157: Sanford Arms Meets a Gay — And He’s Black!

“Phil’s Assertion School (September 23, 1977)

“Phil’s Assertion School (September 23, 1977)

Sanford Arms was NBC’s attempt to continue the world of Sanford and Son without either Sanford or the Son. It didn’t work, and of the eight episodes produced, only four ever aired. That said, it’s second ever installment not only introduced a gay character but also it became the first black cast sitcom to ever do a gay episode with an out gay person of color. So while this attempt at a Sanford spinoff didn’t work, it still landed its place in history. We’re joined again by Dr. Alfred L. Martin to discuss.

Buy Alfred’s book, The Generic Closet: Black Gayness and the Black-Cast Sitcom.

Listen to our previous Sanford and Son episode.

Episode artwork by Ian O’Phelan.