Bewitched (1964–1972) User Reviews

Utterly bewitching

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 19 September 2017]

Despite being a younger viewer of 'Bewitched', with the show being aired well before my time, one doesn't need to have been born in the 1960s or before to feel that the 60s was a great decade for television, 'The Munsters', 'The Addams Family', 'Doctor Who' and 'Bewitched' being just a few very good to classic shows.

'Bewitched' may not be a perfect or completely magical show, but at its best (with the early seasons being better than the later ones) it was utterly bewitching viewing that puts a spell on fans and doesn't make the mistake of trying to put too much into the cauldron. A mistake that the frustrating missed opportunity that was the 2005 film based on the show committed.

The later seasons did have some overripe acting (Alice Ghostley for example) and some of the story lines lack the freshness of those of the early seasons, some being lacking in variety and feeling a little stale.

However, 'Bewitched' has production values that were clearly made with love and affection and the slick photography complements them well. For the 60s, the show does still look pretty good. The effects are not always special (particularly early on) and there could have been more of them but most of the time they are hardly slapdash, make interesting use of film techniques and have a good deal of charm, putting some effects seen on television these days, and in the past 30 years or so, to shame.

When it comes to the music, 'Bewitched' is unique especially in, as has been picked up upon in its critical reception, the synthesised sound of nose twitching. The theme tune is memorable. The writing is very funny, touchingly charming, very snappy, provokes thought and is very true to life. The early episodes narration delivered by an uncredited Jose Ferrer gave a lot of sociological insight into a witch adapting to life in middle class suburbia and her role in society.

Most of the story lines have a real magical charm and have a huge amount of humour and truth. That they do these so well more than makes up for the formulaic nature of them that one is willing to overlook. The sociological insight is fascinating, though nowadays viewers may find what is said and the sociological insights very of the time.

Particularly successful are the large assortment of likable characters and the large cast clearly having the time of their lives. A large part of 'Bewitched's' charm is the peerless acting of lovely Elizabeth Montgomery. Likewise with Agnes Moorehead, one cannot imagine anybody else as Endora (certainly not equalling her if tried let alone outshining, Moorehead was one of a kind).

Her chemistry with a splendidly neurotic Dick York is one of the best in the history of television, though York and Montgomery aren't that far behind either. Dick Sargeant does a valiant effort filling big shoes replacing York and does a good job, though he lacks York's spark. In secondary roles, the hilarious turns from Bernard Fox and especially Paul Lynde stand out.

In summary, utterly bewitching. 8/10 Bethany Cox

First Season/ Early 60's Style

[kaneaidan18 · 9/10 · 16 April 2013]

As a kid, I liked the magic, as an adult I like the sophistication of the writing. The latter seasons devolved into silly stuff, Endora constantly screwing with Darrin, Dr. Bombay, and my least favorite character, Esmerelda. However, watch the first season and it's smartly written. The look of the show is beautiful,too. If you're a fan of early to mid 1960's American style, you'll love it. I'm constantly blown away by how elegant and swanky Samaantha and Darrin were. There's even a bit of drama thrown into the mix(like when Darrin's dad dated Endora-yes, it happened) All in all, the cast and the writing were top notch and remain enjoyable to watch.

Elizabeth Montgomery was indeed "bewitching"

[gregorycanfield · 9/10 · 23 December 2021]

The show had an inherently silly premise. Elizabeth Montgomery gave "Samantha" many layers, and her great performance elevated the show above the silly premise. Agnes Moorehead and David White were also intricate to the show's success. Dick York was good as Darren, but he was too whiny all the time. His constant insistence that Samantha not practice witchcraft got repetitive, and didn't serve any useful purpose. She was obviously going to do witchcraft anyway, so why did we need him dictating to her all the time? The recurring guest stars? Some were better than others. Paul Lynde was great as Uncle Arthur, but we didn't see enough of him. Marion Lorne was quite disposable as Aunt Clara. We saw too much of her, in the beginning. Then, she just "went away." The show lost some steam in the later seasons, but Elizabeth was always a pleasure to watch. She got increasingly sexy as the show went along. Particularly in season 8. Take a good look, and see if you can guess what I'm referring to.

I dreamed of Samantha

[14jade · 15 January 2002]

`Bewitched' is one of my favorite shows of all time. `I Dream of Jeannie' did indeed have its moments, but I truly dreamed of Samantha! `Bewitched' offered lighthearted comedy while staying true to the `escapist' themes of the 1960s. Additionally, it was well written, and one of the few shows able to work seamlessly through numerous cast changes.

Elizabeth Montgomery WAS Samantha. No one will ever take her place. She was stunningly beautiful, creative, talented, and convincing in her role. Personally, I don't think she knew how great she really was as an actress. Likewise, Dick York WAS Darrin (yeah, I like 'em neurotic). The chemistry between York and Agnes Moorehead was one of a kind - and the chemistry between Montgomery and York was quite memorable, too. All three were at the top of their game in my two favorite episodes, `Double, Double, Toil and Trouble' and `If They Never Met.' Don't get me wrong, though - Dick Sargent deserves a lot of credit for coming in and taking over a role that had tough shoes to fill. In addition, Paul Lynde also offered some memorable moments - it would be a crime not to acknowledge his contribution to the show.

