The Most Popular Andy Griffith Episode, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the episode you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:28
In the world of classic television shows, 'The Andy Griffith Show' holds a special place in the hearts of many. Knowing which episodes resonate most with viewers can spark engaging discussions and bring back nostalgic memories. Ranking these episodes through community votes helps identify which stories are truly cherished and why they stand out.
This live ranking system allows fans to have a voice in celebrating their favorite episodes. By participating, you contribute to a collective appreciation of a television classic, ensuring that new and longtime fans understand the episodes' significance. It's a dynamic way to keep the legacy of Mayberry alive and relevant for future generations.
What Is the Most Popular Andy Griffith Episode?
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155votesThis episode is often cited as the most popular due to its heartwarming storyline about Opie raising a baby bird and ultimately releasing it back into the wild.Opie the Birdman is an episode from the TV series The Andy Griffith Show. It aired on February 18, 1963, as the 29th episode of the third season. In this episode, Opie Taylor, played by Ron Howard, accidentally kills a mother bird with his slingshot, leaving behind a nest full of baby birds. Feeling guilty, Opie takes on the responsibility of caring for the orphaned birds until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
- Episode Number: Season 3, Episode 29
- Original Air Date: February 18, 1963
- Director: Earl Bellamy
- Writers: Aaron Ruben, Harvey Bullock
- Main Cast: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts, Frances Bavier
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238votes
The Pickle Story
Andy GriffithThis episode is a fan favorite for its humorous plot about Aunt Bee's disastrous attempt at making pickles.The Pickle Story is an episode from the popular American TV show, The Andy Griffith Show. It originally aired on October 2, 1961, during the second season of the show. The episode revolves around Aunt Bee's homemade pickles, which turn out to be unusually tough and inedible, causing everyone in Mayberry to struggle with trying to politely eat them without offending Aunt Bee. The Pickle Story is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and memorable episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.- Original Air Date: October 2, 1961
- Season: 2
- Genre: Comedy
- Running Time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Writer: Aaron Ruben
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335votesThis episode is beloved for its comedic moments, including Barney's over-the-top excitement about his new car and the chaos that ensues when he takes it out for a spin.Barney's First Car is an episode from the television show The Andy Griffith Show. It originally aired on November 19, 1962, during the third season of the series. The episode revolves around Barney Fife, the deputy sheriff of Mayberry, purchasing his first car.
- Title: Barney's First Car
- Air Date: November 19, 1962
- Season: Season 3
- Series: The Andy Griffith Show
- Episode Number: 10
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422votesThis episode is often praised for its touching portrayal of a businessman who learns to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.The episode titled 'Man in a Hurry' is one of the most popular episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. It originally aired on February 25, 1963. The storyline revolves around a successful businessman from Raleigh named Malcolm Tucker, who finds himself stranded in Mayberry due to car troubles. Frustrated by the laid-back and slow-paced lifestyle of the town, Tucker struggles to adapt while anxiously waiting for his car to be fixed. Throughout the episode, the residents of Mayberry try to teach Tucker the value of taking things slow and enjoying the simple joys of life.
- Episode number: 16
- Title: Man in a Hurry
- Original air date: February 25, 1963
- Season: 3
- Writer: Everett Greenbaum and Jim Fritzell
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518votes
The Darlings Are Coming
Andy GriffithThis episode is a favorite among fans of the bluegrass music genre, as it features a guest appearance by the popular music group The Dillards.The Darlings Are Coming is a popular episode of the TV show Andy Griffith. It first aired on January 24, 1966. In this episode, the Darlings, a family of mountain musicians, come to Mayberry for a visit. The episode showcases their talent and the resulting comedic situations that arise as the townspeople try to accommodate their unique lifestyle.- Episode air date: January 24, 1966
- Episode number: Season 6, Episode 14
- Written by: Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum
- Directed by: Alan Rafkin
- Main characters: Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Ron Howard, and the Darlings
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613votesThis episode is known for its suspenseful storyline about a robbery at Wally's Filling Station, as well as its comedic moments involving Barney's attempts to solve the crime.
