Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

American Masters reflects on the work of Norman Lear and his impact on modern sitcoms

• Christina Zeiders
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  Christina Zeiders is the Communications Specialist at WITF. She helps get the word out about all of WITF's programs, events and community conversations.

Norman Lear is largely responsible for the explosion of bold American television in the 1970s and, as a result, his name is synonymous with the sitcom.

Through access to Lear, his work, and his personal archives, American Masters combined stories from his turbulent childhood and early career with his groundbreaking television success (All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Maude) and social activism.

The resulting documentary, Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, features stories from Lear’s family, friends, and collaborators, including John Amos, George Clooney, Alan Horn, Bill Moyers, Rob Reiner, Phil Rosenthal, and Russell Simmons, as well as cinéma vérité moments with Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Jon Stewart, Amy Poehler, and Lena Dunham.

Filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp, 12th & Delaware, DETROPIA for Independent Lens) reveal a psychologically rich man whose contributions emerged from his personal story and self-professed childlike view of the world.

The film traces how a poor Jewish kid from Connecticut started writing for The Colgate Comedy Hour with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, created All in the Family, and became one of television’s most successful showrunners.

Through his character-driven shows, theatrical sets, and live audiences, Lear changed the face of national television and national discourse – never shying away from provocative subjects like war, poverty and prejudice. He proved that social change was possible – unexpectedly through laughter – and created some of the greatest moments in television history.

American Masters – Norman Lear: Just Another Version of you originally premiered in October 2016. Watch the rebroadcast Friday, September 2 at 9pm on WITF TV, or live stream it through the PBS Video app. WITF Passport members can stream the film on-demand until January 14, 2023.