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Quizzes > Movies

Sanford and Son quiz: How well do you know the show?

Quick, free Sanford and Son trivia to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Pavan ChikhaleUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Sanford and Son trivia quiz paper art illustration on sky blue background

This Sanford and Son quiz helps you test your memory of Fred, Lamont, Aunt Esther, and the junkyard's funniest moments. Answer quick questions, see your score right away, and pick up a fun tidbit or two as you go. When you're done, try more classics with Family Ties trivia or take a laugh break with The Nanny quiz.

Who starred as Fred Sanford on the show?
LaWanda Page
Redd Foxx
Demond Wilson
Don Bexley
Fred Sanford was famously portrayed by stand-up comedian and actor Redd Foxx. His performance defined the show, and his chemistry with his on-screen son anchored the series' humor. Foxx's work on Sanford and Son remains his most celebrated television role.
Who played Lamont Sanford, Fred's son and business partner?
Whitman Mayo
Redd Foxx
Larry Gelbart
Demond Wilson
Lamont Sanford was portrayed by actor Demond Wilson, who starred opposite Redd Foxx for the entire series run. Wilson's straight-man performance balanced Fred's more outrageous antics. After Sanford and Son, he went on to appear in several sitcoms and dramas.
In which Los Angeles neighborhood is the Sanford & Son junkyard located?
Compton
Hollywood
Beverly Hills
Watts
The show is set in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, a working-class community that provided an authentic backdrop. This urban environment shaped many of the storylines and jokes. The choice of Watts connected the series to real-life social issues of the 1970s.
What is the name of Fred and Lamont's junk business?
Garbage Brothers
Trash & Treasures
Rusty Deals
Sanford & Son
The business is simply called Sanford & Son, reflecting the father-son partnership at its core. It serves as the central setting for most of the show's comedic interactions. The name was straightforward and memorable, matching the show's no-nonsense tone.
Who is Fred Sanford's closest friend and neighbor, known for his laid-back style?
Smitty
Grady Wilson
Bubba Bexley
Aunt Esther
Grady Wilson, played by Whitman Mayo, is Fred's best friend and neighbor. His slow-spoken, affable character frequently clashes - and bonds - with Fred's high-energy style. Grady was popular enough to earn his own spin-off later on.
What is the name of Fred Sanford's late wife, often referenced when he feigns a heart attack?
Eleanor
Beatrice
Madeline
Elizabeth
Fred often cries out "This is the big one, Elizabeth!" while pretending to have a heart attack, referencing his deceased wife. This gag became one of the show's most famous running jokes. The name Elizabeth was used consistently across seasons.
In what year did Sanford & Son first premiere on television?
1968
1974
1970
1972
Sanford & Son debuted on January 14, 1972, on NBC. It quickly became one of the highest-rated shows of the decade. Its blend of sharp comedy and social commentary resonated with audiences of the era.
Which network originally aired Sanford & Son?
NBC
FOX
ABC
CBS
Sanford & Son was broadcast on NBC throughout its run from 1972 to 1977. NBC was home to several groundbreaking sitcoms in the 1970s, and this series was among its biggest hits. The network's support helped the show achieve strong ratings and cultural impact.
What catchphrase does Fred exclaim when pretending to suffer a heart attack?
This is the big one, Elizabeth!
I can't breathe, Mary!
Lamont, call 911!
The heart of gold!
Fred's famous line "This is the big one, Elizabeth!" is his go-to fake heart attack cry, referencing his deceased wife. It became one of the most quoted lines from the show. Each time it appeared, it drew laughs and reinforced Fred's dramatic flair.
Who is Aunt Esther in relation to Fred Sanford?
His sister-in-law
His neighbor
His ex-wife
His cousin
Aunt Esther was Fred Sanford's sister-in-law, the sister of his late wife, Elizabeth. Her religious zeal and rivalry with Fred were central to many episodes. Their comedic clashes provided much of the show's humor.
Which actress famously portrayed Aunt Esther?
Diahann Carroll
Beah Richards
LaWanda Page
Isabel Sanford
Aunt Esther was played by LaWanda Page, a stand-up comic whose portrayal became iconic. She brought a mix of piety and fire to the role, making Esther one of TV's most memorable aunts. Page won praise and a dedicated fan following for this performance.
Who composed the theme music for Sanford & Son?
Quincy Jones
James Brown
Henry Mancini
Isaac Hayes
The funky, unforgettable theme was composed by Quincy Jones, who scored many hit records and TV series. His theme for Sanford & Son set the tone for the show's blend of humor and soulful style. The opening riff became instantly recognizable to viewers.
What is the title of the pilot episode of Sanford & Son?
The Big One
The Dowry
Junk Dreams
Trash Day
The series premiere is titled "The Dowry," in which Fred and Lamont clash over Aunt Esther's inheritance. This episode introduces the main characters and sets up their personalities and conflicts. It laid the groundwork for much of the show's family humor.
How many seasons did Sanford & Son run during its original broadcast?
5
7
4
6
Sanford & Son ran for six seasons from 1972 until 1977 on NBC. Despite cast changes and disputes, it maintained strong ratings throughout its run. The six-season arc helped cement its status as a classic sitcom of the 1970s.
In what year did Redd Foxx temporarily walk off the show due to a contract dispute?
1974
1976
1973
1975
In October 1974, Redd Foxx staged a well-publicized walkout over contract terms and pay. The show was off the air for several weeks until a new agreement was reached. His return solidified his leverage in television contracts.
What was the name of Fred and Lamont's spin-off series focusing on Grady?
The Sanford Arms
Grady's Garage
Sanford Family
Grady
The character Grady Wilson earned his own short-lived spin-off simply titled Grady in 1975. The series followed Grady and his wife in a suburban setting after he moved out of Fred's. It lasted only one season but remains a part of the Sanford universe.
Which British sitcom served as the basis for Sanford & Son's format?
Fawlty Towers
On the Buses
Only Fools and Horses
Steptoe and Son
Sanford & Son was directly adapted from the BBC series Steptoe and Son by writers Galton and Simpson. The American version localized the setting to Watts and infused it with 1970s U.S. social commentary. The core father-son dynamic remained at the heart of both shows.
Which actor played the recurring character Bubba on Sanford & Son?
Don Bexley
Whitman Mayo
Redd Foxx
Theodore Wilson
Don Bexley portrayed Bubba, one of Fred's loyal junkyard workers and friends. His character appeared in multiple episodes and was often involved in Fred's schemes. Bexley's warm performance added depth to the ensemble cast.
What is the title of the episode in which Fred and Lamont stumble upon a fortune in scrap metal?
Million Dollar Rust
Treasure in Trash
Rust to Riches
Golden Garbage
"Million Dollar Rust" is the episode where Fred and Lamont discover a large stash of valuable copper and set out to sell it. Their plans go awry in typical comedic fashion. This installment is a fan favorite for its high-stakes premise.
What is the title of the series finale of Sanford & Son?
Last Rites
Relatives
The Final Junk
End of the Line
The final episode is titled "Relatives," in which family members and old friends reunite, and Fred contemplates retirement. It aired on March 25, 1977, wrapping up the show's sixth season. The ending left Fred plotting new schemes even as he considered giving up junk dealing.
In which city do Fred and Lamont run their junkyard?
San Diego
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
The series is set in Los Angeles, specifically in the Watts area, though exterior shots were filmed on a studio backlot. Mention of local landmarks and city life anchor the show in L.A.'s cultural landscape. This urban setting was integral to many of the jokes and storylines.
Who wrote several episodes of Sanford & Son, including the pilot "The Dowry"?
LaWanda Page
Quincy Jones
Redd Foxx
Norman Lear
Redd Foxx co-wrote some episodes, including the premiere "The Dowry," drawing on his own comedic strengths. His writing contributions shaped Fred's voice and humor. This dual role showcased Foxx's talents both on and off screen.
Who was the co-creator and executive producer of Sanford & Son?
Fred Silverman
Bud Yorkin
Lorne Michaels
Norman Lear
Bud Yorkin co-created and executive produced Sanford & Son alongside Norman Lear. Yorkin's production company developed several landmark sitcoms in the 1970s. His partnership with Lear helped bring the British format to American audiences.
Which studio produced and distributed Sanford & Son?
Paramount Television
ABC Studios
Columbia Pictures Television
Warner Bros. Television
Sanford & Son was produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures Television. Columbia handled the show's international syndication and library distribution after its network run. This studio was behind many classic sitcoms of the era.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Catchphrases -

