26+ Hidden Gems Intriguing Facts About Your All Time Favorite Classic TV Shows
Have you ever had the feeling that you are an expert on your favorite vintage TV series? Rethink that! It might surprise even the most committed fan to find that there’s always some fascinating detail they’ve missed. Some lesser-known details about beloved TV shows will shock you, like the show that charged extras to be on set and actors who were younger than their on-screen kids. Check to see how many you already know by taking a look.
The Iconic Profile Sketch From The Alfred Hitchcock Hour Was Created Initially For a Christmas Card
Show: The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Unknown
The drawing, intended for use on a Christmas card, featured the iconic silhouette of renowned writer/director Alfred Hitchcock. That’s accurate! It was never intended to take center stage during The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. But Hitchcock was so taken with the design, he insisted on having it appear in the show’s opening credits.
The Iconic Profile Sketch From The Alfred Hitchcock Hour Was Created Initially For A Christmas Card
The sketch immediately became iconic and is still connected to the Hitchcock name today. It just goes to show that occasionally the most memorable TV moments come from a happy accident.
America’s First Ninety-Minute Western On Television was The Virginian
Show: The Virginian
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $330,000 per episode*
The Virginian, which ran for ninety minutes from 1962 to 1971, was the first western to air on American television. More complex plots and character development were made possible by the additional time. The show, which followed the exploits of the foreman of the Shiloh Ranch and starred James Drury as the titular title character, was based in Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
America’s First Ninety Minute Western On Television Was The Virginian
Due to the program’s popularity, long-form Westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke were able to produce longer episodes during a period when Westerns were still the most popular television shows.
The Jeopardy Concept was created by Merv Griffin’s Spouse
Show: Jeopardy!
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $5 million per year*
The well-known game show Jeopardy! has been providing viewers with entertainment for more than thirty years, but did you know that the show’s concept didn’t originate from a prominent network executive? Was it caused by Merv Griffin’s spouse? While traveling in the early 1960s, Griffin’s wife had the idea to start a game show in which participants would be given answers and would have to phrase them as questions.
The Jeopardy Concept Was Created By Merv Griffin’s Spouse
The rest is history—Griffin thought the idea was brilliant. It’s Jeopardy time! is a well-known brand, adored by viewers of all ages, and has TV celebrities and Super Bowl winners as guest hosts.
His Cardigans Were Made by Fred Rogers’s Mother
Show: Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Original Network: NET
Est. Production Budget: $6,000 per episode*
The reassuring manner and cardigans of Mr. Rogers are well-known. All of his well-known sweaters were, however, hand-knitted by his mother, Nancy Rogers, as you may not have known. Right up until her death in 1981, she made each and every one. During a conversation, Fred revealed that his mother used to compliment him on how good he always looked when wearing a cardigan.
His Cardigans Were Made By Fred Rogers’s Mother
On Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he adopted her advice and included it as a staple item in his wardrobe. He was a man who embodied family values and left a touching legacy on television.
There Was Always a Chance That The Odd Couple Would End
Show: The Odd Couple
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $150,000 per episode*
During its five-season run from 1970 to 1975, The Odd Couple was constantly on the verge of cancellation despite its widespread appeal. Tony Randall and Jack Klugman played mismatched roommates in the series, which had trouble finding a regular time slot and was frequently replaced by other shows.
There Was Always A Chance That The Odd Couple Would End
Neil Simon, the show’s creator, decided to cancel it after five seasons, thus sealing its doom. But since then, it’s turned into a cult classic and spawned a number of adaptations, such as a 2015 sitcom revival starring Thomas Lennon and Matthew Perry.
Welcome Back, Kotter Was Temporarily Prohibited From Broadcasting in Boston
Show: Welcome Back, Kotter
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $300,000 per episode*
The title role of the Italian-American comedy Welcome Back, Kotter, which followed a group of diverse Brooklyn high school students, starred Italian-American comedian Gabe Kaplan, who also helped make John Travolta famous. In the popular television program Welcome Back, Kotter encountered restrictions and was momentarily prohibited from broadcasting in Boston in the late 1970s because of racial and cultural issues of the day, particularly the city’s “busing issue.”
