1964/65 – Bonanza was #1 on NBC Sunday.
Note: Any BOLD shows were cancelled in 1964 season. The Twilight Zone was cancelled
in the sixth season. Jack Benny was cancelled in the fifteen season!
Anniversary:
Alfred Hitchcock celebrated ten years on TV.
Gunsmoke celebrated ten years on CBS.
Jack Benny celebrated fifteen years on TV.
Biggest New Hit: The beloved Bewitched was #2 on ABC Thursday. It was ABC’s biggest hit at the time. Who could
resist Samantha’s twitching nose and her magical relatives, such as Uncle Arthur, her mother Endora, her father Maurice,
even her look-alike cousin Serena? As much Samantha tried to stop using her powers at Darrin’s request, she ended up
using them no matter what. It was hard not to use magic when things goes terribly wrong for The Stephens in any situation.
British Ties: CBS aired Secret Agent from April 1965–September 1966. It originally aired on ITV in British between
October 1964–April 1966. Secret Agent is the expanded version of Danger Man, the 30 minute series.
Daytime:
The Andy Griffith Show was on CBS weekdays from October 1964–September 1970.
The Donna Reed Show was on ABC weekdays from December 1964–March 1968.
The Jack Benny Show was on CBS weekdays from October 1964–September 1965.
Movies 2 TV:
No Time For Sergeants was based on the 1958 Andy Griffith movie. Andy starred in the hit 1955 play too.
Twelve O’Clock High was based on the 1949 Gregory Peck movie.
Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea was based on the 1961 Walter Pidgeon movie. They used many sets from the movie.
Name Change:
ABC's Nightlife was known as The Les Crane Show the first four months. The critics wasn't very friendly. So, Les left the
program.
The Nurses to The Doctors And The Nurses.
90 Bristol Court: Three sitcoms – Harris Against the World, Karen and Tom, Dick & Mary – lived at the
same address. NBC evicted the sitcoms at the end of the season.
Original Run:
The Addams Family was on ABC Friday at 8:30 PM.
The Munsters was on CBS Thursday at 7:30 PM.
Reruns:
CBS aired Glynis reruns during the summer of 1965.
NBC aired Buckskin reruns during the summer of 1965
Moment Of Fear was the reruns of G.E. Theater, Schlitz Playhouse, Lux Video Theatre, Studio 57 and Pepsi Cola Playhouse.
The Return:
George Burns returned in Wendy & Me after a six-year absence. George was best known for Burns & Allen with his
real wife in the 1950’s. This was his second failed sitcom since his wife’s retirement. He couldn’t go alone
on TV without his wife; they were perfect for each other in every way. He didn’t have another series till 1985; he was
the host of George Burns Comedy Week.
Chuck Connors returned to what he does best, a western. Once again, he was a cowboy in Branded. Shoot them, Chuck, for
believing you are such a COWARD! Hee haw! He was previous in Arrest & Trial.
Walter Brennan returned to a failed series, The Tycoon, after a year absence. Walter was previous on the popular comedy,
The Real McCoys. His costar, Van Williams, was previous on Surfside Six.
Bob Cummings returned to a failed series, My Living Doll, after a two-year absence. He was previously on The Bob Cummings
Show, the 1961/62 version. There are nine My Living Doll episodes in existence; the rest was presumed destroyed.
Dennis Weaver gave up Gunsmoke for a failed series, Kentucky Jones. He was an original Gunsmoke cast member for nine years.
His first Gunsmoke audition was so bad that he asked for another chance. This time, he used a humorous, countrified accent
and won the role. He died on the same day in 2006 and at the same age as Don Knotts.
Harry Morgan returned in Kentucky Jones. He was previously on Pete & Gladys, his popular show.
Carol Burnett returned to a failed series, The Entertainers. She was previously on The Garry Moore Show.
Sheila James returned to a failed series, Broadside, after a year absence. She was previously on Dobie Gillis as Zelda
Gilroy, her best-known role. This was also her last weekly series. After she guest starred on numerous series, she turned
to politics; she became the first openly gay person to be elected to the California Legislature.
Sheila’s costar, Dick Sergant, returned to the same series. He was previously in his first series, One Happy Family,
a failed 1960 series. I bet Sheila and Dick had a “gay ole time” with each other on the series.
