The Dick Van Dyke Show

TV Series
1961–1966
TV-G
30m

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

12K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

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Sitcom Slapstick Comedy Family

The misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.The misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.The misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

12K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

1,583

271

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 15 Primetime Emmys
- 27 wins & 24 nominations total

Episodes158

Browse episodes

TopTop-rated5 seasons6 years

Trivia
Carl Reiner asked network censors for permission to show Laura and Rob sleeping in one large bed together, reasoning (quite sensibly) that he and his wife did so in real life. The permission was denied, and the Petries are always depicted sleeping in nearby twin beds (as was the custom of TV series of the era; "Bewitched" and "The Munsters" being the exceptions to the rule).

Goofs
In the first season, Rob calls his wife Laura but the odd time, calls her Laurie.

Quotes
Rob Petrie: [Sally, Buddy, Rob and Laura are staying in a haunted cabin, all four are in the same bed because they are scared of the ghost] It's been over two hours and nothing strange or unusual has happened.
Sally Rogers: Oh, really? What do you call four grown people sleeping in the same bed with their clothes on?

Crazy credits
The most famous image of the opening credits is of Van Dyke falling over an ottoman as he enters his living room. However, a second version, showing him sidestepping the piece of furniture instead, was also used. The two openings were filmed back to back and were used randomly throughout the last four seasons of the series. The first season used a completely different opening credits sequence featuring still pictures.

Connections
Edited into Diagnosis Murder: Obsession: Part 2 (1998)

I have to say, even knowing enough about TV history to have respect for this show didn't prepare me AT ALL for how ridiculously funny it is. As a long time fan of "Mad About You," which is clearly a tribute, I can see the setup here, but it's amazing to see how one of the truly landmark television shows still stands up after all this time. I'm just finishing Season 2 on DVD, and I have to say kudos to whoever put these together.

As to the show itself, if you've never seen it, you're seriously missing out. Some of the best laughs I've ever had watching television have come from watching this show. In fact, watching this, I can see many early glimpses of popular sitcom characters from later years.

A real treat!