Get ready to laugh like never before because the hilarious Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes are going to be sharing the screen for an unbelievable project!
Yes, these comedy veterans will be taking on the iconic roles of George and Louise (Weezy) Jefferson of the hit 1970's sitcom, The Jeffersons. I know what you're thinking: What? Huh? wait...and how?
Well, Foxx and Sykes will portray the legendary characters (made famous by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford) in an upcoming live televised production. The special will also honor the show's parent series, 'All In The Family' and star some of our other favorite funny actors like Ellie Kemper, Woody Harrelson, SNL alumnus Will Ferrell and more! And while we are super excited for this sure-fire masterpiece, I honestly don't think the world is ready for all of this comedic GREATNESS!!
However, in the era of reboots and remakes, it only makes since to pay tribute to the comedy classics that laid the foundation for the modern sitcom. It's especially important since these Norman Lear classics boldly refused to shy away from edgy (non-pc) dialogue and unapologetically engaged in commentary on the social, political and racial climate of the country, something much needed in today's world.
Get the FULL scoop from our friends at TooFab Below:
Jimmy Kimmel is assembling an all-star cast to perform live recreations of classic Norman Lear episodes from both "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons."
Is this where the live musical era is taking us after the disappointing ratings of "Rent"? Everyone seems to agree that staging live television events remains one of the few ways to combat viewer erosion as more and more people consume their entertainment on-demand.
Taking over the iconic roles of Archie and Edith Bunker for this live 90-minute special are Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei. As for "The Jeffersons," look for Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes as the happy couple, George and Louise. But the stars don't stop there.
Ellie Kemper is on tap to play the Bunker's daughter Gloria, while Will Ferrell plays "Jeffersons" neighbor Tom Willis and Justina Machado steps in as their wisecracking housekeeper Florence. The rest of the cast will be rounded out shortly, but it's already a pretty exciting roster.
The special is set to air on May 22 and will be executive produced by Kimmel, Lear, Ferrell, Adam McKay, Brent MillerJustin Theroux. Legendary sitcom director James Burrows has been tapped to helm the show.
"These revered shows are as culturally relevant today as they’ve ever been, and the talent they have gathered makes this the can’t-miss television event of the year ... make that decade," said ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke.
The show's iconic creator, Norman Lear, says that a bit part of the impetus to bring these shows into the 2010s is to show that their messages are as timely and relevant today as they were in the 1970s. Both shows were incendiary to many during their original runs, boldly tackling real issues like racism, homophobia, bigotry and classism on a weekly basis.
"They have said over and over again that these two shows were meant for the ’70s and would not work today," Lear said. "We disagree with them and are here to prove, with two great casts depicting ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons,’ the timelessness of human nature. I cannot wait to see what these glorious performers make in our time of these indelible characters."
Also not yet revealed are the episodes that will be featured from each show. Each had more than 200 episodes, many of them considered classics by modern standards.
"Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons'" will air as a live 90-minute special on ABC Wednesday, May 22.