Stories
Andy Griffith knew the importance of making his show funny
"We'd better be funny," Griffith said.
June 2, 2025, 3:39PM
Andy Griffith went home to brush up on his accent whenever he had the chance
Griffith had to go down home to brush up on his accent.
May 30, 2025, 9:43AM
This sitcom legend was in The Andy Griffith Show AND The Office!
George Ives had quite the career!
May 28, 2025, 10:21AM
Ron Howard's daughter said that she became her father's ''momager'' during his recent return to acting
"I was very nervous for him."
May 28, 2025, 9:40AM
Howard McNear recovered from a stroke to return to Mayberry
Not even health complications kept Floyd away for long
May 22, 2025, 4:20PM
Did you catch this subtle Don Knotts tribute in Jerry Van Dyke's only appearance on The Andy Griffith Show?
Aunt Bee can't believe it!
May 15, 2025, 1:40PM
Here's why you never saw Don Knotts faint on The Andy Griffith Show
One of the show's key writers kept it out of scripts. Find out why!
May 13, 2025, 1:48PM
The forgotten reunion that brought Andy, Barney and Gomer back together
Long before Return to Mayberry, the stars re-aligned onstage!
May 12, 2025, 1:04PM
The harrowing film role that pushed Andy Griffith to pursue a career in comedy
"I don't ever want to do that again," said Griffith.
May 9, 2025, 3:30PM
Working on The Andy Griffith Show taught Frances Bavier the value of small towns
Bavier wanted that Taylor family dream.
May 9, 2025, 12:21PM
Barney Brainteaser: How many years did Deputy Fife keep Mayberry in line?
Dispute the deputy dates!
May 9, 2025, 12:06PM
Andy Griffith said that Don Knotts ''is the funniest man I’ve ever known''
"When Don does it, you fall down dead laughing."
May 9, 2025, 12:00AM
Both of these Mayberry women played Rob Petrie's mom on The Dick Van Dyke Show
Somehow both members of the Women's Historical Society became Laura's mother-in-law.
May 8, 2025, 1:00PM
Betty Lynn from the Andy Griffith Show retired to Andy Griffith's hometown
Betty Lynn left L.A. for Mount Airy in 2007.
May 8, 2025, 11:26AM
Andy Griffith used to ''grade'' scripts on The Andy Griffith Show—here’s the grade George Lindsey received
A+ for Andy!
May 6, 2025, 2:37PM
Before Mayberry: The comedy sketch that launched Andy Griffith’s career
Andy Griffith’s career took off with a football sketch he wrote on the fly. Here’s the surprising story behind his breakout comedy hit.
May 5, 2025, 8:36AM
Onionhead: The film that flopped so hard, it gave us The Andy Griffith Show
It was the film that, strangely enough, led the actor to The Andy Griffith Show.
May 2, 2025, 3:01PM
Frances Bavier almost said no to playing Aunt Bee— and it changed everything
Uncover the emotional journey of Frances Bavier, from skepticism to love for her role as Aunt Bee, and how it shaped The Andy Griffith Show forever.
May 2, 2025, 2:00PM
Howard Morris, better known as Ernest T. Bass, became a director to help a ''watered down'' television industry
The actor was more than just a face on The Andy Griffith Show.
May 2, 2025, 1:55PM
Don Knotts' daughter: ''When he was dying, he was making us laugh in hysterics.''
When he was around his loved ones, Knotts was even funnier than Barney Fife.
May 2, 2025, 9:27AM
Don Knotts said that trying to make Andy Griffith break character on The Andy Griffith Show made him funnier
They were best pals, and even better actors.
May 1, 2025, 4:20PM
Frances Bavier is in the pilot of The Andy Griffith Show, but she did not play Aunt Bee
Her first Mayberry character was Henrietta Perkins.
May 1, 2025, 3:37PM
A life lesson from Sheldon Leonard: If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself
The sentiment earned Leonard his career.
May 1, 2025, 2:50PM
Don Knotts' favorite episode of The Andy Griffith Show is probably yours too
Can you guess which episode won his heart?
May 1, 2025, 2:14PM
This was the reason why Joanna Moore regretted losing her southern drawl after she was cast in The Andy Griffith Show
Originally, Moore had no intention of pursuing acting.
