Back to Home

 

Andy Griffith Show, The

 

The Andy Griffith Show is an American sitcom first televised by CBS between October 3, 1960 and

 April 1, 1968. Andy Griffith portrays a widowed sheriff in a fictional small community of Mayberry, North Carolina. His life is complicated by an inept but well-meaning deputy, Barney Fife (Don Knotts), a spinster aunt and housekeeper, Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), and a young son, Opie (Ron Howard, billed as Ronny). Local ne'er-do-wells, bumbling pals, and temperamental girlfriends further complicate his life.

Though neither Griffith nor the show won awards during its eight season run, series co-stars Knotts and Bavier accumulated a combined total of six Emmy Awards. The series was a smash hit, never placing lower than seventh in the Nielsen ratings and ending its final season at number one. The show spawned a spinoff series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964), a sequel series, Mayberry R.F.D. (1968), and a reunion telemovie, Return to Mayberry (1986). The show's enduring popularity has generated a good deal of show-related merchandise. Reruns currently air across the United States, and the complete series is available on DVD.

 

Origin

Sheldon Leonard, producer of The Danny Thomas Show, developed an episode for the Thomas show about a character who was sheriff, justice of the peace, and newspaper editor in a small town.[1] At the time, Broadway, film, and radio star Andy Griffith was interested in attempting a television role, and the William Morris Agency told Leonard that Griffith's rural background and previous rustic characterizations were suited to the part.[1] After conferences between Leonard and Griffith in New York, Griffith flew to Los Angeles and filmed the episode.[1] On February 15, 1960, "Danny Meets Andy Griffith" was telecast on The Danny Thomas Show.[1] In the episode, Griffith played fictional Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry, North Carolina, who arrests Thomas for running a stop sign. Future players in The Andy Griffith Show, Frances Bavier and Ron Howard, appeared in the episode as townspeople, Henrietta Perkins, and Sheriff Taylor's son, Opie.[1] General Foods, sponsor of The Danny Thomas Show, had first access to the spinoff and committed to it immediately.[1] On October 3, 1960 at 9:30 p.m., The Andy Griffith Show made its debut.[2]

 

Production notes

Casting

Frances Bavier was cast as Andy's housekeeper, Aunt Bee, and Ron Howard as Andy's son, Opie.[1] Don Knotts, who knew Griffith professionally and had seen The Danny Thomas Show episode, called Griffith during the developmental stages of the show and suggested the Sheriff character needed a deputy. Griffith agreed. Knotts auditioned for the show's creator and executive producer, Sheldon Leonard, and was offered a five-year contract. He joined the cast as Barney Fife.[1] Griffith, Knotts, Bavier and Howard all made their series debut in the premiere, "The New Housekeeper."

 

Production team

The show's production team included producers Aaron Ruben (1960–1965) and Bob Ross (1965–1968).[1] First season writers (many of whom worked in pairs) included Jack Elinson, Charles Stewart, Arthur Stander and Frank Tarloff (as "David Adler"), Benedict Freedman and John Fenton Murray, Leo Solomon and Ben Gershman, and Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum.[1] In the sixth season, Greenbaum and Fritzell left the show and Ruben departed for Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., a show which he owned in part.[1] Writer Harvey Bullock left after season six. Bob Sweeney directed the first three seasons save the premiere.

 

Other details

The show was filmed at Desilu Studios,[1] with exteriors filmed at Forty Acres in Culver City.[1] Woodsy locales were filmed north of Beverly Hills at Franklin Canyon.[1]

The show's theme music, "The Fishin' Hole", was composed by Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer, with lyrics written by Everett Sloane. Whistling in the opening sequence was performed by Earle Hagen.[1] One of the show's tunes, "The Mayberry March", was reworked a number of times in different tempi, styles and orchestrations as background music.

The show's sole sponsor was General Foods,[1] with promotional consideration paid for (in the form of cars) by Ford Motor Company (mentioned in the credits).

 

Plot and characters

Cast of The Andy Griffith Show:

  • Peggy McMillan - Joanna Moore (Andy's third season girlfriend)
  • John Masters - Olan Soule (choir director and hotel manager)
  • Reverend Tucker - William Keene (pastor of All Souls church)
  • Johnny Paul Jason - Keith Thibodeaux (Opie's best friend in 12 episodes)
  • Pressroom office clerk - Susan Coyle
  • Asa the elderly always sleeping Mayberry Bank Guard - Played by Charles Thompson
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Andy_Griffith_Show_cast_members"

 

List of The Andy Griffith Show guest stars

Movies

TV

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

  • Allan Melvin played different characters in eight episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. On the spin-off, Gomer Pyle, he was Sgt. Carter's rival, Sgt. Hacker, the mess cook. Melvin is also noted for his roles as Sam Franklin on The Brady Bunch and Barney Hefner on All in the Family. In addition, Melvin directed some episodes of Andy Griffith, including Don Knotts' return appearance in 1966, "The Return of Barney Fife".
  • Larry Hovis played Gilly Walker in "Goober Takes a Car Apart" and "The Case of the Punch in the Nose." Hovis played Pvt. Larry Gotschalk on Gomer Pyle as well as Sgt. Andrew Carter on Hogan's Heroes.

Green Acres

  • Frank Cady played a drunk inmate named Luke in "The Rehabilitation of Otis" and Farley Upchurch in "The Legend of Barney Fife." Cady is best known for playing Sam Drucker on Green Acres. He also played the town drunk in the episode of Make Room for Daddy which was the pilot episode of The Andy Griffith Show.
  • Hank Patterson played a hobo in "If I Had a Quarter Million Dollars." Patterson is best known for playing farmer Fred Ziffel.
  • Mary Grace Canfield played Mary Grace Gossage in "A Date for Gomer." She portrayed Ralph Monroe.
  • Alvy Moore played a kitchenware salesman in "A Baby in the House." Moore was Hank Kimball.
  • Sid Melton played Pat Michaels in "The Hollywood Party." Melton was "Uncle Charley" Halper on The Danny Thomas Show and Alf Monroe on Green Acres.

I Dream of Jeannie

  • Barbara Eden played Ellen Brown, the title character of "The Manicurist". Eden starred in I Dream of Jeannie.
  • Hayden Rorke played A.J. Considine in "Taylors in Hollywood." Rorke is best known for his portrayal of Col. Alfred E. Bellows, M.D.

Little House on the Prairie

  • Richard Bull played Bill Lindsay in "Goober Makes History" and Mr. Jackson in "Opie's Piano Lesson." Bull is best known for playing Nelson "Nels" Oleson.
  • Dabbs Greer played Councilman Dobbs in "Sheriff Barney." Greer also portrayed Reverend Robert Alden.
  • Karl Swenson played Mr. McBeevee in "Mr. McBeevee." Swenson had the role of Lars Hanson.

M*A*S*H

  • Jamie Farr played a gypsy named Gracos in "The Gypsies". Farr's most famous role is Max Klinger.
  • William Christopher played Dr. Peterson in "A New Doctor in Town" and an IRS agent Mr. Heathcoat in the episode "Aunt Bee on TV" Christopher is best known for his role as Father Mulcahy. He also played Private Lester Hummel on Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C.

Petticoat Junction

  • Edgar Buchanan played Henry Wheeler in "Aunt Bee's Brief Encounter". Buchanan is best known for playing Joseph "Uncle Joe" Carson.
  • Charles Lane played Mr. Frisby in "Aunt Bee the Crusader." Lane portrayed J. Homer Bedloe.

Gilligan's Island

  • Bob Denver appeared in "Divorce, Mountain Style", as Dud Wash, the husband of Charlene Darling, who is jealous of her attraction to Andy.
  • Alan Hale Jr. played "Big Jeff" Pruitt, the farmer who falls in love with Thelma Lou, much to Barney's dismay, in "The Farmer Takes a Wife".

