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The key to Barnaby Jones' success was Buddy Ebsen
"It’s a classic idea with a star that’s well done."
Sometimes a show works because of a director or a plot. But in the case of Barnaby Jones, the series was successful because of its compelling and entertaining star: Buddy Ebsen.
Ebsen had previously made a name for himself on The Beverly Hillbillies. Though the role of Jed Clampett propelled him as a comedic actor, Ebsen was never one to rest on his laurels. He later took on the starring role in Barnaby Jones. The crime series ran for eight seasons.
According to executive producer Quinn Martin, the show’s success lay in its simplicity and its star.
“It’s a classic idea with a star that’s well done,” Martin said during an interview with the Associated Press. “It will never be a show that gets a lot of attention. I think it can go on for as long as Buddy wants to do it. I don’t think it could go on without him. The key to the show is Buddy.”
Alongside Ebsen was Lee Meriwether, who took no issue with Ebsen’s secure status in the spotlight. Meriwether enjoyed being second banana; the life of a protagonist was not for her.
“On occasion, they have to film two of my episodes back-to-back,” said the actor. “I found out that to be a ‘series star,’ quote-unquote, is not what I want...It’s been so good all this time, and I’m telling myself I don’t think I’ll do another year, more out of self-protection than anything else, so I won’t be disappointed.”
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