Although it has long since ended, The Andy Griffith Show remains one of the most beloved and classic sitcoms in American television history. Premiering in 1960 as a spin-off of The Danny Thomas Show, the series followed Andy Taylor (played by Andy Griffith), a mild-mannered sheriff in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina.
One of the show’s biggest successes was Don Knotts as Barney Fife, the clumsy but enthusiastic deputy sheriff. Ron Howard, then a young boy, played Andy’s son, Opie, and later became an Oscar-winning director.
Although Andy Griffith never received an Emmy nomination for his role, Don Knotts won five Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – an unprecedented record of never losing a single nomination. Frances Bavier (as Aunt Bee) also won an Emmy for her role.
Many other familiar faces such as Jim Nabors, George Lindsey, Aneta Corsaut, Betty Lynn and Hal Smith also contributed to the show’s appeal. While the series was not an Emmy darling, some of the individuals involved, such as Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Sheldon Leonard and Earle Hagen, have been honored in the TV Hall of Fame.
Here is a list of the 25 highest-rated episodes that clearly demonstrate the humor and humanity that The Andy Griffith Show brings:
25. Barney and the Cave Rescue – Barney mobilizes the entire town to rescue Andy and Helen who are trapped in a cave… only to discover that they have escaped on their own.
24. Alcohol and Old Lace – Two seemingly harmless old Morrison women turn out to be the distillers of bootleg alcohol that supplies the entire town.
23. Barney’s Physical – Barney must increase his height and weight to meet the new standards of the sheriff.
22. Jailbreak – Despite initially being refused help, Andy and Barney solve the Mayberry jailbreak.
21. Barney’s Sidecar – Barney rides an old military motorcycle around town and becomes a security threat.
20. The Big House – Barney babysits two dangerous criminals locked up in Mayberry – with “assistance” from Gomer.
19. Three Wishes for Opie – Barney buys a fortune-telling game that makes Opie think he has three real wishes.
18. The Darlings Are Coming – The Darlings from the mountains visit Mayberry and cause a ruckus.
17. A Date for Gomer – Barney arranges for Gomer to go on a date with Thelma Lou’s cousin, Mary Grace.
16. Barney’s First Car – Barney buys his first car… from a group of con artists.
15. Barney and the Choir – Barney is invited to join the choir… until everyone hears his singing.
14. Opie the Birdman – Opie accidentally kills a bird and learns a powerful lesson about responsibility and compassion.
13. The Shoplifters – Barney dresses up as… a mannequin to investigate a robbery at a department store.
12. Mr. McBeevee – Opie tells of a “tree man” that no one else believes is real.
11. Stranger in Town – A stranger arrives in Mayberry and knows everything about the villagers, making them suspicious.
10. Fun Girls – Two rowdy girls interrupt Andy and Barney’s peaceful evening, confusing their girlfriends.
9. Barney Gets His Man – Barney catches a dangerous criminal, only to be threatened with revenge.
8. Christmas Story – A strict man wants to put someone in jail for Christmas, but then finds a way to… get arrested so they can reunite.
7. My Fair Ernest T. Bass – Andy and Barney try to “educate” Ernest T. Bass so he can fit into society.
6. The Haunted House – Three men enter a haunted house to find Opie’s balloon.
5. The Bank Job – Barney disguises himself as a cleaning lady to trap bank robbers.
4. Man in a Hurry – A hustler gets stuck in traffic in Mayberry on Sunday and must learn to slow down.
3. Convicts-at-Large – Barney and Floyd are captured by three escaped convicts – Andy must rescue them.
2. The Pickle Story – Everyone tries to hide the fact that Aunt Bee’s pickles are bad, until she takes them to the fair.
1. Citizen’s Arrest – Gomer “arrests” Barney for the same traffic violation he just fined Gomer for – leaving Barney embarrassed and asking to resign.
Even after more than six decades, The Andy Griffith Show remains an icon of American television – not only for its charming humor but also for its gentle yet meaningful lessons about friendship, family and community.
