Sanford and Son backdrop
Comedy

The Worst Episodes of Sanford and Son

Every episode of Sanford and Son ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Sanford and Son!

Binge this in 2d 20hPeaking at 9.0/10

The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.

Airs on

Seasons6

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Sanford and Son Season 2 Episode 8 - The Puerto Ricans Are Coming!
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #1 - The Puerto Ricans Are Coming!

    S2:E8

    Fred gets a new next door neighbor and is shocked to learn that he is Puerto Rican and planning on opening a junk business of his own. Fred gets upset about the competition and contrives a plan to get the city to condemn his property especially since, Julio has a pet goat.

    Director:Peter Baldwin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 1 - Lamont as Othello
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Lamont as Othello

    S3:E1

    Fred comes home to find Lamont and his drama teacher Marilyn acting out a choking scene from the play "Othello." Fred then jumps to the logical conclusion that Lamont is trying to kill a white woman. Later, Fred becomes the victim of assumption when Marilyn invites Fred and Lamont to her place and her parents think Fred and Lamont are trying to rob the place.

    Director:Peter Baldwin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 2 - Libra Rising All Over Lamont
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #3 - Libra Rising All Over Lamont

    S3:E2

    Lamont visits an astrologist and discovers he's a double Libra, thus his goal in life is for peace and decides to get along with his father at all costs. Meanwhile, Fred eats a batch of 8 day-old greens and gets sick and becomes convinced he's dying. This leads to Grady spreading the word of Fred's supposedly impending death, which draws Aunt Esther and her friends out of the woodwork.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 3 - Fred, the Reluctant Fingerman
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - Fred, the Reluctant Fingerman

    S3:E3

    Lamont and Julio go out one evening to shoot pool leaving a left-out Fred behind to sulk. Fred soon finds himself a witness to a burglary when he confronts two thieves burglarizing Julio's house. Later, Fred refuses to testify and identify the culprits out of fear and a frustrated Lamont and Julio put a plan into motion to get him to, and it starts when Fred's truck is stolen.

    Director:Jack Shea

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 4 - Presenting the Three Degrees
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #5 - Presenting the Three Degrees

    S3:E4

    Rollo and Lamont are managing a girl singing group from Philadelphia, The Three Degrees. They stay at the Sanford house while preparing for a talent show at the Safari Club. Fred is against the notion at first until he meets the three sexy girls. At the Safari Club, Lamont is surprised when Fred and his friends arrive and they start heckling the other acts.

    Director:Peter Baldwin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 5 - This Little TV Went to Market
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - This Little TV Went to Market

    S3:E5

    Fred and Lamont's TV set is on it's last legs and Lamont considers buying a brand new one, however Fred buys a used color TV set for cheap. Things get out of hand when Fred's friend Grady stops by and recognizes Fred's new set as his set that was stolen. Fred quickly wants an out of the situation and sells it to his neighbor Julio for $50.

    Director:Peter Baldwin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Sanford and Son

    READ
  8. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 6 - Lamont is That You?
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #7 - Lamont is That You?

    S3:E6

    Lamont and Rollo are out on the town one evening and decide to stop in at a new bar for a couple drinks. However, they soon realize they have stumbled into a gay bar. Unknown to them, Bubba just happened to see them go inside. Bubba promptly jumps to conclusions and then proceeds to tell Fred that Lamont is gay. Not believing Bubba's story, Fred decides to get to the bottom of the situation.

    Director:Peter Baldwin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 7 - Fuentes, Fuentes, Sanford & Chico
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - Fuentes, Fuentes, Sanford & Chico

    S3:E7

    Lamont has decided to go in on a partnership with Julio in a used auto parts business venture and Fred becomes convinced that Lamont is abandoning their junk business. Against the whole notion, Fred decides he's not going to stay where he's not wanted and gets a bed at the local mission. Lamont and Julio cook up a scheme in order to lure him back to his home.