Welcome Back, Kotter Was Temporarily Prohibited From Broadcasting In Boston
The program ran for four seasons and became a cultural icon for many viewers in spite of the controversy.
Toast of the Town Was The Original Name of The Ed Sullivan Show
Show: The Ed Sullivan Show
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $8 million per year*
There was a time when The Ed Sullivan Show wasn’t the renowned variety show that we know and love today. Actually, the show’s original name, Toast of the Town, appropriately captures its emphasis on showcasing the biggest names in entertainment at the time. The rest is history, as they say, but the show didn’t bear its host’s name until 1955.
Toast Of The Town Was The Original Name Of The Ed Sullivan Show
Although the name Toast of the Town may not have sounded quite as good, the success of the show indicates that the content is ultimately what matters.
Jackie Gleason Nearly Forced The Cancellation of The Flintstones
Show: The Flinstones
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $65,000 per episode*
A feud between Jackie Gleason, whose show The Honeymooners shared similarities with The Flintstones, and creator William Hanna nearly brought the cartoon to an end soon after it debuted. Gleason thought Hanna and Joseph Barbera, his partner, had taken the idea from his show. Gleason was faced with a decision that included considering if he wanted to be remembered as the person who removed Fred Flintstone from the air.
Jackie Gleason Nearly Forced The Cancellation Of The Flintstones
In the end, he had no desire to be that guy. With children’s chewable vitamins, toys, and movies all modeled after the Flintstones brand, the franchise grew to become an empire.
With Her Two Appearances On The $64,000 Question, Dr. Joyce Brothers Challenged Gender Norms
Show: The $64,000 Question
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Unknown
A trailblazer for female contestants in the future was Dr. Joyce Brothers, who became the first female winner of a game show on television in 1955. Her second appearance on The $64,000 Question saw her take home the grand prize. Her successes dispelled preconceived notions about gender at the time and demonstrated the brilliance and potential of women.
With Her Two Appearances On The $64,000 Question, Dr. Joyce Brothers Challenged Gender Norms
Dr. Brothers rose to prominence as a media personality and television host, and her influence can still be seen in pop culture today. Why anyone doubted the good doctor’s intelligence in the first place is the real $64,000 question that everyone ought to have been asking.
The Original Script for Hogan’s Heroes Placed The Program In An American Jail
Show: Hogan’s Heroes
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $150,000 per episode*
Unbelievably, the original Hogan’s Heroes script called for the program to take place in an American jail rather than a camp for German prisoners of war. Producer Edward H. Feldman, however, thought of a different approach to sidestep criticism and controversy.
The Original Script For Hogan’s Heroes Placed The Program In An American Jail
The show turned out to be a humorous take on World War II prisoners’ attempts to outwit their bumbling Nazi captors rather than a comedy about the American jail system. The six-season program, which featured a number of iconic characters—including the anti-heroes Colonel Klink and Sergeant Schultz—became a cult favorite.
The First Episode of All In The Family Featured A Warning
Show: All In The Family
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Unknown
When the contentious sitcom All in the Family debuted in 1971, it was a groundbreaking show. Even a warning about the show’s content was included in the first episode: “The program you are about to see is All In The Family.” It attempts to lightheartedly highlight our shortcomings, biases, and worries. The program directly addressed topics such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, which led to criticism from those who felt it was offensive.
The First Episode Of All In The Family Featured A Warning
Nevertheless, it became one of the decade’s most popular shows due to its accurate depiction of American life. The nine-season program had a big influence on pop culture during its run.