Other TV series

Other

  • Don Rickles played traveling salesman Newton Monroe in "The Luck of Newton Monroe".
  • Laurie Main played assistant publisher Robling Flask in "Helen, the Authoress." Main is best known for hosting and narrating for Welcome to Pooh Corner, as well as narrating for many "Disney Read-Along" records and cassettes.
  • Leo Gordon played an ex-convict in "High Noon in Mayberry".
  • Doodles Weaver played George Bricker in "Aunt Bee's Brief Encounter." Weaver is the brother of former NBC president Pat Weaver and the uncle of actress Sigourney Weaver.
  • Jesse Pearson played singer Keevy Hazelton in "A Singer in Town." Pearson is best known for playing Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie.
  • Joyce Van Patten played Laura Hollander in "Opie Steps Up in Class." Van Patten is the sister of actor Dick Van Patten.
  • Guitarist Clarence White played a member of The Country Boys.
  • Guitarist Herb Ellis played Bobby Fleet in two episodes from the first season.
  • Gail Davis played Thelma Lou's cousin, Karen Moore, in the episode "The Perfect Female." She was in several Western movies and was the star of the Annie Oakley television series.
  • Well known Bluegrass band "The Dillards" appeared often as "The Darlings"
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Andy_Griffith_Show_guest_stars"

 

 

Barney, Andy, Aunt Bee, and Opie in "The Pickle Story"

The series' plot revolves around Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) and his life in sleepy, slow-paced fictional Mayberry, North Carolina. Sheriff Taylor's level-headed approach to law enforcement makes him the scourge of local moonshiners and out-of-town criminals, while his abilities to settle community problems with common-sense advice, mediation and conciliation make him popular with his fellow citizens. His professional life, however, is complicated by the gaffes of his comically inept deputy, Barney Fife (Don Knotts). Barney is portrayed as Andy's cousin in the first and second episodes, but is never referenced as such in the later episodes. Andy socializes with male friends in the Main Street barber shop and dates various ladies until a schoolteacher becomes his steady interest in the third season. At home, Andy enjoys fishing trips with his son, Opie (Ronny Howard), and quiet evenings on the front porch with his maiden aunt and housekeeper, Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier). Opie tests his father's parenting skills season after season, and Aunt Bee's ill-considered romances and adventures cause her nephew concern.

Andy's friends and neighbors include barber Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear), service station attendants and cousins Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) and Goober Pyle (George Lindsey), and local drunkard Otis Campbell (Hal Smith). On the distaff side, townswoman Clara Edwards (Hope Summers), Barney's sweetheart Thelma Lou (Betty Lynn) and Andy's schoolteacher sweetheart Helen Crump (Aneta Corsaut) become semi-regulars. Elinor Donahue made twelve appearances as Andy's girlfriend in the first season. In the color seasons, County Clerk Howard Sprague (Jack Dodson) and handyman Emmett Clark (Paul Hartman) appeared regularly, while Barney's replacement deputy Warren Ferguson (Jack Burns) appeared in the sixth season. Unseen characters such as telephone operator Sarah, and Barney's love interest, local diner waitress Juanita, are often referenced. In the series' last few episodes, farmer Sam Jones (Ken Berry) debuts, and later becomes the star of the show's sequel series, Mayberry R.F.D..[1]

 

Griffith's development of Andy Taylor

Initially, Griffith played Taylor as a heavy-handed country bumpkin, grinning from ear to ear and speaking in a hesitant, frantic manner. The style recalled that used in the delivery of his popular monologues such as "What it Was, Was Football". He gradually abandoned the 'rustic Taylor' and developed a serious and thoughtful characterization. Producer Aaron Ruben recalled:

"He was being that marvelously funny character from No Time for Sergeants, Will Stockdale [a role Griffith played on stage and in film]...One day he said, "My God, I just realized that I'm the straight man. I'm playing straight to all these kooks around me." He didn't like himself [in first year reruns]...and in the next season he changed, becoming this Lincolnesque character."[1]

As the sheriff developed into a man of common sense, it was impossible for him to create his own problems and troubles in the manner of other central sitcom characters such as Lucy in I Love Lucy or Archie Bunker in All in the Family, whose problems were the result of their temperaments, philosophies and attitudes. Consequently, the characters around Taylor were employed to create the problems and troubles, with rock-solid Taylor stepping in as problem solver, mediator, advisor, disciplinarian and counselor.[1] Aunt Bee, for example, was given several wayward romances requiring Andy's intervention, Opie suffered childhood missteps that needed a father's counsel and discipline, and Barney engaged in ill-considered acts on the job that required Sheriff Taylor's professional oversight and reprimand. Andy Griffith has also said that he realized during the earlier episodes of the program that it was much funnier for him to play the straight man to Knotts' "Barney," rather than his being the originator of the comedic scenes between them.

 

Episodes

The show comprises 8 full seasons and 249 episodes[1] — 159 episodes in black and white (seasons 1–5) and 90 in color (seasons 6–8). Griffith appears in all 249 episodes with Howard coming in second at 209. Only Griffith, Howard, Bavier, Knotts, and Hope Summers appeared in all eight seasons.

Knotts left the show at the end of the fifth season to pursue a career in films but returned to make five guest appearances as Barney in seasons six through eight. His last appearance in the final season in a story about a summit meeting with Russian dignitaries "ranked eleventh among single comedy programs most watched in television between 1960 to [1984], with an audience of thirty-three and a half million."[1]

The color episodes of the show in its later years are markedly different from the black and white episodes of the first five seasons, and are generally far less popular with fans of the show. New writers took over the scriptwriting for the post-Knotts color seasons, and they generally abandoned the character-based sitcom format in favor of dry humor revolving around rather mundane aspects of life in a small town. Additionally, some of the characters added to the show for the color episodes, including new deputy Warren Ferguson and county clerk Howard Sprague, are generally not popular with contemporary fans of the show. Finally, it has also been observed that Griffith's character underwent another metamorphosis when the show went to color. While the original "country bumpkin" Sheriff Taylor had already been replaced during the black and white years by a somewhat less country-acting character, the Sheriff Taylor of the color episodes is a sophisticated, almost urbane man, to the point that he often seems, contrary to the Sheriff Taylor of the black and white episodes, to be discontent, irritated and fed up with life in Mayberry (as Andy Griffith was in fact trying to figure out a way to leave the series). Many of the color episodes revolve around Andy's being agitated about something by one of the other characters (quite often Goober or Warren, but sometimes Howard, Aunt Bee or Opie).

 

 

This is a list of episodes from the CBS television comedy The Andy Griffith Show. The first episode aired on October 3, 1960 and the final episode aired on April 1, 1968. There were 249 episodes in all, 159 in black and white (seasons 1-5) and 90 in color (seasons 6-8).

 

Episode Order

Episodes below are listed in their production order, not their original broadcast order. Production order is the order most commonly used for The Andy Griffith Show because it is the order used by the show's syndicator, Paramount Pictures.

Season 1 (1960-1961)

