Were you the biggest Andy Griffith Show fan around when the comedy first appeared on CBS, way back in 1960? The show scored 8 seasons, 249 episodes, and a host of critical recognition for the cast and crew involved: Ron Howard, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. Let’s take a moment to look at some trivia you might not know yet!
Sheriff Taylor and Opie were introduced on another show!
Now this is a weird bit of Hollywood history, indeed! Sheriff Taylor and Opie, played by Andy Griffith and Ron Howard, first appeared in-character in an episode of Make Room for Daddy. Take that knowledge to the bank or donate it to charity, we don’t care.
Sheriff Taylor And Opie Were Introduced On Another Show
The introduction song had a name.
Composed by Earle Hagen as well as Herbert Spencer, the whistling introduction was titled: ‘The Fishin Hole’. This is one of the most iconic TV theme songs that has ever been!
The Introduction Song Had A Name
Andy Griffith was a huge practical joker.
You’d need a PHD in environmental education to calculate how much laughter was turned into energy on set of Andy Griffith Show . Andy Griffith was a huge practical joker who was always getting the team involved in hijinks.
Andy Griffith Was A Huge Practical Joker
The theme song had lyrics!
Herbert Spencer originally wrote lyrics to go along with the whistling introduction. These lyrics were never used on the show. If you look hard enough on YouTube you might be able to find a scrapped copy. Or save that mouse clicking energy to help the sustainable development of a better hobby. Your choice!
The Theme Song Had Lyrics
Andy and Barney were related – for three episodes.
When the show first launched the writers had Sheriff Taylor and Deputy Fife acting as cousins. They gave up on this concept after three episodes and just hoped nobody would notice. We did, however, because we have enough trivia to develop one of them sustainable cities of pop culture references. You are welcome!
Andy And Barney Were Related – For Three Episodes
The introduction was a love letter to Andy’s own father.
In the introduction of the show you can see Opie throw a rock while Andy immediately nods with a small smile. Apparently this was his father’s personal acknowledgement for just about everything: a slow, small head nod.
The Introduction Was A Love Letter To Andy’s Own Father
Sheriff Taylor was originally the jokester.
Andy Griffith initially wanted to be the comedian on the show. However, after casting Don Knotts he knew that he had to change things up. Barney became the comedy relief while Taylor would become the ‘straight man’.
Sheriff Taylor Was Originally The Jokester
Most of the cast was hired without a contract.
This seems completely bizarre, but very true. When Andy Griffith first brought cast members to set they were without real contracts. This leads into our next fact…
Most Of The Cast Was Hired Without A Contract
Don Knotts scored a long-term deal after just one episode.
Executive Producer Sheldon Leonard only needed to see Don Knotts work for one episode before drawing up an alluring yearlong contract. That contract turned into a five year contract and the rest was comedic history (and gold).
Don Knotts Scored A Long Term Deal After Just One Episode
It was a spinoff show!
Wouldn’t you know it? The Andy Griffith Show was a spinoff from The Danny Thomas Show. Within a few months Griffith would have his own program. Talk about quick success!
It Was A Spinoff Show
Opie doesn’t actually toss a rock in the opening.
Apparently Ron Howard wasn’t the most accurate arm on the TV show. After Howard struggled to get the rock thrown to the right spot the producers had someone hide in the bushes to do it instead. We’re sorry if this ruins the opening for you.
Opie Doesn’t Actually Toss A Rock In The Opening
Floyd’s calendar never changes.
How many times did we get to see the barber shop? Well, no matter how many times a scene was set in Floyd’s barber shop the calendar is always showing February. Why? We have no idea.
Floyd’s Calendar Never Changes
Andy Griffith and Francis Bavier (Aunt Bee) never got along.
Francis Bavier never explicitly stated her reason for disliking Andy Griffith and it led to many awkward encounters. However Griffith and Howard Morris did say that Bavier was very sensitive, and she also resented her role of Aunt Bee. In 1972 Ron Howard and Andy went to visit Francis at her home but they were turned away.
Andy Griffith And Francis Bavier (Aunt Bee) Never Got Along
Don Knotts was sent interesting fan mail.
A recurring joke is that Deputy Barney couldn’t be trusted with a gun – just a single bullet. The joke caught on and fans started mailing Knotts actual bullets.
Don Knotts Was Sent Interesting Fan Mail
Deputy Barney has a rotating middle name.
