Jeffersons

Jeffersons commonly refers to The Jeffersons, an American television sitcom that aired on CBS from 1975 to 1985. The show is a spin-off of All in the Family and was created by Norman Lear. It centers on George and Louise Jefferson, a working-class Black couple who become wealthy after George expands a dry-cleaning business, and their move to a luxury high-rise in New York City. The premise uses humor to explore themes of race, class, and urban life during the era.

The Jeffersons features a core ensemble led by Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson and Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson. Supporting characters include Marla Gibbs as Florence Johnston, Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover as neighbors Helen and Tom Willis, and Lionel Jefferson, the couple’s son, played by Mike Evans. Over its 11-season run, the show developed a mix of family comedy and social commentary, addressing everyday situations and broader cultural issues through its ongoing dynamics with neighbors and friends.

The series is recognized for its longevity and its role in expanding representation of Black families on American television. It contributed to the broader Norman Lear canon of socially aware sitcoms and helped shape how American TV approached issues of mobility, family, and inclusion within a popular format.

Beyond the TV series, Jeffersons can refer to a plural form of the surname Jeffersons in general usage. The best-known usage remains the CBS program, which remains a notable part of television history.