Maude's Most Controversial Storyline Only Caused Backlash Months After Airing

The television landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a shift towards more mature sitcoms that tackled sensitive subjects. This evolution was most notably exemplified by "All in the Family" and its spin-off "Maude," starring Bea Arthur. However, the most controversial storyline of "Maude" was only met with backlash months after its initial airing.

The episode in question, titled "Maude's Dilemma," was a two-part installment that dealt with Maude's unexpected pregnancy and her decision to seek an abortion. Writer Susan Harris was eager to address this topic, believing it was a crucial subject that deserved attention. She acknowledged that the episode would likely provoke strong reactions, but remained committed to the cause.

Norman Lear, the creator of "Maude," was also aware of the potential controversy, yet it never materialized during the first airing. Both CBS affiliates and the show's sponsors were not bothered by the content at the time. It wasn't until the episode was re-run that viewers began to take notice. Anti-abortion groups and religious organizations put pressure on advertisers to withdraw their support if the episode was shown again.

Despite the initial lack of controversy, 39 affiliates refused to re-air "Maude's Dilemma" due to the intense backlash from these groups. Norman Lear expressed frustration at the time, stating that advertisers were easily swayed by the opinions of a few pressure groups. Bea Arthur, who portrayed Maude, received a deluge of letters of protest during the re-run, though they were mostly well-intentioned and emotionally charged rather than hostile.

While the boycotts may have caused some unwanted attention, they did not impact the show's ratings. "Maude" maintained its position in the top-ten rankings throughout its first four seasons, cementing its status as one of Norman Lear's most successful creations.