It’s hard to peg down what exactly Deputy Barney’s middle name is. In several different episodes it seems to change on a whim. Sometimes his middle name is Oliver, or Milton, or just ‘P’.
Deputy Barney Has A Rotating Middle Name
Francis Bavier hated the on-set atmosphere.
Aunt Bee seemingly didn’t like being on the show, at least when the cameras quit rolling. Francis Bavier, who portrayed Bee, considered herself above Andy Griffith’s boyish nature. She hated the loose set, rough language, and constant joking around.
Francis Bavier Hated The On Set Atmosphere.
Andy Griffith and Don Knotts were lifelong friends.
Knotts and Griffith had been friends even before co-starring together on The Andy Griffith Show . In fact, when Knotts passed away in 2006 it was Andy Griffith who was sitting at his bedside.
Andy Griffith And Don Knotts Were Lifelong Friends
There were only two southerners on the cast!
The show was set in the rural south but it featured only two southern actors: Andy Griffith and Jim Nabors. Despite this fact the show had a real southern charm that was appealing and wholesome.
There Were Only Two Southerners On The Cast
Andy’s home address also changes consistently.
Before DVR and instant streaming, production staffs didn’t seem to care as much about continuity. As a result little things like a character’s home address would end up changing.
Andy’s Home Address Also Changes Consistently
Opie was named after a musician.
Ron Howard’s character Opie was named after the famous band leader, Opie Cates. Cates was famous in the ‘30s and ‘40s and left quite the impression on Andy Griffith.
Opie Was Named After A Musician
Don Knotts coined the nickname, ‘Ange’.
As we said above, Knotts and Griffith were very close off screen. Knotts would always call Andy Griffith ‘Ange’ and the nickname stuck.
Don Knotts Coined The Nickname, Ange
There was only one African American with a speaking role.
Through 248 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show only one black actor would ever speak: Rockne Tarkington. He played a football coach in the episode, ‘Opie’s Piano Lesson’. Not so multicultural, eh?
There Was Only One African American With A Speaking Role
Don Knott left the show on bad terms.
Well, kind of. Knotts was offered a five picture deal with Universal Studios – a hefty contract for an actor. Knotts gave Andy Griffith the opportunity to retain him by allowing Knotts to own a stake in the show and he had been a regular employee for years while Griffith was owner of over half of the production. Griffith balked and Knotts walked.
Don Knott Left The Show On Bad Terms
The show was gifted free squad cars.
If you didn’t know, the squad car featured on the show was a Ford Galaxie 500. A local dealership agreed to give them a new model whenever one arrived. The team would go through ten squad cars while filming the series!
The Show Was Gifted Free Squad Cars
Mayberry was based on a real town.
You’ll never be able to visit Mayberry in real life, but you can take a trip to its inspiration: Mount Airy. Mount Airy is located in North Carolina and was the primary motivation behind the show’s famous town.
Mayberry Was Based On A Real Town
Andy Griffith broke his hand on set in a fit of rage.
Season two featured a plotline that had Griffith breaking his hand while fighting off some criminals. The truth is a bit darker: Griffith flew into a fit of rage on set and punched a wall.
Andy Griffith Broke His Hand On Set In A Fit Of Rage
The show transitioned to color based technology.
For the first 159 episodes The Andy Griffith Show was black and white. Finally the show transitioned to color, finishing out the last 90 episodes with the advancement.
The Show Transitioned To Color Based Technology
Sheriff Taylor never had a gun on his belt.
Apparently Andy Griffith wanted to keep guns away from Sheriff Taylor as much as possible. His reasoning? He wanted the Sheriff to be respected by the townsfolk, not scared because he was armed.
Sheriff Taylor Never Had A Gun On His Belt
Helen Crump was supposed to be a one-episode character.
Crump, played by Aneta Corsaut, initially was only supposed to appear in one episode during the third season. This turned into a 66 episode gig – not too shabby, eh?
Helen Crump Was Supposed To Be A One Episode Character
The show went out while on top.
Very rarely do you see a television show retire while at the top of its game. The Andy Griffith Show would end while it was still the #1 rated show in the world. Only two other programs have accomplished this: Seinfeld and I Love Lucy.
The Show Went Out While On Top
To Whistle or Not To Whistle – That is the question.
Turns out that the original version of the theme song did not include whistling, but instead a lyrical version that was sung by Everett Sloane. The producers however decided that the whistling version would work better. Good decision to say the least.
To Whistle Or Not To Whistle – That Is The Question.
Fatherhood Tribute.
