The Andy Griffith Show is an American television sitcom that originally aired on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968. The show was created by Sheldon Leonard and starred Andy Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor, a widowed father who lives in the small town of Mayberry with his son Opie.
The show also starred Frances Bavier as Aunt Bee, Andy’s housekeeper and surrogate mother; Ron Howard as Opie, Andy’s young son; and Don Knotts as Barney Fife, Andy’s bumbling but lovable deputy sheriff.
The Andy Griffith Show was popular with viewers and critics alike, and won five Emmy Awards during its run. The show has been praised for its wholesome and down-to-earth portrayal of small-town life.
However, the show has also been criticized for its stereotypical portrayal of Southerners.
Regardless of its controversial aspects, The Andy Griffith Show remains an iconic part of American pop culture and is fondly remembered by fans of classic television.
5 little known facts about the show:
1. The show was created by Sheldon Leonard, who also created I Spy and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
2. Andy Griffith was actually only 10 years older than Ron Howard.
3. Frances Bavier was originally going to play the role of Aunt Bee on The Beverly Hillbillies but turned it down.
4. Don Knotts was originally only supposed to appear in one episode but ended up being a regular cast member.
5. The town of Mayberry was based on the real town of Mount Airy, North Carolina, where Andy Griffith was born and raised.
