Plot Synopsis

LIVE IN FRONT OF A STUDIO AUDIENCE is a series of live broadcast television events that feature an all-star cast recreating episodes of classic sitcoms.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 8-9:30pm ET/PT, ABC premiered "Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's ALL IN THE FAMILY and THE JEFFERSONS" from late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and television icon Norman Lear. This one-night-only event, takes viewers down memory lane, recreating an original episode from each of the Emmy Award-winning series ALL IN THE FAMILY and THE JEFFERSONS. This legendary night of television is hosted by Lear and Kimmel, directed by 10-time Emmy winner James Burrows. Stars include Woody Harrelson (Archie Bunker), Marisa Tomei (Edith Bunker), Jamie Foxx (George Jefferson), Wanda Sykes (Louise Jefferson), Ellie Kemper (Gloria Stivic), Will Ferrell (Tom Willis), Justina Machado (Florence Johnston), Ike Barinholtz (Meathead), Sean Hayes (Mr. Lorenzo), Amber Stevens West (Jenny Willis Jefferson), Jovan Adepo (Lionel Jefferson), Anthony Anderson (Uncle Henry), Stephen Tobolowsky (Mr. Bentley) and Jackee Harry (Diane Stockwell), Kerry Washington (Helen Willis).

LIVE IN FRONT OF A STUDIO AUDIENCE returned for a second installment on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 8-9:30pm ET/PT on ABC, featuring newly recreated, live installments of Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin's Emmy Award-winning series ALL IN THE FAMILY and groundbreaking sitcom GOOD TIMES, created by Mike Evans, Eric Monte and developed by Lear. The holiday-inspired live event produced by Sony Pictures Television, reunites executive producers Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Brent Miller, Will Ferrell and Justin Theroux. Kerry Washington, who portrayed Helen Willis of THE JEFFERSONS in the original special in the spring, joins as an executive producer. After their unforgettable live performances charmed audiences last May, all-star cast members Woody Harrelson, Marisa Tomei, Ellie Kemper and Ike Barinholtz are set to reprise their iconic ALL IN THE FAMILY roles as Archie and Edith Bunker, Gloria Stivic and Meathead. Joining the ALL IN THE FAMILY cast are Kevin Bacon, Jesse Eisenberg and Justina Machado, whose roles will be announced live. In this one-night-only event, an all-star lineup of talent tackles the roles first portrayed in the iconic television sitcom GOOD TIMES, including Viola Davis and Andre Braugher as Florida Evans and James Evans, Jay Pharoah as J.J Evans, Asante Blackk as Michael Evans, Corinne Foxx as Thelma Evans and Tiffany Haddish recreating the role of Willona Woods. Jharrel Jerome is also confirmed to join the cast. Joining forces for a show-stopping musical performance are Anthony Anderson and Patti LaBelle.
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A third installment of LIVE IN FRONT OF A STUDIO AUDIENCE premiered on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 8-9:30pm ET/PT on ABC, featuring live reenactments of the hit series THE FACTS OF LIFE, created by Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon, and DIFF'RENT STROKES, created by Bernie Kukoff and Jeff Harris. The event reunites executive producers Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Brent Miller, Kerry Washington, Will Ferrell, Justin Theroux and Jim Burrows and features an all-star cast with John Lithgow who will play Mr. Drummond, Kevin Hart assuming the role of Arnold, and Damon Wayans who will play Willis in DIFF'RENT STROKES. THE FACTS OF LIFE features Jennifer Aniston, playing the role of Blair; Gabrielle Union, taking on the role of Tootie; Allison Tolman, who plays Natalie; Kathryn Hahn, recreating the role of Jo; and Ann Dowd, who tackles the role of Mrs. Garrett in both episodes. Plus, Jon Stewart takes on a mystery role in THE FACTS OF LIFE.

Executive producer Kerry Washington said, "It has been an honor and highlight of my career to collaborate with the legendary Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, ABC and Sony. Part of the magic of Norman's iconic TV series is that they resonate with audiences today just as much as they did decades ago. Reliving and reimagining them feels like pure joy. I keep wondering when this will start to feel like work!"