Sketch o’the Week: Maude!

Right on! It’s another sketch for our classic sitcom series, this time featuring Bea Arthur and Bill Macy from yet another “All in the Family” spinoff series, “Maude”.

Unlike a lot of American sitcoms of the time which features large ensemble casts and the interaction between many characters, a number of “Maude” episodes would only feature Arthur and Macy, like a small set stage play. There were plenty of other people in the cast, but creator Norman Learseemed to recognize that Maude herself was so strong a central, driving character and Arthur so perfect in the role, that the focus on her character needed little help. One famous episode was essentially a one woman play, featuring Maude talking to a psychiatrist who was never shown onscreen. Like most Lear productions, this comedic show tackled serious themes like abortion, civil rights and gender equality, alcoholism and other social issues.

This show made Bea Arthur a star. She was nominated for four Emmys for “Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” during the show’s six season run, winning once.