Andy Griffith said that ''The Andy Griffith Show'' modeled its comedic technique after radio

Like many series before it, The Andy Griffith Show took inspiration from radio.

CBS Television Distribution

Some of your favorite television shows of decades past were most likely based on radio programming. Series like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger were well beloved by listeners everywhere, and when they debuted on television, they were able to reach an entirely new audience.

A series like The Andy Griffith Show wasn't necessarily based on a radio predecessor but that doesn't mean that the series doesn't still have its roots in radio.

During an interview with the Mount Vernon Argus, Andy Griffith revealed that while developing the series, especially the more dialogue-heavy elements, they were always quick to model off of popular radio programs.

Griffith asked, "Remember Vic and Sade on the radio?" referencing a program that originally ran in 1932, centered around a married couple and their daily life.

The actor explained, "Well, that's what we mainly do on our show. We actually borrowed our technique from radio. We prefer talk and mannerisms without going for a joke so much." Griffith was also able to cite an example. He stated, "The other day, Opie, Aunt Bee and I sat at the table just talking in one scene. It went on for three pages."

Griffith had the right idea. For many viewers, the impact of The Andy Griffith Show wasn't in any heavy subject matter or action-packed sequences. The true impact of The Andy Griffith Show was in the more subtle moments of the series, and the fact that the characters of Mayberry were able to keep audiences' rapt attention with nothing more than a conversation truly speaks to the brilliance of the series.

Andy Griffith did comment on the subtlety of the series, as he stated, "A glance can tell a whole story with us."

Watch The Andy Griffith Show on MeTV!

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14 Comments

Runeshaper 7 months ago
That’s cool 😎 Thanks for sharing, MeTV!
ncadams27 7 months ago
The in-character commercials (discussed in a previous quiz) are also a carry over from radio, where in some shows their commercial spokesman was also a member of the regular cast.
JHP 7 months ago
I honestly agree with this story - I listen to a LOT of old time radio and esp the comedies
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JHP MrsPhilHarris 7 months ago
am not really fond of Irish tenors - but Dennis Day brings more to the show
MrsPhilHarris JHP 7 months ago
I’m not a big fan of them either and usually skip his song but I do find his character amusing.
JHP MrsPhilHarris 7 months ago
yeah and this is a deep dig but - I think he was a pre-gomer pyle character (great voice and a dope)
MrsPhilHarris JHP 7 months ago
True. He definitely had that same innocence as Gomer Pyle.
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