Archie Bunker and George Jefferson are back in the prime-time special show

NEW YORK >> Archie Bunker is back on prime time TV channels and it might seem a little different from the viewers – even though what he says is exactly the same.

Woody Harrelson plays an iconic role in the role of a famous writer, director and producer on ABC, Norman Lear. It will be released on May 22.

"It's going to be exciting like hell," Lear said. "Another version of Archie Bunker will embody Archie Bunker. Archie Bunker will be a very great talent. "

The special show will recreate an original episode of" All in the Family "and another of" The Jeffersons ". It will be hosted by Lear and the late-night host. Jimmy Kimmel, who imagined the idea.

"It's really amazing how great these shows are. I say "are" and not "were" because they are always excellent, "said Kimmel." I am delighted that a new generation can see them, call them back and then perhaps take the time to go back. to look at all the old ones. "

Joining Harrelson in the former role of Carroll O & # 39; Connor in "Everything in the Family" will be Marisa Tomei, performing Edith, the woman who has long suffered Bunker. Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes will play George and Louise Jefferson in "The Jeffersons", in roles originally played by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford. Ellie Kemper, Will Ferrell, Justina Machado, Kerry Washington, Sean Hayes and Anthony Anderson

Lear's two 1970s sitcoms are cut from the same theme, tackling racism, feminism and the Vietnam War . When asked if they still hold, Lear was clear. "I think they work very well," he said. "It's funny, it's funny."

Kimmel is inspired by the recent initiative of networks to stage Broadway musicals and turn them into live events, such as "Rent", "The Sound of Music" and "Grease".

"I am not interested in musicals, I love TV shows, and I was just thinking about what gets ratings on TV nowadays," said Kimmel.

"It seems that live events are still very popular and are always going well, I was thinking about the old series and I thought," Why do not we do one of these big shows? "I know that people like "Grease", but how often do you need to see that? "

Although producers will not reveal what episodes of sitcoms are being re-enacted, Kimmel has promised to bring them to life in front of an audience of studio – and the world on television – would give the shows an electric shock.

He wants the Americans to look at it the way they used to – together, at the same time. He does not worry about mistakes either because it adds to the suspense.

"We could release a box of rats on the set just to see what's going on," he joked. "I think that adds something to the production. You see it in musicals. They would not be as interesting if they were recorded on a tape. "