Inspector Gadget (1983) Was Primarily Inspired by Get Smart
Show: Get Smart
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $200,000 per episode*
Did you know that the beloved animated series Inspector Gadget drew heavily from the classic spy comedy Get Smart? Get Smart, a 1960s television series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, centers on bumbling agent Maxwell Smart as he undertakes missions for the covert agency CONTROL The 1983 film Inspector Gadget also has a naive protagonist, but it also has a secret agency and a lot of high-tech gadgets.
Inspector Gadget (1983) Was Primarily Inspired By Get Smart
In fact, the show’s creators have acknowledged that the humor and technology of Get Smart had a big influence on them. Speaking of technology, a lot of it can be found in toy stores or on Amazon in replica form.
Off-screen, Dick York and Agnes Moorehead From Bewitched Were Close Friends
Show: Bewitched
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $150,000 per episode*
Actors Dick York and Agnes Moorhead had a close friendship off-screen, despite the fact that their Bewitched characters were frequently at odds. Actor York (as Samantha’s husband Darrin) and actor Moorhead (as his mother-in-law Endora) became close through their love of acting and their shared experiences with chronic pain.
Off Screen, Dick York And Agnes Moorehead From Bewitched Were Close Friends
Some of their close friends and family members claim that they would frequently talk on the phone for hours at a time, consoling and encouraging one another. York and Moorhead were convincing rivals when the camera was rolling, even though they had a close relationship off-screen.
In The Beverly Hillbillies, “Granny” Was Only Five And A Half Years Older Than Jed
Show: The Beverly Hillbillies
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $150,000 per episode*
The fact that Buddy Ebsen, who portrayed Granny’s grandson Jed Clampett, was only 5.5 years older than Irene Ryan, who played Granny, is among the most astonishing facts about the iconic television series The Beverly Hillbillies. When the show debuted in 1962, Ebsen was 55 and Ryan was 60.
In The Beverly Hillbillies, Granny Was Only Five And A Half Years Older Than Jed
Ryan’s portrayal of the feisty and fiercely independent Granny made her one of the show’s most beloved characters, despite their different ages. Ryan’s ability to play a character who was so much older than her is a testament to her talent.
An Elephant Was What A Price Is Right Contestant Wanted, Not Money
Show: The Price Is Right
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Unknown
During a standout episode of The Price Is Right, a competitor startled both the presenter and viewers by announcing that he would accept the elephant presented to him instead of the $4,000 that was being offered as a substitute during the showcase showdown. After much work, the contestant was able to win the showcase and obtain his valuable elephant.
An Elephant Was What A Price Is Right Contestant Wanted, Not Money
Sadly, it proved to be harder than he had imagined to own an elephant in Texas, and in the end, he was forced to give his prize elephant to a zoo. Ultimately, they end up with no elephant and no prize money.
The Actual Hawkeye Detested M*A*S*H
Show: M*A*S*H
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $250,000 per episode*
Many people adore Alan Alda’s legendary performance as Captain Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H. Many who knew him say that Alda did a fantastic job portraying Dr. H. Richard Hornberger, the character’s real-life inspiration. One of the few Americans who did not fall in love with the show was Hornberger, who wrote the book MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, which served as the basis for the television program, and was a surgeon in the Korean War.
The Actual Hawkeye Detested.
How come? Based on his real-life experiences, he was paid only $500 for each episode of the show.
Mission: Impossible Spoke A Language All Its Own
Show: Mission: Impossible
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $200,000 per episode*
The IMF (Impossible Missions Force) team in the television series Mission: Impossible spoke in a code language known as “Gellerese,” which was a mashup of international terms, numbers, and symbols that were challenging for outsiders to understand but not unmanageable. Weekly memos with new words and phrases were sent to actors.
Mission Impossible Spoke A Language All Its Own
To follow the show’s complex plots, some fans even made their own decoder. This distinctive vocabulary became a defining characteristic of Mission: Impossible and contributed to the show’s mystery and suspense.
It Was Not Intended For Sophia To Appear Frequently On The Golden Girls
Show: The Golden Girls
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $200,000 per episode*
It was not originally planned for Sophia Petrillo, the charming and sassy mother of Dorothy on The Golden Girls, to be a major character. But viewers loved actress Estelle Getty’s portrayal of the sardonic matriarch so much that the show’s producers decided to add her as a regular cast member.
