In and around 1971, there was a trend amongst the big three networks to move away from such programming and start to focus on the larger demographic and modern challenges of city life. This is commonly referred to as the " Television Rural Purge." CBS who had many such sitcoms made a very conscious effort to end programs that had the country feel. That movement spawned some great shows like The Mary Tyler-Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, and many others. But it left behind a trend that I doubt we will see resurge again in nearly the same magnitude.
Many of the examples I share below were made before I was born, but they still were a part of my childhood through the magic of "repeats." In the Chicago area, we had channels like WFLD 32 and WSNS 44 that constantly ran such shows. When I was sick with the flu and home from school, I would catch countless hours of these gems on daytime TV.
I could not avoid the lunacy of Green Acres, or the adventure of The Lone Ranger, or the drama and action of Bonanza. So let's rank our top three favorites of the "rural, western, nature" genre and also name a runt that would never make your top ten litter.
Here are my top choices:
1) Green Acres - The Paul Henning produced series was my favorite of his trio of comedies including The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction that centered around or referred to the farming community of Hooterville. When Oliver Wendell Douglas (portrayed by Eddie Albert) would get taken advantage of by the local town folk or just befuddled by their way of life, I couldn't help but laugh. And when his wife Lisa (Eva Gabor) poured his coffee and it was thick as molasses - oh, I roared with laughter. Do you remember the closet door that opened to the outside air? Or the telephone that could only be reached by climbing a pole? Or the Ziffel's son who was a pig? The theme song was a classic, and I am sure I still know all of the words. The Beverly Hillbillies may be more famous, but I liked this reverse-take on the topic (city life vs country life) much better.
2) Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom - I include this program in the nature category. It has a very nostalgic meaning to me as we would always watch this show with my father on Sunday late afternoons. The zoologist and host Marlin Perkins always seemed like the most serious and intelligent person in regards to anything animal related. I sometimes got bored waiting for a cheetah to attack, but like I said this brings back great memories for me.
3) The Andy Griffith Show - Honestly it took me a while to appreciate this show. As a kid, it seemed slower paved and more meandering than some other comedies. But I've grown to really like it and to admire Griffith's acting and the humor shared between him and other characters like Deputy Barney Fife and Gomer Pyle. Plus, who could ever forget that whistling for the opening? Have you ever heard the lyrics to that tune?
My least favorite was:
The Dukes of Hazzard - this series came much later into the arena, but I never warmed to it. I guess it had some similar character nuances and exaggerations, but it always seemed slightly off and perhaps condescending. I may have to watch it again all of these years later as maybe I missed something, but I have a feeling it lacked some of the charm of earlier shows.
So what do you say? Whether Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, Little House on the Prairie, Maverick, Lassie, Mr. Ed, The Waltons, Hee-Haw, or even Deputy Dawg - what was your favorite from this TV genre long dismantled?
