The Big Picture Few shows are as beloved as The Andy Griffith Show. The heartwarming classic was a steady hit for CBS. In its entire run, it never placed lower than seventh place in the ratings; it even ended its final season in the number one spot. Although it was a favorite for television viewers back in the day, the sitcom still continues to earn new fans with syndicated reruns airing on cable channels like TVLand and streaming on Paramount+.
The Andy Griffith Show TV-GComedyFamily Widower Sheriff Andy Taylor, and his son Opie, live with Andy's Aunt Bee in Mayberry, North Carolina. With virtually no crimes to solve, most of Andy's time is spent philosophizing and calming down his cousin Deputy Barney Fife. When Thomas and Sheldon Leonard came up with the concept of the show, the character of Opie was set to continue with this trend of facetious and irreverent behaviors. Howard's father, an actor named Rance Howard, was the one who helped land Ron the part of Opie. Ron was just six years old at the time, but his father was sure he could take on the role effectively. However, Rance had some qualms about the part of Opie and how he would interact with Andy in their father/son relationship.