Archie Bunker’s Place

1 9 7 9 – 1 9 8 3 (USA)
96 x 30 minute episodes
1 x 60 minute episode

In this spin-off/continuation of All In The Family, Archie Bunker had mortgaged his house to buy a half-share in a neighbourhood bar with his business partner, hard-working Jew Murray Klein (Martin Balsam).

If that wasn’t a big enough job to keep the bigoted Bunker busy, he was also now the guardian of two young nieces – Stephanie (Danielle Brisebois) and “Billie” (Denise Miller).

Edith appeared only sporadically in the first season, as Jean Stapleton did not wish to be typecast more than she already was.

In order for the writers to introduce new female interest for Archie if they so wished, it was decided that her part would be ‘killed off’.

The stunning opening episode of the 1980-81 US season of Archie Bunker’s Place duly revealed that a month before, Edith had died of a stroke, in her sleep, and viewers witnessed Archie, solaced by Stephanie, grieving for his dead wife.

Carroll O’Connor’s performance in this episode alone, as a man unable to deal with his anguish, won him a prestigious Peabody Award. It was from this point on that Archie Bunker’s Place really became distinct from its much-loved predecessor.

In 1981, Archie’s partner Murray left the series and Archie received much needed financial help from lawyer/business manager Gary Rabinowitz (Barry Gordon).

Gary’s involvement was more than strictly business as he was dating Archie’s 18-year-old niece, Billie.

Archie also had to put up with Veronica (Anne Meara), an Irish chef whose wit had more bite than her food, and José (Abraham Alvarez), a Puerto Rican boy assistant; but at least his old friend Barney Hefner (played by Allan Melvin, Corporal Henshaw in The Phil Silvers Show) remained one of his most loyal customers.

The 28 February 1982 US episode of Archie Bunker’s Place, an hour-long broadcast, served as the pilot for a spin-off, Gloria.

Archie Bunker
Carroll O’Connor
Stephanie Mills
Danielle Brisebois
Barbara ‘Billie’ Bunker
Denise Miller
Murray Klein
Martin Balsam
Veronica Rooney
Anne Meara
Barney Hefner
Allan Melvin
José
Abraham Alvarez
Gary Rabinowitz
Barry Gordon
Gloria Bunker Stivic
Sally Struthers
Michael Stivic
Rob Reiner