Here are 19 incredible facts about The Andy Griffith Show — including some behind-the-scenes secrets from the show and what happened to the lead actors in the years after the show went off the air.
IT WAS A SPINOFF
The concept for The Andy Griffith Show originated from a February 1960 episode of The Danny Thomas Show called “Danny Meets Andy Griffith” that set the whole show in motion. A few months later, Griffith had his own show.
GRIFFITH AND KNOTTS WERE ESSENTIALLY BFFS.
Griffith and co-star Don Knotts had a real friendship that transcended their roles together on the show. Their friendship formed years earlier in other productions. When Knotts passed away in 2006, Griffith was at his friend’s bedside.
THE ROCK THROW IN THE OPENING CREDITS WAS NOT REAL.
THE CAR WAS AS ICONIC AS THE SHOW.
MAYBERRY WAS A FAKE TOWN.
Sorry folks, Mayberry, South Carolina, the setting of the show was completely made up. A group of fans has a common conspiracy that the concept of Mayberry is based of the physical aspects of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Although Andy Griffith claims this rumor is false, Mount Airy happens to be where he grew up. That kind of makes sense, right?
To find out more behind the scenes facts press “Next,” starting with the Theme Song, that was almost very different!