The Dick Van Dyke Show
Seen it?1961 | 5 seasons | 30 min | Comedy
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics rank it among the best shows ever made and people are still talking about it. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- 5 seasons, but most episodes stand on their own, so you can dip in anywhere (about 30 minutes each).
- What might put you off
- Rated TV-PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1961: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The Dick Van Dyke Show centers around the work and home life of television comedy writer Rob Petrie. The plots generally revolve around problems at work, where Rob got into various comedic jams with fellow writers Buddy Sorrell, Sally Rogers and producer Mel Cooley.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
Named among the best TV shows of all time by critics (on 8 all-time best lists)
- AudiencesSolid
7.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Ran for 5 seasons and reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 371K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Saturday Special. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 1 is the high point.
- Season 11961 · 30 episodes · 8.1 out of 10Saturday
Season 21962 · 32 episodes · 7.4 out of 10Sunday
Season 31963 · 32 episodes · 6.1 out of 10Monday- Season 41964 · 32 episodes · 6.1 out of 10Monday
Season 51965 · 32 episodes · 6.3 out of 10Weeknight
More like this
Episodes Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
30 Rock Saturday SpecialAnother comedy, and a Saturday Special.
Who's the Boss? Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Malcolm in the Middle
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed comedy.
The Cosby Show Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Created by Carl Reiner
- Dick Van DykeRob Petrie
- Mary Tyler MooreLaura Petrie
- Rose MarieSally Rogers
- Morey AmsterdamBuddy Sorrell
- Larry MathewsRichie Petrie