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The Best Episodes of The Jeffersons Season 1

Every episode of The Jeffersons Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Jeffersons Season 1!

Binge this in 5h 49m•Peaking at 7.8/10

Sitcom following a successful African-American couple, George and Louise “Weezyö Jefferson as they “move on up” from working-class Queens to a ritzy Manhattan apartment. A spin-off of All in the Family.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 1 - A Friend in Need
    7.8/10(266 votes)

    S1:E1

    The Jeffersons have moved on up and are now enjoying living in their new high-rise apartment. Louise has made a new friend in Diane Stockwell, who is having a hard time believing that George made his way up the ladder without doing anything shady. However, bigger problems are brewing when George insists that Louise hire a maid but Louise is totally against the idea.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Michael Ross

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  2. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 7 - Lionel Cries Uncle
    7.7/10(173 votes)

    S1:E7

    Louise is expecting a visit from her Uncle Ward, a man who happens to be a butler. His job is what makes George and Lionel put him down, calling him an "Uncle Tom." Meanwhile, a fight at school prompts Lionel to get kicked out.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Jim Carlson

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  3. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 8 - Mother Jefferson's Boyfriend
    7.6/10(154 votes)

    S1:E8

    George learns of Mother Jefferson's intentions of marriage and is totally against the idea, thinking her fiancee is after his money.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 12 - Like Father, Like Son?
    7.6/10(125 votes)

    S1:E12

    Louise becomes concerned when she sees Lionel beginning to act more and more like his father. Things come to a head, when Lionel tries to get Jenny a seat on a campaign committee by using bribery. Meanwhile, Tom and Helen are at odds when they each back opposing candidates.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 13 - Jenny's Low
    7.6/10(154 votes)

    S1:E13

    Jenny's globe-trotting brother surprises his family with a visit home. While Tom and Helen, debate on the reason for Allan staying away so long, Jenny is anything but happy about his visit and her reason has nothing to do with him staying away for so long.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 5 - Mr. Piano Man
    7.5/10(171 votes)

    S1:E5

    George refuses to participate in a tenants meeting until he learns the Mr. Whittendale will be there. George has hopes of doing business with the man. Meanwhile, George's want for a grand piano becomes a burden during the meeting.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writers:Don Nicholl, Lloyd Turner, Gordon Mitchell

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  7. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 6 - George's Skeleton
    7.4/10(163 votes)

    S1:E6

    An old friend of George's, Monk Davis, drops in after learning of George's new found success. However, Monk has more on his mind than just a friendly visit.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writers:Whitey Mitchell, Erik Tarloff

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  8. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 11 - Former Neighbors
    7.4/10(154 votes)

    S1:E11

    George comes home one evening with news an important potential client is coming over for dinner. However, Louise has news too. Some old friends of the Jeffersons are coming over, friends whom George is afraid will embarrass him in front of his pompous client.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 2 - George's Family Tree
    7.3/10(178 votes)

    S1:E2

    The Willis' give Louise and George a piece of primitive African art, as a housewarming gift, which leads to the discussion of family roots. This leads George to discover his family roots, from an African tribe believed to be kings.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 3 - Louise Feels Useless
    7.3/10(166 votes)

    S1:E3

    Louise is having a hard time getting use to her new wealthy lifestyle and the boredom that comes along with it. She begins trying to talk George into letting her work in the store in the building but he is totally against it. This leads her to inadvertently get a job with another cleaning business and George hits the ceiling when he learns the news. That is until he begins thinking of using her position for sabotage.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 9 - Meet the Press
    7.2/10(138 votes)

    S1:E9

    Wanting publicity for his stores, George tries to get in on a reporter's series of stories on successful black businessmen. However, once he finally gets the reporter to make an appearance he finds it difficult to hold his attention, with the Willis' and Mr. Bentley hanging around.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 10 - Rich Man's Disease
    7.1/10(142 votes)

    S1:E10

    With the doctor's diagnosis that George has an ulcer, Louise tries to do everything to not allow George to become upset. This task proves difficult with Harry, Tom and Helen dropping in.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Jeffersons Season 1 Episode 4 - Lionel the Playboy
    7.0/10(165 votes)

    S1:E4

    Lionel's new wealthy lifestyle begins to have an effect on him and a carefree attitude begins to be seen by his family. He stays out all night every night and cuts class. This leads to him debating on whether or not to drop out of college.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:John Baskin

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"A Friend in Need" is the best rated episode of "The Jeffersons" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 266 votes. Directed by Jack Shea and written by Michael Ross, it aired on 1/18/1975. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Lionel Cries Uncle".