I have no doubt that I'll be `bewitched' for the rest of my life. We miss you, Liz!

Why's Darrin such a prat about Samantha?

[ygwerin1 · 10/10 · 15 April 2019]

This is such a lovely show it remains a firm family favourite we all watched it, though in our case on repeat many years after the original broadcast.

Nonie my partner loved it so much she just had to see the film with Nicole Kidman, I wanted to be able to share it with her and was curious to find out what it was like. We both enjoyed the film and felt Kidman was great in it, personally she even looked remarkably like Elizabeth Montgomery, making her a perfect match. A film review I'll do anon so will leave a more detailed rundown until then.

I won't bother with making any comparisons between the two Darren's, for me both actors were just great in the role. All fans will know something about the actors and their times with the show, so I won't waste my time on it. I feel that they both provided something different to Darrin's persona, in his quirks and idiosyncrasies.

There was also two Mrs Cravitz with different actresses playing the part, again I won't reiterating what every fan of the show knows about the circumstances involved. Really I think that both of them encompassed the role admirably, I found them equally believable as both the annoying nosy parker neighbour, and the irritating spouse who drives her husband up the wall.

I have several favourite characters all of whom were given far too little time in the show, to really allow the full colour of their personality to shine. This is embellished by the stellar performances of the actors, such that one could never imagine anyone else playing the part.

Uncle Arthur is an absolute delight I would love for him to have been a relative of mine, such a great sense of fun and of the absurd. He has an unearing nack for locating the ideal way to drive Darrin and Endora up the wall, rather than to tickle their funny bones.

Aunt Clara is a sheer joy as the adorable quirky auntie, who should really jack in her witchcraft and hang up the spell book. Poor soul can't seem to get the hang of any of her spells, as they all end up with her in some form of lumber. Seeing her arrive at the Stephens household via the fireplace, rather than the front door is brilliant. Her cleptomania for nicking door knobs is hilarious, anyone getting a visit from Aunt Clara will end up with them being unable to navigate their own home.

Doctor Bombay is simply brilliant the ideal G.P. that I would love to consult, that leaves me wishing I was in his medical practice. I would imagine that any self respecting doctor would love, to be able to enjoy such a rich and varied lifestyle.

This show is set in the days of the trend for what became erroneously known as the nuclear family, when men and women knew their place in the overall scheme of things. Men where the head of the household and women were the dutiful house frau, keeping both hubby and house spick and span. Darrin like his dad before him enjoys the role emmensly. and as him he wants a wife to emulate his mother. Darrin's aspirations in life like all good aspiring middle classes is to be upwardly mobile, which includes the house in the suburbs.

Samantha really doesn't know what she is getting herself into when she, decides to live the normal life turning her back on centuries of family and tradition. She actually believes in the mythology and considers that, to be cooped up in the prim and proper environs of suburbia is every women's dream.

But of course Samantha is no ordinary woman with a thoroughly unconventional pedigree, yet she is still determined to fulfil her role in Darrin's life. She is actually proud of the tiny suburban nest that they will inhabit, and is determined to convince her mother Endora of the validity of it. Such that Samantha tries to enthuse about what she intends to do with it, Endora tries to placate her daughter while attempting to appeal to her esthetics, and not to settle with her first mundane choices. Endora can't believe that Samantha really wants to throw away her entire past and future life for one of parochial provincialism, and you can really see her point.

Why does Darrin react as such a pillock when he discovered that Samantha, was not exactly what he was expecting in a potential wife and mother? Yes he is living in the past when it comes to his attitude towards witches and witchcraft, not exactly as per the Salem witch trials. But of the cartoon Walt Disney variety, as is illustrated in his company's ad campaign for a client.

But why settle for the studiously tedious existence, that us mere mortal are forced to contend with? Even a modest house can be made more than just habitable, why deliberately make your life harder than needs be? Mortal human beings rarely have much of a choice about the way their lives pan out, how many of us with even the modicum of common sense couldn't appreciate the idea of living their dreams and not the dismal reality? Let's be honest I would have jacked in my job with alacrity and happily moved to more salubrious surroundings ASAP

groundbreaking in so many ways

[A_Different_Drummer · 10/10 · 2 November 2013]

First, perspective. This was from the so-called "golden age" of TV comedy. Laugh tracks. Censors. Guys in suits approving everything, including the catering. Formulas pretending to be scripts. Three networks competing for timeslots (on a good day, two only on most days.) Against this backdrop: 1. The show was all about Montgomery. The daughter of a major actor, and the wife of a major director, she had been mainly under-exposed until Bewitched (see my review of Johnny Cool on IMDb, an exception to this rule). But all that changed with this show. The general view prior to BW was that sitcom wives should be pleasant but not stunning. The template was believed to be set by Lucille Ball who, despite being a chorus girl in her youth, was looking a little shopworn by the time the mid 50s rolled around. (And the wife of the second banana was always 10 notches below the star -- Ethel in Lucy, Millie in Dick Van Dyke). But this show broke the mold. Montgomery was stunning. An entire generation of young men grew up determined that they too would find a mate who was not only a good homemaker but looked like her. In fact, her popularity was so far off the charts, that the lacklustre TV movies she did in the 70s scored uniformly high, solely because audiences wanted to see her again. 2. The show proved conclusively that audiences were loyal only to the star, not the second stringers. Dick York, the husband, was replaced mid-season with another character (also played by a Dick -- this became fodder for jokes) and no one seemed to care. The same fate befell the actress playing the nosey neighbour. But the show moved on. 3. The idea of recycled major stars playing TV in retirement also came from BW. Agnes Moorehead, believe it or not, was once a major starlet, and considered glamorous. But work is work, and she was happy to take the role of Samantha's mother, essentially playing a harpie. 4. The notion of giving the star two parts, playing different characters, also started here. EM played herself and also her more extroverted cousin, with good results.

