The upcoming live 90-minute primetime event, which has Norman Lear attached as executive producer, will be based on one episode each from 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons'.

• Apr 19, 2019

AceShowbiz - Jimmy Kimmel is developing a stage live re-creation of two classic sitcoms from Norman Lear for ABC. The "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" host announced that he will present a live 90-minute primetime event which will be based on one episode each from "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons".

"Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons' " is set to take place on Wednesday, May 22 on the network with an all-star cast led by Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei. Woody will be playing Archie Bunker while Marisa will take on the role of Edith Bunker. They will be joined by Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes who are set to play George and Louise Jefferson respectively.

Also starring in the live special are Ellie Kemper as Gloria Stivic, Will Ferrell as Tom Willis and Justina Machado as Florence Johnston. Additional cast members are set to be announced at a later date.

Jimmy and Norman are joining forces with veteran sitcom director James Burrows, who has been tapped to direct the live special. Meanwhile, Ferrell and Brent Miller, Adam McKay and Justin Theroux are attached as executive producers alongside Jimmy and Norman.

"The fact that a group of Oscar winners eagerly agreed to play these iconic characters is a testament to the greatness of these shows and their creator, Norman Lear. To be a part of this is a dream come true for me and for everyone involved," Kimmel said in a statement.

"We are so honored to partner with our brilliant friend Jimmy Kimmel and trailblazer Norman Lear to bring some of the most iconic sitcoms ever made back to television," said Karey Burke, ABC Entertainment president. "These revered shows are as culturally relevant today as they've ever been, and the talent they have gathered makes this the can't-miss television event of the year … make that decade."

Lear added, "They have said over and over again that these two shows were meant for the '70s and would not work today. We disagree with them and are here to prove, with two great casts depicting 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons', the timelessness of human nature. I cannot wait to see what these glorious performers make in our time of these indelible characters, and I couldn't be more grateful for Jimmy Kimmel, Sony and ABC for their collective willingness to conceive and pursue this never-been-done-before event."

"We are honored and elated to be involved in retelling these groundbreaking stories, which are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago when they first aired. And to be working with such brilliant icons as Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel, as well as this dream cast, in this exciting new format, is nothing short of amazing!" added Sony Pictures Television Studios president Jeff Frost and co-presidents Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter in a joint statement.

Smoking Baby Productions, ACT III Productions, Gary Sanchez Productions and Sony Pictures Television produce "Live In Front Of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All In The Family' and 'The Jeffersons' ".