Here's why Don Knotts returned to television after leaving The Andy Griffith Show

Knotts revealed why he decided to return to television.

CBS Television Distribution

Saying goodbye to a job isn't always easy, especially when your coworkers have become like family.

Still, Don Knotts knew that his time on The Andy Griffith Show had run its course. Knotts had been with the series for five years and was an integral part of the show from its conception. When Knotts left the series, it was with the blessing of his friend and costar, Andy Griffith. Originally, Knotts left The Andy Griffith Show for an opportunity to work in film, but after a few years, he eventually returned to television to star in his own series, The Don Knotts Show.

Many believed that when Knotts left The Andy Griffith Show, he might never return to television. But during an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Knotts revealed that while he was hesitant to return to television, he was given an offer he simply couldn't refuse, both creatively and financially.

"NBC came up with a fantastic offer which I couldn't turn down," said Knotts. "They also told me I could fill the hour the way I wanted. And we have a deal for my own company to produce the show for the network."

Most importantly, the time after his departure from The Andy Griffith Show had given Knotts a change in perspective.

"Time changes things," he said. "There are a number of reasons why I decided to go into a weekly series. Frankly, I've gotten a bit confused with what's going on in the movie world, not knowing what the audience wants right now. Though my pictures have been well received, I thought maybe audiences would tire of seeing me doing the same thing over and over. Also, it felt so good when I did my last special that I decided to switch back to TV for a while."

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3 Comments

Inthe25th 3 months ago
Strangely, though Don Knotts made the Andy Griffith Show, his show, The Don Knotts Show is virtually unheard of today. This is the first time I've ever heard of it. Who has episodes/seasons of it to watch now? I'd love to see it because I really really really liked Barney Fife.
sjbang88 4 months ago
This show didn't exactly bring down the house.
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