May 1, 2025, 10:54AM
Andy Griffith subtly evolved in his iconic role as Sheriff Andy Taylor— here's how Howard McNear helped!
Delve into Andy Griffith's transformation as an actor and how his portrayal of Sheriff Andy Taylor grew!
April 30, 2025, 11:55AM
Rod Serling loved to visit the set of The Andy Griffith Show
Two worlds colliding!
April 30, 2025, 11:53AM
Andy Griffith once said that The Andy Griffith Show wouldn't work as a series if Sheriff Taylor got married
Here's why wedding bells would not ring in The Andy Griffith Show.
April 29, 2025, 9:25AM
Andy Griffith and Don Knotts had an opportunity to reconnect when Griffith offered Knotts the role of Barney Fife
The two pals were long overdue for a reunion.
April 28, 2025, 2:53PM
Hal Smith said that this was the hardest part of playing Otis on The Andy Griffith Show
The actor only had one issue with the role.
April 28, 2025, 2:50PM
The producer and Jim Nabors spent a lot of time perfecting Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Jim Nabors and Gomer Pyle were both small-town boys with a lot of optimism.
April 28, 2025, 10:43AM
They had to call in an actual Marine barber to properly buzz Gomer Pyle's head
"He zipped him in about eight seconds."
April 22, 2025, 9:37AM
MeTV presents the Month of Mayberry all May long!
MeTV's 2025 Mayberry celebration includes special themed weeks, reunion specials, and more all month long!
April 21, 2025, 11:57AM
Ron Howard formed friendships with his fellow child actors while working on The Andy Griffith Show
Howard had no shortage of friends.
April 17, 2025, 3:08PM
When he wasn't playing grumpy Mayor Stoner, Parley Baer loved performing in the circus
He was the mayor of the circus!
April 17, 2025, 2:07PM
Who were The Fun Girls on The Andy Griffith Show? Meet the actress behind Daphne and Skippy
Daphne and Skippy— the unforgettable “Fun Girls” from The Andy Griffith Show. Learn about their hilarious appearances and the actresses who brought them to life.
April 17, 2025, 11:00AM
One producer on The Andy Griffith Show said he knew ''Andy and Don's weaknesses so well,'' and said Don Knotts was fragile
Learn how writers Everett Greenbaum and Jim Fritzell shaped The Andy Griffith Show's slapstick comedy, drawing from their experience and crafting unforgettable moments for Don Knotts.
April 17, 2025, 10:19AM
Frank Sutton didn't like talking about politics during his time on Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C.
Frank Sutton was only an actor, and he wanted both interviewers and his fans to know that.
April 16, 2025, 3:59PM
The Blob was a miserable experience for lead actress Aneta Corsaut— Here’s why!
Discover why The Andy Griffith Show star had a terrible time on the set of The Blob.
April 16, 2025, 11:56AM
Parley Baer was accosted by a woman in a butcher shop because of the way his character treated Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show
Don't mess with Andy.
April 15, 2025, 9:24AM
Hal Smith's life after The Andy Griffith Show: How his career and health changed
Best known as the lovable town drunk, Hal Smith’s career took a surprising turn after The Andy Griffith Show — including voicing some of Disney’s most iconic characters.
April 14, 2025, 11:59AM
Marines loved Frank Sutton and he loved the Marines
Sutton's popularity in the role of Sgt. Carter had people running to sign up for the Marine Corps.
April 11, 2025, 3:19PM
Deputy Don: The real-life Barney Fife's relationship with the police
How was Mayberry's finest treated by the boys in blue?
April 4, 2025, 3:20PM
Jim Nabors said that the workload on The Jim Nabors Hour was much easier than working on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Working on The Jim Nabors Hour gave the actor an opportunity to show off his incredible voice.
April 3, 2025, 3:15PM
Don Knotts taught Jim Nabors how to handle a rifle to help him prepare for his role in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Barney Fife couldn't be trusted with more than one bullet, but Don Knotts was an expert.
April 2, 2025, 2:20PM
Jim Nabors turned down Andy Griffith when he was offered the role of Gomer Pyle
Nabors almost turned down the role that would make him famous.
April 2, 2025, 1:10PM
Howard Morris on acting: ''I'd rather conduct the orchestra than play piccolo''
Ernest T. stepped behind the camera! Here's why.
