This wholesome family-focused series ran from 1952 until 1966 and was based on its stars, the real-life Nelson family, who played fictional versions of themselves. Teen idol and rock and roll star Ricky Nelson got his start as a heartthrob on this program when he covered Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’” in 1957. The record topped the charts and spawned Ricky’s career as a singer. Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and their sons David and Eric “Ricky” Nelson (16 and 13 respectively when the show debuted) epitomized ideal family life for decades. Ozzie and Harriet got its start on radio, where bandleader Ozzie Nelson and his singer/actress wife had been broadcasting since the late 1930s. Like its radio predecessor, the TV adaptation focused on the Nelson’s family life at home. Even the exterior of the house featured on the show was their actual Southern California home, and interior shots were filmed on a set styled to mimic their real-life house. Like Leave It To Beaver, it chronicled the daily trials and joys of a family raising two sons. The show so closely followed its stars’ realities that when Ricky and David married (to Kristin Harmon and June Blair), their marriages and wives were incorporated into the series. The program caught the attention and following of a score of young fans who tuned in to watch Ricky Nelson and his musical performances. Despite this emphasis, the bumbling Ozzie remained the show’s focus, guiding his sons through their troubled teen years and bending to the reason of his wise wife. The show also featured Skip Young as Rick’s friend, Wally, Don DeFor as neighbor, Mr. Thornberry, Lyle Talbot as Ozzie’s friend, Joe Randolph, and Jack Wagner as Jack. Ozzie also directed and served as head writer for the series. Rick Nelson would go on to have other hits, including “Hello Mary Lou”, “Travellin’ Man”, and “Garden Party”. He was killed in 1985 plane crash. His twin sons went on to form the 90s band, Nelson.