    Director:Jack Shea

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 8 - Superflyer
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #9 - Superflyer

    S3:E8

    Fred gets news that an uncle has died and has left him $1500 in his will. The only thing is, in order to get the money, Fred has to fly to St. Louis to claim it. However, first he must overcome a fear of flying and Lamont is up in arms trying to help him.

    Director:Peter Baldwin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 9 - The Members of the Wedding  (a.k.a.)  The Engagement
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #10 - The Members of the Wedding (a.k.a.) The Engagement

    S3:E9

    Fred and Donna enjoy an evening out on the town but then Donna breaks the news that she has had another man propose marriage to her. Not wanting to lose her, Fred decides to propose marriage himself and they plan a small wedding ceremony. However, Lamont is totally against the whole thing and has Aunt Esther and family confront Donna and question her intentions.

    Director:Jack Shea
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 10 - The Blind Mellow Jelly Collection  (a.k.a.) The Chameleon
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - The Blind Mellow Jelly Collection (a.k.a.) The Chameleon

    S3:E10

    Lamont advises Fred to donate a collection of Blind Mellow Jelly records to a music library for a tax write-off. After doing so, Fred finds out from an appraiser that the records are valued at five hundred dollars. Fred, with dollar signs in his eyes, has Bubba act as though he were the son of Blind Mellow Jelly in an attempt to get them back.

    Director:Mark Warren
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 11 - A House is Not a Poolroom
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - A House is Not a Poolroom

    S3:E11

    For a birthday present, Lamont buys Fred a pool table. But things get out of hand when Fred invites his buddies over for some friendly games. They quickly overstay their welcome and eat and drink Fred and Lamont out of house and home. Lamont quickly regrets ever buying the pool table for Fred and tries to convince him that the house is not a pool hall.

    Director:Jack Shea

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 12 - Grady, the Star Boarder
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #13 - Grady, the Star Boarder

    S3:E12

    Grady is fed up being a boarder for the bickering Ferguson's and vents his frustrations to Fred. Immediately seeing an opportunity to make some quick cash, Fred tries to convince Lamont to agree to let Grady be a "paying boarder" at the house. However, Fred quickly realizes the drawbacks and must find a way to break the news to his old friend.

    Director:Jack Shea

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 13 - Wine, Women and Aunt Esther (a.k.a.) Leaving the Nest
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - Wine, Women and Aunt Esther (a.k.a.) Leaving the Nest

    S3:E13

    Fred and his buddies are down over the death of a close friend and Aunt Esther's over-reacting does nothing to help. Thus, Fred decides to throw a cheer-up party and intends to have it in the Sanford home, complete with booze, music and friends of Fast Fanny, a topless waitress.

    Director:Peter Baldwin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 15 - Fred Sanford, Legal Eagle
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - Fred Sanford, Legal Eagle

    S3:E15

    Lamont is disgusted when he receives a traffic ticket for failure to yield on a right turn. Lamont is sure he did the most prudent thing for the situation and lets Fred talk him into fighting the ticket in court. Lamont is prepared to fight for himself but once in the court room he finds himself being represented ... by Fred!

    Director:Bob LaHendro
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 16 - This Land is Whose Land?
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - This Land is Whose Land?

    S3:E16

    While cleaning out the yard, Fred discovers some of Julio's junk on his property and demands that it be removed promptly. Soon, a feud erupts primarily due to Fred, who has a surveyor come over to determine where exactly the property line is. However, what is determined is not exactly what Fred had in mind and sets out to mislead Julio.

    Director:Peter Baldwin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 17 - Fred's Cheating Heart
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #17 - Fred's Cheating Heart

    S3:E17

    When a man stops by the Sanford residence seeking funds for a heart association, Lamont, finds out some interesting facts about heart attacks and decides to use the info to his advantage. The next time Fred has a supposed heart attack, Lamont doesn't take no for an answer and Fred ends up in the hospital for a checkup.

