Two of the most popular programs produced during the early generation of television were I Love Lucy (1951-7) and The Andy Griffith Show (1960-8). Looking back at these programs from over a half century after they originally aired, it may seem easy to combine the two as one artifact of “a simpler time” in American life and entertainment history. However, there are substantial differences between the programs. Interestingly, despite these differences, both programs remain popular in reruns today, both here and in other countries as well.
Clearly, the biggest difference between the two programs is the situation and subject matter ...