I remember The Andy Griffith Show well from its days as a Monday night staple on CBS to long-running reruns since the network first reran the show in daytime under the title Andy of Mayberry. To me, it was a very down home piece of life in a small southern town that is definitely the best known rural show of all-time.
Griffith's folksy appeal was one key to the show's success. But the main reason the show became a hit was Don Knotts portrayal of deputy Barney Fife. His hyper tense mannerisms and comedic timing have made the character one of the funniest in sitcom history. When he left the show after five years, I felt the show jumped the shark. His replacement, Jack Burns wasn't as good as Knotts and he had a much shorter run.
The show was also the spring board to Ron Howard's career. he started at age six as Opie and grew into his teens when Griffith quit the show in 1968. Also, there was Frances Bavier as Aunt Bee, best known for her cooking. The show also became the launching pad for Jim Nabors' career. After a season as Gomer Pyle, he got his own show, Gomer Pyle, USMC.
The Andy Griffith Show is a true cult classic and a show that will never leave reruns on cable or local channels. From the whistled theme song to the closing credits, viewers can get a slice of small town life via Mayberry each day.
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