The Royal Family (1991–1992) User Reviews

a Could have been

[ThunderKing6 · 8/10 · 7 April 2021]

A could have been show that looked promising. In this take Redd wasn't a rigid junkyard pop. He was a laid back and cool character that meant well for his family.

Quality of the show looked brilliant. The Supporting cast were on the verge of development then Redd Foxx's number was up.

What can be learned? Not much. The show collapsed too soon to be given a chance to learn something.

Verdict: Mr. Sanford without son.

Would have been good.

[SHB_73 · 8 January 2003]

Had Redd Foxx not died a few months after the series premiered, I felt it would have been successful. Foxx and Della Reese had great chemistry together as a retired postal worker and his wife who are forced to look after their grandchildren, instead of enjoying retirement. Sadly after Foxx's death it was canceled after only one season.

One of the best!

[nicoladavies87 · 10/10 · 4 July 2021]

They don't make them like they used to, it's such a brilliant series and well worth a watch, it's so familiar and real.. it's definitely one of my go to programmes.

The Royal Family: A Tribute to Unfulfilled Potential"

[rj-44643 · 10/10 · 8 January 2024]

"The Royal Family" was a show I eagerly anticipated during my middle school years, fueled by my deep admiration for Redd Foxx and his iconic role in "Sanford and Son." The series held a special place in my heart, and I harbored high hopes for its success.

Redd Foxx's performance in "The Royal Family" was nothing short of brilliant. His impeccable comedic timing, magnetic charisma, and unique style infused the screen with humor and warmth. Watching the show, I couldn't help but be reminded of why I held him in such high regard as an actor.

However, Redd Foxx's untimely death left a void that could never be filled. This loss struck not just the entertainment industry but also fans like myself, who had developed a deep affection for his work. I firmly believe that if he had lived, "The Royal Family" could have blossomed into a long-running and beloved series, further enriching his legacy as a comedic legend.

The on-screen partnership of Redd Foxx and Della Reese as a TV husband and wife in "The Royal Family" was nothing short of casting genius. Their chemistry was palpable, and their talents complemented each other beautifully. Redd Foxx's comedic prowess combined seamlessly with Della Reese's charm and charisma, creating a dynamic and relatable couple that viewers could effortlessly connect with.

The casting for the entire show was impeccable. The ensemble of actors (Mariann Aalda, Larenz Tate, Sylver Gregory, Naya Rivera) brought depth and authenticity to their respective characters, making the Royal family feel like a genuine and relatable family unit. The combination of seasoned veterans such as Redd Foxx and Della Reese alongside talented newcomers ensured that the show had a well-rounded and engaging cast.

In particular, the on-screen partnership between Redd Foxx and Della Reese showcased their ability to convey both humor and heart. Their interactions as a married couple were a highlight of the series, and their performances added a layer of depth that resonated deeply with audiences. It was evident that the casting directors possessed a keen eye for talent, as every character seamlessly fit into the Royal family.

In summary, "The Royal Family" greatly benefited from its impeccable casting choices, with Redd Foxx and Della Reese shining as the quintessential TV husband and wife duo. Their chemistry and performances played a pivotal role in making the show unforgettable, and their on-screen partnership remains a testament to the magic of expertly executed casting.

However, the untimely passing of Redd Foxx left a void that could never be filled. It was a loss not only for the world of entertainment but also for devoted fans like myself, who had hoped to witness the show's potential for a long and successful run. Redd Foxx's death marked the end of an era and the conclusion of what could have been a truly great and enduring series.

Does anybody remember this show from the early 1990's

[rcj5365 · 26 January 2011]

From the previous comment about who else remembers this short-lived sitcom from the 1990's? For one,this was comedian-actor Redd Foxx's last time starring in weekly situation comedy-drama series. "The Royal Family" starred none other than the great Redd Foxx as Al Royal,who was a cranky Atlanta mailman looking forward to an active retirement with his loving,if somewhat contentious wife,Victoria(played by the great Della Reese). Everything changed however,when his daughter Elizabeth(Mariann Aaida)comes back home and announces she is getting a divorced from her husband Dexter. Al,who never liked Dexter,thought that was great news until he found out that Elizabeth was moving back home with her three children,the two sisters Hillary(Nava Rivera),and Kim(Sylver Gregory),and out of control teenage son Curtis(Larenz Tate). Elizabeth wanted to go on to medical school to pursue other opportunities. But as for the kids themselves,the teenagers Kim and Curtis was something Al couldn't take not to mention dealing with adorable little Hillary.

