Condo (TV series)

Condo was an American sitcom that aired on ABC from February 8, 1981, to August 27, 1981. Created by Norman Lear and produced by TAT Communications Company, the show was based on the novel The Neighbors by Arthur Marx.

The series revolved around the Franklin family, a wealthy white family living in a California condominium, and the Rodriguez family, a working-class Latino family who move into the unit next door. James Franklin (McLean Stevenson), a successful lawyer, is married to Barbara (Cathryn Damon). Their comfortable suburban life is disrupted when Jose Rodriguez (Luis Avalos), his wife Maria (Julie Carmen), and their children move in.

Condo aimed to explore the cultural clashes and comedic situations that arose from the differences between the two families, touching on themes of prejudice, socioeconomic disparity, and the challenges of intercultural understanding. Despite good intentions, the show was controversial from its inception, drawing criticism from Latino advocacy groups who felt the portrayal of the Rodriguez family relied on negative stereotypes.

The show struggled in the ratings and was canceled after 13 episodes. While Condo is remembered as a well-intentioned attempt to address sensitive issues, it is also viewed as a flawed representation of Latino culture and a failure in bridging cultural divides on television.