It Was Not Intended For Sophia To Appear Frequently On The Golden Girls
At the time of filming, Getty was actually a year younger than her on-screen daughter, who was portrayed by the amazing Bea Arthur. Producers were forced to write Charles Levin’s “Coco” out of the show in order to create space for Sophia as a regular.
The NBC President Nearly Let Michael J. Fox Go From Family Ties Because He Was Unable To “see that face on a lunchbox”
Show: Family Ties
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $250,000 per episode*
Before Family Ties even aired, Michael J. Fox was on the verge of being fired from his breakthrough role as Alex P. Keaton because NBC’s president at the time didn’t believe he had what it took to become a major star. Gary David Goldberg, the show’s producer, battled to keep him on the program.
The NBC President Nearly Let Michael J. Fox Go From Family Ties Because He Was Unable To See That Face On A Lunchbox
Fox went on to have a prosperous career in Hollywood after proving his skeptics wrong with his performance and popularity. His iconic portrayal of Alex P. Keaton solidified his place in television history and continues to be a fan favorite.
“Get the hell out of Dodge” Became Well-known Thanks To Gunsmoke
Show: Gunsmoke
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $150,000 per episode*
Among the longest-running Western dramas on television, Gunsmoke has had a big influence on American popular culture. Its greatest contribution, among other things, was making the expression “Get The Hell Out Of Dodge,” which means “to leave a situation quickly,” widely known.
Get The Hell Out Of Dodge Became well-known thanks To Gunsmoke
This expression first appeared in Dodge City, Kansas, a gritty community that frequently served as the backdrop for the program. Gunsmoke played a major role in popularizing this expression across the country in the 1950s, demonstrating the long-lasting cultural impact of television.
A Spin-off Of A Spin-Off Was Good Times
Show: Good Times
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $50,000-$100,000 per episode*
The 1970s sitcom Good Times, which followed an African-American working-class family, was actually a spin-off of Maude, another well-liked sitcom. However, a lot of people are unaware that Maude was once a spin-off of another program. All in the Family was a television program that revolutionized the medium by tackling difficult subjects and refusing to skirt around contemporary issues.
A Spin Off Of A Spin Off Was Good Times
The maid Florida Evans on Maude became so popular that producers decided to give her her own show, which led to the creation of Good Times. The outcome was Good Times, which went on to become a well-loved classic all by itself.
When Gomer Pyle Was Being Produced, U.S.M.C. Had Complete Access To Real Military Hardware
Show: Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $350,000 per episode*
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., is a military comedy that was filmed on location at Camp Pendleton in California. Since the production had complete access to real military hardware, such as tanks, helicopters, and other vehicles, they were able to portray military life in the show as authentically as possible. Active-duty Marines who also served as actors made up the extras.
When Gomer Pyle Was Being Produced, U.S.M.C. Had Complete Access To Real Military Hardware
Starring alongside Jim Nabors as the endearing Gomer Pyle, the program was a spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show. From 1964 to 1969, it ran for five seasons on television and is the source of countless pop-culture allusions.
Burt Reynolds’ Living Room Served As The Model For The Win, Lose or Draw Set
Show: Win, Lose or Draw
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $150,000-$200,000 per episode*
It may surprise viewers of the vintage game show Win, Lose, or Draw that the set was modeled after Burt Reynolds’s real living room. Reynolds was the show’s producer, and the vibrant, eclectic set design was inspired by his house. The set perfectly reflected Reynolds’s own home’s carefree, joyful atmosphere, from the vivid yellow sofa to the whimsical artwork on the walls.
Burt Reynolds’ Living Room Served As The Model For The Win, Lose Or Draw Set
This is just one of the many amazing behind-the-scenes tales of beloved TV series that many fans may not be familiar with, but they will be glad to learn about when it comes up during Wednesday night trivia.
