The television industry is in mourning following the recent passing of Norman Lear, a pioneering force who played a monumental role in shaping modern television. At 101 years old, Lear’s contributions to the medium are celebrated through an impressive portfolio of groundbreaking shows, including “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Maude.” However, amidst the tributes and reflections on his extraordinary legacy, a pressing concern has emerged regarding the accessibility of Lear’s work in today’s streaming landscape.
Despite the cultural significance of Lear’s series, many are surprisingly difficult to find on popular subscription streaming platforms. While a few shows like “Sanford & Son” and “Good Times” are available on Peacock, and “227” can be streamed on Hulu, the majority of Lear’s catalog remains conspicuously absent from subscription services. Instead, some of these classic programs can only be purchased for download or accessed via free, ad-supported platforms such as Pluto, Freevee, and Tubi. This lack of availability raises questions about the ongoing relevance of Lear’s work and how it fits into the contemporary viewing habits of audiences.
In a recent edition of his Buffering newsletter for Vulture, Joe Adalian highlighted the void left by the absence of Lear’s shows from major streaming outlets. For instance, “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” a groundbreaking series that tackled social issues with humor and depth, is nowhere to be found in the digital realm. This gap is particularly striking given Lear’s monumental influence on the television landscape, which is often characterized by its willingness to address complex societal issues through comedy.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, the company that owns the rights to Lear’s catalog, has remained silent regarding the streaming availability of his shows. However, Tony Vinciquerra, the CEO of Sony, paid tribute to Lear, stating, “Norman and the shows he created defined what great television could be.” He emphasized their impact on modern television, highlighting how Lear’s work set the standard for subsequent sitcoms and dramas by unflinchingly addressing society’s most pressing issues through humor.
Despite this recognition, the question remains: why haven’t Lear’s shows achieved the same level of commercial success and accessibility as series like “Friends” or “Seinfeld”? According to a veteran television executive with experience in licensing deals, the answer may lie in the cultural context of Lear’s narratives. The executive noted that while Lear’s shows were groundbreaking in their time, some of the content, particularly the language used by characters like Archie Bunker in “All in the Family,” may not resonate with contemporary viewers in the same way. The use of racially charged language and themes that were once considered taboo could hinder acceptance on modern network television or subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services.
Interestingly, Lear’s relationship with streaming services is not entirely absent. In 2017, Netflix collaborated with him to reboot “One Day at a Time,” which garnered critical acclaim for its contemporary take on family dynamics. However, despite its success, the show was ultimately canceled after three seasons due to low viewership numbers. The backlash was palpable, especially considering the reboot’s focus on Latino characters and its attempt to update Lear’s original themes for a diverse audience. Following its cancellation, the show was briefly revived by Cable Network Pop, but it concluded for good the following year.
As subscription services face increased competition from free, ad-supported streaming options, the landscape of television viewing is shifting. FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) is rapidly gaining traction, generating significant ad revenue and attracting viewers who are moving away from traditional pay-TV subscriptions. In light of this trend, some industry insiders suggest that Sony should consider launching a dedicated tribute channel for Norman Lear’s work on a FAST platform. Such a channel could serve as a central hub for fans to access his classic shows and celebrate his legacy.
Currently, some of Lear’s series continue to air on linear television, thanks in part to multicast networks that have emerged in recent years. Channels like Antenna TV and MeTV have incorporated several of Lear’s shows into their programming lineup, ensuring that his work remains visible to audiences. In fact, Antenna TV features a variety of Lear’s creations, such as “227,” “Diff’rent Strokes,” “The Facts of Life,” “The Jeffersons,” “Maude,” and “One Day at a Time.” Furthermore, new opportunities for Lear’s shows are on the horizon, with upcoming premieres on cable networks like TV One and Weigel Broadcasting’s MeTV.
In conclusion, while the television landscape mourns the loss of Norman Lear, it also grapples with the challenge of preserving and celebrating his legacy in an ever-evolving media environment. His pioneering spirit and fearless approach to storytelling paved the way for future generations of filmmakers and writers. As the industry continues to adapt to changing viewing habits, it is crucial that Lear’s groundbreaking work is not only remembered but also made accessible to new audiences who can appreciate the humor, complexity, and cultural significance of his contributions to television.