The Jeffersons is a TV series that aired on CBS from January 18, 1975, to July 2, 1985 for eleven seasons.
Cast & Character Origins
Characters | From | Date | Episode |
---|---|---|---|
Louise Jefferson, Lionel Jefferson | March 2, 1971 | S01E08: “Lionel Moves Into the Neighborhood” | |
George Jefferson | October 20, 1973 | S04E06: “Henry’s Farewell” | |
Mother Olivia Jefferson, Tom Willis, Helen Willis, Jenny Wills | February 9, 1974 | S04E20: “Lionel’s Engagement” | |
Paul Bentley | January 11, 1975 | S05E17: “The Jeffersons Move Up” |
(Note: The character of George Jefferson is technically introduced in the All in the Family episode “The First and Last Supper” where George’s brother Henry pretends to be George. The episode “Henry’s Farewell” is the first time we see the real George on screen.
In “Lionel’s Engagement”, the character who would become Tom is called Louis.
Tom, Helen, and Jenny were recast in the backdoor pilot episode “The Jeffersons Move Up” with the actors who would go on to portray them in the final show.)
Guest Characters
Characters | From | Date | Episode | Crossover Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Barney Collier | October 2, 1983 | S10E01: “Mission: Incredible (Part 1) | A* | |
Barney Collier | October 3, 1983 | S10E02: “Mission: Incredible (Part 2) | A* | |
Barney Collier | October 9, 1983 | S10E03: “Mission: Incredible (Part 3)” | A* | |
Sammy Davis Jr. | January 1, 1984 | S10E11: “What Makes Sammy Run?” | A |
(Note: Based on the description of his background and skills, the character Greg Morris plays in the “Mission Incredible” episodes of The Jeffersons is heavily implied to be a now retired Barney Collier, but his name is never actually spoken out loud. He is simply known as “Jimmy’s Cousin”. The Mission Impossible theme plays upon his appearance.
The same real life celebrity appearing in multiple shows typically does not count but this Sammy Davis Jr. can be considered the same fictional “Sammy Davis Jr.” that appeared in All in the Family.)
Outgoing Crossovers
Characters | Guest On | Date | Episode | Crossover Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
George Jefferson | September 16, 1984 | S01E01-2: “Pilot Part 1 & 2” | A | |
George Jefferson, Louise Jefferson | February 20, 1995 | S05E17: “Will Is from Mars...” | A | |
George Jefferson, Louise Jefferson, Florence Johnston | May 20, 1996 | S06E24: “I, Done: Part 2” | A | |
George Jefferson, Florence Johnston | Tyler Perry’s House of Payne | November 23, 2011 | S07E30: “Curtis Jefferson” | B |
Florence Johnston | February 16, 2013 | S01E12: “The Golden Apple” | A |
Spinoffs & Outgoing Cast
Character | New Show | Date | Episode |
---|---|---|---|
Florence Johnston | April 9, 1981 | S01E01: "Boo Who?" |
Feature Film Crossovers
George and Louise Jefferson appear in the 1998 film Mafia! as the heads of a mob family.
Reboots & Alternate Versions
Name | Date |
---|---|
Live in Front of a Studio Audience | May 22, 2019 |
(The Live in Front of a Studio Audience special recreated the episode “A Friend in Need”)