32 episodes

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
001 001 October 3, 1960 The New Housekeeper
In the pilot episode, sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) and his young son Opie (Ron Howard) are in need of a new housekeeper. Andy's Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) looks like the perfect candidate and moves in, but her presence causes friction with Opie.
002 002 October 10, 1960 The Manhunt
Andy and his bumbling deputy, Barney Fife (Don Knotts), offer to help track down an escaped convict, but the Captain of the State Police scoffs at the small-town sheriff's help.
003 003 October 17, 1960 The Guitar Player
A gifted guitar player who has self-doubts about his musical talent gets a chance at stardom - with a little push from Andy.
004 006 November 7, 1960 Runaway Kid
Andy teaches Opie about how important it is to keep a promise, only to have that lesson conflict with his need to help Opie's friend who ran away from home.
  • This is the last episode where any references are made about Andy and Barney being cousins.
006 004 October 24, 1960 Ellie Comes to Town
When Mayberry's local pharmacist falls ill, his niece Ellie Walker steps in as a temporary replacement - and creates turmoil with the town's resident hypochondriac.
007 005 October 31, 1960 Irresistible Andy
It's the annual church picnic, and when Andy invites Ellie to the event, he begins to suspect that she has marriage on her mind - so he hastily arranges for three of Mayberry's most eligible bachelors to lavish attention on her.
005 008 November 28, 1960 Opie's Charity
Andy is dismayed when Opie refuses to contribute money to the school charity drive - but there is a secret reason behind Opie's apparent "selfishness".
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
008 009 December 5, 1960 A Feud Is a Feud
Andy hopes to finally bring peace to two of the county's longtime feuding families, the Carters and the Wakefields - by arranging a duel between the two patriarchs of the quarreling clans!
  • This plot is derived from the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
009 007 November 14, 1960 Andy the Matchmaker
When Barney's bumbling law enforcement techniques are questioned, Andy and Elie decide to stage a fake robbery - a scheme which turns Barney into a real hero!
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode
010 012 December 26, 1960 Stranger in Town
Ed Sawyer, a mysterious stranger, arrives in Mayberry and disrupts the lives of the townspeople because he appears to know everyone's name, intimate details about their lives, and other startling facts about them.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
011 011 December 19, 1960 The Christmas Story
Mayberry's local "Scrooge," storeowner Ben Weaver, manages to have harmless bootlegger Sam Muggins thrown into jail on Christmas - but the Mayberry folks manage to celebrate Christmas with Sam in a most unusual way.
012 010 December 12, 1960 Ellie for Council
It's a battle of the sexes when Ellie Walker decides to become the very first woman to run for a seat on the Mayberry city council - and the town's horrified menfolk decide to sabotage her newfound political career.
013 013 January 2, 1961 Mayberry Goes Hollywood
Lights! Camera! Choas! A Hollywood producer chooses idyllic Mayberry as the backdrop for his next movie, and the entire town goes into a frenzy as they gear up for the anticipated glamor, fame and fortune.
014 014 January 9, 1961 The Horse Trader
Andy performs some slick dealings with an antiques dealer to get rid of the town's old, worthless cannon. But when young Opie later mimics his father's shady deal to obtain a pair of roller skates, Andy has second thoughts about his own wheeling and dealing.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
015 015 January 16, 1961 Those Gossipin' Men
Aunt Bee, accused by Andy as being a hopeless gossip, sets out to prove that the men of Mayberry are even bigger rumormongers than the women.
016 020 February 20, 1961 Andy Saves Barney's Morale
When Andy has to leave Mayberry for the day to testify in a court case held in a neighboring town, Deputy Barney Fife is left in charge of the sheriff's department - and he proceeds to arrest everyone in Mayberry!
017 017 January 30, 1961 Alcohol and Old Lace
Opie comes home talking about a "flower-making machine" owned by sisters Clarabelle and Jennifer Morrison, the spinsters who run the local flower shop. Andy and Barney do a little investigating and discover the contraption is actually a still and the kindly sisters are in the moonshining business!
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
018 018 February 6, 1961 Andy, the Marriage Counselor
Mayberry newcomers Fred and Jenny Boone are constantly causing domestic disturbances with their fighting, so Andy decides to play marriage counselor to the bickering couple - with disastrous results!
019 019 February 13, 1961 Mayberry on Record
A New York City record promoter arrives in Mayberry, intent on making a recording of the region's local folk music, but Andy becomes wary of the stranger and suspects he might be a con artist seeking some fast cash.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
020 016 January 23, 1961 The Beauty Contest
The Mayberry town council wants to end the annual Founder's Day celebration with a beauty contest, with Andy chosen to pick the winner. The result is pandemonium as candidates of all shapes and sizes descend on the hapless "judge".
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
021 021 February 27, 1961 Andy and the Gentleman Crook
A notorious, nationally known con man dubbed "Gentleman Dan" becomes a hero of epic proportions to Aunt Bee, Opie and Barney when he is held for two days in the Mayberry jail.
022 022 March 6, 1961 Cyrano Andy
Andy makes an earnest attempt at matchmaking to help Barney win the heart of his girlfriend Thelma Lou. Things go fine at first... until Barney misinterprets Andy's efforts and thinks he's trying to steal her away!
  • This is the first appearance of Barney's steady girlfriend, Thelma Lou.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
023 023 March 13, 1961 Andy and Opie, Housekeepers
Aunt Bee must leave Mayeberry to care for a sick cousin, but not before scolding Andy and Opie for their messy housekeeping habits. The two are determined to clean house before she returns - a project that suddenly accelerates when she phones to say she'll be coming home earlier then expected!
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
024 024 March 27, 1961 The New Doctor
Andy must make a hasty, ill-advised marriage proposal to Ellie Walker after he comes convinced that the new, handsome young doctor in town is trying to steal his girl.
025 025 April 3, 1961 A Plaque for Mayberry
The Women's Historical Society is all set to throw a celebration in honor of the last living descendant of a Revolutionary War hero named Nathan Tibbs, who has been traced to Mayberry. But their excitement turns to horror when they discover that the intended honoree is the town drunk, Otis Campbell.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
026 026 April 10, 1961 The Inspector
When a state inspector arrives in Mayberry to check the jail and courthouse, Andy and Barney are shocked to discover he's a by-the-book stickler for rules and regulations. Things look shaky until Andy is able to demonstrate the "Mayberry way" of fighting crime.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
027 027 April 17, 1961 Ellie Saves a Female
Ellie Walker takes pity on a shy tomboy named Frankie Flint and is determined to give a "Cinderella" makeover to the young girl - much to her gruff father's displeasure.
  • The farmer is played by R.G. Armstrong, one of Andy Griffith's real-life mentors and best friend.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
028 028 April 24, 1961 Andy Forecloses
Andy, faced with the unpleasant task of serving an eviction notice on a family who has fallen on hard times, tries desperately to come up with a way for the tenants to keep their home.
029 029 May 1, 1961 Quiet Sam
Barney is convinced that the new, mysterious farmer (William Schallert) in town warrants further investigation. Andy finally agrees to pay a visit to the man's farm - and finds himself drawn into a predicament he never imagined he'd find himself in.
030 030 May 8, 1961 Barney Gets His Man
Barney's reputation as a deputy soars when he inadvertently helps capture Eddie Brooke, an escaped convict. But Brooke vows to escape again and head straight back to Mayberry to exact his revenge.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
031 031 May 15, 1961 The Guitar Player Returns
Mayberry's famed hometown musician - Jim Lindsey - returns for a visit in his flashy convertible and fancy clothes. But despite all the trappings and signs of showbiz success, Andy senses that all is not well in the life of the popular performer.
  • This is a followup to episode #3
  • The guitar player is played by James Best, who later played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on The Dukes of Hazzard.
  • This episode is the final appearance of Elinor Donahue as Ellie Walker. No further mention was ever made of the character, nor was any on screen reason ever given for her departure.
032 032 May 22, 1961 Bringing Up Opie
After being scolded by Aunt Bee, Opie decides to run away from home... a plan that quickly turns into a series of eye-opening - and sometimes dangerous - adventures for Opie and a scare for both Aunt Bee and Andy.

 

Season 2 (1961-1962)