Later on, both Griffith and Howard admitted that their onscreen father-son relationship was entirely dedicated towards their respective dads. Griffith even went on to say that his onscreen reactions to Howard were based on the same reactions that his own father gave to him. Howard also went on to say that his own father influenced how he portrayed the relationship while filming.
Fatherhood Tribute
Spinoff Saga.
After The Andy Griffith Show ended in 1968, many of the show’s supporting characters returned for a new spin-off show, Mayberry R.F.D. However the show did not star Andy Griffith, but it go on to last for three full seasons before it was cancelled.
Spinoff Saga
Beyond the Show.
Most of us remember Andy Griffith as the title character in the show which bears his name, but he also went on to have a prolific career on Broadway, winning a Tony Award. He also went on to play the lead character in another famous television series, Matlock. President George W. Bush awarded Griffith the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Sadly, in 2012, at the age of 86 he passed away.
Beyond The Show
Eight Seasons.
Talk about success – only Griffith, Howard, Bavier, Knotts, and Hope Summers appeared in all eight seasons of the show’s onscreen time.
Eight Seasons
Guest Appearances.
After Don Knotts left the show at the end of season five, he would return to make five guest appearances in the final three seasons. His very last appearance during the final season follows the story of a summit meeting with some Russian dignitaries and this episode was “ranked 11th among single comedy programs most watched in television between 1960 and 1984, with an audience of thirty-three and a half million.” Whoa.
Guest Appearances.
Reruns.
Back in 1964, daytime reruns of the show began airing. However the show was retitled to Andy of Mayberry in order to distinguish repeat episodes from the new episodes which were airing in prime time. Since 2017, the show has actually been seen in syndication for 53 years!
Reruns.
Obama for President.
During Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential bid, Ron Howard reprises his role of Opie and Richie Cunningham stepped back into his Happy Days role during a Funny or Die skit supporting Obama.
Obama For President.
Number One.
From 1960 to 1968, The Andy Griffith Show consistently placed in the top ten for each of its eight seasons. Not many television shows are able to do such a thing for every season they make.
Number One.
Emmy’s Galore.
In 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, and 1967, Don Knotts was awarded an Emmy for his “Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor or Actress in a Series”. And in 2003, he was also awarded the “Favorite Second Banana” by TV Land Awards. Nicely done.
Emmys Galore
Merchandise and Pop Culture.
Wow, where do we even begin? The amount of merchandise and pop culture references attributed to the show are a mile long. Let’s see, Dell Comics actually published two The Andy Griffith Show comic books, other merchandise like board games, bobblehead dolls, kitchenware, and books also make the list. In 2003, the famous country band Rascal Flatts even released the song titled ‘Mayberry’ where most of the lyrics pay tribute to the beloved show.
Merchandise And Pop Culture
The Greats.
In 2013, good ol’ TV Guide ranked The Andy Griffith Show as #15 on their list of the 60 Greatest Shows of All Time – nice.
The Greats.
Hometown Dream.
Welp, we’re not sure if this fact is adorable or a tad over the top but hey, we’re not here to judge. Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina annually hosts a week-long “Mayberry Days” celebration (nope, we’re not joking!) The celebration features concerts, parades, and occasionally appearances by the show’s cast members.
Hometown Dream
Movie Making.
In 1986, we were brought the reunion tele-movie Return to Mayberry, featuring many cast members reprising their original roles. However, only Frances Bavier was absent, as she was in ill health, and declined to participate. In the film, Aunt Bee is then portrayed as deceased (three years later, Bavier passed away) and Andy visited her grave.
Movie Making.
Teaming Up Once More.
The Andy Griffith Show wasn’t the last time that Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Aneta Corsaut, Jack Dodson, and Betty Lynn would work together. In fact, all of the mentioned appeared on Griffith’s later show Matlock.
Teaming Up Once More
Character Development.
Initially, Andy Griffith played his character Taylor as some heavy-handed country bumpkin, who grinned ear to ear and spoke in a rather hesitant, frantic manner. However, he gradually abandoned the whole ‘rustic Taylor’ and instead developed a more serious and thoughtful characterization – good choice. Taylor then became the show’s problem solver, mediator, disciplinarian, and counselor, setting him apart from other shows running at the time.
Character Development.
Dynamic Duo.
We’re not all that surprised to learn that Andy Griffith appeared in all of the show’s 249 episodes while Ron Howard appeared in just 209.
Dynamic Duo.
Bronze Life.
