This first episode of the Beverly Hillbillies aired in 1962. It is one of the best comedy TV series ever, and a history lesson in the ways, attitudes, and technologies of the early 1960s.
The Beverly Hillbillies is one of those television comedies that arrived like a moonshine jug at a tea party: loud, unexpected, and impossible to ignore. When it debuted in 1962, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Here are some interesting behind-the-scenes and historical nuggets:
1. It exploded in popularity almost instantly
When the show premiered in 1962 on CBS, critics groaned… but viewers stampeded. Within a few weeks it was the #1 show on television.
2. The most-watched episode in sitcom history
The episode where the Clampetts first arrive in California, “The Giant Jackrabbit,” drew about 60 million viewers. For decades it held the record for the most-watched sitcom episode ever.
3. The theme song told the whole story
The famous ballad “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” summarized the entire premise in its lyrics. It was sung by bluegrass legend Lester Flatt of Flatt & Scruggs.
4. Granny wasn’t actually old
The feisty Granny was played by Irene Ryan, who was only in her early 60s during most of the series and just 59 when filming started.
5. Jethro had many “professions”
The dim but lovable Jethro, played by Max Baer Jr., repeatedly tried new careers. Across the series he attempted to become a brain surgeon, movie star, spy, and even a double-naught spy (007 parody).
6. The mansion was a real Beverly Hills estate
The Clampett mansion seen in the show was the Kirkeby Mansion in Beverly Hills. Decades later it sold for over $100 million, one of the priciest home sales in U.S. history.
7. The Clampetts were incredibly rich
In the story, Jed’s oil strike makes him about $25 million in the early 1960s. Adjusted for inflation, that would be well over $250 million today.
8. The show was created by a writer who loved rural humor
It was created by Paul Henning, who later produced other rural comedies like Green Acres and Petticoat Junction.
9. Critics hated it… at first
Early TV critics called the show “corny,” “ridiculous,” and “lowbrow.” Meanwhile audiences kept it in the Top 10 ratings for most of its nine-season run.
10. It was cancelled while still popular
Despite strong ratings, the show was cancelled in 1971 during a purge often called the “rural purge.” Networks wanted shows aimed at younger urban audiences. Other casualties included Green Acres and Hee Haw.
11. Elly May became a pop-culture icon
Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett, was famous for her love of animals on the show. She often appeared with raccoons, possums, and even a chimpanzee.
12. Jed Clampett was the calm center of the chaos
Buddy Ebsen played Jed. Before this role, he had been cast as the original Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz but had to drop out due to a severe allergic reaction to the aluminum makeup.