31 episodes

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
033 034 October 9, 1961 Barney's Replacement
When a rookie policeman (Mark Miller) is sent to Mayberry for training, Barney mistakenly believes the man is his replacement and quits the police force to become a vacuum-cleaner salesman.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode
034 033 October 2, 1961 Opie and the Bully
Sheriff Andy Taylor must decide whether to intervene or let the problem work itself out when a bully demands Opie's lunch money at school.
035 035 October 16, 1961 Andy and the Woman Speeder
Andy gives an attractive young woman from out of town a speeding ticket. She proceeds to manipulate the townsfolk with her charm and wit in order to undermine Andy's case against her. kim jones guest star
036 037 October 30, 1961 Barney on the Rebound
After a tiff with his girlfriend Thelma Lou, Barney goes on a date with a new girl and is tricked into a marriage proposal.
037 040 November 27, 1961 The Perfect Female
Andy is too obvious in his efforts to find out if a young lady meets his expectations.
038 041 December 4, 1961 Aunt Bee's Brief Encounter
Aunt Bee takes a shine to an itinerant handyman who has a way with the ladies.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
039 036 October 23, 1961 Mayberry Goes Bankrupt
After the town council forces Andy to evict a poor elderly man for not paying back taxes, a 100-year old savings bond issued by the city of Mayberry is discovered among the man's possessions. Now the city apparently owes him nearly $350,000.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
040 038 November 13, 1961 Opie's Hobo Friend
Opie befriends a hobo who begins to affect Opie's ability to tell right from wrong.
041 039 November 20, 1961 Crime-free Mayberry
A bogus FBI agent and his accomplice visit Mayberry to officially recognize the town's very low crime rate, and nearly make off with the Mayberry Bank money.
042 042 December 11, 1961 The Clubmen
Andy and Barney visit a posh men's club, but only one of them is asked to join. Trivia buffs will notice that Andy's sleeves are rolled down in some closeups of him sitting at his desk after giving Barney back his shoes while his sleeves are rolled up in the more distant shots in the scene.
043 043 December 18, 1961 The Pickle Story
Rather than eat Aunt Bee's horrible tasting home-made pickles (referred to as Kerosene Cucumbers), Andy and Barney secretly substitute them with store-bought pickles. Now they must eat them all when they discover that she intended to enter them in the county fair.
044 044 December 25, 1961 Sheriff Barney
Barney gets a call from another town inviting him to come be Sheriff. Andy trades places with Barney, so Barney gets a trial run as Sheriff of Mayberry, and it convinces him that he is not quite ready to take over a similar job in a neighboring town.
045 045 January 1, 1962 The Farmer Takes a Wife
A farmer comes to town looking for a wife and chooses Barney's girlfriend, Thelma Lou, much to Barney's chagrin.
  • The farmer is played by Alan Hale Jr. who later played The Skipper on Gilligan's Island.
  • This episode is the first time Barney says his famous catchphrase, "Nip It In The Bud".
  • The farmer calls Barney his "little buddy," a nickname that The Skipper often called Gilligan.
046 046 January 8, 1962 The Keeper of the Flame
Opie is blamed for burning down Jubal Foster's barn when Andy and Aunt Bee begin to question in membership in a secret club upon finding a candle and some matches in Opie's bedroom.
047 047 January 15, 1962 Bailey's Bad Boy
Spoiled rich kid Ronald Bailey is arrested in Mayberry for flouting the law. While waiting for his father to bail him out, Andy teaches him a lesson in taking responsibility for his own behavior.
048 048 January 22, 1962 The Manicurist
When Floyd hires a pretty new manicurist for his barber shop, the men of Mayberry suddenly become interested in fingernail maintenance, and the women become jealous.
049 049 January 29, 1962 The Jinx
After a string of bad luck, a Mayberry resident is convinced that he is a jinx until Andy helps restore his self-confidence.
050 050 February 5, 1962 The Jailbreak
Barney's negligence allows a prisoner to escape, launching a manhunt to find him, but the small-town methods of Mayberry prove more effective than the attempts of the State Police in his capture.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
051 051 February 12, 1962 A Medal for Opie
Opie competes in a foot race held by the Sheriff's Department and learns an important lesson in how to be a good loser.
052 052 February 19, 1962 Barney and the Choir
The town choir's tenor has to drop out and the choir desperately need a replacement. When the choir director finds out that Barney sings tenor, he asks Barney to join the choir, not knowing Barney is a terrible singer. Of course Barney manages to botch every practice and Andy must find some delicate way of telling Barney nobody wants him in choir before the choir's big performance.
053 053 February 26, 1962 Guest of Honor
A visitor to town is given the key to the city and prizes. However, Andy and Barney discover that those are not the only things he takes when it turns out their guest of honor is a pickpocket.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
054 054 March 5, 1962 The Merchant of Mayberry
Andy uses his wits to help a struggling salesman stay in Mayberry despite strong pressure from the competition, mean old Ben Weaver.
055 055 March 12, 1962 Aunt Bee the Warden
When the jail is full, Otis the town drunk is forced to serve his sentence in a less hospitable place: the Taylor home, under Aunt Bee.
056 056 March 19, 1962 The County Nurse
Andy is forced to exert all his persuasiveness to get local farmer Rafe Hollister to take a tetanus shot from the county nurse Julie Adams.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
057 057 March 26, 1962 Andy and Barney in the Big City
Andy and Barney are involved in the catching of a jewel thief while on a business trip to the state capital.
058 058 April 2, 1962 Wedding Bells for Aunt Bee
A misunderstanding leads Andy and Aunt Bee to believe that they are both anxious to get married.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
059 059 April 9, 1962 Three's a Crowd
Romance blossoms for Andy and Mary, the county nurse, but ever-present Barney remains blissfully unaware that three constitute a crowd.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
060 060 April 16, 1962 The Bookie Barber
Barber Floyd Lawson takes on an assistant who turns out to be a bookie running an illegal gambling operation on the side.
061 061 April 23, 1962 Andy on Trial
Andy faces charges of malfeasance in office when a disgruntled traffic offender seeks revenge.
062 062 April 30, 1962 Cousin Virgil
Barney's cousin Virgil is given a job at the courthouse, but he can't manage to do anything right. He gets over his awkwardness as soon as he learns that people have confidence in his ability.
063 063 May 7, 1962 Deputy Otis
Otis Campbell overcomes his weakness for moonshine and impresses his visiting relatives when Andy makes him a temporary deputy.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.

 

Season 3 (1962-1963)

32 episodes

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
064 073 December 3, 1962 Opie's Rival
Opie becomes jealous when his father appears to be paying special attention to a pretty girl—even taking her fishing with them.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
065 067 October 22, 1962 Andy and Opie - Bachelors
Andy and Opie try to cope when Aunt Bee is away by letting Peggy cook and do chores.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
066 064 October 1, 1962 Mr. McBeevee
Andy and Barney don't believe Opie's tale about meeting Mr. McBeevee, "a man that walks around in the trees, blows smoke out of his ears,wears a shiny silver hat" and has "twelve extra hands".
067 065 October 8, 1962 Andy's Rich Girlfriend
Andy has to deal with the wealthy upper-class upbringing of his girlfriend, Peggy McMillan.
068 069 November 5, 1962 Barney Mends a Broken Heart
Andy and Peggy have a fight, and Barney tries to console Andy with dates with other girls.
069 066 October 15, 1962 Andy and the New Mayor
The new mayor of Mayberry, Roy Stoner (Parley Baer), is critical of Andy's work as Sheriff.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
070 068 October 29, 1962 The Cow Thief
Mayor Stoner steps on Andy's toes as Sheriff by calling upon a crime expert from the city to help solve several cow thefts.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
071 072 November 26, 1962 Floyd, the Gay Deceiver
Floyd misrepresents his worldly goods to a wealthy widow pen pal, who suddenly decides to visit Mayberry.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
072 071 November 19, 1962 The Mayberry Band
The Mayberry band, composed of more flats than sharps, gets ready for its annual trip to the state band competition. Unfortunately, Mayor Stoner won't let them go because they're terrible. Andy comes up with a clever way to fool the mayor into thinking the town band has improved.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
073 070 November 12, 1962 Lawman Barney
Barney loses his self-confidence when two farmers ignore his warnings to stop selling their produce illegally.
  • Allan Melvin guest stars.
  • One of the rare episodes where Don Knotts has a non-comedic scene
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
074 074 December 10, 1962 Convicts at Large
Three women prisoners escape and are holed up in a remote cabin. Barney and Floyd stumble across them and are held prisoners. It is up to Andy to rescue them.
  • (This was Howard McNear's final episode for 1 1/2 seasons as he suffered a massive stroke in 1963).
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
075 075 December 17, 1962 The Bed Jacket
Andy must make a personal sacrifice to obtain a pretty bed jacket that Aunt Bee wants for her birthday.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
076 078 January 7, 1963 Barney and the Governor
Barney hangs a parking ticket on the Governor's car and refuses to tear it up.
  • (The Governor's chauffeur is played by Ron Howard's dad, Rance).
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
077 079 January 14, 1963 Man in a Hurry
A car containing a high-powered businessman breaks down in the slow-paced town of Mayberry.
078 076 December 24, 1962 The Bank Job
Barney, frustrated by Mayberry's careless overall attitude toward security, stages a phony bank robbery to prove his point.
  • This episode marks the first appearance of Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors).
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
  • Leon is played by Ron Howard's brother, Clint Howard, though they didn't share a line with each other.
079 077 December 31, 1962 One-Punch Opie
Opie must stand up to a bully by himself.
080 080 January 21, 1963 High Noon in Mayberry
Barney is convinced that an ex-con's visit to town is to take revenge on Sheriff Taylor.
081 081 January 28, 1963 The Loaded Goat
Andy and Barney must contend with a goat with a bellyful of dynamite before he goes "blooie".
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
082 082 February 4, 1963 Class Reunion
Andy and Barney organize a high school reunion and meet their old friends. Andy meets his old sweetheart and realizes why the relationship never worked out.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
  • The Mayberry Union High school song is introduced and sung in this episode.
Mayberry Union High,
Victory is yours well-nigh!
We'll hit the line for points every time,
The Orange and Blue will try, try, try, try!
And when the victory’s won,
You'll be our favorite son!
Proud waves your banner in the sky,
Mayberry Union High!
083 083 February 11, 1963 Rafe Hollister Sings
Rural farmer Rafe Hollister outshines Barney in singing tryouts but Mayor Stoner objects to his unsophisticated appearance.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
084 084 February 18, 1963 Opie and the Spoiled Kid
Opie meets a spoiled youngster, played by Ronnie Dapo as Arnold Winkler, and decides his own allowance should be tripled. Andy refuses, and Opie starts throwing tantrums to try and guilt his father into giving in.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
085 085 February 25, 1963 The Great Filling Station Robbery
Andy and Barney investigate a string of robberies at Wally's Filling Station. A young employee is blamed for the crimes but acts to uncover the true thieves.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
086 086 March 4, 1963 Andy Discovers America
Andy's advice to Opie about his American history homework gets Andy in hot water with the new school teacher, Miss Helen Crump (Aneta Corsaut).
  • This is the first appearance of Helen Crump, who eventually becomes Andy Taylor's wife in the first episode of Mayberry R.F.D..
087 087 March 11, 1963 Aunt Bee's Medicine Man
After worrying about her age and health, Aunt Bee falls for the sales pitch of a fast-talking medicine man and his "Indian Elixir".
088 088 March 18, 1963 The Darlings Are Coming
The Sheriff has his hands full as a clan of mountain musicians descends on Mayberry.
  • This is the first appearance of The Darlings. Trivia buffs will note that Andy's microphone cord is visible in his pants leg as he steps around the Darling's truck at the watering trough.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
089 089 March 25, 1963 Andy's English Valet
English tourist Malcolm Merriweather works off his reckless driving fine by being a valet and chauffeur for Andy.
  • This is the first appearance of Bernard Fox as "Malcolm Merriweather".
090 090 April 1, 1963 Barney's First Car
Barney invests his life's savings in buying a used car which turns out to be a lemon.
  • Guest appearance by Ellen Corby as "Myrt". She went on to play Grandma Ellen on The Waltons.
  • Years later, Don Knotts would be reunited with Andy Griffith on Matlock, where Knotts played Matlock's annoying neighbor who was accused of killing the salesman's partner, who also sold him a lemon.
091 091 April 8, 1963 The Rivals
Opie fails at romance so Barney attempts to show him how to handle women.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
092 092 April 15, 1963 A Wife for Andy
Barney tries to help find a wife for Andy and sets him up with Opie's teacher, Helen Crump. Andy and Helen like each other but Barney now disapproves of Helen after learning that she can't cook and wouldn't quit working if she got married. Guest star: Janet Waldo as Amanda.
093 093 April 22, 1963 Dogs, Dogs, Dogs
Opie brings in a stray dog, a minute later there is a whole pack of dogs, and just at the time as Andy is trying to impress a visiting state official.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
094 094 April 29, 1963 Mountain Wedding
The Darling clan returns to Mayberry to seek Andy's help with a wild mountain-man who refuses to accept Charlene's marriage as valid. Andy and Barney share a song with the family.
095 095 May 6, 1963 The Big House
Barney treats the jailhouse as if it were Alcatraz after two thieves are jailed in Mayberry.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.

