By 1987, it had been nearly 20 years since the newest episode of The Andy Griffith Show premiered. That isn't to say Griffith was gone from TV — far from it. If anything, Griffith only grew more popular as it aired in reruns. The reunion telemovie Return to Mayberry was broadcast a year earlier, capitalizing on the nostalgia swell for America's greatest sitcom. 

Griffith hadn't quite recaptured his position atop the television food chain until Matlock. The show finally reestablished the former Sheriff Taylor as a ratings powerhouse, proving to be a hit for NBC's Tuesday night lineup. In '87, while the show's first season was still airing, Griffith was interviewed by TODAY's Jane Pauley about balancing this new project with his looming legacy.

See More

Andy GriffithWilliam ShatnerRobert ReedStar TrekThe Andy Griffith ShowThe Brady Bunch

Do you remember the TV movie that united Andy Taylor, Captain Kirk, and Mike Brady?

Specifically, Pauley asked Griffith whether Andy Taylor stayed with him, despite what could be seen as a generational divide between Griffith fans and Matlock fans.

"Some people come up and say 'I really like the Matlock show.' Some people come up to me and say, 'I really used to like you.' And they're referring to Andy Taylor. So... I think Andy Taylor's still with me."

There was still a lot of satisfaction to be had on TV, even though he'd conquered the medium back in the '60s. 

"The thing that I'm pleased about our show, is that— I live here in a little community called Toluca Lake, and I was going to a few stores a few Saturdays ago, and quite a number of couples, people who are in their thirties, in their forties, in their twenties— intelligent looking people— said 'Gee, we really like that show!'

"And so I'm pleased and proud that we are doing, as far as we can, an intelligent show on television, and adding as much humor as we can to it."

Watch The Andy Griffith Show on MeTV!

Weeknights at 8 & 8:30, Sundays at 12 & 6 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

 Add to Favorites  Remind Me