Firstly, Sanford and Son wouldn't even exist if it weren't for Steptoe and Son. In fact, some of the most successful US sitcoms of the 1970s are based on far superior British ones. One of the reasons why they're superior is because of quality over quantity.
Secondly, I don't think humour in a sitcom can get any darker than Steptoe and Son. It's very dark in places with tragic undertones and a grittiness that is noticeably absent in Sanford and Son. The humour in Sanford is far too clear-cut and plain. It's completely dumbed down. Something else which makes Steptoe far superior is how grim and run-down the setting is. Sanford is far too bright and airy. It just doesn't look or feel right.
Maybe you should watch the powerhouse performances in The Desperate Hours. You will never find anything like that in any US sitcom, past or present. The writing and acting are top-notch. The talent of Harry H. Corbett and Wilfrid Brambell was formidable. Some of the best episodes are when it's just the two of them in one room. They play off each other incredibly well.
Weird English humour? You probably just don't get it. A lot of you Yanks don't. It goes completely over your heads. You guys like your humour spoon fed. If there isn’t a punchline to signal when to laugh, you’re not interested.
COME IN OUT OF THE DARKNESS...
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