Connect with us


TV

Father Knows Best (CBS-NBC 1954-1963, Robert Young, Jane Wyatt)

Published

on


Many classic sitcoms were well-loved by their fans, but very few were so popular they actually stayed in the upper rungs of the prime time ratings through years of reruns. Father Knows Best belonged in that exclusive latter category. Lead actor Robert Young left the show in 1960 to pursue other roles, but CBS (and later ABC) continued to successfully play reruns of the show for another three years. That fact provides a good illustration of just how much the show’s fans loved Father Knows Best.

Robert Young originated the role of Jim Anderson on the radio in 1949, and he was the only member of the radio cast that was retained when the show was transformed into a television program. Jim was an insurance salesman who lived with his family at 607 South Maple Street in Springfield, Ohio. Margaret was his wife and the family homemaker. Betty was the eldest daughter, who was referred to as ‘Princess’ by her father. Bud was the early-teenage son, and Kathy (nicknamed ‘Kitten’) was the youngest daughter.

Every night, Jim would come home from work, don a comfortable sweater, and find out what the rest of his family had done during the day. There were always day-to-day problems for the members of the family, but Jim always faced them down with a smile. Even for an insignificant dilemma, Jim would summon up the strength to see the situation through to a resolution. For example, when Kitten lost a prized doll (certainly not insignificant to her), Jim took out his umbrella and searched tirelessly through the rainy night until he found it.

The show was well-liked from the start but was not an immediate hit due to its initial time slot of 10 p.m. on Sunday night. In fact, CBS cancelled the show after its first season. However, NBC took notice when viewers flooded CBS with mail asking for the series to be revived, and the crafty network picked the show up. They placed it in an 8:30 p.m. slot on Wednesday nights and the show took off quickly, becoming a television institution. It would eventually run on all three networks before finally being cancelled in April of 1963.

Advertisement

Father Knows Best continues to charm viewers both new and old today in syndication. It remains popular today because the Andersons practically defined television’s ‘ideal family.’ Both Jim and Margaret were sensible, mature adults who could take care of a problem with a mixture of compassion and good advice. Their children occasionally disagreed with their parents, but were always polite and well-mannered. The problems they faced were always solved by the end of the episode, and the family truly loved one another. As long as television viewers have families of their own, the love the family this Anderson family shared will continue to inspire them.

In 1976 there was a surprise TV Movie revival called The Father Knows Best Reunion bringing back all the series regulars and then the following year there was a second catch up called Father Knows Best: Home For Christmas.

production details
USA / CBS – NBC – Rodney- Young / 191×25 minute episodess / Broadcast 3 October 1954 – 1960

Producers: Eugene B. Rodney, Robert Young

Advertisement

cast
Robert Young as Jim Anderson
Jane Wyatt as Margaret Anderson
Elinor Donahue as Betty Anderson
Billy Gray as Bud Anderson
Lauren Chapin as Kathy Anderson
Jimmy Bates as Claude Messner; Bud’s friend
Paul Wallace as Kippy Watkins; Bud’s friend
Yvonne Lime as Dotty Snow; Betty’s friend
Robert Foulk as Ed Davis; Jim’s neighbor
Vivi Janiss as Myrtle Davis; Ed’s wife
Roberta Shore as Joyce Kendall; Bud’s girlfriend
Robert Chapman as Ralph Little; Betty’s boyfriend
Tina Thompson as Patty Davis; Kathy’s friend
Reba Waters as Patty Davis (2)
Sue George as April Adams; Bud’s friend
Richard Eyer as Burgess Vail; Kathy’s friend
Richard Eyer as Grover Adams; April’s brother
Peter Heisser as Joe Phillips; Bud’s friend
Sarah Selby as Miss Thomas; Jim’s secretary
Sam Flint as Hubert Armstead; high school principal


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News14 hours ago

General Hospital, March 18, 2024, ABC

On Monday, March 18, at 2:00 pm on ABC, the brand new episode of “General Hospital” promises to deliver some...

Tamron Hall Tamron Hall
News14 hours ago

Dedric and Krystal Polite, Tamron Hall, March 18, 2024, ABC

On Monday, March 18, 2024, at 10:00 am on ABC, the latest episode of “Tamron Hall” titled “Tamron’s Spring Refresh...

Today with Hoda & Jenna Today with Hoda & Jenna
News14 hours ago

Trinny Woodall, Today with Hoda & Jenna, March 18, 2024, NBC

On Monday, March 18, 2024, NBC’s “Today with Hoda & Jenna” has a brand new episode. The show will kick...

The Drew Barrymore Show The Drew Barrymore Show
News14 hours ago

Kristen Stewart, The Drew Barrymore Show, March 18, 2024, CBS

Get ready for an entertaining episode of CBS’s “The Drew Barrymore Show” on Monday, March 18, 2024. This latest installment...

Jimmy Kimmel Live Jimmy Kimmel Live
News14 hours ago

Christina Applegate, Huey Lewis, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, March 18, 2024, ABC

Get ready for an episode of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airing on Monday, March 18, 2024. Esteemed guests from the...

The Kelly Clarkson Show: Hilary Swank The Kelly Clarkson Show: Hilary Swank
News14 hours ago

Jamie Dornan, Joey Graziadei, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 18, 2024, NBC

On Monday, March 18th, NBC Syndicated brings you another thrilling episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Hosted by the talented...

The Talk The Talk
News14 hours ago

Jon Cryer, The Talk, March 18, 2024, CBS

Set aside some time on Monday, March 18th for an exciting installment of “The Talk” on CBS. This episode features...

Watch What Happens Live Andy Cohen Bravo Watch What Happens Live Andy Cohen Bravo
News14 hours ago

Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ben Willoughby, Watch What Happens Live, March 18, 2024, Bravo

Get ready for another entertaining episode of “Watch What Happens Live” airing on Bravo! On Monday, March 18th, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg...

Great British Menu Great British Menu
News5 hours ago

The Finals: Starters, Great British Menu, 18 March 2024, BBC Two

Get ready for the brand new episode of Great British Menu, as national finals week kicks off with the starters...

Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain
News5 hours ago

Series Premiere, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the premiere episode of the brand new series “Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain,” Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton...

Panorama Panorama
News5 hours ago

Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis, Panorama, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the latest episode of Panorama, titled “Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis,” viewers will be taken behind the...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News6 hours ago

Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In a thought-provoking and enlightening new documentary titled “Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure,” airing on Channel 4 on Monday 18...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News6 hours ago

24 Hours in A&E, 18 March 2024, Channel 4, “Season 32 Episode 3”

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “24 HOURS IN A&E,” viewers are taken inside Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham,...

George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations
News6 hours ago

Chiltern Hills Barber Shop, George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations,” architect George Clarke continues to showcase the inspiring stories of...

Traffic Cops Traffic Cops
News6 hours ago

Traffic Cops, 18 March 2024, Channel 5, “Season 13, Episode 14”

In the latest episode of Channel 5’s “Traffic Cops,” viewers will once again be taken on a gripping journey alongside...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News6 hours ago

Coma Series Premiere, 18 March 2024, Channel 5

In the series premiere of the four part Channel 5 drama “Coma,” viewers are introduced to Simon, a devoted family...

Popular