Sitcoms often get a bad rep. They're dismissed by television critics as boring, trite, and less than impressive. But it turns out that these criticisms aren't just shared by some audience members; they're also shared by sitcom actors themselves.

Perhaps one of the most well-remembered television shows of all time, The Andy Griffith Show is lauded as one of the best sitcoms in history, even to this day.

But during an interview, one of the series stars explained that he simply didn't have the stomach for the genre. Don Knotts, known as Deputy Barney Fife, told The Oregonian that he didn't necessarily care for the sitcom. It was a sentiment that was shared by the show's star, Andy Griffith. However, this joined distaste didn't hurt the quality of the series; rather, it propelled Knotts and Griffith to focus on what they really felt mattered in the show: telling an honest story.

"People don't change either," said Knotts. "You see, Andy I have a pet hate - situation comedy. So we try to imitate real people and forget the plot as much as possible."

Deciding away with some of the more fantastical elements that are typically seen in a sitcom, Knotts focused on grounding his performance in reality.

"What we try to do is make use of those conversational habits people have," said Knotts. "Like Barney telling a joke, hearing laughter, and then telling the joke over again. You've seen people do that. It's terrible, but some can't help it after hearing the laughter - it's a compulsion and it's funny."

Knotts compared Fife to a young child, offering the character as an outlet for emotions. "Barney is a child in a man's body," said Knotts. "If you watch kids, you'll see them react immediately. They don't hide anything. The same thing happens with Barney. He expresses himself right there. If anything he overdoes it."

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Don Knotts preferred the schedule of The Andy Griffith Show to his variety show past

"I think everyone wants to do that, but as grownups, we can't," said Knotts. "That's why it's fun to play the part. Then I'm free to let go."

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