In A Way, The Dukes of Hazzard Was Inspired By True Events
Show: Dukes of Hazzard
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $100,000-$500,000 per episode*
The classic Southern-based sitcom, The Dukes of Hazzard, was fiction with a sprinkling of truth. A twelve-year-old boy from North Carolina started moonshine running and eventually managed to buy a 1958 Chrysler 300D that was modified enough to beat the police.
In A Way, The Dukes Of Hazzard Was Inspired By True Events
An oil dumper was added, which would confuse law enforcement officers who were pursuing fast. This peculiar tale would be one of the sources of inspiration for the show, Dukes of Hazzard, which was a family friend.
There Is A Link Between Marty McFly and The Twilight Zone
Show: The Twilight Zone
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $70,000 per episode*
More than almost any other classic show from its era, this late 1950s and early 1960s sci-fi program has been mentioned in popular culture. It also shares a unique bond with the well-known Back to the Future film series from the 1980s.
There Is A Link Between Marty McFly And The Twilight Zone
First of all, the courthouse square in Hill Valley from Back to the Future is the exact same one that was shown in the 1959 Twilight Zone episode Where is Everyone? Marty (Michael J. Fox) says in Back to the Future that he “must be in The Twilight Zone,” to which Doc Brown inadvertently paraphrases the show’s catchy opening line.
Supertrain Was Among The Most Costly Failures On Television In History
Show: Supertrain
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $7 million for the pilot ($28.6 million in 2022)*
From the beginning, Supertrain was an ambitious project that didn’t turn out the way the actors and crew had hoped. It debuted in 1979 and was set on a high-speed “super train,” which was essentially a cruise ship with all the extras. It ran on nuclear energy.
Supertrain Was Among The Most Costly Failures On Television In History
Whatever compelling plot the writers of the show could have come up with, nothing would have been worth the $7 million disaster that was the two-hour pilot for the series. To put things in perspective, each episode of WBD Game of Thrones’ first five seasons (2011–2015) cost roughly $6 million.
Every Day, Mister Ed Drank A Gallon Of Sweet Tea And 20 Pounds Of Hay
Show: Mister Ed
Original Network: Syndication (1961), CBS (1961-1966)
Est. Production Budget: $50,000-$100,000 per episode*
Assume you grew up with a television at home during the 1960s. If so, chances are good that you watched Mister Ed, a talking horse, get into all kinds of trouble with his fellow humans a few evenings a week. According to rumors, the horse star had a very specific diet because of how finicky Bamboo Harvester (Mr. Ed) was about food.
Every Day, Mister Ed Drank A Gallon Of Sweet Tea And 20 Pounds Of Hay
Every day the horse drank at least a gallon of sweet tea and consumed twenty pounds of hay. Bamboo Harvester would simply leave the set, displaying even more of his diva-like behavior as he became weary of the routine.
The Costume For The Lost in Space Robot cost $70,000 And Weighed Over 200 Pounds
Show: Lost in Space
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $130,000-$165,000 per episode*
By the mid-1960s, sci-fi shows were growing in popularity and even entering the mainstream. “The Space Race” and anything related to space travel fascinated America. When Lost in Space debuted in 1965, it offered viewers a modern-day version of Swiss Family Robinson, a family adventure. Apart from its ensemble of characters, the show was renowned for its outstanding production qualities.
The Costume For The Lost In Space Robot Cost $70,000 And Weighed Over 200 Pounds
Such as the $350,000 Jupiter 2 spaceship set or the $70,000 (roughly half a million dollars today) robot cast member costume. The suit was extremely expensive, but it also weighed two hundred pounds.
One Of The First TV Series To Be Recorded On 35mm Film Instead Of Being Aired Live Was I Love Lucy
Show: I Love Lucy
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $40,000-$50,000 per week*
I Love Lucy, to put it simply, was a phenomenon in culture. Television comedy was revolutionized by the performances of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. After debuting in 1951, the program swiftly gained popularity as a classic. I Love Lucy broke the mold at a time when the industry only knew how to broadcast live. This was one of the first programs to be recorded on 35mm film rather than live broadcasting through a kinescope.