 

Season 4 (1963-1964)

32 episodes

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
096 100 October 28, 1963 Briscoe Declares for Aunt Bee
While visiting in town, Briscoe Darling mistakes Aunt Bee's hospitality for something else, and he decides to court her. When he kidnaps her and takes her to his mountain cabin, Andy must come to the rescue.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
097 101 November 4, 1963 Gomer the House Guest
After being fired from Wally's Filling Station for being "inefficient in his duties", Gomer must stay with the Taylors, who have difficulty adapting to his customs.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
098 097 October 7, 1963 The Haunted House
Andy, Barney and Gomer discover the "real" ghost in Mayberry's haunted house.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
099 098 October 14, 1963 Ernest T. Bass Joins the Army
Determined to get into uniform, Ernest T. Bass attempts to enlist in the United States Army, but is rejected.
  • Allan Melvin guest stars as the Army Recruiter.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
100 099 October 21, 1963 The Sermon for Today
A visiting preacher urges the residents of Mayberry to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life — leading to more work for all.
101 096 September 30, 1963 Opie the Birdman
Opie kills a bird with a slingshot and becomes foster-mother to her three young birds.
102 102 November 11, 1963 A Black Day for Mayberry
Barney lets slip the secret about a gold shipment coming through Mayberry on its way to Fort Knox.
  • Guest appearances by Rance and Clint Howard (Ron Howard's father and younger brother).
103 103 November 18, 1963 Opie's Ill-Gotten Gain
Opie is rewarded for a perfect report card with a new bicycle, but his good grades turn out to be a mistake.
104 105 December 2, 1963 Up in Barney's Room
Barney is evicted for cooking chili in his room at Mrs. Mendlebright's rooming house. He then sets about making the Sheriff's office back room "just like home". Meanwhile, Mrs. Mendelbright's new tenant and fiance turns out to be a con man.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
105 104 November 25, 1963 A Date for Gomer
Barney plays cupid for Gomer when Thelma Lou refuses to go to a dance unless he finds a date for her unattractive cousin.
106 106 December 16, 1963 Citizen's Arrest
Barney tickets Gomer for making an illegal U-turn, only to be arrested by Gomer for the same offense.
107 127 May 18, 1964 Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Gomer announces that he has enlisted in the Marines. Andy takes him to report for boot camp and gives the drill instructor the impression Gomer is related to General Lucius Pyle.
108 107 December 30, 1963 Opie and His Merry Men
Opie and his chums take their roles as Robin Hood and his men seriously as they steal food from their parents to feed a poor hobo living in the woods.
109 108 January 6, 1964 Barney and the Cave Rescue
Barney organizes a rescue party when Andy and Helen are trapped in a cave by a landslide.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
110 109 January 13, 1964 Andy and Opie's Pal
Opie becomes jealous of the attention his father pays to Opie's new friend.
111 110 January 20, 1964 Aunt Bee the Crusader
Aunt Bee leads a protest movement against what she sees as heavy-handed application of the law by Andy, when a chicken farmer's property is condemned to make way for a new road.
112 111 January 27, 1964 Barney's Sidecar
Barney adds a vintage motorcycle to the Sheriff's Department, finding many new police uses for the vehicle.
113 112 February 3, 1964 My Fair Ernest T. Bass
Andy undertakes a difficult task: refine Ernest T. Bass to the point where he would pass for a sophisticated gentleman.
114 113 February 10, 1964 Prisoner of Love
A female prisoner (Susan Oliver) tries to use her "womanly wiles" on Andy and Barney to secure her release.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
115 114 February 17, 1964 Hot Rod Otis
Otis Campbell acquires a car and threatens life and limb of Mayberry's pedestrian population.
  • Andy, Barney, and Otis are the only characters to appear in this episode.
116 115 February 24, 1964 The Song Festers
Barney suffers an ego blow when he is replaced in the choir by the surprisingly-talented Gomer.
  • Andy Griffith's wife, Barbara, appears as a member of the singing group.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
117 116 March 2, 1964 The Shoplifters
After Weaver's Department Store experiences a series of thefts, Barney decides to go deep undercover (disguising himself as a mannequin) to get to the bottom of the situation.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
118 117 March 9, 1964 Andy's Vacation
Andy takes a week off, leaving Barney and Gomer in charge. A prisoner also takes off in the resultant confusion.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
119 118 March 16, 1964 Andy Saves Gomer
An appreciative Gomer is willing to do anything to show his gratitude for Andy's saving his life, and proceeds to make a pest of himself.
  • (This was Howard McNear's first episode back after his stroke in 1963.)
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
120 119 March 23, 1964 Bargain Day
Despite Andy's objections, Aunt Bee attempts to save money by buying an entire side of beef at a discount market, but finds her freezer isn't going to cooperate.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
121 120 March 30, 1964 Divorce, Mountain Style
Charlene Darling (Maggie Peterson) gets a mountain-style divorce and, according to mountain lore, must marry Andy. Andy and Barney try to find a way out of the situation.
  • Bob Denver, best known for his role as Gilligan on Gilligan's Island, plays Dud Wash.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
122 121 April 6, 1964 A Deal Is a Deal
Opie gets caught in a phony scheme to sell salve, so Gomer and Barney concoct a scheme to solve the problem.
123 122 April 13, 1964 Fun Girls
Two fun-loving blondes, Daphne (Jean Carson) and Skippy (Joyce Jameson), cause problems for Andy and Barney with their unwanted flirting.
  • First appearance of Goober Pyle (George Lindsey).
  • This is the only episode to feature both Gomer and Goober Pyle, who are cousins.
124 123 April 20, 1964 The Return of Malcolm Merriweather
The bicycling Brit who served as Andy's valet (episode #89) returns to Mayberry, leading Aunt Bee to feel unappreciated.
125 124 April 27, 1964 The Rumor
Andy kisses Helen on the cheek in a jewelry store, and Barney interprets the kiss as tantamount to a secret engagement. The town gets the word and prepares a surprise party for the couple.
126 125 May 4, 1964 Barney and Thelma Lou, Phfftt
Barney's fear of commitment leads Thelma Lou to use Gomer to make him jealous, and Barney becomes furious when he sees her kissing him.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
127 126 May 11, 1964 Back to Nature
Andy, Barney, and Gomer take Opie and several of his pals on a camping trip. Barney and Gomer succeed in getting themselves lost in the woods, giving Barney a perfect excuse to show off his knowledge of wilderness survival techniques.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.

