Definitive Andy Griffith Show Reference: Episode-by-Episode, with Cast and Production Biographies and a Guide to Collectibles »

On the February 2, 1960, episode of The Danny Thomas Show, entertainer Danny Williams (Danny Thomas) is arrested for a traffic violation by a small-town sheriff named Andy Taylor, played by a good-natured Southern actor named Andy Griffith. Thus was born one of the most popular television shows of the 1960s—The Andy Griffith Show.

From the time it officially debuted in October 1960, The Andy Griffith Show was a perennial favorite on CBS, finishing its eight-year run as the top-rated show on television. It also produced some of the most remembered characters (Andy, Opie, Aunt Bee, and Barney Fife) of the era. Each of the show's 249 episodes is fully detailed here, including air dates, cast and production personnel, guest stars, and a bevy of facts about that particular episode. The 1986 television movie Return to Mayberry is covered in detail. Brief biographies of the show's major stars, producers, directors and writers are also provided.

Booknews

A filmography of the popular television show which debuted in 1960, and after an eight year run was the top-rated show on television. The 249 episodes outlined by the authors are homages to innocence lost (or that never existed) about Andy's matchmaking, and Aunt Bea's pie contest conundrums, and include references to cast, writer, director, and guest stars. The volume also includes biographies of cast members, and an appendix discussing collectible material available for devotees of Mayberry. Includes black and white photographs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)