    Recall memorable Fred Sanford one-liners and Lamont's retorts to demonstrate your mastery of Sanford and Son trivia.

  2. Identify Key Characters -

    Identify major and supporting characters from the classic sitcom to sharpen your understanding of character dynamics in Sanford and Son.

  3. Analyze Comedic Moments -

    Analyze standout comedic scenes and plot twists to appreciate the humor style that makes this sitcom quiz so entertaining.

  4. Apply Quiz Strategies -

    Apply effective techniques for answering sanford and son trivia questions to maximize your score on this free sitcom quiz.

  5. Evaluate Your Sitcom Savvy -

    Evaluate your performance against fellow fans and classic TV trivia standards to see if you're a true TV sitcom pro.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Show Premiere and Production -

    Sanford and Son debuted on NBC in January 1972, produced by Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, running for 5 seasons and 91 episodes (NBC Archives). Memorize "2 - 5 - 91" as a simple mnemonic: 2 leads, 5 years, 91 installments to ace your sanford and son trivia quiz.

  2. Fred and Lamont's Dynamic -

    Redd Foxx's Fred Sanford and Demond Wilson's Lamont form a classic father - son duo whose banter drives every sitcom quiz question (IMDb Pro). Recall "F then L" to link Fred's fiery comebacks followed by Lamont's level-headed responses in your sanford and son trivia questions.

  3. Iconic Catchphrases -

    Lines like "You big dummy!" and "This is the big one!" are staples in classic TV trivia (TV Land Research). Use the rhyme "Dummy and Big One" to trigger both catchphrases when tackling question rounds in your sitcom quiz.

  4. Memorable Episodes & Cameos -

    Key episodes include "The Way to Lamont's Heart" (S1E4) and the Emmy-nominated "Birthday Boy" (S1E10), with guest spots from Don Bexley and LaWanda Page (Emmy.com). Create flashcards pairing episode titles with guest stars to strengthen recall for your sanford and son quiz prep.

  5. Cultural Impact & Awards -

    As one of the first shows to portray an African-American family in prime time humorously and respectfully, Sanford and Son earned two Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award nod (Paley Center). Remember "EP" (Emmy, Peabody) to flag its critical acclaim during classic TV trivia segments.

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