One of the most famous openings in television history begins with a simple moment: a poor mountain man hunting in the woods.
In the first episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, Jed Clampett accidentally discovers oil on his land while hunting rabbits. Suddenly, the quiet Ozark hillside erupts with a geyser of crude oil — what the show’s iconic theme song calls “black gold.”
That single moment transforms Jed’s life forever.
An oil company quickly buys the land for millions of dollars, making the once-poor family incredibly wealthy overnight. Soon afterward, Jed moves his entire family to Beverly Hills, California, believing it’s the proper place for rich people to live.
But this is where the comedy truly begins.
The Clampetts bring their rural habits with them:
- Granny continues practicing her strange “mountain medicine.”
- Elly May fills the mansion with animals.
- Jethro constantly announces ridiculous career plans.
Meanwhile, their wealthy neighbors are horrified by the family’s behavior.
This clash between simple country life and sophisticated city culture became the central comedic engine of the series. The show quickly became one of the most watched programs of the 1960s, staying near the top of TV ratings for most of its run.
All because of one lucky hunting trip.