About the show...... Created and produced by the brainchild of actor-comedian-producer Eddie Murphy(who served also as executive producer of this series along with Greg Antonacci),the situation comedy "The Royal Family" lasted one season on CBS-TV from September 18, 1991 until May 27, 1992. Only 15 episodes were produced. Eddie Murphy wanted Redd Foxx back for this series with would be his comeback to weekly television,but it didn't last very long. However,Eddie Murphy worked with actors Redd Foxx and Della Reese before when the three starred together in the 1989 theatrical feature "Harlem Nights",which also starred Richard Pryor and produced and directed by Eddie Murphy himself. "The Royal Family" was Eddie Murphy's first attempt at doing a weekly television series,but this time around Eddie was behind the camera and behind the production as well. Not only that,but Della Reese and Redd Foxx had great chemistry together(when Reese was a guest star of Redd's show Sanford and Son during the 1970's)which made the show standout in some of the great episodes that Redd Foxx was in before his untimely death(Foxx was in episodes 1 thru 7 of the series).

On October 11, 1991,Redd Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack during rehearsals on the set. Having only completed seven episodes,the producers opted to end the series(without the proper consent of Eddie Murphy who was still the executive in charge of production). However,the series continued onward into production. The producers immediately added former "227" regular Jackee Harry to the series as Victoria's younger sister Ruth,who moved in to help cope with the family's sudden loss of there beloved family member. One of the best episodes from the series came from an episode titled "New Beginnings" that aired on 11-27-1991. In this episode,which was emotional brought back series characters that were featured. Among them were "Sanford and Son" alumni actors Bubba Bexley,Slappy White,Whitman Mayo,along with Lawanda Page. There were other great episode that had Redd Foxx in them,but the ones that were not ended up being the worst of the series,and it shows in episodes 9 thru 15(that ran from April 8, 1992 until May 27, 1992. The show was on Wednesday nights opposite NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries",and the short-lived children's romp "Dinosaurs!"(which was over at ABC). Out of all of the episodes of "The Royal Family",only two never aired during its original broadcast among them were the episodes "Cocoa in Charge",and "The Big Stink". In the final telecast of the series only two starring Redd Foxx aired. And why this show hasn't been seen since? "The Royal Family" remains one of the lost black sitcoms of the 1990's.

Redd Foxx's Death

[toopure-1 · 4 August 2008]

Seems like from what I have seen and heard that at least one producer or more from this show was not very nice to the man and was quite disrespectful towards him which may have caused his heart attack. I use to watch him when I was a little kid and I thought he was pretty funny. It's too bad there is so many morons out in the world who have a brain IQ of two. Respect is something you should know at an early stage in life and obviously some producers of this show lacked it. They just cared about money and had no care for the man at all. I hope those producers from this show who disrespected the man get what they deserve. (I'm pretty sure they will)

Were Cameras Rolling when Redd Foxx died?

[Vlad 1 · 20 February 2006]

I seem to remember watching this show on a Monday night in the early '90s on CBS..I swear that I seen Redd Foxx have a heart attack and the crew running onto the sound-stage.I remember this as if it was yesterday as opposed to 15 years ago(time flies when you're not having fun-hay)This seemed like it would of been a great show, it had an awesome premise and also a certain someone that Mahalia Jackson discovered-a certain someone named Della Reese.They had the perfect fit together-I was just as impressed with those two in Harlem Nights also. Della Reese in my opinion is a strong black female actor- I wish she would do more stuff like Touched By Angel..I can't front-I watch that on PAX just for her.