A bewitching show for those 60's relics, like me, and families everywhere

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 2 August 2010]

Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) is a beautiful, blonde young lady who "bumps" into attractive, ad-man Darrin (Dick York) in a revolving door. Later, she runs into him again and again, so they decide to have lunch together. Pretty soon, they are in love and, in short order, get married. But, on her wedding night, Samantha gets a visit from her mother, Endora (Agnes Moorehead). It seems Mother is unhappy that Sam has married a mortal gentleman! What? That's right, Sam, like her mama, is a witch who can cast spells by wiggling her nose. Since Mum is likely to spill the beans anyway, Samantha has no choice but to tell Darrin. He doesn't believe her! Not until she moves a few objects around in the hotel room, with her spells, that is. Horrified, he nonetheless is too much in love to deal with the truth on their honeymoon. But, later he makes Sam promise that she will not use her witchcraft in their daily lives. She swears it will be so. But, with Darrin's ex-girlfriend showing off at a dinner party, a gentleman client of Darrin's making unwanted advances at Sam, and a nosy neighbor, Mrs. Kravitz, stirring up trouble, Sam has to resort to tricks now and again. Will the marriage stay on track? You bet! What luck, when I found the first 8 episodes of this beloved series on a 4-disc set, which also included 8 episodes of I Dream of Jeannie, Gidget, and the Partridge Family. All for 8 BUCKS! That purchase was almost magic itself. The two stars, Montgomery and York, are good-looking comic actors and Moorehead is priceless as the interfering mother in law. The couple portraying the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Kravitz, are also quite wonderful, for Mrs. K sees Sam in action and Mr. K never does, causing him to constantly making faces of exasperation. The production, of course, looks like a typical show of early television while some of the situations and ideas will seem old-fashioned, too. But, in general, families today will still enjoy watching this spell-binding and comical show from over 40 years ago. Relics, children of the sixties like me, will also be tickled by a trip down memory lane.

Witch Marrying Mere Mortal

[shelbythuylinh · 10/10 · 18 November 2021]

Samantha played by the late Elizabeth Montgomery, and the two Darren's played by the late Dick York and Dick Sergeant

As Darren was the perfect straight man. To Samantha in wanting to be "normal" but being on a witch that it is that she has very little choice and that over in meddling mother and a thorn to Darren's side there, Edora played by scene stealing Agnes Moorehead

As that Samantha tries to use her powers to get out of jams and people they do not like. Still a hoot.

A Product of the 60s

[parkerr86302 · 7/10 · 9 January 2021]

Bewitched was a smash hit on television because it was something different. Tv wasn't all that old yet, and viewers had not seen anything like it. I watched it in reruns as a child as well. Seen today, it is still somewhat entertaining but it does show its age in several ways.

First, much of the scripting got repetitive. Whenever one of Darrin's ad agency clients saw something really strange, Darrin and Samantha were always able to convince the client it was all a publicity stunt---and the client always loved it without fail. Really??? Also, magically bringing historical figures or fairy tale characters to the present may have been funny the first two or three times it was done, but around the tenth time, it started getting a little old.

But the thing that dates Bewitched the most is the character of Darrin himself, a true product of the 60s. Darrin is the moral backbone of the show, a man of deep integrity who believes that if you want something, you gotta work for it; you shouldn't be able to just conjure it up. A good message to be sure, but......having Darrin come home from work and start yelling at his wife may have been funny in the 60s, but it rings rather hollow now. Plus....

.....Samantha's family for the most part are depicted as truly evil and dangerous, surprisingly so for a comedy (on one episode, Samantha's father Maurice actually tries to murder Darrin by turning him into a newspaper and throwing him into a fireplace). Yet on virtually every episode, Darrin insults and sasses them to their faces---this is supposed to make Darrin seem courageous; he is standing up to evil regardless of the consequences, even when the targets of his insults retaliate against him and hurt him. Darrin was symbolic of the 60s young idealists, who were standing up to The Man. But seen today, it makes him look very foolish, and it seems by today's standards that he brings a lot of his woes on himself. Wouldn't he have been smarter to at least try and get along with this bunch, for his wife's sake if nothing else? But this was not the ideals of the 60s.

In all, Bewitched holds up as well as it does on the basis of Samantha herself, as portrayed by Elizabeth Montgomery. Samantha had it all---she was beautiful, sexy, sweet, refined, and talented. She was every young man's dream girl. I think the show would not be remembered nearly as fondly if someone less charismatic than Elizabeth Montgomery had played the role. Nearly 60 years later, she carries the show almost single-handedly. It is too bad Bewitched ended up defining her entire career.

