Norman Lear Blazed a Path for Pushing Political Buttons on Network Television | Appreciation

Baseball had Babe Ruth. Rock ‘n’ roll had The Beatles. Television had Norman Lear.

The legendary writer and producer died at age 101 one week ago — Tuesday, Dec. 5 — and left behind a legacy cementing him as one of TV’s most influential figures and the forefather of the American sitcom, especially as it relates to tackling politics and hot-button issues on broadcast television.

Inducted nearly 40 years ago as part of the Television Academy Hall of Fame’s first-ever class, Lear’s storied career saw him produce, write, create or develop over 100 shows, including “All in the Family,” “Maude” and “The Jeffersons.”