First episode to feature the character of Maude Findlay, as enacted by Bea Arthur.
The second episode, simply entitled 'Maude,' served as the Maude (1972) series' pilot episode.
The second episode, simply entitled 'Maude,' served as the Maude (1972) series' pilot episode.
Reportedly, after viewing the original airing of this episode, head of CBS William S. Paley was so impressed with Bea Arthur's performance, that he immediately called Norman Lear and ordered "Get that woman a show!". Lear didn't waste time - this season's final episode was the "Maude" pilot, with the spinoff debuting six months later in September.
In this episode Archie jokes that Maude buried 2 husbands. Which is untrue. According to the Maude series, only 1 husband of Maude's died. Further, Maude claims that the names of two of her husbands were Burt and Fred. This is also untrue, according to the spin-off.