Very entertaining 60s fantasy sitcom.

[sonya90028 · 10/10 · 28 March 2009]

Bewitched was one of several 60s comedies, that had fantasy themes. Other shows in the same genre, included I Dream Of Jeannie, The Adams Family, The Flying Nun, Mister Ed, My Favorite Martian, etc.

Bewitched's shtick revolved around an ordinary housewife, who had extraordinary magical powers. Samantha Stevens happened to be a witch, who was married to her husband, Darrin. Darrin was a regular guy (a mortal in witche's lingo) without magical powers, just like the rest of us.

Darrin had to deal not only with the powers of his wife, but also his wife's many relatives, including his little daughter, Tabitha. Samantha and her witchy family, were always twitching their noses and conjuring-up chaos, for poor Darrin. He was forever trying to hide Samantha's, and her family's, supernatural mischief from his boss, Larry Tate.

Elizabeth Montgomery was excellent in her role as suburban wife, mother, and witch, Samantha Stevens. There were two different actors who played Darrin, throughout the series. Both of them, coincidently, had the same first name; Dick. Dick York, played Darrin early in the series. Dick Sargent, stepped into the role of Darrin, after Dick York left the show in 1969.

To me, Dick York was better than Dick Sargent, as the high-strung, overwrought Darrin Stevens. Other supporting cast members, really shone in this series. Especially David White as Darrin's demanding boss, Larry Tate. And also Agnes Moorehead, as Samantha's meddling mother, Endora.

Bewitched was a very entertaining show, that was enjoyable for all ages. And it's really stood the test of time. I highly recommend it, for fans of '60s sitcoms.

A Hit Gimmick Show Later Goes Downhill

[hfan77 · 7/10 · 3 September 2010]

In the early 60s, ABC had few sitcom hits. Then in 1964, Bewitched made its debut and became a hit gimmick show. The key to the show's success was the premise of Darren and Samantha trying to live a normal suburban life much to the chagrin of her witching relatives, especially her mother Endora. Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York had outstanding chemistry and Agnes Moorehead played the role of the meddling mother-in-law so well.

There was also David White as Darren's boss Larry Tate and frequently adding to the chaos were Alice Pearce and Sandra Gould as Gladys Kravitz, who shouted to her husband "ABNER!" when she saw something suspicious next door. There were a number of talent people who played Samantha's relatives, including Marion Lorne as Aunt Clara and veteran Shakespearean actor Maurice Evans as Samantha's father. But the funniest of her relatives was Uncle Arthur, played by Paul Lynde. There was one episode I remember when he gave a magic show at Tabitha's birthday party and conjured up a Playboy bunny instead of a real bunny.

But in 1969, Dick York left the show and was quietly replaced by Dick Sargent. Sargent, to me, wasn't as good as York and it showed in a sharp ratings decline. Also, the show was starting to get old and tired and even some of the later episodes were remakes of earlier ones. Some later episodes i remember were the ones that were filmed in Salem, MA and Europe. It brought some life to a tired sitcom but after eight seasons, it's last up against All in the Family, Bewitched was zapped from the airwaves and into syndication after ABC reran the show in both daytime and Saturday morning. Bewitched was a great show for several years until it started losing its magic.

Love this show

[mommyplum · 9/10 · 24 March 2021]

I've adored this show since I was a child and saw it over and over in reruns. So much fun and Elizabeth Montgomery is the best.

Classic TV at it's best.

[Shopaholic35 · 7/10 · 2 February 2014]

I actually really like the show Bewitched and up until now had only watched the occasional 4pm episode after school (Note: That was only 5-10 years ago). But since they began running the show from the beginning on cable I love catching all the episodes. Life back in the 60's was a prettier time where everyone took pride in their appearance, home and people contributed to society. While there are the good aspects I can't help but laugh at the bad aspects that have gradually changed over time. Including the sexist pig attitude regarding the "little lady" her kitchen, fragility and place in life. Boy am I glad that part has changed over time. I find myself thinking who the hell does Darren think he is to tell Samantha she can't do magic and why would you not want to benefit from magical interference. But anyway as I said that was a different time.

The show I think will forever be a classic that many generations can watch and enjoy. I'm glad I watched it because it does make you want to put more pride into all parts of your life and honestly I want to host more dinner parties, they seem like fun.

Last Episode and Series in General

[VintageSoul56 · 4/10 · 1 May 2014]

I just watched the last episode and unfortunately, my local station cuts here and there to make room for infomercials, so there were a few lines cut. My main beef about the series was that Darrin wasn't letting Samantha be herself and I never agreed with him trying to control her. That's just wrong, but it was his ego that kept getting in the way and his insecurity. She, let him do it too. I know that was the whole premise of this series. Without it, there wouldn't have been a series in the first place. However, Darrin always got on my last nerve with Endora. She started out being nice to him and then, pow, he said something insulting to her in the second episode where they met one another for the first time. He always had a quick insult for her and usually before she even said anything to him. So, he didn't even try to respect Endora. On the flip side of the coin, Samantha always respected Darrin's mother, Phyllis (even if she didn't really like her). I never cared for Phyllis. She reminded me of my own former mother-in-law. Endora is one character that I really enjoyed and would have loved to have met if she were real. I have read about some people wanting the series to go another season. If it had, I would have liked to have seen more of Samantha telling Darrin to lay off of her relatives. This was produced at the beginning of the woman's movement, so maybe she could have gone to work and introduced more characters. They could have done this in say, season 6. I did notice that Samantha was dressing more "hip" for the fashion of the times in the last 2 seasons. It was nice to not see her as the "drab" mortal wannabe housewife. I also was tired of seeing the same faces playing different characters. There should have been a little more new blood. Not seeing so much of Larry Tate would have been nice too. He was so two faced and had that big man on campus syndrome. I have read that both Elizabeth Montgomery and her husband, William Asher were tired of doing the series. So, maybe it was time to pull the plug.