Fun fact coming your way – turns out that the cable television network TV Land erected bronze statues of Andy and Opie! You can see the statues in Mount Airy and Raleigh, North Carolina.
Bronze Life.
All Time Best.
Back in 1997, the episode titled “Opie the Birdman” was in fact ranked as number 24 on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time. Nice work!
All Time Best
Big Man.
Bravo went on to rank the character of Andy Taylor as 63rd on their list of what they believe are the 100 greatest TV characters. Could he have ended up higher on the list? Probably. But to even be named is pretty extraordinary.
Big Man.
Not Believable
Once the first season finished, Elinor Donahue made the choice not to return. Why? Personally she felt that she had absolutely no on-screen chemistry with Andy Griffith. Later on Griffith said that their lazy relationship was his own fault, as he had a hard time showing affection on-screen. This translated on-screen of course as their relationship didn’t appear believable. However in contrast, Griffith had no issues showing affection toward Aneta Corsaut.
Not Believable
Switch Up
Now Andy Griffith admitted that the show’s original premise was supposed to follow the story-line that set up from his appearance on Make Room for Daddy. Therefore the idea was that because Mayberry was so small, Andy Taylor wasn’t just the Sheriff, but also the Justice of the Peace, the editor of the local newspaper, and the Mayor. However, when they sat down to write the series, Andy thought the premise was far too ridiculous, so he asked for Andy Taylor’s duties be only be as the Sheriff and the Justice of the Peace.
Switch Up
Take A Seat
Floyd the Barber was played by Howard McNear, who suffered a severe stroke and as a result, had trouble standing up. Therefore the show’s producers created a special stool to make it appear as though Floyd was standing, although he was merely leaning or half sitting. In most episodes, he’s either sitting in the barber’s chair or on one of the chairs that’s outside.
Take A Seat
Upside Down
There are some maps that were used for some time behind Andy’s desk, that’s okay if you don’t remember, it’s a small detail. The maps are just the state map of Idaho, but they’re turned upside down.
Upside Down
The Suit
Whenever Barney would go out on a date or any formal affair, he’d wear a white straw boater, salt and pepper-pattern coat, and a red bow tie. After he left the show and began his movie career, Don Knotts almost all of the time wore the same suit. You can see it in films like The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut, The Incredible Mr. Limpet, and How to Frame a Figg.
The Suit
Opie?
Not once in the show do they say what happened to Opie’s mother. All we know is that Opie was just “a speck of a boy” when she passed. We don’t know her first name, we never see a picture, and there is no grave that we know of.
Opie?
Bye-Bye
Due to his declining health, Howard McNear left the show. The script made it so his departure showed Floyd having to sell his barbershop, and move to be with his daughter. It works.
Bye Bye
Emmett’s Fix It Shop
Going off that last fact, once Howard McNear left the show, fans saw that Floyd’s Barber Shop then became Emmett’s Fix It Shop. Apparently they didn’t need a new barber!
Emmetts Fix It Shop
Leon
Ron Howard, AKA Opie, actually his real life brother, Clint Howard, appear in many episodes of the show. You’ll remember him as “Leon”, the peanut butter and jelly eating cowboy.
Leon
Thanks!
So Rance Howard, Ron Howard’s father, appeared in many episodes including as the North Carolina Governor’s limo driver, where Barney gives him a parking ticket. Barney actually received a visit from the Governor so he could congratulate him for giving him the ticket.
Thanks
Jerry Van Dyke
When Don Knotts exited the show, Jerry Van Dyke was considered to play the role of a Deputy. As such, he would have replaced Barney Fife, and moreover he even appeared in a Deputy’s uniform in a season five episode. However, Van Dyke instead opted to star in My Mother the Car, and many years later he admitted that if he could go back, he would have taken the part of the Deputy.
Jerry Van Dyke
Police
Just to go off that last fact, when Don Knotts left the show, the show explained his disappearance by saying Barney move to Raleigh, North Carolina in order to join their Police Department.
Police
Criminals
In any episodes that involved Andy and Barney dealing with out-of-town criminals, gangsters, or swindlers – many of the actors were actually former members of movie troupes either The ‘Dead End’ Kids and “The Bowery Boys”.
Criminals
Sarah
Sarah, the operate, seems to always be on-duty, like twenty-four hours a day. Although we never saw her and we don’t know her last name.
Sarah
Was It Now?
Now this is pretty odd, turns out that the Mayberry set was used for a few episodes of Star Trek and The Untouchables.
Was It Now?