“Best of the Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet” brings back fond memories of a classic TV show that spanned from October 3, 1952, to September 3, 1966, airing on ABC for 60 minutes each episode. I remember watching this show with great nostalgia, as it was a significant part of American television history.
The best place to watch all 12 seasons is YouTube.
The show was initially in black and white from 1952 to 1965 and transitioned to color in 1965-1966, which was quite a technological leap during that era.
The main cast of the show included:
- Ozzie Nelson as Ozzie Nelson
- Harriet Hilliard Nelson as Harriet Nelson
Harriet and Ozzie Nelson - David Nelson as David Nelson
- June Blair Nelson as June (Mrs. David Nelson)
- Ricky Nelson as Ricky Nelson from 1961 to 1966
- Kristin Harmon Nelson as Kris (Mrs. Rick Nelson) from 1964 to 1966
The supporting cast added depth and charm to the show, featuring actors like:
- Parley Baer as Darby
- Frank Cady as Doc Williams
- Mary Jane Croft as Clara Randolph
- Don DeFore as ‘Thorny’ Thornberry
- Constance Harper as Connie Edwards
- Jimmy Hawkins as Jimmy
- James Stacy as Fred
- Lyle Talbot as Joe Randolph
- Jack Wagner as Jack
- Skip Young as Wally
The show’s theme song, “Nelson Family Theme” by Ozzie Nelson, is still instantly recognizable to fans of the series, and the opening credits have a timeless quality that sets the nostalgic tone.
Ozzie & Harriet” was a beloved show that provided viewers with a glimpse into an idealized family life. While it may not have reflected the reality of most households, it was a heartwarming portrayal of the Nelson family. Their idea of a crisis, like receiving two chairs mistakenly delivered to their house, was endearing in its simplicity.
The show’s set was an exact replica of the Nelsons’ real-life home in Hollywood, adding an authentic touch to the series. In the early years, the show prominently featured scenes in the kitchen, thanks to its sponsor Hotpoint, which displayed its products. Later, Kodak became the sole sponsor, and you may have noticed cameras around everyone’s necks as a result.
Ozzie Nelson played a significant role behind the scenes, serving as the producer, director, and head writer, giving him creative control over the show’s direction.
One memorable moment from the series was Ricky Nelson’s desire to sing on the show. In “Rick the Drummer,” which aired on April 10, 1957, he covered Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’,” and the song quickly climbed to the top of the charts, marking the beginning of Ricky’s successful music career.
As the boys grew up and married in real life, their wives joined the show. David married June, and Ricky married Kris Harmon, daughter of Tom Harmon and sister to Mark Harmon.
Tragically, the years following the show’s end were marred by sorrow. Ozzie Nelson passed away in 1975 due to cancer, Ricky Nelson tragically died in a plane crash in 1985, Harriet Nelson passed away in 1999 from congestive heart failure, and David Nelson lost his battle with colon cancer in 2011.
“Ozzie & Harriet” remains a cherished part of television history, remembered not only for its heartwarming portrayal of family life but also for the enduring legacy of the Nelson family in the world of entertainment.
Airing Dates: 10/3/1952 – 9/3/1966
Network: ABC
Duration: 60 minutes per episode
Color:
- Black and White (1952-1965)
- Color (1965-1966)
Ozzie and Harriet Main Cast
- Ozzie Nelson as Ozzie Nelson
- Harriet Hilliard Nelson as Harriet Nelson
- David Nelson as David Nelson
- June Blair Nelson as June (Mrs. David Nelson)
- (1961-1966) Ricky Nelson as Ricky Nelson
- Kristin Harmon Nelson as Kris (Mrs. Rick Nelson) (1964-1966)
Ozzie and Harriet Supporting Cast
- Parley Baer as Darby (1955-1961)
- Frank Cady as Doc Williams (1954-1965)
- Mary Jane Croft as Clara Randolph (1956-1966)
- Don DeFore as ‘Thorny’ Thornberry (1952-61)
- Constance Harper as Connie Edwards (1960-1966)
- Jimmy Hawkins as Jimmy (1961-1965)
- James Stacy as Fred (1958-1964)
- Lyle Talbot as Joe Randolph (1952-66)
- Jack Wagner as Jack (1961-1966)
- Skip Young as Wally (1957-1966)
Buy The Ozzie And Harriet TV CollectionOzzie and Harriet Theme Song
“Nelson Family Theme” by Ozzie Nelson. You can watch the intro here on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEwLpYPg8YA
Ozzie and Harriet Tidbits
For 14 years we watched Ozzie, in his alpaca cardigan and Harriet, with her ever ready pot of coffee and a plate of brownies. Boomers grew up with Ricky and David.
When asked if this was a realistic view of family life, the answer is a resounding no. Their idea of a life crisis was having two chairs mistakenly delivered to the house.
Speaking of the house at 522 Sycamore Road, Hilldale, the set was an exact replica of their real life home in Hollywood.
If you remember all those scenes in the kitchen, that’s because up until 1956, Hotpoint, the sponsor, was displaying their products! After that, you probably recall more outdoors scenes. Did you notice the cameras around everyone’s necks? Yup, Kodak became the sole sponsor.
Ozzie was producer, director and head writer. In short, he had control.
Ricky has been bugging his father to let him sing a tune on the show. So on April 10,1957 in “Rick the Drummer” he covered Fat’s Domino’s “I’m Walkin.” The song shot to the top of the charts.
Eventually, the boys grew up and married and their real life wives joined the show. David married June and Ricky married Kris Harmon, daughter of Tom and brother to Mark.
Passings
Ozzie Nelson died in 1975 of cancer, Rick Nelson died 1985 in a plane crash, Harriet died in 1999 of congestive heart failure and David Nelson in 2011 of colon cancer.