"Father Knows Best" (1954) TV series 1954-1960

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | unknown

Release Date:

3 October 1954 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family

Plot:

The popular radio show comes to life in this hit sitcom about a wise family man, Jim Anderson, his common-sense wife Margaret and their children Betty...

Plot Keywords:

Teenage Girl | Sibling Rivalry | Mother Son Relationship | Teenage Boy | Fictional City

Awards:

Won 6 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 14 nominations

Cast

Robert Young	...	James 'Jim' Anderson (117 episodes, 1954-1960)
Jane Wyatt	...	Margaret Anderson (116 episodes, 1954-1960)
Billy Gray	...	James 'Bud' Anderson Jr. / ... (104 episodes, 1954-1960)
Elinor Donahue	...	Betty 'Princess' Anderson / ... (103 episodes, 1954-1960)
Lauren Chapin	...	Kathy 'Kitten' Anderson / ... (103 episodes, 1954-1960)

Also Known As:

I Told You So (USA) (alternative title)

Runtime:

30 min | USA:30 min (203 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono | Mono (Western Electric Recording) | Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Australia:G | New Zealand:G

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Trivia:

Today, those who fondly recall this archetypal 1950's family sitcom may be surprised to learn that when the series debuted in 1954, the show did so poorly in the ratings that CBS canceled it in March of 1955. A flood of protests came from viewers insisting that the show be reinstated. The show was moved to an earlier time, and it gradually became a hit.

Quotes:

James 'Bud' Anderson, Jr.: Boy what a break, sweet and tender.
Kathy: You can always depend on me.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Bad Blood (#1.11)" (2000)

Soundtrack:

Waiting

One of the Best

Critics of this type of show are quick to point out how "unrealistic" it was. After all no episode dealt with drug addiction, teen pregnancy,dropping out of school, or any of the other "relevant" topics that pass for entertainment today. Instead this program concentrated on the, now passe, issues of family love, warmth, charity, and decency. I challenge any parent, of whatever generation, to contrast an episode of this show with any "Married with Children" or the majority of today's teen oriented sitcoms and decide which world view they would wish for their children. Perhaps this show and others of its era (e.g. Andy Griffith) was overly hopeful in its portrayal of family and community, but isn't it better to aspire to the values of Father Knows Best than succumb to the spirit of the age we live in?