Jimmy Kimmel will reproduce to episodes of classic Norman Lear sitcoms for a new ABC Primetime special on May 22. According to The Wrap, Kimmel will stage episodes of All in the Family and The Jeffersons with an all-star cast.
Woody Harrelson (The Highwaymen) and Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man: Homecoming) starring as Archie and Edith Bunker, and Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained) and Wanda Sykes as George and Louise Jefferson. Ellie Kemper (The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) will play Gloria Stivic with Will Ferrell (Holmes and Watson) as Tom Willis and Justina Machado (Torque) will play Florence Johnston.
“The fact that a group of Oscar winners eagerly agreed to play these iconic characters is a testament to the greatness of these shows and their creator, Norman Lear. To be a part of this is a dream come true for me and for everyone involved,” Kimmel said in a statement.
James Burrows will direct the live special, with Lear, Kimmel, Ferrell, Brent Miller, Adam McKay and Justin Theroux will all serve as executive producers.
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Lear, the mastermind behind these two sitcoms (and many others), addressed the project while talking about how some of his creations would feel too dated in today’s cultural landscape.
“They have said over and over again that these two shows were meant for the ’70s and would not work today. 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, and I couldn’t be more grateful for Jimmy Kimmel, Sony and ABC for their collective willingness to conceive and pursue this never-been-done-before event,” Lear explained.
The 90-minute special will air Wednesday, May 22 on ABC.
