There was something special about the Hillbillies — and 35 million Americans agreed.

The Beverly Hillbillies was notoriously disliked by many publications and critics — but it was carried to success by millions of adoring fans who tuned in each week.

The series was meant to be fun, created by Paul Henning, who loosely based some of the characters on his own life.

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It was slapstick and an escape from reality. Audience surveys indicated that The Beverly Hillbillies had broad appeal, attracting both big-city sophisticates and rural viewers alike.

So, with more than 35 million viewers watching the series, what made The Beverly Hillbillies a hit?

According to a 1962 interview with the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Buddy Ebsen, who played the role of Jed Clampett, wasn’t sold on the idea when Henning brought it to him.

As far as what caused the show’s success, Ebsen was still wondering that himself at the time of the interview.

"When Paul Henning mentioned hillbillies to me, I started to run for the hills," Ebsen said. "I’d played too many hillbillies. But then he told me about ’em, and he got me to laughing — and here I am."

Henning himself was surprised the show reached such a wide audience with broad appeal.

"We’re not trying to prove anything except that people like to laugh," Henning said. "Nobody is offended, and I think we have the finest cast ever assembled for a half-hour comedy."

The show stood out from others thanks to its wacky premise, unique characters, and unapologetic corniness. Most shows that were “corny” didn’t fare well — but somehow, these hillbillies from the hills ended up on top.

Another key to the show’s success was timing — not just with the jokes, but with the network. The show debuted at just the right moment. At the time, the TV landscape was filled with hospital sagas, courtroom dramas, and Westerns. The Beverly Hillbillies offered something different.

"I really don’t know why the show is a hit," Ebsen said. "But I guess maybe we were born into such a plethora of agony that people grabbed something that took ’em away."

There was agony — both in the world and in the television world. Even Henning faced challenges, including over the show’s title. CBS didn’t like it because Jack Benny’s musical group was also called the Beverly Hillbillies. The network pushed for the title Take It to the Hills instead.

Thanks to a cast and creator who stood by the series, the show became a phenomenon. No one quite knew why, but it didn’t matter. The Beverly Hillbillies was addictive for its stars and for millions of viewers.