Simultaneous: Jim Backus was on Gilligan’s Island and The Famous Adventures Of Mr. Magoo. He was the voice of
Mr. Magoo.
Spin Off: Our Private World from As The World Turns. This was a first! This was the first ever prime time spin off
from daytime TV. ATWT was the #1 soap in daytime from 1958–1978. Lisa Hughes was a hugely popular character on ATWT.
CBS wanted to compete with Peyton Place in prime time. Our Private World didn't last long. Lisa wished her world remained
PRIVATE!
Summer Replacement: Vacation Playhouse replaced Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. for the summer.
Switch Networks:
The Jack Benny Show went from CBS to NBC.
The Joey Bishop Show went from NBC to CBS.
Tidbits:
Peyton Place was the first prime time soap. It was on twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 PM.
Mickey Rooney and his real son, Tim Rooney, starred on Mickey, playing father and son.
The Munsters was #18, tying with Gilligan’s Island, and The Addams Family was ##23 in the ratings in the first year.
They were nowhere to be found in the top 30 the following season. Hogan’s Heroes murdered The Addams Family at #9. Daniel
Boone killed The Munsters at #26.
In May 1965, Shindig devoted an entire episode to Elvis Presley’s tenth anniversary in show business, just only his
songs, not the King himself. Nobody could get Elvis to appear on their shows in those days. However, Elvis was on The Ed Sullivan
Show in September 1956. It was a huge event in TV history; a record 60 million people watched his performance. Elvis really
made his TV debut on the Stage Show in January 1956.
My Living Doll was Julie Newmar’s first series. It was reported that Bob Cummings and Julie didn’t get long.
Therefore, Bob quit the series in January 1965. Julie became world famous as the Catwoman on Batman a year later. She was
the first Catwoman.
The Entertainers was Bob Newhart’s first series. Bob left the show at the end of the year; he moved onto greener
pastures with his own show in 1972.
Dick Sergant was first offered the Darrin Stephens role on Bewitched in 1964. He passed up the role; he was still under
contract to Universal Studios. The role went to Dick York. Dick was cast in a new show, Broadside, which premiered in the
same season as Bewitched. Broadside only lasted a season. Strangely, he ended up being Samantha Stephens’ brother on
The Tammy Grimes Show in 1966. Huh? How could it be? Yes, I lost you. Tammy Grimes was first offered the Samantha role, but
she passed it up; she wanted to concentrate on her stage career. Elizabeth Montgomery became Samantha instead. The Tammy Grimes
Show lasted a month. Dick York collapsed on the Bewitched set during the fifth season. He could no longer do the series, due
to a chronic back ailment. Bewitched came a full circle for Dick Sergant; he became the second Darrin Stephens in 1969.
Tom, Dick & Mary was John Hoyt’s first series. His second and last series was Gimmie A Break as the grandfather
in 1982. Originally, he was the first doctor, Dr. Philip Boyce, on Star Trek’s first pilot episode, The Cage. His successor
was Dr. Leonard McCoy, played by DeForest Kelley. Both actors appeared in a 1962 Bonanza episode, The Decision. A doctor was
sentenced to hang for the murder of a judge’s wife. John was the judge; DeForest was the doctor.
Harris Against the World was Jack Klugman’s first series. Hmm, that first Emmy did him quite well. He won an Emmy
from a January 1964 Blacklist episode of The Defenders. Presto! His Emmy brought him a series! Well, I need to guest star
on a series and win my first Emmy, then I would have my very first series. Hey, Hollywood! Give me a call sometime!
This is NBC’s first full season to broadcast most of its schedule in color.