One Of The First TV Series To Be Recorded On 35mm Film Instead Of Being Aired Live Was I Love Lucy
Being a Cuban-American, Desi Arnaz was one of the first actors of Latino descent to appear in a television program. Consequently, the show gave Latinx actors in Hollywood a lot of new opportunities.
The Johnny Carson Show Was Almost The Dick Van Dyke Show
Show: The Dick Van Dyke Show
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: $40,000 per episode*
From 1961 until 1966, The Dick Van Dyke Show was broadcast on television. It nearly wasn’t called The Dick Van Dyke Show, though. Dick Van Dyke wasn’t even going to be the main character on the program when its creator, Carl Reiner, first intended to refer to it as “Head of the Family.” Comedian Johnny Carson was originally supposed to play the lead role of Rob Petrie.
The Johnny Carson Show Was Almost The Dick Van Dyke Show
Luckily for Van Dyke, Carson didn’t end up working out. After Dick was cast in the lead role, the show’s name was eventually changed to reflect the actor’s stage name. As they say, the rest is history.
Wagon Train Promoted Colored Television Sets
Show: Wagon Train
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $100,000 per episode*
Popular Western drama Wagon Train offered more than just enjoyable viewing. It helped to promote color television sets as well. However, how could an Old West-themed television program advertise a technology that didn’t exist at the time? It’s easy. Wagon Trail, like the majority of the shows of the era, ran in black and white on television.
Wagon Train Promoted Colored Television Sets
The fifth season of the show was filmed in color to promote the new color TV from its parent company, RCA, following four seasons without color. Talk about putting out all the stops and utilizing every resource available.
Andy Keeps Maps Of Nevada and Idaho Upside-down Behind His Desk
Show: The Andy Griffith Show
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Undisclosed
The Andy Griffith Show, which aired from the fall of 1960 to the spring of 1968, chronicled the lives of Sheriff Andy Taylor, his deputy Barney Fife, and his son Opie (played by a young Ron Howard). Each week, families would watch to see what antics the gang would get into and whistle along to the show’s catchy theme song.
Andy Keeps Maps Of Nevada And Idaho Upside Down Behind His Desk
However, even ardent viewers failed to examine the map behind Andy’s desk in his office closely enough. Had they done so, they would have observed that the maps of Nevada and Idaho were reversed.
The First Television Program To Feature Footage Of A Toilet was Leave It to Beaver in 1957
Show: Leave It to Beaver
Original Network: CBS (1957–58), ABC (1958–63)
Est. Production Budget: $25,000-$60,000 per episode*
The 1957 television series Leave It To Beaver chronicles the misadventures of Wally and Theodore, also known as “Beaver,” the two sons of the Cleaver family, who frequently get into trouble despite their best efforts. Over the course of its six seasons, the show broke a number of obscure records and accomplished a number of milestones.
The First Television Program To Feature Footage Of A Toilet Was Leave It To Beaver In 1957
One of the many things Leave It To Beaver did to help break down the boundaries of what will be tolerated on screen was to show a toilet (or part of one) on television.
A Member Of The Cast Founded A Well-Known Buffet Chain That Bore The Show’s Name
Show: Bonanza
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $225,000 per episode*
For those too young to recall awakening, NBC aired the western Bonanza from 1959 to 1973. In addition to being one of the most popular shows of its era, Bonanza also had one of the highest production costs—more than $200,000 was spent on each episode. A few years into the show’s historic run, Dan Blocker, who portrayed “Hoss” Cartwright, took advantage of the popularity of the series to launch the Bonanza chain of steakhouses.
A Member Of The Cast Founded A Well Known Buffet Chain That Bore The Show’s Name
Though those days are long gone, there was a time when Bonanza could have rivaled Outback Steakhouse for sales. In 2009, Blocker’s chain filed for bankruptcy.
