The half-hour, black/white show first aired on CBS October 3, 1961. Cast members included in the Petrie family were Dick Van Dyke who played Rob Petrie a head comedy writer who was working for The Alan Brady Show, Mary Tyler Moore who played Laura Petrie, Rob's loving wife, Larry Mathews who played Ritchie Petire the couples son. Even though The Dick Van Dyke Show was considered a family program most of its scenes were shot at Rob's work, where office workers Buddy and Sally were thought of as an extended family.
After 158 episodes the last show aired September 7, 1966 and was appropriately titled, "The Last Chapter." The decision to end the running of the show was made by producer Carl Reiner. Without any objections the cast approved of Reiner's decision. In part, the shows end was due to CBS's 1967 change to an all-color format--for The Dick Van Dyke Show such a change was thought to be too expensive of an upgrade.
Why The Show Was Popular At first The Dick Van Dyke Show didn't capture a wide audience-as the show wasn't an instant hit. But, through the planned slow development of the main characters ratings began to grow. As the show's cast members personalities grew on screen America fell in love with the show's slapstick comedy approach.
What Impact Did The Show Have On Its Audience? Many social and economic forces that helped shaped popular culture during the 60's was evident in The Dick Van Dyke Show. Airing from the early-to-mid 60's, a well mediated, political time, the show aired during the rise of the civil rights movement, the Cold War, communism, John F. Kennedy's assassination and the Vietnam War. Keeping this arena in mind, The Dick Van Dyke Show encapsulated issues from the women's movement to civil rights-as a reflection of popular culture.
In two ways, the role of women was portrayed on the show. One way was through the depiction of Laura Petrie as stereotypical, domesticated wife. Basically, she was seen as the women who piloted the family station wagon and stood by and supported her husband while sacrificing her career and dream of becoming a dancer. Another way in which women were viewed on the show was more positive for the women's movement during the 1960's. Demonstrating the changing role of women, that was not typically seen in earlier 50's sitcoms, The Dick Van Dyke Show had women in the mainstream corporate work force. Here, Sally, Rob's co-worker, was treated and viewed as an equal employee amongst men. Although, her ethnicity as a Jew drew criticism as some viewers disagreed about the way in which her Jewish heritage was portrayed and scripted into the show.
For the first time in a television series The Dick Van Dyke Show was a pioneer in its inclusion of black actors. Typically serving as extras, blacks could be spotted in the background of shots. During the 1960's such a move provided itself as a critical step forward for blacks-helping them to reach equality amongst white TV actors.
Another cultural affect that The Dick Van Dyke Show presented was a social and fashionable trend. According to Time magazine, Mary Tyler Moore, who was thought to be a look alike of Jackalyn Kennedy, made Capri slacks the biggest trend in women's casual attire. Next, I will present the genre and scheme of the show.
Identifying the Show The Dick Van Dyke Show in general was a family comedy show, even though as I mentioned earlier that most of the shows scenes took place at Rob's office. Using Cheseboro's Scheme, the show would best be described as mimentic. Particularly evident is the shows Purification (accidental circumstances explained) and Redemption (all are wiser by the end of the show) qualities.
Conclusion The Dick Van Dyke Show is a classic. It has never once been off the air since its 1961 debut. Enjoying a great audience appeal, the show has and continues to attract a loyal following with its light-hearted comedy approach. Never harsh or vulgar (similar to Vaudiville) the show cut through all the educational and economic levels and barriers of its audience--entertaining millions. In short, The Dick Van Dyke Show reflected and dealt with some of the struggles and fortitude that existed during 1960's popular culture.
Markus Sundberg, BujuKitty@aol.com