The Andy Griffith Show was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s, and it only exists because one of the stars of the series had an unsuccessful Broadway career. With Andy Griffith’s assortment of interesting characters, the show revolutionized comedies in the era it debuted. Even years after the sitcom aired its final episode, the series is still held in high regard by audiences and critics.
The Andy Griffith Show’s enduring appeal lies in how well it developed its characters and relied on them for the humor throughout, as opposed to using cheap laughs. Each episode of The Andy Griffith Show has funny antics and great dialogue, resulting in a sitcom with no dull moments. Yet the series is even more interesting because of how it came to be.
Andy Griffith Decided To Try Television Because His Broadway Play Wasn’t Doing Well. Griffith Had A Difficult Time Succeeding On Broadway.
During an interview with Larry King, Andy Griffith — who appeared with his co-star Don Knotts on the talk show — shared some insight about how the milestone sticom began. According to Griffith, he decided to give TV shows a try because his movie and career on Broadway weren’t flourishing, and he didn’t want to go back to working in nightclubs (via CNN).
A Broadway play he was starring in, Destry, was barely breaking even, prompting the actor to reevaluate the direction he wanted to go. After making a few calls, Griffith struck gold when the director of The Danny Thomas Show, Sheldon Leonard, decided to give the sitcom a chance. The pilot of The Andy Griffith Show performed well with audiences, resulting in the series being on air for eight years.
Although it’s difficult to ascertain if The Andy Griffith Show would exist if the titular character had had a successful movie and Broadway career, there’s no denying the fact that he didn’t is why we have one of the best sitcoms of all time. The series, in a way, saved Griffith’s career, as he went on to star in several shows and movies after playing Sheriff Taylor in the 1960s sitcom.
How The Andy Griffith Show Quickly Became One Of TV’s Most Popular Shows. The Andy Griffith Show Is One Of The Most-Watched Sitcoms Of All Time.
The Andy Griffith Show was a success right from its pilot and remained popular until its final episode aired. The sitcom was in the Top 7 of the Nielsen ratings during the entirety of its run and took the number one spot when it came to a conclusion in 1968 (via NCpedia). The Andy Griffith Show remains timeless, and it’s easy to see why,
The characters in the series were funny, but they could also evoke a range of emotions from audiences. Each member of the cast brought something unique to the show. Sheriff Taylor’s intelligence was perfectly matched with Knotts’ Barney Fife’s ineptitude. Additionally, The Andy Griffith Show debuted during a tumultuous time in America, making its likable story a comfort for many viewers.
While the characters and heartwarming storyline in The Andy Griffith Show played a huge role in why it was popular, the main reason the sitcom resonated with audiences is that it was easy for them to lose themselves in it. The people in Mayberry represented a wholesome, comforting life with their antics and funny yet endearing personalities that are still appealing 57 years after the show concluded.
