"The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" (1952) TV series 1952-1966

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

Release Date:

3 October 1952 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family

Plot:

Very long running family saga, based largely on the actual actors involved. As the sons age we go through their teenage dating problems...

Plot Keywords:

Marriage | Based On Radio Show | Brother Brother Relationship | Sitcom | Actor Shares First Name With Character

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Harriet Hilliard	...	Harriet Nelson / ... (375 episodes, 1952-1966)
Ozzie Nelson	...	Ozzie Nelson / ... (358 episodes, 1952-1966)
David Nelson	...	David Nelson / ... (356 episodes, 1952-1966)
Ricky Nelson	...	Ricky Nelson / ... (356 episodes, 1952-1966)

Also Known As:

Ozzie and Harriet

Runtime:

30 min (435 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Selznick International Studios - 9336 Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Stage Five Productions

Trivia:

The Nelsons' house shown in exterior shots on the show is actually the Nelson family's real home in the Hollywood hills above Hollywood Boulevard.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "ER: Fathers and Sons (#4.7)" (1997)

Program GREAT through Rick's college years, then it goes downhill

I have had a chance to catch a number of episodes of this long-running sitcom on Catholic Familyland. The episodes up until Rick and Dave Nelson are married are nothing short of hysterical, but it really lost its luster after that.

For the most part, in the very early episodes, little Ricky Nelson is very comical with the wise-cracking one liners. No wonder he was introduced as the "irrepresible Ricky".

As the boys grew up and Rick Nelson's music career took off, the episodes were more focused on showcasing Rick's singing talents, which are great! He is shown at the end of each episode performing one of his hit songs, to a group of peers, which is conveniently worked into each episode.

After Dave and Rick were married in the series, however, you see the downfall as they are now both serious adults. Moreover, Rick's wife Kris is chronically portrayed as extremely snippy and nothing short of intolerable, and it leaves you to wonder with all the nice girls Rick dated in college (in the program), how he ended up with someone like that. In every episode with Kris, she is quick to accuse, quick to jump to the wrong conclusion, quick to display jealousy, and very demanding and extremely insecure - you pretty much see Rick really getting henpecked. One really aggravating episode is when it is Kris' birthday and Rick gets her a puppy. Kris and Rick are at Ozzie and Harriet's and you constantly hear her whine in a demanding tone: "Where's my present? Where's my present?" like a little five year old. Knowing that Kris in real life was anxious to please, she was willing to embarrass herself.

I agree with one of the other reviewers that this program was one of the funniest, until Rick and Dave are grown and married. Prior to this, it showcased a number of twists and turns and keeps you compelled to watch until the end. If you can catch any of the episodes prior to the marriages, you are in for a real treat!