablo · 2012
Pablo
6.92012
MovieAnimationDocumentary
Pablo blends documentary and animation elements to tell the saga of "famous unknown" Pablo Ferro, a man with a personal journey that spans from Havana, during the pre-Cuban revolution to his current home, in the garage behind his son's house.
Find Your GrooveFind Your Groove · 2020
Find Your Groove
10.02020
MovieDocumentary
In this uplifitng documentary, stars and musicians from across the industry speak to the power and importance of music in society. Here we examine how close we came to not having many of the incredible artists who we cherish today had it not been for arts programs. Music has the power to inspire and change world, and that starts with our supporting young talent.
Scared StiffScared Stiff · 1953
Scared Stiff
6.51953
MovieMusicComedy
A nightclub singer and his partner escape mobsters by fleeing to Cuba with a beautiful heiress, who has inherited a haunted castle on an isolated island. The trio hunt for a hidden treasure and encounter a ghost, a zombie, and a mysterious killer...
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times"Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times" · 2019
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times"
6.12019
MovieComedyTV Movie
Live performances of classic holiday-themed episodes from Norman Lear's hit shows "All in the Family" and "Good Times."
Dean Martin: King of CoolDean Martin: King of Cool · 2021
Dean Martin: King of Cool
7.62021
MovieDocumentary
Dean Martin had a laid-back charm that made him successful in everything from big-screen comedies to television variety shows to live acts in Las Vegas. Filmmaker Tom Donahue explores Martin’s varied career, including his complicated relationships with Jerry Lewis, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and others. We hear from admirers such as critic Gerald Early, actor Jon Hamm, and Hip-Hop artist RZA who testify to Martin’s enduring mystique.
Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and LaughterNorman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter · 2022
Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter
8.02022
MovieDocumentaryComedy
The one-night-only celebration honoring the life and legacy of the famed producer features intimate conversations, special performances and surprise reunions that pay homage to the man behind some of television’s greatest stories in celebration of his 100th birthday.
Being Mary Tyler MooreBeing Mary Tyler Moore · 2023
Being Mary Tyler Moore
6.62023
MovieDocumentary
With unprecedented access to the Mary Tyler Moore Estate, friends, family, and colleagues, Being Mary Tyler Moore constructs an intimate mosaic of Mary's sixty-year career in show business.

TV Shows

The SimpsonsThe Simpsons · 1989
The Simpsons
8.01989
SeriesFamilyAnimation
Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.
The Daily ShowThe Daily Show · 1996
The Daily Show
6.41996
SeriesComedy
The World's Fakest News Team tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and pop culture.
Late Night with Seth MeyersLate Night with Seth Meyers · 2014
Late Night with Seth Meyers
5.12014
SeriesComedy
Seth Meyers, who is "Saturday Night Live's" longest serving anchor on the show's wildly popular "Weekend Update," takes over as host of NBC's "Late Night" — home to A-list celebrity guests, memorable comedy and the best in musical talent. As the Emmy Award-winning head writer for "SNL," Meyers has established a reputation for sharp wit and perfectly timed comedy, and has gained fame for his spot-on jokes and satire. Meyers takes his departure from "SNL" to his new post at "Late Night," as Jimmy Fallon moves to "The Tonight Show".
The Mike Douglas ShowThe Mike Douglas Show · 1961
The Mike Douglas Show
5.81961
SeriesComedy
The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much of its first two years on the air. It then went into syndication in 1963 and remained on television until 1982. It was distributed by Westinghouse Broadcasting and for much of its run, originated from studios of two of the company's TV stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson · 1962
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
7.51962
Series
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired during late-night. For its first ten years, Carson's Tonight Show was based in New York City with occasional trips to Burbank, California; in May 1972, the show moved permanently to Burbank, California. In 2002, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was ranked #12 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
South ParkSouth Park · 1997
South Park
8.31997
SeriesAnimationComedy
Follow the misadventures of four irreverent grade-schoolers in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado.
Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live · 1975
Saturday Night Live
6.91975
SeriesComedy
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!Jimmy Kimmel Live! · 2003
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
5.32003
SeriesComedy
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC.
The DeputyThe Deputy · 1959
The Deputy
6.51959
SeriesWestern
The Deputy is an American western series that aired on NBC from September 1959, to July 1961. The series stars Henry Fonda as Chief Marshal Simon Fry of the Arizona Territory and Allen Case as Deputy Clay McCord, a storekeeper who tried to avoid using a gun.