1964/65 Fall Season
One Season (1964/65)
ABC Scope – 1964–1968, ABC, documentary/public affairs
The Addams Family – 1964–1966, ABC, comedy, Carolyn Jones, John Astin
Bewitched – 1964–1972, ABC; comedy, Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York
Daniel Boone – 1964–1970, NBC, western, Fess Parker
Flipper – 1964–1968, NBC, adventure, Brian Kelly, Luke Halpin
Gilligan’s Island – 1964–1967, CBS, comedy, Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Jr.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M. C. – 1964–1970, CBS, comedy, Jim Nabors, Frank Sutton
The Man From U.N.C.L.E – 1964–1968, NBC, spy spoof, Robert Vaughn, David McCallum
The Munsters – 1964–1966, CBS, comedy, Fred Gwynne, Yvonne DeCarlo, Al Lewis
Peyton Place – 1964–1969, ABC, soap, Mia Farrow, Ryan O’Neal
Shindig – 1964–1966, ABC, music, Jimmy O’Neill
Slattery’s People –1964–1966, CBS, political drama, Richard Crenna, Edward Asner
Twelve O’Clock High – 1964–1967, ABC, war drama, Richard Lansing
Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea – 1964–1968, ABC, sci-fi, Richard Basehart, David Hedison
Cancelled TV Shows
Baileys Of Balboa – CBS, comedy, Paul Ford, Clint Howard
The Bing Crosby Show – ABC, comedy, Bing Crosby, Beverly Garland
Broadside – ABC, comedy, Kathy Nolan, Dick Sargent, Sheila James
The Cara Williams Show – CBS, comedy, Cara Williams, Frank Aletter
The Entertainers – CBS, variety, Carol Burnett, Bob Newhart, Ruth Buzzi
The Famous Adventures Of Mr. Magoo – NBC, cartoon, Jim Backus
Harris Against the World – NBC, comedy, Jack Klugman
Jonny Quest – ABC, cartoon, Tim Matheson
Karen – NBC, comedy, Debbie Watson
Kentucky Jones – NBC, comedy/drama, Dennis Weaver, Harry Morgan
Many Happy Returns – CBS, comedy, John McGiver, Richard Collier
Mickey – ABC, comedy, Mickey Rooney, Tim Rooney
Mr. Broadway – ABC, drama, Craig Stevens
My Living Doll – CBS, comedy, Robert Cummings, Julie Newmar
No Time For Sergeants – ABC, comedy, Sammy Jackson, Harry Hickox
Profiles In Courage – NBC, biography
The Reporter – CBS, drama, Harry Guardino, Gary Merrill
The Rogues – NBC, comedy/drama, Gig Young, David Niven
Tom, Dick & Mary – NBC, comedy, Don Galloway, John Hoyt
The Tycoon – ABC, comedy, Walter Brennan, Van Williams
Valentine’s Day – ABC, comedy, Tony Franciosa, Jack Soo
Wendy & Me – ABC, comedy, George Burns, Connie Stevens
World War 1 – CBS, documentary, Robert Ryan
14 out of 37 new series SURVIVED for 1965/66
ABC – 7/16, ABC Scope, Addams Family, Bewitched,
Peyton Place, Shindig, Twelve O’Clock High & Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea
CBS – 4/11, Gilligan’s Island, Gomer Pyle,
The Munsters & Slattery’s People
NBC – 3/10, Daniel Boone, Flipper & Man From
U.N.C.L.E
Mid season shows
Branded – Jan 1965–1966, NBC, western, Chuck Connors
Hollywood Talent Scouts – June 1965–1966, CBS, variety, Art Linkletter
Hullabaloo – Jan 1965–1966, NBC, music
King Family Show – Jan 1965–1966, ABC, variety, The King Sisters
Secret Agent – April 1965–1966, CBS, international intrigue, Patrick McGoohan
Cancelled Mid Season Shows
Cloak Of Mystery – NBC, dramatic anthology
F.D.R. – ABC, documentary
Fanfare – CBS, musical variety, Al Hirt
For The People – CBS, crime drama, William Shatner, Jessica Walter
NBC Sports In Action – NBC, sports, Jim Simpson
Our Private World – CBS, soap, Eileen Fulton
Late Night:
ABC's Nightlife – November 1965–November 1966, ABC, talk, Les Crane
Two Seasons (1963/64)
The Bill Dana Show – 1963–1965, NBC, comedy
Bob Hope Presents The Chrysler Theatre – 1963–1967, NBC, dramatic anthology
Burke’s Law – 1963–1966, ABC, crime drama
The Celebrity Game – April 1964–1965, CBS, quiz
