Dick Van Dyke has revealed that his show was almost canceled after its first season in 1962. The show, known as The Dick Van Dyke Show, would later rank 13th on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time in 2002 and won 15 Emmy Awards in total.
The 99-year-old legendary actor recently shared this on Ted Danson’s podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, opening up on the struggles the show experienced in its first year without anyone knowing it would become an evergreen TV show.
Dick Van Dyke’s show was almost canceled
The Dick Van Dyke Show aired from October 3, 1961, to June 1, 1966. Created by Carl Reiner, the show spanned through five seasons and had 158 episodes altogether. Dick Van Dyke played the role of television comedy writer, Rob Petrie, shuffling between his life as a family man and a career person.
The show was loved for its wittiness, balancing two distinct aspects of the life of the Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke). However, the major challenge came after its first season when it faced competition from another Hollywood star, Perry Como, on NBC. Perry Como was well known for his timely hits and unique songs, including Catch a Falling Star. Because of him, the Dick Van Dyke show got shelved.
Dick Van Dyke shares his experience working with Carl Reiner
The same year, Dick Van Dyke took a week off after he had just finished filming Bye, Bye Birdie. Carl Reiner, who created the series, updated him about its progress and later informed him that it would end. Then, producer Sheldon Leonard intervened by persuading Van Dyke’s corporate sponsor, Procter & Gamble, to continue airing The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Sheldon successfully convinced Van Dyke’s sponsors, and the show continued with four more seasons. Dick Van Dyke revealed that he had a great time on set as well as behind the scenes with Carl Reiner. He also called Reiner one of his heroes and one of the nicest people he ever knew.