Surprising Stories from the Set of All in the Family

The All in the Family theme was originally planned as a polished orchestral number. Early ideas called for a full orchestra to perform the opening tune, giving the show a traditional, big-production feel typical of sitcoms at the time.

Budget realities quickly changed that plan. Instead, Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton were seated at the piano to sing “Those Were the Days” themselves. The stripped-down performance felt intimate, nostalgic, and perfectly imperfect, becoming one of television’s most instantly recognizable openings.