Television Series of the 1960s: Essential Facts and Quirky Details

by Vincent Terrace

By 1960, watching television had become the pastime of millions of viewers around the world. Week after week, audiences tuned in to watch their favorite programs and catch up with their favorite characters. During the 1960s, some of the most beloved shows of all time originally aired, including The Andy Griffith Show, The Fugitive, Get Smart, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and The Wild, Wild West. Even after these shows departed the airwaves, they lived on in syndication, entertaining several generations of viewers. Devoted and casual fans alike can probably remember basic facts about these shows—like the name of Rob Petrie’s boss on The Dick Van Dyke Show or the original captain of the USS Enterprise—but more obscure facts, like Barney Fife’s middle name, might be harder to recall.

In Television Series of the 1960 Essential Facts and Quirky Details, Vincent Terrace presents readers with a cornucopia of information about more than seventy-five programs from the decade. For example, did you know that on The Addams Family, Lurch’s mother wanted him to become a jockey? Or that on The Avengers, John Steed had a pet dog named Freckles? Or that Patty and Cathy Lane of The Patty Duke Show had a distant cousin named Betsy Lane? These are but a few of the hundreds of fun and intriguing specifics contained within this volume. Shows from all three major networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC)—as well as select syndicated programs—are represented here.

This is not a book of opinions or essays about specific television programs but a treasure trove of the facts associated with each of these programs. From Mister Ed’s social security number to the zip code for Hooterville on Green Acres, readers will discover a wealth of fascinating information that, for the most part, cannot be found anywhere else. In some cases, the factual data detailed herein is the only such documentation that exists. Television Series of the 1960s is the ideal reference for fans of this decade and anyone looking to stump even the most knowledgeable trivia expert.

Genres: Nonfiction

234 pages, Hardcover

Published August 30, 2016

Reviews

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a totally fun read! Almost all the shows I grew up watching and totally enjoying. I've gotten DVDs of some of them to enjoy again and most of them, despite the time passing, are as good as I remember them.

[S. Clinton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brought back some good/forgotten memories. However, expected more for some shows profiled. Many shows from 1960's not included (which the author acknowledges in the Introduction).