The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (TV)
"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" is a television series that originated from a radio program in 1944 and transitioned to TV in 1952. The show starred real-life couple Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, along with their sons, David and Eric (Ricky), portraying a fictionalized version of their family life. Ozzie, the jovial head of the household, often served as a comedic foil to Harriet, while David and Ricky were depicted as the ideal children—good students with wholesome friends. The series showcased the dynamics of a middle-class American family during the 1950s, reflecting the cultural norms and aspirations of the postwar era. As the series progressed, Ricky garnered a significant teen following as an entertainer, becoming a notable figure in the rock-and-roll scene before his untimely death in a plane crash in 1985. The show not only entertained but also mirrored the evolving landscape of American family life and popular culture during its run, making it a significant part of television history.
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The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (TV)
Identification Family television comedy series centering on the real-life Nelson family
Date Aired from 1952 to 1966
Producer Ozzie Nelson
The show depicted an idealized all-American family and became one of the longest-running family television programs in history.
Key Figures
Ozzie Nelson (1906-1975), band leader and television actor
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet originated as a radio program in 1944, starring Ozzie Nelson, a bandleader in real life; the band’s singer, Harriet Hilliard, a minor actor and Ozzie’s wife; and their two sons, David and Eric (Ricky). In 1952, the family moved to television in roles that closely followed their real-life situations. Ozzie, whose actual job was never really clear on the television show, was the jovial head of family and often the foil for Harriet. David and Ricky were “perfect” children—good students, respectful, and with nice friends. While all members of the Nelson family appeared in each early episode, the show gradually incorporated the sons’ friends and girlfriends. David eventually left for college and then a career, though he continued to make frequent appearances. As the show continued through the 1960’s, Ricky married Kris Harmon, daughter of football star Tom Harmon, and Kris Harmon and David’s wife, June, became part of the show. Most episodes finished with a performance by Ricky and his band.
Impact
The program depicted American middle-class family life during the 1950’s and reflected postwar mores and aspirations. As Ricky grew older on the show, he developed a strong teen following as an entertainer and would eventually become one of the most famous rock-and-roll artists of the day. A talented entertainer, “Rick” Nelson continued with a singing career until his death in a plane crash in 1985.
Bibliography
Brooks, Tim, and Earle Marsh. The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows: 1946-Present. 8th ed. New York: Random House, 2003. An alphabetical listing of programs with complete details about broadcast histories, casts, and plot summaries, as well as behind-the-scenes stories about the shows and the stars.
McNeil, Alex. Total Television: A Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present. New York: Penguin Group, 1996. Provides complete details for all major television programs.