7.8/10240 votes#1 - A Friend in Need
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/18/1975
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
7.3/10167 votes#2 - George's Family Tree
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/25/1975
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: N/A
7.3/10155 votes#3 - Louise Feels Useless
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 2/1/1975
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: N/A
7.1/10148 votes#4 - Lionel the Playboy
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 2/8/1975
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
7.5/10155 votes#5 - Mr. Piano Man
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/15/1975
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
Writer: N/A
7.4/10150 votes#6 - George's Skeleton
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/22/1975
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
Writer: Whitey Mitchell, Erik Tarloff
7.7/10156 votes#7 - Lionel Cries Uncle
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 3/1/1975
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
7.5/10141 votes#8 - Mother Jefferson's Boyfriend
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 3/8/1975
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: N/A
7.5/10125 votes#9 - Meet the Press
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/15/1975
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: N/A
7.3/10127 votes#10 - Rich Man's Disease
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 3/22/1975
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: N/A
7.4/10136 votes#11 - Former Neighbors
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 3/29/1975
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: N/A
7.7/10117 votes#12 - Like Father, Like Son?
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 4/5/1975
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: N/A
7.6/10147 votes#13 - Jenny's Low
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 4/12/1975
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: N/A
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!
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...
Genres:ComedyFamily
Network:CBS
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 240 votes. Directed by Jack Shea and written by Michael Ross, it aired on 1/18/1975. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "George's Family Tree".