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75votesThis episode is often cited as a favorite for its amusing plot about Aunt Bee's involvement in a pyramid scheme selling "miracle tonic."
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82votes
The Andy Griffith Show Reunion: Back to Mayberry
CBS Television NetworkThis made-for-television movie is a popular choice among fans who enjoy revisiting the beloved characters of Mayberry and catching up with their lives years later.The Andy Griffith Show Reunion: Back to Mayberry is a television special that aired in 2003. It serves as a reunion for the cast and crew of The Andy Griffith Show, which originally ran from 1960 to 1968. The special brings together the beloved characters from the show and provides a nostalgic trip back to the fictional town of Mayberry, presenting new stories and reminiscing about the original series.- Year: 2003
- Original Run: 1960-1968
- Genre: Comedy
- Director: Andy Griffith
- Writer: Andy Griffith, Everett Greenbaum, Jim Fritzell
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910votesThis episode is a Halloween classic, featuring a spooky storyline about a haunted house and the gang's attempts to investigate it.
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107votesThis episode is beloved for its musical performances, including a guest appearance by popular musician Jerry Reed.The Guitar Player Returns is an episode from the popular television series The Andy Griffith Show. It originally aired on November 23, 1964. In this episode, a talented musician named Jim Lindsey, played by James Best, returns to Mayberry after achieving success as a country music star. The town welcomes Jim with excitement, but he soon realizes that fame and fortune come with their own set of challenges.
- Episode number: Season 5, Episode 15
- Original airdate: November 23, 1964
- Director: Howard Morris
- Writer: Everett Greenbaum and Jim Fritzell
- Main cast: Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Ron Howard, Frances Bavier
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Ranking factors for popular episode
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Audience ratingsConsider the audience ratings and reviews of the episodes, which can be found on various platforms like IMDb, TV.com, and other sites dedicated to television ratings.
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Fan favoritesTake into account episodes that have been considered fan favorites or are frequently discussed and referenced on fan forums, websites, and social media.
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Cultural impactConsider episodes that had a significant cultural impact or are remembered for their iconic scenes, dialogue, or character interactions.
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Guest stars and recurring charactersEpisodes featuring popular guest stars or memorable recurring characters can often be ranked higher due to the added interest and appeal.
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Plotlines and themesAssess the strength and originality of the plotlines and storylines in each episode, as well as how well they incorporate the show's overarching themes and messages.
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Humor and witEvaluate the humor, wit, and overall entertainment value of the episodes, particularly in terms of memorable quotes, jokes, or comedic situations.
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Critical receptionConsider the opinions of television critics and experts when evaluating the best episodes, as they may offer insights into the writing, acting, directing, and other production aspects.
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Awards and recognitionTake note of episodes that have received various awards, nominations, or other forms of recognition as indicators of their popularity and quality.
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Emotional resonanceRank episodes based on how well they resonate with the audience emotionally, whether through humor, drama, or a mix of both.
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RewatchabilityConsider the rewatchability factor of each episode, as popular episodes are often those that fans enjoy rewatching multiple times.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Andy Griffith episode. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or episode is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1791 views
- 194 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each episode once every 24 hours. The rank of each episode is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular andy griffith episode
Andy Griffith is a beloved American actor and comedian who made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his iconic role as Sheriff Andy Taylor in the hit TV show "The Andy Griffith Show". The show ran for eight seasons from 1960 to 1968 and is considered a classic in American television history. The show was set in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina, and followed the daily lives of Sheriff Taylor, his family, and the quirky townspeople. Many episodes tackled timeless themes like family, friendship, and community values, which still resonate with audiences today. With so many memorable episodes, it's no wonder that fans of the show continue to debate which one is the best. At StrawPoll, we've compiled a list of the most popular Andy Griffith episodes based on the votes of our users.
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