Alice Pearce, the Consummate Character Actress

[topat · 28 March 2005]

Very few actresses could gulp, snivel and whine better than Alice Pearce. Her Gladys Kravitz' nasal voice resounded irritatingly over her husband George Tobias as Abner. "Abner! Abner!" made an entire television audience laugh as she ran back into the Kravitz home every week. Alice Pearce was a trouper until her death in 1966, and she never let us know she was ill. Sandra Gould took over the Gladys role, but I'll always recall the face, that gulp, that bug-eyed expression of Alice Pearce. So few actresses have become so identifiable by their voice in television, and fewer will ever be known for just one line like "Abner! Abner!". Applause to the late Alice Pearce, who deserved her Emmy Award!

Your Typical New York Suburban Housewife....Except!!!!

[dataconflossmoor · 10/10 · 28 July 2007]

The originality in this series was incredible!! Elizabeth Montgomery twitched her way through eight successful years of "Bewitched"... This show had a definite impact on my childhood!! The premise being: This is your typical All-American housewife, except, this woman happens to be a witch!! Envision if you will, a house wife who can zap up this and twitch up that.. Basically conjure up anything your little heart desires with just the twitch of her nose!! Now enters the myriad of upper middle class complications!! I sort of identified with the Stevens household!! My opinion of it was that you could not get too much more Republican than this.. Especially some of the furniture, and the executive potpourri of golf, business, and drinking!! Sammantha's magic was not geared at just whipping up expensive accoutrement that your typical upscale white collar guinea pig cannot afford, rather, it was about evening the score on what matters and how people should actually behave!! Relative's of Sammantha's use to literally pop in all the time... Endora (Agnes Moorehead) the mother, used her powerful sorcerer's chicanery to make the banal life with a mortal husband (Darrin) more interesting!! To her, boredom was the ultimate felony!! I thought both Darrins were really well cast (Dick York and Dick Seargant)... Tabitha was the little witch and the daughter, and Adam was the mortal and the son!! The onslaught of guest stars were endless, including Richard Dreyfuss, and Raquel Welch!!... I thought "Bewitched" was was of the better shows in the history of television... I was not too crazy about the writing though.. When it premiered, it was considered one the most lewd and suggestive shows ever to be put on the airwaves... By today's standards that seems ridiculous, at the same time, when I heard this, I realized what they were saying in that this show illustrated numerous insinuations of attempted infidelity with one lecherous curmudgeon after the next!! These alcohol induced endeavors were relatively transparent!!.. Samntha had to be the disciplined one who quelled these charades, usually with her witchcraft!! In 1971, "Bewitched" ratings began to plummet, finally, programming directors at ABC basically killed it by putting it up against the enormously popular "All in the Family" on Saturday nights!! All good things must come to an end. including a television show which epitomized the idealism of the imaginative honey pot "Bewitched"... Part of my childhood, a very good part of my childhood.. I think that that is why the latest movie of "Bewitched was so popular too!!

"Bewitched" ~ The Review, The Whole Review & Nothing But The Review

[happipuppi13 · 8/10 · 27 March 2022]

"Bewitched" is a show I've seen since being very little. In 1972, just weeks before I turned 4, it was still on ABC and I remember seeing it's opening after ABC's logo on screen.

So, it has been in my life for 50 years. On Friday, March 25th, 2022 ...the 50th anniversary of it's final airing, I completed a (purposely) 6 month binge watch of the series, having bought the full series set. Mainly because in all that time, I still hadn't seen every one of them .

Now that I have , I can finally review it. (I'll leave as much behind the scenes gossip or history out as possible and try and stick to the series.)

The first 2 seasons (1964 - 1966) in black & white ... are actually two seasons of very witty, clever and in some cases, somewhat mature dialog (by network standards of that time) . No question it's a fantasy based series , but all involved managed to keep an equal balance in terms of the more real life elements and the fanciful / magic.

The story of each episode is concentrated on and witchcraft comes in when as needed for particular moments. If they'd made the special effects the star, that's a mistake just as much now as it was then. Otherwise what's the point of having actors? (There's an episode or 2 that are flashbacks using past shows.) Even the dialog is intelligent.

Montgomery, York, Moorehead, David White, Alice Pearce (Gladys Kravitz #1) and George Tobias (and supporting actors in other episodes) , though they barely know each other as people....in their acting together in these parts, they do a flawless job of balancing comedy, some light touching moments, a few borderline serious subjects and the special effects complete it.

Montgomery and York made a good team here. Samantha, somewhat naive' of the mortal world but sensible. Her character slowly changes as the series goes on.