    Director:Stan Lathan
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 18 - The Party Crasher
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #18 - The Party Crasher

    S3:E18

    Lamont and Rollo are planning a double date and they have a plan to get Fred out of the house so they can have it all to themselves. However, Fred catches on and Lamont and Rollo must make do with the cramped quarters of Rollo's apartment, but they still have problems, the girls aren't happy with the entire arrangement, right down to the refreshments, that's when Fred steps in.

    Director:Stan Lathan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 19 - Lamont Goes Karate
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #19 - Lamont Goes Karate

    S3:E19

    Grady has been left in charge while Fred is visiting family in St. Louis and has promised to look after Lamont who comes home with a bloody nose, courtesy of Jo-Jo Jackson, after a fight over a woman. After taking a couple of karate lessons, Lamont goes back to the bar to confront Jo-Jo. However, a concerned Grady, decides tries to intervene.

    Director:Bud Yorkin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Sanford and Son Season 3 Episode 20 - Will the Real Fred Sanford Please Do Something?
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #20 - Will the Real Fred Sanford Please Do Something?

    S3:E20

    A woman, whom Fred once had a drunken fling with, stops by and becomes convinced that Grady is Fred. Grady is in shock and Lamont is no help trying to convince her otherwise. But Grady has an even bigger problem: The woman decides to hold him to the promise Fred made - marriage.

    Director:Stan Lathan
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Sanford and Son Season 4 Episode 8 - My Kingdom For a Horse (a.k.a.) First Night Out
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #21 - My Kingdom For a Horse (a.k.a.) First Night Out

    S4:E8

    Fred makes a deal and buys a horse with a great racing history. Fred tries to get the animal to breed so that he can have a lot of money making champions hoofing and stomping around the place. However, there is just one problem Fred must overcome, the horse he bought is a gelding, which has Lamont saying "I told you so" to yet another one of Fred's moneymaking schemes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Sanford and Son Season 5 Episode 2 - Divorce, Sanford Style (a.k.a.) Divorcee, Sanford Style
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #22 - Divorce, Sanford Style (a.k.a.) Divorcee, Sanford Style

    S5:E2

    Aunt Esther is fed up with her husband, Woodrow and has decided to end her marriage. She has become convinced that he's seeing other women behind her back and becomes even more convinced when Fred tries to hook him up with a swinger. Refusing to live in the same house with Woody, Esther moves in with Fred and Lamont.

    Director:Alan Rafkin
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Sanford and Son Season 5 Episode 10 - Sanford and Rising Son
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #23 - Sanford and Rising Son

    S5:E10

    Lamont's friend, Ah Chew cooks dinner for the Sanfords one evening and a wary Fred is quite impressed at how good the food is. This leads Fred and Ah Chew to start a takeout business together with the headquarters in the Sanford home. Fred soon realizes that they should expand the business and turn the house into a Japanese restaurant.

    Director:Mark Warren
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Sanford and Son Season 5 Episode 12 - Ebenezer Sanford
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #24 - Ebenezer Sanford

    S5:E12

    Fred is a Scrooge-like miser during the Christmas season and his friends try to get him to join into the Christmas spirit, but he rejects the attempts. After being accused of a being a Scrooge, Fred falls asleep and dreams up "A Christmas Carol." Now it is up to the spirits to take on the challenge that his friends failed at.

    Director:James Sheldon
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  26. Sanford and Son Season 5 Episode 23 - Sergeant Gork
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #25 - Sergeant Gork

    S5:E23

    While Fred is babysitting his soon-to-be grandson, Roger helps a customer and sells him some junk including three medals. After Fred learns of Roger's sale he envisions a story about just how he got those medals. Fred's story has him as a Patton like character fighting during World War II and battling espionage.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"The Puerto Ricans Are Coming!" is the worst rated episode of "Sanford and Son". It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Peter Baldwin and written by Unknown, it aired on 11/10/1972. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Lamont as Othello".