The Danny Kaye Show – 1963–1967, CBS, variety
The Farmer’s Daughter – 1963–1966, ABC, comedy
The Fugitive – 1963–1967, ABC, drama
Great Adventure – 1963–1965, CBS, dramatic anthology
Hollywood Palace – Jan 1964–1970, ABC, variety
The Jimmy Dean Show– 1963–1966, ABC, variety
Kraft Suspense Theater – 1963–1965, NBC, dramatic anthology
Mr. Novak – 1963–1965, NBC, drama
Moment Of Fear – July 1964–1965, NBC, dramatic anthology, reruns
My Favorite Martian – 1963–1966, CBS, comedy
On Broadway Tonight – July 1964–1965, CBS, talent/variety
The Outer Limits – 1963–1965, ABC, sci-fi anthology
The Patty Duke Show – 1963–1966, ABC, comedy
Petticoat Junction – 1963–1970, CBS, comedy
Summer Playhouse – July 1964–1965, CBS, anthology, unsold pilots
That Was The Week That Was – January 1964–1965, NBC, news satire
Three Seasons (1962/63)
The Andy Williams Show – 1962–1967, NBC, musical variety
The Beverly Hillbillies – 1962–1971, CBS, comedy
Combat! – 1962–1967, ABC, drama
The Doctors & The Nurses – 1962–1965, CBS, drama
The Jack Paar Show – 1962–1965, NBC, variety
The Jackie Gleason Show – 1962–1970, CBS, variety
The Lucy Show– 1962–1968, CBS, comedy
McHale’s Navy – 1962–1966, ABC, comedy
Vacation Playhouse – July 1963–1967, CBS, anthology
The Virginian – 1962–1971, NBC, western
Four Seasons (1961/62)
Ben Casey – 1961–1966, ABC, drama
The Defenders – 1961–1965, CBS, drama
The Dick Van Dyke Show – 1961–1966, CBS, comedy
Dr. Kildare – 1961–1966, NBC, drama
Hazel – 1961–1965, NBC; 1965/66, CBS, comedy
International Showtime – 1961–1965, NBC, variety
The Joey Bishop Show – 1961–1964, NBC; 1964/65, CBS, comedy
Open End – 1961–1987, syndication, talk
Password – January 1962–1965, CBS, game
Five Seasons (1960/61)
The Andy Griffith Show – 1960–1968, CBS, comedy
CBS Reports – Jan 1961–1971, CBS, documentary
Candid Camera – 1960–1967, CBS, humor
The Flintstones – 1960–1966, ABC, cartoon
Mr. Ed – January 1961, Syndication; 1961–1965, CBS; comedy
My Three Sons – 1960–1965, ABC; 1965–1972, CBS, comedy
Six Seasons (1959/60)
Bell Telephone Hour – 1959–1968, NBC, music
Bonanza – 1959–1973, NBC, western
The Twilight Zone – 1959–1965, CBS, anthology
Seven Seasons (1958/59)
The Donna Reed Show – 1958–1966, ABC, comedy
Rawhide – January 1959–1966, CBS, western
Eight Seasons (1957/58)
Perry Mason – 1957–1966, CBS, drama
Wagon Train – 1957–1962, NBC; 1962–1965, ABC, western
Nine Seasons (1956/57)
To Tell The Truth – Dec 1956–1967, CBS, game
Ten Seasons (1955/56)
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour – 1955–1960, CBS; 1960–1962, NBC; 1963–1964, CBS; 1964/65, NBC, suspense
anthology
Gunsmoke – 1955–1975, CBS, western
Eleven Seasons (1954/55)
Lassie – 1954–1971, CBS; 1971–1974, Syndication, adventure
The Lawrence Welk Show – 1954–1971, ABC, music
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson – 1962–1992, NBC, talk/variety
Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color – 1954–1983, anthology
Twelve Seasons (1953/54)
The Danny Thomas Show reruns– 1953–1957, ABC; 1957–1965, CBS, comedy
Thirteen Seasons (1952/53)
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet – 1952–1966, ABC, comedy
Death Valley Days – 1952–1975, syndication, western anthology
Fourteen Seasons (1951/52)
I’ve Got A Secret – June 1952–1967, CBS, game
The Red Skelton Hour – 1951–1953, NBC; 1953–1970, CBS; 1970/71, NBC, variety
Fifteen Seasons (1950/51)
The Jack Benny Show – 1950–1964, CBS; 1964/65, NBC, comedy
Sixteen Seasons (1949/50)
What’s My Line? – Feb 1950–1967, CBS, game
Eighteen seasons (1947/48)
The Ed Sullivan Show – June 1948–1971, CBS, variety
Meet The Press – November 1947–1965, NBC, interview
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