We first met Andy & Opie Taylor on the 2/15/60 episode of THE DANNY THOMAS SHOW. That episode's popularity guaranteed the [planned] spinoff. Fifty years later, the reruns still earn local and national broadcasters top ratings.
M*A*S*H, ALL IN THE FAMILY, THE HONEYMOONERS and I LOVE LUCY come close, but IMO, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW remains the best sitcom of all time. Barney Fife, Andy Taylor, Opie, Aunt Bee, Otis, Floyd, Thelma Lou, Gomer, Goober, etc., became pieces of pop culture. Like The Three Stooges, new generations carry it forward.
From October 3, 1960, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW premiered with "The New Housekeeper."
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