 

Season 5 (1964-1965)

32 episodes

Note: This is Don Knotts' last season.

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
128 133 October 26, 1964 Barney's Bloodhound
Barney attempts to train a bloodhound to aid in Mayberry law enforcement.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
129 130 October 5, 1964 Family Visit
Aunt Bee invites relatives to visit and Andy becomes concerned when Uncle Ollie borrows the patrol car to go fishing.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
130 132 October 19, 1964 Aunt Bee's Romance
Aunt Bee's old flame, a practical joker, shows up in Mayberry and resumes his courtship. Andy has misgivings.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
131 129 September 28, 1964 Barney's Physical
A campaign to fatten and stretch Barney gets underway when it becomes apparent he doesn't match up to new Civil Service physical requirements.
132 128 September 21, 1964 Opie Loves Helen
Opie develops a crush on his teacher, Miss Helen Crump, who happens to be his father's girlfriend.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
133 131 October 12, 1964 The Education of Ernest T. Bass
Ernest T. goes back to school to earn a diploma after his girl spurns him as illiterate.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
134 134 November 2, 1964 Man in the Middle
Barney and Thelma Lou have a lovers' quarrel. Andy tries to help but only succeeds in getting caught in the middle.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
135 135 November 9, 1964 Barney's Uniform
Barney starts wearing his uniform all the time after being threatened with bodily harm if he's ever caught off-duty.
136 136 November 16, 1964 Opie's Fortune
Opie finds a wallet containing $50. Opie waits a week for the owner to claim the money but the owner shows up after Opie is given the money.
137 137 November 23, 1964 Goodbye, Sheriff Taylor
Andy goes to Raleigh for a job interview, and chaos prevails in Mayberry, with Barney Fife as acting Sheriff.
  • George Lindsey returns to the show as Goober Pyle. He won't be a series regular until the beginning of the sixth season.
138 138 November 30, 1964 The Pageant
Aunt Bee lands the starring role in the Mayberry Centennial Pageant, but she turns out to be a terrible actress.
139 139 December 7, 1964 The Darling Baby
The Darlings come to town and choose Opie to become the future husband of Charlene's infant daughter.
140 140 December 14, 1964 Andy and Helen Have Their Day
Andy and Helen are supposed to have a day off, but are continually interrupted at their secluded picnic spot by Barney's constant questions.
141 142 December 28, 1964 Otis Sues the County
Otis slips and falls in jail and is convinced by a lawyer that he should sue the county.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
142 141 December 21, 1964 Three Wishes for Opie
Barney buys old fortune-telling equipment which seem to be able to grant wishes.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
143 143 January 4, 1965 Barney Fife, Realtor
Barney decides to dabble in real estate as a sideline and he tries convince Andy to sell his house.
144 144 January 11, 1965 Goober Takes a Car Apart
Goober dismantles a car and rebuilds it inside the courthouse.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode. In this episode, it was mentioned that while Barney was on vacation, Andy needed to find somebody to fill in for him temporarily.
145 145 January 18, 1965 The Rehabilitation of Otis
Otis rides into Mayberry on a cow under the impression it is a horse. Barney takes on the task of curing Otis' moonshine habit.
146 146 January 25, 1965 The Lucky Letter
Barney believes he's hexed when several accidents happen after he fails to continue a "lucky" chain letter.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
147 147 February 1, 1965 Goober and the Art of Love
Andy and Barney think they'll have some privacy with their girlfriends after Goober finds a girl of his own, but they discover Goober favors triple dates.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
148 148 February 8, 1965 Barney Runs for Sheriff
Barney runs for Sheriff when Andy seems likely to accept another job. Andy's job falls through and he becomes a write-in candidate for re-election.
149 149 February 15, 1965 If I Had a Quarter Million
Barney finds $250,000 in cash from a bank robbery and decides to capture the robber himself.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
150 150 March 1, 1965 TV or Not TV
Phony Hollywood filmakers come to Mayberry, claiming to be researching the "Sheriff Without A Gun" for TV show.
151 151 March 8, 1965 Guest in the House
Helen becomes jealous when a pretty friend of the family stays at the Taylor home.
  • Jan Shutan as Gloria.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
152 152 March 15, 1965 The Case of the Punch in the Nose
Barney divides Mayberry into two hostile camps when he finds that an old assault case, involving Floyd and a friend, that was never resolved.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
  • One of the few episodes to make reference of a sheriff that preceded Andy (Sheriff Poindexter)
153 153 March 22, 1965 Opie's Newspaper
Opie becomes a newspaper publisher and proceeds to distribute free copies full of scandal and gossip.
154 154 March 29, 1965 Aunt Bee's Invisible Beau
Aunt Bee invents a beau. When she's pressed for a name, she names the butter and egg man, who happens to be married.
155 155 April 5, 1965 The Arrest of the Fun Girls
The Fun Girls purposely get a speeding ticket to grab the attention of Andy and Barney. Helen and Thelma Lou become jealous and refuse to go to the town dance.
156 156 April 12, 1965 The Luck of Newton Monroe
An itinerant peddler seems unable to do anything but anger Barney.
  • Don Rickles guest stars.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
157 157 April 19, 1965 Opie Flunks Arithmetic
Barney helps Opie with his schoolwork, using a teaching method all his own.
  • This is Don Knotts's last episode (except for subsequent guest appearances). He left the show after he signed up with Universal Studios to star in motion picture movies, though Andy Griffith relented to pressure from the network (CBS), keeping his show on for several more years. Knotts then said he strongly regretted leaving the show, because his movies prevented him from being a series regular.
158 158 April 26, 1965 Opie and the Carnival
Opie tries to win a birthday present for his father at a carnival, not realizing that the shooting gallery is a scam.
  • Don Knotts does not appear in this episode.
159 159 May 3, 1965 Banjo-Playing Deputy
In the final black and white episode, Andy gives a destitute banjo player a job as a Deputy Sheriff.


 

 

Color Episodes

Season 6 (1965-1966)

