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The 20 best TV sitcoms of all time – readers' choice

What did Monitor readers choose as the best sitcom in the history of television?

5. 'The Andy Griffith Show'

Viacom/AP

  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

CBS's program "The Andy Griffith Show" aired from 1960 to 1968. It followed Sheriff Andy Taylor, played by Andy Griffith, who used his homespun wisdom to apprehend criminals and settle disputes in his idyllic hometown of Mayberry, N.C. Taylor spent much of his time cleaning up the messes made by his comically inept but well-meaning deputy Barney (Don Knotts), and attempted to raise his son Opie (Ron Howard) after the death of his wife, all with the help of lovable Aunt Bee.

Knotts himself floated the idea to Griffith that his sheriff character should have a deputy. After Griffith said yes, Knotts auditioned for the part.

"The Andy Griffith Show" was introduced to a new generation of viewers when "Griffith" star Ron Howard served as narrator on the 2001 sitcom "Arrested Development" and the show poked fun at Howard's former co-star during one episode. "No one was making fun of Andy Griffith," Howard deadpanned. "I can't emphasize that enough."

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

Dear Reader,

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