Darrin, a good guy who loves her like crazy and accepts that it comes with the territory of marrying a witch, to have to deal with what may come of it. No matter how many family witches & warlocks pop in and cast spells or may turn him into something. Dick York's very expressive face brings Darrin's reaction across clearly.

His character, although close sometimes, doesn't let it overwhelm him and forget that love and walk out for good. Darrin stands up for himself but her family is always offended. York, despite his known physical limitations, put 100% of himself into this part. Emotions included.

Agnes Moorehead brings to life what most men back then, thought their mother in laws to be like. A witch, a nosey buttinsky and a woman who (even 8 years later, wont fully accept her son in law as family. She feels mortals are prejudiced against witches...but she and all in her circle are just as prejudiced about mortals.

David White as Larry Tate is essentially a two faces for one kind of character. He's a money hungry mortal and despite having a great talent like Darrin in his employ, takes advantage of his good nature and (very illegal these days) always threatens his employment, when Darrin wont agree right away. (Darrin DOES stand up to him though.)

The Kravitzes are a plain , ordinary "been married a long time" couple. When odd things start happening across the street, it's always Gladys only that sees them. Which prompts Abner to "get her medicine out".

In the watching of these 2 seasons, first, it was kind of a kick to see the Stephens house as they'd just gotten it, with absolutely nothing in it. Almost like to say to viewers, "Welcome to the Stephens home".

I liked that Samantha knew to just treat the Kravitses like friendly neighbors (and not the enemy.) Despite Gladys always peeking in their front window and sometimes just walking into their house unannounced. (Try doing that today and see what happens.)

Somehow, the 2 couples still stay friendly as neighbors.

That's what good writing, acting and directing does, makes it believable.

(Fall 1966 to Spring 1969) :

With all network shows going to color in Autumn 1966, when I got to their color episodes on my DVDs , I noticed something right away. More 'witchcraft' had been added. Still good storylines and the actors & all, still maintaining that balance. Although it seems like the end result alomost always 'has to be" , even in part , thanks to witchcraft.

I think they just wanted to show how amazing the tricks look in color and they knew it had to be 'dazzling' .

The other change, in the untimely passing of Alice Pearce, we now had Sandra Gould as Gladys...with all due respect to the actress, a much louder and nosier one. Leading writers for a few episodes to give Sam a stock line, "Ahh, some more of Gladys Kravitz's handy-work!"

Thankfully that line didn't last. I'll say overall the episodes in these years were good to great, one episode made me say 'What was the point of this?' ... but otherwise, still worth watching.

As Dick York's health slowly became more of an issue, I noticed that he was now conveniently "out of town" a lot. His dialog changed for the other actors. By the end of the 1968 - 1969 season of filming , Dick York was taken away one day in an ambulance from the set, unable to physically do his job anymore.

(1969 - 1972) :

ABC, after the departure of York, had an opportunity to do the right thing. They could have called it a day and made a public announcement, that with Dick York gone, they would just end it. ...but of course, they didn't.

Viewers tuned in and fond a shocking surprise.

Step in, Dick Sargent (again with all due respect) who only 'slightly' (I mean really use your imagination) looked like Darrin. I'm going to be honest while still being respectful. I know Sargent had an enormous place to fill within the show...and that couldn't have been easy, knowing what happened to York.

However, what Darrin becomes under Sargent, is someone who expresses love for his wife but overall , the facial expressions hardly show it. I don't feel I'm exaggerating when I say that for most of these seasons, Darrin always looks annoyed or casual.

When Sam and a relative laugh about something (even though not even directed at him), he just stands there looking humorless and further annoyed. In some shows , he actually throws out the first insult to Endora who actually, hadn't said or done anything (except stop by) to have him be rude.

Do I totally dislike Sargent or him in the role? Of course not. I have bigger things in life to worry about. It's only speculation where I say, he and the writers (maybe directors too) could have worked in making him more 'amiable' and less sardonic.

The topper for me, the final seasons, is what I can only call 'writers getting paid for laziness'. All of us know that later, many early series' scripts were rewritten and filmed with only slight changes in actions.

By this point, without getting detailed, Montgomery was wanting to move on to something else. You can't blame her really. What's the point of being an actress in a series if you have to do a script that you've already done? There's no challenge in that.

What's toughest for me to wrap my mind around is why ABC wanted to possibly renew this for season 9 and 10? (Money?) The show in it's final season had plummeted to the basement (89th place in the Nielsen Ratings) . On top of that, ABC had moved it to Saturday night.

Montgomery of course called it quits, the final filming took place on December 16th, 1971.....8 years and 4 weeks after pre-production began.

That episode (where again, Endora casts a spell forcing Darrin and all around him to be honest.) I didn't watch that one "last" though.

I saved a season 4 show to use as a finale. "Bewitched" had always been about prejudices and the sides of themselves that people hide or cover up in effort to feel superior or even perfect.

The April 4th, 1968 show, "I Confess" , where Darrin out of frustration, wants to tell everyone she's a witch and get it out in the open. Samantha, speaks to Darrin after he goes to sleep, telling him to dream about what can happen if friends or even the world finds out she and her family are witches & warlocks.