Intimate PortraitIntimate Portrait · 1993
Intimate Portrait
4.51993
SeriesDocumentary
Intimate Portrait is a biographical television series on the Lifetime Television cable network focusing on different celebrities, which includes interviews with each subject. Among the people profiled were Grace Kelly, Natalie Wood, Carly Simon, Jackie Kennedy, Katharine Hepburn, Carol Burnett, Tanya Tucker, and Marla Maples.
The Dick Cavett ShowThe Dick Cavett Show · 1968
The Dick Cavett Show
6.81968
Series
The Dick Cavett Show has been the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various television networks.
MaudeMaude · 1972
Maude
6.91972
SeriesComedyDrama
Well-educated and upper middle class, Maude Findlay is the archetypal feminist of her generation. She lives in suburban Tuckahoe, New York, with her fourth husband, Walter, their divorced daughter, Carol, and grandson Phillip.
The Facts of LifeThe Facts of Life · 1979
The Facts of Life
7.11979
SeriesDramaComedy
Mrs. Edna Garrett, housemother and dietitian at the Eastland School, teaches a group of girls in her charge how to solve those problems that every teenager has to face.
Late Night with David LettermanLate Night with David Letterman · 1982
Late Night with David Letterman
6.11982
SeriesComedy
Late Night with David Letterman is a nightly hour-long comedy talk show on NBC that was created and hosted by David Letterman. It premiered in 1982 as the first incarnation of the Late Night franchise and went off the air in 1993, after Letterman left NBC and moved to Late Show on CBS. Late Night with Conan O'Brien then filled the time slot. As of March 2, 2009, the slot has been filled by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It will be filled by Seth Meyers in the spring of 2014, after Fallon becomes host of The Tonight Show.
One Day at a TimeOne Day at a Time · 1975
One Day at a Time
6.81975
SeriesComedy
The misadventures of a divorced mother, two teenage daughters, and new building superintendent in Indianapolis.
The Colgate Comedy HourThe Colgate Comedy Hour · 1950
The Colgate Comedy Hour
6.91950
SeriesComedy
The Colgate Comedy Hour is an American comedy-musical variety series that aired live on the NBC network from 1950 to 1955. The show starred many notable comedians and entertainers of the era, including Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Fred Allen, Donald O'Connor, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Ray Bolger, Gordon MacRae, Ben Blue, Robert Paige, Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster, Broadway dancer Wayne Lamb and Spike Jones and His City Slickers.
Mary Hartman, Mary HartmanMary Hartman, Mary Hartman · 1976
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
7.31976
SeriesDrama
In the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio, suburban housewife Mary Hartman seeks the kind of domestic perfection promised by Reader’s Digest and TV commercials. Instead she finds herself suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune: mass murders, low-flying airplanes and waxy yellow buildup on her kitchen floor.
All in the FamilyAll in the Family · 1971
All in the Family
7.81971
SeriesComedy
Archie Bunker, a working class bigot, constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.
Sanford and SonSanford and Son · 1972
Sanford and Son
7.51972
SeriesComedy
The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.
Stars in the HouseStars in the House · 2020
Stars in the House
2020
Series
In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and theatres across the world closing their curtains indefinitely, SiriusXM host Seth Rudetsky and his husband, producer James Wesley have created Stars in the House, a daily live streamed series to support The Actors Fund and its services.
Dinah!Dinah! · 1974
Dinah!
7.01974
Series
Dinah's show premiered 9 September 1974 and continued through to 4 September 1981. She started out the 70's with Dinah's Place which usually featured one guest and was more of a home oriented show about cooking, crafts and occasionally music. This format lasted until May of 1974. When the show came back in October of 1974 the format had changed drastically to a variety talk show which was called Dinah. and went on until 1981. This show was also known as "Dinah and Friends" during the summer of 1976.
One Day at a TimeOne Day at a Time · 2017
One Day at a Time
7.82017
SeriesComedy
In a reimagining of the TV classic, a newly single Latina mother raises her teen daughter and tween son with the "help" of her old-school mom.
The JeffersonsThe Jeffersons · 1975
The Jeffersons
7.31975
SeriesComedyFamily
Sitcom following a successful African-American couple, George and Louise “Weezyö Jefferson as they “move on up” from working-class Queens to a ritzy Manhattan apartment. A spin-off of All in the Family.
Finding Your RootsFinding Your Roots · 2012
Finding Your Roots
6.52012
SeriesDocumentary
Noted Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has been helping people discover long-lost relatives hidden for generations within the branches of their family trees. Professor Gates utilizes a team of genealogists to reconstruct the paper trail left behind by our ancestors and the world’s leading geneticists to decode our DNA and help us travel thousands of years into the past to discover the origins of our earliest forebears.