"The Andy Griffith Show" premiered 65 years ago, introducing viewers to the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The series, which ran from 1960 to 1968, depicted life centered around Sheriff Andy Taylor, played by Andy Griffith.
The show explored relationships within the community, often highlighting the bond between Andy Taylor and his son Opie, played by Ron Howard. Howard recounted receiving ice cream cones filled with mashed potatoes due to the hot set lights. He said the acting required to appear happy while licking the potatoes was something to be proud of.
Andy Griffith created the series partly as a departure from his role in the 1957 film “A Face in the Crowd.” Ron Howard shared that Andy wanted to work on a show where he could laugh, contrasting it with the psychological toll of playing the ambitious Lonesome Rhodes.
Central to the show was the friendship between Andy Taylor and his deputy, Barney Fife, portrayed by Don Knotts. Daniel de Visé, author of a book about their friendship, noted the show focused on connections. Don Knotts' daughter, Karen Knotts, stated their shared small-town backgrounds formed a bond. Don Knotts based Barney's anxious nature on his own experiences.
The production worked to support its cast. When Howard McNear, who played Floyd the Barber, suffered a stroke, Andy Griffith facilitated his return. The crew arranged seating to accommodate him, and his wife assisted him on set.
Actor Jim Nabors joined the cast as Gomer Pyle with no prior acting experience. He recalled Andy Griffith gathering the cast and crew to support him on his first day. Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee, offered him advice about adapting to television acting compared to live performance.
Though popular with audiences and enduring over time, "The Andy Griffith Show" did not receive widespread critical acclaim during its run compared to contemporaries. Daniel de Visé pointed to the difference in Emmy awards between the Griffith show and "The Dick Van Dyke Show," both created by Sheldon Leonard.
Despite critical reception at the time, the series maintains a presence in popular culture. It is often seen as a portrayal of community values.
Nancy Stafford, who worked with the actor on his later series "Matlock," spoke about Andy Griffith's lasting influence. "As a father, a leader, a friend, and a neighbor, Andy left us with a character with strong values."