30 episodes

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
160 163 October 4, 1965 Aunt Bee, the Swinger
Aunt Bee and her new boyfriend aren't as young as they used to be - or as they first thought.
  • This is the first color episode to be produced.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
161 160 September 13, 1965 Opie's Job
Opie gets a part-time job in a grocery store, but gives it up because another boy needs employment more.
  • This is the first color episode to be broadcast.
  • George Lindsey is now a series regular.
162 164 October 11, 1965 The Bazaar
Andy's new eager-beaver deputy, Warren Ferguson, jails Aunt Bee and her friends for gambling (bingo) at their charity bazaar.
163 161 September 20, 1965 Andy's Rival
Andy becomes jealous when he realizes that a handsome new teacher is spending evenings with his girlfriend, Helen.
164 162 September 27, 1965 Malcolm at the Crossroads
Andy hires Ernest T. Bass as a school crossing guard and compounds the problem by replacing him with British bicycler, Malcolm Merriweather.
165 169 November 15, 1965 Aunt Bee on TV
Aunt Bee wins a kitchen-full of new appliances on a TV show but loses all her friends.
166 166 October 25, 1965 Off to Hollywood
The Taylors leave for a Hollywood vacation.
167 167 November 1, 1965 Taylors in Hollywood
The Taylors start an exciting vacation in Hollywood, including a visit to the set of movie based on Andy's life, "Sheriff Without a Gun".
168 168 November 8, 1965 The Hollywood Party
Andy poses for a picture with a Hollywood starlet and his romance with Helen is jolted when it appears in the Mayberry paper.
  • Pat Michaels, who was played by Sid Melton is best known as Alf Monroe on Green Acres.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
169 165 October 18, 1965 A Warning from Warren
Andy's Deputy upsets his weekend when he insists his ESP predicts a picnic will end in disaster.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
170 171 November 29, 1965 A Man's Best Friend
Goober has dreams of entering show business when he thinks he owns a genuine talking dog.
171 172 December 6, 1965 Aunt Bee Takes a Job
Aunt Bee gets a job at the town print shop where the new proprietors are really counterfeiters.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
172 170 November 22, 1965 The Cannon
Warren captures a pair of thieves through sheer stupidity about the functions of a cannon.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
173 174 December 20, 1965 Girl-Shy
Girl-shy Warren turns into a sleep walking Casanova after watching his suave hero on television.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
174 173 December 13, 1965 The Church Organ
Andy struggles with the financial challenge of helping the All Souls Church buy a new church organ.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
175 175 January 3, 1966 Otis, the Artist
Warren starts Otis, the town drunk, on a therapeutic art career.
176 176 January 10, 1966 The Return of Barney Fife
Barney makes a triumphal return to Mayberry to attend his high school reunion and is elated to find Thelma lou will be attending, along with her new husband.
  • Don Knotts guest stars in this episode.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
177 177 January 17, 1966 The Legend of Barney Fife
While visiting Mayberry, Barney is forced to display his "legendary courage" by going after an escaped convict.
  • Don Knotts guest stars in this episode.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
178 178 January 24, 1966 Lost and Found
Aunt Bee collects insurance for the loss of an antique jeweled pin. After she spends the money she finds the missing heirloom.
179 179 January 31, 1966 Wyatt Earp Rides Again
The supposed descendant of the famous Wyatt Earp rides into Mayberry. He demands a duel with Andy after he considers his family honor to be insulted.
  • Jack Burns' last appearance as Warren Ferguson. The character was dropped from the series after only 11 episodes, due to unfavorable reviews.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
180 180 February 7, 1966 Aunt Bee Learns to Drive
Andy faces some problems when Aunt Bee buys a second-hand car.
181 181 February 14, 1966 Look Paw, I'm Dancing
Reluctant Opie attends his first dancing party, and discovers dancing with girls is fun.
182 183 February 28, 1966 Eat Your Heart Out
Goober falls in love with a new waitress in town but she becomes infatuated with Andy.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
183 182 February 21, 1966 The Gypsies
Andy has a problem when a band of Gypsies come to town armed with old-world hocus-pocus and modern science. One of the Gypsies is played by Jamie Farr, who later played Max Klinger on M*A*S*H.
184 184 March 7, 1966 A Baby in the House
Aunt Bee agrees to a week of baby-sitting for her niece and finds the adorable infant adores everyone but her.
185 185 March 14, 1966 The County Clerk
Andy and Helen run into trouble when they promote a romance between the County Clerk, Howard Sprague (Jack Dodson) and the county nurse. This is the first appearance of Howard Sprague.
  • Frances Bavier and George Lindsey do not appear in this episode.
186 187 March 28, 1966 Goober's Replacement
Goober's girlfriend fills in for him at the filling station and proves so efficient that the boss wants her as Goober's permanent replacement.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
187 186 March 21, 1966 The Foster Lady
Aunt Bee almost becomes a star of a television commercial before she decides stardom is not for her.
188 188 April 4, 1966 The Battle of Mayberry
Opie upsets the whole town when he discovers that the famous Battle of Mayberry was not the glorious victory that everyone thought it was.
189 189 April 11, 1966 A Singer in Town
Aunt Bee's original song about Mayberry is a hit when a Rock 'n' Roll star plays it on his television show. The singer, Keezy Hazelton, is played by Jesse Pearson, who played teen rock idol Conrad Birdie in the film version of Bye Bye Birdie.

 

Season 7 (1966-1967)

30 episodes

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
190 190 September 12, 1966 Opie's Girlfriend
Opie's friendship with an athletically superior girl blossoms when she follows the advice of an older female and adopts the clinging vine approach.
191 192 September 26, 1966 The Barbershop Quartet
The Mayberry barbershop quartet loses its tenor when Howard can't go to the singing contest so Andy drafts a prisoner with a beautiful voice.
  • Hamilton Camp guest stars as Jeff Nelson.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
192 191 September 19, 1966 The Lodge
Goober blackballs Howard when he applies for membership in the Mayberry men's lodge.
193 195 October 17, 1966 The Darling Fortune
Andy and the town of Mayberry undergo a trying experience when the hillbilly Darling family comes into a fortune of $300 and shows up in town looking for brides for the boys.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
194 194 October 10, 1966 Aunt Bee's Crowning Glory
A visiting pastor's message, ("Be yourself") causes Aunt Bee to don a blonde wig, upsetting Andy and the rest of Mayberry.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
195 193 October 3, 1966 The Ball Game
Andy is concerned about the appearance of favoritism when he decides to umpire a crucial junior baseball game for Opie, but ends up angering the town when one of his decisions loses the game for Mayberry.
196 203 December 19, 1966 Goober Makes History
After growing a beard, inarticulate Goober suddenly becomes a verbose philosopher, and shares his new-found "wisdom" with all his friends.
197 198 November 14, 1966 The Senior Play
Helen Crump and her teenaged students find themselves at odds with the crotchety old school principal over the content of a play, but eventually convince him that today's youngsters are not that different from his own generation's.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
198 200 November 28, 1966 Big Fish in a Small Town
Fishing season begins, and the town's sportsmen are all eager for a chance to catch "Old Sam", the biggest fish in the lake. Howard, a non-fisherman, tags along and antagonizes everybody by catching him.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
199 196 October 31, 1966 Mind Over Matter
Goober's injuries cause his friends to convince him he has a severe case of whiplash and he promptly becomes a helpless invalid.
200 197 November 7, 1966 Politics Begin at Home
Aunt Bee runs against Howard for the office of town councilman.
201 204 December 26, 1966 A New Doctor in Town
Nobody in Mayberry wants to be the first to see if the town's new doctor is qualified, until Andy shows his faith in the young doctor by letting him remove Opie's tonsils.
202 199 November 21, 1966 Opie Finds a Baby
Opie and his friend Arnold find an abandoned baby. They run into trouble when they innocently try to find it some new parents.
203 201 December 5, 1966 Only a Rose
Opie accidentally ruins Aunt Bee's prize rose entry on the eve of the Annual Mayberry Flower Show.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
204 202 December 12, 1966 Otis the Deputy
Otis and Howard bunglingly attempt to rescue Andy who has been taken prisoner by a pair of desperate bank-robbers.
  • This episode was Otis's last series appearance.
205 205 January 2, 1967 Don't Miss a Good Bet
Andy and four of his level-headed friends and relatives are taken in by a con man's get-rich-quick scheme.
206 206 January 9, 1967 Dinner at Eight
Andy looks forward to spending an evening alone in the house. However, due to Goober's error, he has a filling evening when he must eat three spaghetti dinners cooked by thoughtful friends.
207 209 January 30, 1967 Andy's Old Girlfriend
Andy's perennial romance with Helen is jolted a bit when Andy's high school sweetheart moves back to town.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
208 212 February 20, 1967 The Statue
Andy and Aunt Bee learn their ancestor was the state's biggest swindler, just before the town of Mayberry unveils his statue as a hero.
209 210 February 6, 1967 Aunt Bee's Restaurant
Aunt Bee has a brief fling as co-owner of a Chinese restaurant in Mayberry, but her superstitions stand in the way of her success.
  • Ron Howard does not appear in this episode.
210 211 February 13, 1967 Floyd's Barbershop
Floyd decides to give up his Mayberry barbershop when Howard buys the building and raises the rent $15 a month.
  • Harry Walker, who was played by David Ketchum, is best known as Agent 13 on Get Smart.
211 207 January 16, 1967 A Visit to Barney Fife
Andy visits Barney, now with the Raleigh police department, and makes a hero out of his bumbling former deputy when he assists him in solving a string of supermarket robberies.
  • Don Knotts guest stars in this episode.
  • Frances Bavier, Ron Howard and George Lindsey do not appear in this episode.
212 208 January 23, 1967 Barney Comes to Mayberry
Detective Barney Fife pays a visit to his old hometown. At the same time, a now-famous movie star who used to date Barney has returned to Mayberry for a motion picture premiere, and Barney is her escort.
213 213 February 27, 1967 Helen, the Authoress
Helen writes a children's book that is accepted for publication and Andy faces the disquieting prospect of being the fiance of a celebrity.
214 214 March 6, 1967 Goodbye Dolly
Andy and Opie face the difficult problem of helping an old milk-wagon horse find contentment in retirement.
215 215 March 13, 1967 Opie's Piano Lesson
Opie insists on studying piano until he finds out that football practice and piano practice are incompatible.
216 216 March 20, 1967 Howard, the Comedian
Howard Sprague becomes a comedian and appears on television with jokes about his hometown, and inadvertently rubs his friends the wrong way with his routine.
217 217 March 27, 1967 Big Brother
Howard volunteers to become the Big Brother of a high school boy, which brings a reward he didn't expect.
218 218 April 3, 1967 Opie's Most Unforgettable Character
Opie has trouble coming up with a subject for his writing assignment, and Andy gets distressed when Opie eventually chooses someone else as the subject.
219 219 April 10, 1967 Goober's Contest
Goober faces disaster when a printing error awards Floyd a large cash prize in his filling station contest.