April 1, 2025, 10:45AM
Denver Pyle stared acting because he ''figured it would be an easy way to make money''
He wasn't built like his Hollywood peers!
April 1, 2025, 9:39AM
Here's why Frances Bavier stayed in Mayberry after Andy Griffith left
Aunt Bee was one of the last holdouts in town!
March 27, 2025, 1:17PM
How Ron Howard tackled the biggest challenge of his filmmaking career
"I was reluctant at first, to be honest," he said.
March 21, 2025, 9:48AM
How Ron Howard avoided the ''clichés'' that befall so many child actors
With some effort, Howard became a success story.
March 19, 2025, 3:21PM
Malcolm Merriweather had a tiny, unexpected effect on British tourism
Not bad for a character with less than an hour of total screen time!
March 19, 2025, 12:11PM
Don Knotts was only possessive of one of his characters
This was one of the actor's favorite roles.
March 19, 2025, 11:54AM
Don Knotts had uncredited help from an old friend in crafting ''The Ghost and Mr. Chicken''
Here's how Andy Griffith pitched in!
March 17, 2025, 10:44AM
Dennis Weaver introduced Ron Howard's parents to each other
Twenty years later, he shared the screen with Clint Howard!
March 12, 2025, 3:21PM
Ron Howard was training for his directing career on The Andy Griffith Show
Howard received a masterclass in television.
March 10, 2025, 1:24PM
Ron Howard was method acting as a child on The Andy Griffith Show
Howard was a special talent from a young age.
March 10, 2025, 11:46AM
Gomer Pyle's Frank Sutton said he was a ''killer turned to comic''
From drama to comedy: Here's how Sutton made the switch to the funny side.
March 4, 2025, 4:50PM
Andy Griffith: ''We're going to have to be careful'' without Don Knotts
The series may have been different, but they were still working hard!
February 24, 2025, 3:36PM
Ron Howard recently revealed that he and Don Knotts were related in this heartwarming throwback photo
It's time for a Mayberry family reunion!
February 20, 2025, 3:46PM
The lawsuit that threatened to tarnish Frances Bavier's legacy
Gladys Farmer sued the Bavier estate after Aunt Bee died in 1989
February 13, 2025, 1:35PM
Frances Bavier's final moments: The special arrangements provided by Chatham County Hospital
"She wants to put it behind her."
February 13, 2025, 11:33AM
This guest star on The Andy Griffith Show said the series spoiled her
Your suspicions were correct; The Andy Griffith Show was an amazing place to work.
February 10, 2025, 10:45AM
Don Knotts was at the head table of his high school reunion— But not because he was famous!
The 60-year gathering was held in 2002.
February 7, 2025, 1:37PM
Don Knotts and Andy Griffith shared a dislike for sitcoms
"You see, Andy I have a pet hate - situation comedy," said Knotts.
February 7, 2025, 11:30AM
Elizabeth MacRae was often approached by fans asking her to speak as her character on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Fans will remember the Lou-Ann Poove's iconic southern drawl.
February 6, 2025, 1:07PM
Carol Burnett and Jim Nabors: How their relationship started!
Onscreen admiration turned to real-life friendship
February 6, 2025, 12:05PM
Andy Griffith would often visit the set of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Griffith would visit his old friend, Jim Nabors, during filming of the series.
February 5, 2025, 11:02AM
Roy Stuart received some educational letters after his character committed a military faux pas on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
"We got hundreds of letters asking, 'What kind of corporal calls his sergeant by his first name?'"
February 5, 2025, 9:43AM
Here's how Howard McNear developed Floyd the Barber's mannerisms
McNear reveals how much of himself is in Floyd.
January 30, 2025, 4:04PM
Is Allan Melvin TV's most familiar face?
Even if you don't know him, you know him!
January 28, 2025, 1:21PM
Barbara Stuart (Miss Bunny on Gomer Pyle) dishes on a disastrous TV dud
Stuart never found another part as iconic as Miss Bunny.
January 27, 2025, 12:28PM
Here's why Frank Sutton advised people not to go into acting
Why the strange advice was surprisingly optimistic.
January 24, 2025, 11:48AM
Jim Nabors was a real-life country boy who used his background for Gomer Pyle
Nabors' personal upbringing helped him bring out Gomer Pyle's best qualities.
