On Jan. 12, 1971, American television viewers witnessed the birth of arguably the most important series in history.
On that night 50 years ago, "All in the Family" aired for the first time on CBS, which dominated the ratings in the 1960s with homespun comedies including "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Green Acres."
"All in the Family" could not have been more different from its predecessors.
Millions of viewers flocked to their sets to watch the weekly war of words between Carroll O'Connor's ultra-conservative Archie Bunker and his extremely liberal son-in-law Michael Stivic, played by Rob Reiner.
"All in the Family" is among a handful of programs to finish No. 1 in the Nielsen TV ratings five consecutive years.
Syracuse University media professor Dr. Robert Thompson is among the nation's top pop culture experts. He discussed the legendary influence of "All in the Family" with KRLD's Chris Sommer.