The Network Felt That Spock’s Demonic Appearance Warranted His Removal
Show: Star Trek
Original Network: NBC
Est. Production Budget: $200,000 per episode*
The ground-breaking science fiction series Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry, debuted on NBC in 1966. A wide range of characters appeared in it, such as the slick and captivating Captain James T. Kirk, Dr. Spock, the half-human who applied reason to inconceivable situations, and Dr. Leonard McCoy, the show’s sardonic comic relief.
The Network Felt That Spock’s Demonic Appearance Warranted His Removal
Strangely, network executives didn’t initially like Spock because they felt his appearance was too demonic. But they were forced to retain Spock after Star Trek garnered high initial ratings and his devoted fan base materialized seemingly out of thin air.
On WKRP In Cincinnati, Herb Tarlek Did, In Fact, Don A Suit Made of Volkswagen Seat Covers
Show: WKRP in Cincinnati
Original Network: CBS
Est. Production Budget: Undisclosed
Many memorable characters and moments from this cherished classic sitcom can still be recalled today. One particularly memorable scene had Venus Flytrap, another of the show’s most endearing characters, telling Herb Tarlek, who was wearing a tacky argyle-patterned suit, that “somewhere out there, there’s a Volkswagen with no seats.” And it existed.
On WKRP In Cincinnati, Herb Tarlek Did, In Fact, Don A Suit Made Of Volkswagen Seat Covers
Herb Tarek’s suit, in yet another instance of a vintage television program making fun of itself, was actually constructed from Volkswagen seat covers.
For Mike Brady, Gene Hackman, and Jeffrey Hunter Were Given Consideration
Show: The Brady Bunch
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $1,100 per week salary (per child actor)*
Viewers all over the world are familiar with and adore this cherished classic sitcom, whether they saw it when it first aired, through reruns, or through contemporary films. However, were you aware that there was another candidate to replace Mike Brady? Had it not been for PARAA Studios turning down Sherwood Schwartz’s proposal to cast the less well-known Gene Hackman as Mike Brady, Robert Reed would never have become the character.
For Mike Brady, Gene Hackman, And Jeffrey Hunter Were Given Consideration
Does Hackman lose out on playing Lex Luthor if he had been cast as Mike Brady? Maybe Robert Reed gets the role instead of being pigeonholed as the perfect television dad?
The name “Angels” For Charlie’s Angels Originated From An Antique Frank Sinatra Office Painting
Show: Charlie’s Angels
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $310,000-$450,000 per episode*
A well-liked crime drama from the 1970s about three female private investigators, Charlie’s Angels was originally one of two successful Hollywood blockbusters. It was obviously a big hit with audiences everywhere because it was full of mystery, adventure, and excitement. Despite the mystery surrounding the show’s plot, a lot of viewers failed to solve the puzzle.
The Name Angels For Charlie’s Angels Originated From An Antique Frank Sinatra Office Painting
The question surrounding the show’s title’s origin. It is based on a picture of three angels that producer Aaron Spelling’s bungalow on the Fox lot had hanging on the wall, which Kate Jackson noticed. The one and only Frank Sinatra once owned the painting.
Thousands Of Dollars Were Paid By Passengers To Board The Love Boat During Filming
Show: The Love Boat
Original Network: ABC
Est. Production Budget: $250,000 per episode (over $1.3 million today)*
The nine seasons of the venerable television program took place on a cruise ship. But the ship of The Love Boat was no typical set. It really was a cruise ship. In actuality, it was filmed over a number of actual cruise ships. However, that isn’t even the most captivating aspect of the program.
Thousands Of Dollars Were Paid By Passengers To Board The Love Boat During Filming
Many of the show’s admirers realized their dreams of riding on The Love Boat. The majority of passengers weren’t compensated extras for the show. These were fans who would pay thousands of dollars to appear in the background of their beloved program.