January 23, 2025, 2:14PM
Duke Slater was the true ''straight man'' of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C
We can't all be weirdos.
January 22, 2025, 10:40AM
Ronnie Schell earned the nickname ''America's Slowest Rising Comedian''
"I have trouble not finding something funny in everything," said Schell.
January 21, 2025, 1:30PM
Frank Sutton realized he wanted to become an actor when he was still in high school
After a wonderful reaction during his time in a school play, Sutton knew he'd found his calling.
January 21, 2025, 1:23PM
Don Knotts: ''There's a little Barney in me, I'm sure.''
Knotts revealed where the character came from in a conversation with Conan O'Brien.
January 21, 2025, 11:35AM
How the real Marine Corps informed Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. according to Frank Sutton
The Few, the Proud...
January 21, 2025, 10:28AM
In the '60s, Carol Burnett and Jim Nabors went on the road together
They were as good of friends offstage as they were comedians onstage together.
January 14, 2025, 11:05AM
Jim Nabors couldn't understand why some people didn't like him
Who wouldn't love Gomer Pyle?
January 10, 2025, 4:40PM
Andy Griffith admitted that The Andy Griffith Show wasn't a hit in major cities
Instead, the sitcom relied on towns like Mayberry for viewership.
January 10, 2025, 2:00PM
Kids loved grumpy old Sgt. Carter on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Children were some of the show's biggest fans.
January 9, 2025, 4:17PM
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C avoided the topic of real war, and that's what made the show special
Gomer Pyle stood out from the show's peers.
January 9, 2025, 3:14PM
Frank Sutton explained why he was a lot like Sgt. Carter in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Sutton called the character "gentle."
January 9, 2025, 2:27PM
Jim Nabors split his pants while dancing during a live performance
You've heard of actors flying by the seat of their pants, but have you heard of an actor tearing them?
January 8, 2025, 10:40AM
Even when he was starring in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Jim Nabors never trusted that his success would last
The actor always believed his luck would run out eventually.
January 7, 2025, 11:20AM
Jim Nabors said that Andy Griffith ''was probably the biggest role model I had for entertaining''
Nabors learned from Griffith and looked up to him.
January 7, 2025, 10:42AM
Frances Bavier ''didn't really appreciate'' her role, according to this co-star
However, she embraced the role later in life.
January 3, 2025, 9:08AM
Frank Sutton used his real military experience on Gomer Pyle: USMC
Sutton was a real Army veteran with a fictional Marine background.
January 2, 2025, 4:20PM
Jim Nabors wanted audiences to know that Gomer Pyle wasn't stupid
"He only saw good in other people, which most people think is stupid," said the actor.
January 2, 2025, 4:14PM
Here's why Jim Nabors sang more than he acted
Later in his career, Nabors largely abandoned acting. Here's the story.
December 30, 2024, 9:24AM
Jim Nabors: ''I've never tried to duck Gomer Pyle.''
Nabors loved the character he had popularized.
December 27, 2024, 4:22PM
Don Knotts and Andy Griffith helped put Jim Nabors at ease when he was nervous during his first appearance on The Andy Griffith Show
The two comedy giants were also two pretty cool guys.
December 27, 2024, 2:41PM
When he wasn't acting on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Frank Sutton was a secret scholar
"Exercising my mind through in-depth exploration of various art forms strengthens me as a performer," said Sutton.
December 27, 2024, 2:10PM
Jim Nabors wasn't dimwitted like Gomer Pyle — but he did share his good heart
"No matter how much we laugh at him, Gomer Pyle is also a pretty wonderful person."
December 26, 2024, 3:03PM
Jim Nabors was as much of a fan of Gomer Pyle as viewers were
Nabors loved Pyle.
December 26, 2024, 11:31AM
Here's what Jim Nabors said about fans singing at events
Would Gomer Pyle attend a Wicked singalong?
December 19, 2024, 10:32AM
Andy Griffith once calculated what it would cost to give the Twelve Days of Christmas
"Plus sales tax."
December 18, 2024, 10:43AM
George Lindsey: ''I just went completely nuts'' watching this episode of The Andy Griffith Show
Goober went a little goofy!
December 17, 2024, 11:15AM