All in the Family

S01E03 Oh, My Aching Back (aka Archie's Aching Back)

Archie believes he can secure a substantial payout from a minor car accident if a Jewish attorney represents him. In this early episode, the Bunkers' minimalist set is prominently featured. Director John Rich, who grew up nearby, recalls the meticulous efforts to create the living room's austere appearance. He supervised the intentional cracking of windows and the repainting of walls to achieve a worn, lived-in vibe. Rich shares, "I instructed the set designers to strip away all color. Norman and I wanted the show in black and white, but CBS was firmly against it. So, we opted for the next best thing: filming in muted sepia tones."