When the sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies premiered on American television in 1962, no one expected it to become one of the biggest TV phenomena of the decade. Yet within a short time, the show dominated ratings and captured the hearts of millions of viewers across the United States.
Created by producer Paul Henning, the series told the humorous story of the Clampett family — a poor rural family from the Ozark Mountains whose lives change overnight after they discover oil beneath their land. The family suddenly becomes incredibly wealthy and moves to luxurious Beverly Hills, creating endless culture clashes between their country lifestyle and high-society neighbors.
The main cast quickly became television legends. Buddy Ebsen played the calm and kind patriarch Jed Clampett, while Irene Ryan portrayed the fiery and opinionated Granny. Donna Douglas became famous as the charming Elly May Clampett, and Max Baer Jr. played the hilariously dim-witted cousin Jethro Bodine. Together, they created one of the most memorable families in television history.
The show ran for nine seasons and produced 274 episodes between 1962 and 1971, remaining extremely popular for most of its run.