Bewitched (ABC 1964-1972, Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York)

Bewitched was a deservedly popular sitcom from the 1960s centred around Samantha, a young witch married to Darrin, a mortal, and her earnest attempts to abandon her witchcraft.

Also featured in the cast were Darrin’s employer Larry Tate – partner in an advertising agency, and the Stephenses’ nosy neighbors, the Kravitzes.

Samantha’s zany relatives made guest-appearances. They were: her mother Endora who winced at her daughter marrying a mortal, Samantha’s father Maurice, her practical-joking Uncle Arthur, her forgetful Aunt Clara, her mischievous lookalike (but dark-haired and naturally also played by Montgomery) cousin Serena, and Esmerelda the housekeeper.

Samantha’s first child entered the world as Tabitha on January 13, 1966. The child was played by three sets of twins during the series. Adam, a son was born in the episode which aired on October 16, 1969 – but was not seen regularly until the 1971-72 season. Meanwhile 1969 Dick Sargeant took over the role of Darrin from Dick York.

Having earned several Emmy Awards, Bewitched was the biggest hit series produced by ABC at that time, having ranked number two during its first season.

Star Montgomery was off-screen married to the series producer William Asher. The first season was broadcast in black and white.

There was sequel called Tabitha with Lisa Hartman and 2005 saw an ill advised big screen reboot with Nicole Kidman as Samantha.

production details
USA / ABC – Screen Gems – Columbia / x25 minute episodes / Broadcast 17 September 1964 – 1 July 1972

Creator: Sol Saks / Producer: William Asher / Executive Producer: Harry Ackerman

Primetime History:
September 1964 to January 1967, Thursdays 9pm
January 1967 to September 1971, Thursdays 8:30pm
September 1971 to January 1972, Wednesdays 8pm
January 1972 to January 1972, Saturdays 8pm

Network off-primetime rerun history:
January 1968-July 1973, ABC Weekdays
September 1971-September 1973, ABC Sat. Mornings

cast
Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens/Serena
Dick York as Darrin Stephens (1964-1969)
Dick Sargeant as Darrin Stephens (1969-1972)
Agnes Moorehead as Endora
David White as Larry Tate
Irene Vernon as Louise Tate (1964-1966)
Kasey Rogers as Louise Tate (1966-1972)
Heidi & Laura Gentry as Tabitha Stephens (briefly during 1st season)
Tamar & Julie Young as Tabitha Stephens
Erin & Diane Murphy as Tabitha Stephens (1966-1972)
David & Greg Lawrence as Adam Stephens (1971-1972)
George Tobias as Abner Kravitz
Alice Pearce as Gladys Kravitz (1964-1966)
Sandra Gould as Gladys Kravitz (1966-1972)
Marion Lorne as Aunt Clara (1964-1968)
Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur (1965-1972)
Alice Ghostley as Esmerelda (1969-1972)
Maurice Evans as Maurice
Bernard Fox as Dr. Bombay (1967-1972)