The Beverly Hillbillies

– The Beverly Hillbillies is an American situation comedy originally broadcast for nine seasons on CBS..

Type:
TVSeries
Rating:
7.20 / 10
Duration:
30 Minutes
Release Year:
1962-1971
The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971)

The Beverly Hillbillies is an American situation comedy originally broadcast for nine seasons on CBS from 1962 to 1971, starring Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, and Max Baer, Jr.

The series is about a poor backwoods family transplanted to Beverly Hills, California, after striking oil on their land. A Filmways production created by writer Paul Henning, it is the first in a genre of "fish out of water" themed television shows, and was followed by other Henning-inspired country-cousin series on CBS. In 1963, Henning introduced Petticoat Junction, and in 1965 he reversed the rags to riches model for Green Acres. The show paved the way for later culture-conflict programs such as The Jeffersons, McCloud, The Nanny, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Doc. Panned by many entertainment critics of its time, it quickly became a huge ratings success for most of its nine-year run on CBS.

The Beverly Hillbillies ranked among the top twenty most watched programs on television for eight of its nine seasons, twice ranking as the number one series of the year, with a number of episodes that remain among the most watched television episodes of all time.

The ongoing popularity of the series spawned a 1993 film remake by 20th Century Fox.

Story Timeline:
Producing Country:
USA
Filming Locations:
Genre:
Editor's Pick for:
Release Date:

26 Sep 1962

Language:

English

MPAA Content-Rating:
TV-G – For All Ages

This program is suitable for all ages. Programs rated TV-G are generally suited for all audiences, though they may not necessarily contain content of interest to children. The FCC states that "this rating does not signify a program designed specifically for children 10 years of age and older, (and) most parents may let younger children watch this program unattended." The thematic elements portrayed in programs with this rating contain little or no violence, mild language, and no sexual dialogue or situations.

Writer:

Paul Henning

Main Actors:

Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, Max Baer Jr.

Plot:

Meet the Clampett clan - There's Jed; the kind and intelligent patriarch(although lacking formal education) turned into an overnight millionaire through a stroke of luck. While he appears to be in a state of retirement, he is still frequently kept busy by trying to keep his family out of trouble and make peace with his neighbors. Then there is Granny; the Matriarch of the clan who is mature, highly opinionated, paranoid of new-fangled ways and things. She considers herself to be highly educated (a self proclaimed Doctor of Hillbilly Medicine) and has difficulty understanding why anyone doubts her wisdom. Then there is Elly May; Beautiful, but awkwardly naive. Apparently in her late teens or early twenties, she is considered an 'Old Maid' by the standards of her culture back in the mountains of her childhood. Last but not least, there is Jethro Bodine. Somewhat slow witted nephew of Jed. He is constantly attempting to find a girlfriend by impressing them with his education (elementary school) and imaginary skills as a 'Secret Agent'. Other recurring characters are Mr. Drysdale; a greedy banker who will do anything to keep the Clampett money in his bank and "Miss Jane" Hathaway, the over-worked under-appreciated secretary of Mr. Drysdale.

Awards:

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 10 nominations.

Ratings:
Internet Movie Database:
7.1/10