by Tom Cruise is known for his love of action films and intense acting roles. However, when it comes to his favorite TV show, the Hollywood superstar prefers laughing along to the sharp humor of a classic 1970s sitcom – “All in the Family.”
In interviews over the years, Cruise has consistently cited “All in the Family” as one of his all-time favorite shows to watch. He first discovered the comedy as a teenager in the 1970s when it originally aired and has rewatched episodes as an adult.
There are several specific reasons why this nostalgic sitcom resonates so strongly with Cruise after all these years:
The Show’s Comedic Writing Stood Out Even Then
“All in the Family” broke boundaries in the 1970s as one of the first mainstream sitcoms to take on controversial social issues with a satirical bite. Cruise appreciates how creator Norman Lear used humor to challenge assumptions while bringing up racism, abortion, rape, and more taboo topics.
Decades later, the show still makes Cruise laugh out loud thanks to the cometic talents of Carroll O’Connor as the unabashedly bigoted but oddly loveable Archie Bunker. His humorous rants and raves opposing social change in their working-class Queens neighborhood showcase funny cultural commentary that entertains as much today as decades ago.
Cruise Respects How “All in The Family” Tackled Tough Topics
In addition to laughter, Cruise praises “All in the Family” for being willing to make viewers think about complex issues as well. The show presented Archie Bunker’s racism, sexism and anti-immigrant views to highlight the plight of minorities and concealed biases in society at the time.
Cruise appreciates both the humor and guts it took for the show to present Archie’s objectionable viewpoints to demonstrate their absurdities versus endorsing them. “All in The Family” offered insightful social commentary using humor long before modern sitcoms followed their lead. The topics covered still resonate today.
The Show’s Character Complexity Keeps Cruise Riveted
Cruise is an acting connoisseur – and he admires quality performances that showcase depth and range. That’s why he is so impressed by Carroll O’Connor’s acting as Archie Bunker for over 200 episodes.
O’Connor’s Archie is a complicated, multidimensional character that evokes both laughter and empathy from the audience simultaneously. His bigoted perspective elicits shock while his human vulnerabilities make him oddly likeable at the same time. This fine acting line is challenging to walk but entertains Cruise on repeat viewings.
The Rest of the Stellar Cast Keeps Cruise Invested Too
And O’Connor isn’t carrying the show alone in Cruise’s perspective. He has high praise for Jean Stapleton’s funny, sharp-tongued portrayal of Archie’s wife Edith as well. Her ditzy demeanor hiding an underlying wisdom acts as the perfect foil to Archie’s offensive outbursts.
Additionally, Cruise delights in watching Rob Reiner as Archie’s liberal son-in-law Mike who faces off against his father-in-law’s problematic beliefs each episode. The chemistry between all four stellar actors drives home why “All in The Family” tops his best sitcom list.
Watching Together Spurs Family Bonding Time
As an award-winning actor and director himself, Cruise admires all the quality craftsmanship that goes into making “All in The Family” so uniquely entertaining. But it’s more than that – the show also spurs nostalgia about his family.
Cruise has fond memories watching episodes as a teen and now carries on that tradition showing his own kids. The time laughing while discussing the social issues tackled on screen strengthens their family bond. It reminds Cruise of his childhood and creating that same special feeling for the next generation has deep meaning.
The Bottom Line
While Cruise is renowned for high action, drama films heavier in intensity – when it comes to TV, he’d pick laughing with Archie and Edith Bunker over anything else. The stellar writing, acting and ability to handle controversy with humor are lasting achievements. Watching “All in The Family” reminds him of childhood memories with a MESSAGE modern television needs.
Decades later, Cruise appreciates the show more than ever. And he believes introducing his children to “All in The Family” offers the same connection across generations he experienced with his own family. This surprising sitcom obsession reveals Cruise prefers more heart and meaning paired with his entertainment than one may expect from a movie star known for packed premieres and red carpet glam.