*Spoiler* - As a result of the dream confession, the Stephens family loses their privacy and freedom. It's not shown but they're told, their are certain people who want to "have a witch burning." (Which is not a comedy line.)

Martin Luther King Jr. , was killed the night this episode aired. I don't find it just a small coincidence. He was a fighter for freedom and equality. Sam's family does not see mortals as equals and settles every arguement and problem with witchcraft in a bullying fashion.

Sam and Darrin plus Tabitha and Adam, are viewed by them and the witches council as a 'mixed marriage'. Therefore they don't approve ...but , it makes them just as prejudiced as the very mortals they look down on.

I loved being able to see the entire series , and I salute the actors who gave their very best here. Near the end, like Montgomery, I wanted it to end too.

In conclusion - For all of the underlying themes of equality/prejudice, for it's greatest of storylines and scripts plus the very best of comedy they put into them and sometimes amazing special effects (of the era) ...

I give "Bewitched" a rating of 8. That's one star per season, because sometimes, even in Seasons 7 and 8, they did have some very good episodes.

1 star off for basically doing remakes of past episodes. I'm sorry but that , again is just lazy and insulting to a viewer. 1 more off fpr episodes where it seems either Darrin or Endora start up for no good reason.

But also, for the never ending battle between them . I'm a person who. Like reading book, wants a beginning , a middle and a satisfying ending. Closure basically, the series likely would have kept going in that circle m had it not ended in 1972.

I still love the show though, in it's own way, it was part of the changes in the mid-1960s / early 70s and despite Derwood's 'man in the family' style, it 'was' a very charming series. (END)

A witch as wife

[stefanozucchelli · 7/10 · 19 December 2021]

Good series which, however, is now simple and embarrassing to watch but which has met with considerable success and which is still remembered with affection.

Bewitched...magical fun

[gorytus-20672 · 8/10 · 9 November 2021]

November 2021

I have just gone through all 8 seasons and 253 episodes of Bewitched over the last 6 weeks or so.

It is on the whole very enjoyable, yes its predictable and yes a lot of episodes are very similar to each other, but the formula works.

I also found Dick Sargent to be every bit as good as Dick York, not sure everyone agrees with that.

The only 2 episodes of disappointment were the 2 repeat episodes from series 2, which i have reviewed individually to make my point about those.

The series featured some great characters, such as Aunt Clara, Uncle Arthur and Doctor Bombay.

It was certainly clear towards the end, they were running out of ideas, series 8 appeared to be one episode after nothing that was just a remake of an earlier episode, but they were still likeable enough to get away with it.

So overall,

8 magic wand waves out of 10.

So silly, so quaint, yet so funny! A guilty pleasure!

[Little-Mikey · 6/10 · 7 May 2009]

It's so hard to believe that Dick Sargent was the first choice to play Darrin because Dick York was so perfect! Dick York's "Darrin" was a loving and faithful husband. But he was far from perfect! He was neurotic, hot headed, eager to cut corners and forever putting his foot in his mouth.

Endora was such a witch! But that never stopped Darrin, a mere mortal, from giving her his piece of mind, and paying dearly for his arrogance.

Dick Sargent was OK. But unlike Dick York, he was not about to let his "Darrin" endure the humiliation that Dick York's "Darrin" had to endure. And this pretty much ruined the show.

Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur was simply too funny for words. He could leave me in stitches just by giving the time of day. Then there was Bernard Fox as Doctor Bombay.

Elizabeth Montgomery was the perfect Samantha. In spite of her being extremely beautiful, she could also portray the plain housewife effortlessly.

It was the perfect show for the time, with all its silliness. Such a show would never make it today. But in 1964 (the year of the monster, the same year that THE MUNSTERS and THE ADAMS FAMILY premiered) it fit quite well and lives on as a delightful piece of classic television.

Rest in peace, Dick York, Elizabeth Montgomery, Paul Lynde, Agnes Moorehead and Dick Sargent.

Keeps Me Laughing Still

[omory-88985 · 10/10 · 6 November 2021]

I grew up watching this show. Elizabeth Montgomery became one of my favorite actresses. I loved all the Actors/Actresses in the show but she stood out for me. Because of this show I followed her whole career and she still is one of my favorites. I also love special effects and this is one of the shows that gave me plenty. If you like comedy, you'll enjoy this!!!!

This Series Always Felt Like A Continuation of Stewart's Bell, Book, and Candle

[FiendishDramaturgy · 7/10 · 22 March 2007]

One of the most beloved television series of its time, this series always seemed like it was a continuation of Jimmy Stewart's Bell, Book, and Candle, wherein a young witch, played by Kim Novak (whom Elizabeth Montgomery amazingly resembles) falls in love with a human, goes through some changes, and ends up getting her man. As such, this series ran like the day to day life beyond that story.

Millions love this series because of the unbelievable cast of characters, the irascible Endora, hapless Darrin, poor old Aunt Clara, and the stately Maurice. But most of all, it was Elizabeth Montgomery who drew in the viewers. Her style and down to earth beauty enchanted millions, weaving a spell about the show, which seemingly held it all together, even through the replacement of Dick Seargent.

Watch Bell, Book, and Candle and then watch the first view episodes of Bewitched, to see what I mean.

