most sitcoms before "all in the family" did not talk about controversial issues. "all in the family" became very famous because it talked about controversial topics like race and sexuality but in a funny way. many people liked the show because they thought the show was relatable for them because the show was about average people in the 1970s. norman lear used this when he made other shows like "sanford and son". "all in the family" won many awards for it's success. the chairs that archie bunker and edith sit in and the table that is in between the chairs are on display at the national museum of american history. on the table is archie's favorite beer and a bowl to stop his cigar when he is done smoking. the hat that archie wears on the show is also at this museum.