The success CBS achieved with The Andy Griffith Show provided the inspiration for a string of hits such as The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Petticoat Junction, and Hee Haw. The trend began when ABC debuted The Real McCoys in 1957, but CBS became the network most associated with lt.
Sheldon Leonard produced both shows for Danny Thomas Productions.Īn early example of television's 'rural revolution,' The Andy Griffith Show was part of a programming trend which saw the development of comedies featuring naïve but noble 'rubes' from deep in the American heartland. The series pilot originally aired as an episode of Make Room For Daddy, a popular sitcom starring Danny Thomas. In its eight years on the air, from 1960 to 1968, it never dropped below seventh place in the seasonal Nielsen rankings, and it was number one the year it ceased production. The Andy Griffith Show was one of the most popular and memorable comedy series of the 1960s.