 

Season 8 (1967-1968)

30 episodes

Production # Broadcast # Airdate Title
220 220 September 11, 1967 Opie's First Love
Mary Alice Carter (Morgan Brittany) accepts Opie's invitation to a party then decides to go with another boy at the last moment.
221 235 December 25, 1967 Goober the Executive
Goober buys the gas station with financial backing from Andy and Emmett.
  • Guest star Bo Hopkins.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
222 225 October 16, 1967 Howard's Main Event
Howard is threatened by his girlfriend's bully ex-boyfriend.
  • Allan Melvin guest stars.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
223 226 October 23, 1967 Aunt Bee the Juror
Aunt Bee is summoned for jury duty and disagrees with her fellow jurors.
224 221 September 18, 1967 Howard the Bowler
Howard, a last minute substitution on the bowling team, astonishes everyone by bowling a perfect game.
225 224 October 9, 1967 Opie Steps Up in Class
Opie goes to summer camp with a rich boy, and Aunt Bee attempts to elevate the Taylor's social standing.
226 223 October 2, 1967 Andy's Trip to Raleigh
Andy cancels a big date with Helen in order to confer with a lawyer in Raleigh, who turns out to be a beautiful woman (Whitney Blake).
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
227 222 September 25, 1967 A Trip to Mexico
Aunt Bee enters a contest and wins a free trip to Mexico.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
228 227 October 30, 1967 The Tape Recorder
Opie disobeys Andy and tape-records a bank robber's confession.
229 228 November 6, 1967 Opie's Group
Opie joins a rock and roll group and his school grades begin to slip.
230 229 November 13, 1967 Aunt Bee and the Lecturer
Aunt Bee goes picnicking and dining with a charming lecturer.
231 230 November 20, 1967 Andy's Investment
Andy opens a coin laundry to save money for Opie's college education.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
232 233 December 11, 1967 Suppose Andy Gets Sick
Andy catches the flu and Goober takes over as his deputy.
233 231 November 27, 1967 Howard and Millie
Howard proposes to his girlfriend Millie at the bakery where she works.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
234 232 December 4, 1967 Aunt Bee's Cousin
Andy learns the truth about his cousin Bradford but keeps quiet because Aunt Bee is proud of her wealthy relative.
235 234 December 18, 1967 Howard's New Life
Howard quits his boring job as county clerk and becomes a Caribbean island beachcomber.
236 237 January 8, 1968 Emmett's Brother-in-Law
Emmett is needled into becoming an insurance salesman by his wife and brother-in-law.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
237 236 January 1, 1968 The Mayberry Chef
Aunt Bee is given her own cooking show on the local television station.
238 239 January 22, 1968 The Church Benefactors
A $500 bequest to the Mayberry church provokes debate over how to best spend the money.
  • George Lindsey does not appear in this episode.
239 238 January 15, 1968 Opie's Drugstore Job
Opie breaks a bottle of expensive perfume at his new job.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.
240 240 January 29, 1968 Barney Hosts a Summit Meeting
Barney gets Andy to let him use the Taylor home at the last moment for a summit meeting between the United States and Soviet Union.
241 249 April 1, 1968 Mayberry R.F.D
Sam Jones invites a buddy from Italy to help him work his land.
  • This episode was the series finale during the show's original broadcast order, setting up the spin-off show, Mayberry R.F.D..
242 241 February 5, 1968 Goober Goes to an Auto Show
Goober tries to impress an old mechanics' school friend by treating him to a lavish dinner and claiming to own a chain of gas stations.
243 242 February 12, 1968 Aunt Bee's Big Moment
Aunt Bee does well with her flying lessons until the instructor tells her she is ready to solo.
244 243 February 19, 1968 Helen's Past
Andy discovers secrets from Helen Crump's past. He learns that his girlfriend was once arrested for carrying a gun, gambling and keeping company with a notorious gangster.
245 244 February 26, 1968 Emmett's Anniversary
Emmett buys his wife a mink coat for their 25th anniversary, but goofs in his attempt to keep it a secret.
246 245 March 4, 1968 The Wedding
Howard's mother remarries and moves away, so Howard remodels their home into a bachelor pad and tries to throw a swinging party.
  • Guest star Teri Garr.
  • Frances Bavier and Ron Howard do not appear in this episode.
247 246 March 11, 1968 Sam for Town Council
Sam Jones is urged by Andy and his other Mayberry neighbors to run for City Council.
248 247 March 18, 1968 Opie and Mike
Sam Jones' son Mike has a problem with bullies at school and Opie helps out.
249 248 March 25, 1968 A Girl for Goober
In the series finale, Goober uses a dating service and is paired up with a woman with whom he has nothing in common. Maggie Peterson, who had previously played "Charlene Darling" on The Andy Griffith Show, plays the part of "Doris" near the beginning of this episode.
  • Frances Bavier does not appear in this episode.

 

 

 

Reruns, spinoffs, and reunion movie

In 1964, daytime reruns began airing[1] and the show was retitled Andy of Mayberry to distinguish the repeat episodes from the then-new episodes airing in prime time;[citation needed] this alternate title continued to turn up in syndication over the ensuing decades.

At the end of the show's fourth season (May 1964), the backdoor pilot "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." aired, and, the following September, the spinoff series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. debuted with Jim Nabors in his Gomer role and Frank Sutton as drill instructor Sergeant Vince Carter.

In the last episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, character Sam Jones was introduced and a sequel series, Mayberry R.F.D., was fashioned around him for the fall of 1968 (in essence, replacing Andy Griffith, who finally insisted the eighth season would be his last). Several performers reprised their original roles in the sequel, with Bavier becoming Sam's housekeeper. To create a smooth transition from his series to Mayberry, Andy and Helen were married in the first episode, remained for a few additional episodes, and then left the show, with a move to Raleigh being the explanation given the audience. After the sequel series' cancellation in 1971, George Lindsey played a Goober-like character over several years on the popular variety show Hee Haw.

In 1986, the reunion telemovie Return to Mayberry was broadcast with several cast members reprising their original roles. Absent, however, was Frances Bavier. She was living in Siler City, North Carolina in ill health, and declined to participate. In the telemovie, Aunt Bee is portrayed as deceased, with Andy visiting her grave.

Two cast reunions of the show were subsequently filmed and aired on CBS in 1993 and 2003.

 

Merchandise

Dell Comics published two The Andy Griffith Show comic books during the show's first run. In 2004, copies in near mint condition were priced in excess of $500 each.[3] The show's enduring popularity has spawned considerable merchandise since its first run, including board games, bobblehead dolls, kitchenware, books, and other items. In 2007, a line of canned foods inspired by the show was made available in grocery stores across America. Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, annually hosts a week-long "Mayberry Days" celebration featuring concerts, parades, and appearances by the show's players.

 

DVD releases

Between 2004 and 2006, Paramount Home Entertainment and later in 2006, CBS DVD released all eight seasons as single-season packages on Region 1 DVD. The complete series was released as a boxed set in 2007 (ISBN141573159) and includes the pilot from The Danny Thomas Show, the telemovie Return to Mayberry, and an episode from Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. featuring Ron Howard. Sixteen episodes from the show's third season (in public domain) are available on discount DVDs.

DVD Name # of Shows Release Date
The First Season 32 November 16, 2004
The Second Season 31 May 24, 2005
The Third Season 32 August 16, 2005
The Fourth Season 32 November 22, 2005
The Fifth Season 32 February 14, 2006
The Sixth Season 30 May 9, 2006
The Seventh Season 30 August 29, 2006
The Final Season 30 December 12, 2006
The Complete Series 249 May 29, 2007

[edit] Ratings, honors, and awards

The Andy Griffith Show consistently placed in the top ten during its run.[4]

  • 1960–1961:#4
  • 1961–1962:#7
  • 1962–1963:#6
  • 1963–1964:#5
  • 1964–1965:#4
  • 1965–1966:#6
  • 1966–1967:#3
  • 1967–1968:#1

A Neilsen study conducted during the show's last season (1967) indicated the show ranked #1 among blue collar workers followed by The Lucy Show and Gunsmoke. Among white collar workers, the show ranked #3 following Saturday Movies and The Dean Martin Show.[1]

The show received Emmy Award nominations in 1961, 1962 and 1967 for Outstanding Comedy Series. Don Knotts won five Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in 1961–63, 1966 and 1967, the last two for guest appearances. Frances Bavier won one Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1967. In 2002, TV Guide ranked The Andy Griffith Show ninth on its list of the 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. In 1998, more than 5 million people a day watched the show's re-runs on 120 stations.[5]