It rates a 7.4/10 on the TV Series Scale from...

the Fiend :.

Just fun to watch

[sharonmaldonadosoto · 10/10 · 2 July 2019]

I remember watching the reruns when I was a kid in the 80's. This show is just fun to watch! Excuse the pun but this show is actually bewitching as it is addictive and you don't want to stop watching. Just a great classic!

Lovable comedy with some flaws

[laptoppclaptop · 7/10 · 21 May 2016]

I generally like this sitcom very much. I have seen most all episodes, but over the years I have watched them over and over again. Especially when I feel sad or down - whenever Stephens cozy home and Samanthas twitchy nose appears on the screen, I instantly feel better. The creators of the show nailed it when creating the overall "universe" and atmosphere of the show. Also, even though I do not always like Samanthas character from artistic point of view, Samantha as a character and as presented by Elizabeth Montgomery has a kind of therapeutic impact on me. Samantha (as an on-screen character) has a great calming impact and also has a sort of protective motherly energy which I do not get from anywhere in real life - but sometimes need badly. She is this "Good fairy god-mother archetype", a supernatural female protector. Their home comes across as very cozy also, no wonder that many other characters - both humans and supernatural - want to stay there as well - uninvited. I also love the gallery of kooky characters they created over the years.

As for acting, I think in first 3 seasons Montgomerys and Darrin-actors acting was the most "wooden" one. Even though I loved them both, I noticed that none of their conversations or reactions flow naturally. their acting had almost amateurish quality in my opinion. Montgomerys Samantha became much more natural when they changed the Darrin actor due to first Darrins health problems. In the first 3 seasons, Samantha never got really angry or sad about anything, even in most desperate situations or when Darrin or somebody else had done something really annoying. That was kind of unnatural. I liked it much more when Samantha started to have some believable reactions, like getting properly angry or worried.

In fact, when it comes to acting, I think Montgomery did a much better job as Serena. She really had fun with that character, and I always waited for Serena to turn up. Also even though I knew it was Montgomery as well, I always forgot about it because she came across as a totally different actress. It is also notable how well Samanthas and Serenas reactions to each other were played out - come to think of, it was all one actress who had to react to her own self! My favorite character however was Endora. I think it was Darrin who treated her badly, not the other way around. My other favorite characters: Serena, aunt Clara, Larry, and, of course the Kravitzes. I think both first and second Gladys Kravitz actress did a great job, creating two versions of a snoopy neighbor. Abner Kravitzes reactions to his wife's snooping antics were priceless.

As for flaws, I already mentioned some wooden quality in the main couples acting in first 3 seasons or so. The other thing, I necessarily did not like the general morals it seemed to be preaching. It was a very fifties moral, where the wife's place - even the supernaturally gifted and beautiful wife's "right" place is only at home. Whenever Samantha accidentally shined in any area in mortal world (besides being a gifted which) Darrin immediately put her down. Even if Samantha did it to help Darrin (which she did most of the time, she was very selfless most of the time, putting everybody elses well-being ahead of her own).

Also, Samantha was born as a which - if Darrin loved her for right reasons - such as for being what she is - he should never have demanded that Samantha give up her which craft. As compared to kind, broadminded and helpful Samantha Darrin comes across as really selfish, petty minded and limited person. What we see on the screen, is how he constantly criticizes Samantha, cancels their special dinner appointments, loads some extra unexpected wifely duties on Samantha and constantly gets seduced by other women. However for some reason Samantha stands by him, saying Darrin is kind and loving man. Smantha treats his relative with kindness and respect, yet Darrin is very rude to all Samanthas relatives.

Just like Endora, as a viewer I want to know what does she see in that chauvinist moron of a man? However, in spite of the flaws there is some timeless magic in that show, and the positive sides outweigh the negatives. So I think I keep watching the old episodes over and over again.

It's just okay. The humor is mediocre

[tiffanie_says_stay_in_your_lane · 5/10 · 25 August 2022]

Bewitched is about a witch named Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) married to a mortal, Darrin (Dick York - later played by Dick Sargent) living in suburbia. Other characters are Samantha's mom, Endora (Agnes Moorehead), her dad, Maurice (who, coincidentally enough, was named Maurice for real. His last name was Evans), her aunt Clara (Marion Lorne), uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde), and Darrin's boss, Larry (David White). It's a cute series, but that's all it is - cute. I've watched it many times, but I've never actually laughed. If anything I chuckled, but that was all. I think I find it boring because the humor is tongue in cheek. Samantha's magic always gets everyone around her in goofy and compromising situations, even though that's not her intention. The episodes where she goes back in time are super dumb. On the other hand, I Dream of Jeannie is hilarious. A young, single man who works for NASA has his life turned upside down after he finds a bottle on the beach in the South Pacific during a mission that contains an attractive genie inside, versus a housewife who has magical powers and her husband is always trying to impress his boss. Which show would you rather watch? Anyone who belly laughs at Bewitched is just easily amused. If you're someone in your 20s or early 30s, I would recommend I Dream of Jeannie, as the characters portray less of a traditional lifestyle, so young people of today's generation will probably find it more entertaining. I'm sure most people who grew up with Bewitched and loved it will disagree with my review, but watching it from a 21st century perspective, it's dull to me.