1965-66 Ratings History

Written Asking Where the Ratings Monsters Went by Bridger Cunningham (former TVRG Writer) 

Behold a rare treasure trove of illusive sitcom data.  As promised, TV Ratings Guide continues its ongoing efforts to deliver comprehensive ratings data as it becomes available.  Previously, data before 1984 was non-existent in a comprehensive table or list. The September 2, 2017 bulldozed that Nielsen wall, breaking into the 1983-84 data.  The overall Ratings History will follow shortly, but not before reporting another leading development in TVRG's ongoing ratings anthology series.  After thoroughly researching the internet for ratings, a Star Trek fan check site unveiled valuable data which resurrected a new chain of ratings to report, as they located valued Nielsen Rankings from the 30th-70th Nielsen rankings from an August 1967 article from American Television history.  When peering further, not only did this article possess the data from 1966-67, but also had 1964-66 data intact.  Nielsen ratings are not revealed, but ranks and shares are reported.  This finding, along with a listing of renewed and cancelled shows for the season, crafted enough data for TVRG to compose a Sitcom Scorecard and Ratings History for the year.  

To check out other years' ratings, visit the Ratings History Library.

Trending Hot -- CBS sitcoms proved to be the surviving staple folks recall more than half a century later.  Conversely, westerns were popular in the 50's and 60's and are only remembered via title.  Variety shows continued to proliferate all three flagships.    

Trending Tepid -- ABC sensation such as Peyton Place cooled down after igniting the Nielsens the previous year with Mia Farrow.  Movie evenings also experienced similar fortunes.  

Trending Cold - Monster shows and middling sitcoms left the air after 2-3 seasons.  NBC sitcoms did not fare well, and gameshows began to descend downward in the ratings. 

  

Sources  
1. http://fbibler.chez.com/tvstats/by_5_yr_period/top_programs_1965-1970.html 
2. American Television History, 1967 -- http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Television-Magazine/Television-1967-Aug.pdf 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965%E2%80%9366_United_States_network_television_schedule 

1964-65 Ratings History

Written in The First Season of Color by Bridger Cunningham (former TVRG Writer)

Behold a rare treasure trove of illusive sitcom data.  As promised, TV Ratings Guide continues its ongoing efforts to deliver comprehensive ratings data as it becomes available.  Previously, data before 1984 was non-existent in a comprehensive table or list. The September 2, 2017 bulldozed that Nielsen wall, breaking into the 1983-84 data.  After thoroughly researching the internet for ratings, a Star Trek fan check site unveiled valuable data which resurrected a new chain of ratings to report, as they located valued Nielsen Rankings from the 30th-70th Nielsen rankings from an August 1967 article from American Television history.  When peering further, not only did this article possess the data from 1966-67, but also had 1964-66 data intact.  Nielsen ratings are not revealed, but ranks and shares are reported.  This finding, along with a listing of renewed and cancelled shows for the season, crafted enough data for TVRG to compose a Sitcom Scorecard and Ratings History for the year.  

To check out other years' ratings, visit the Ratings History Library.

 

Trending Hot -- Almost anything ABC touched turned to gold.  Thanks to Bewitched landing a then-unprecedented network record of 2nd Place, it's sitcom roster perked up.  Add a few cutting edge dramas like The Fugitive and Combat, as well as new soap sensation Peyton Place, and the network fired on all cylinders and showed signs it could overtake NBC for 2nd.  It would have to wait 11 years for that victory, but this season showed it was a distinct possibility.  CBS also belted out another successful year with its sitcom blocks of silliness.  Alchemy and dark humor took hold of CBS and ABC as Bewitched and copycat franchises The Addams Family and The Munsters showcased modern families with odd powers.  Overall, this was the era to be a sitcom on TV as ABC and CBS had the craft nearly perfected.  

Trending Tepid -- Westerns still registered high in the roster, though they began to fade as the 60's raged on.  Multiple showing and serialized programming made the rounds this season, thanks to Peyton Place's multiple showings on ABC.  Shopping around for network discards panned out with mixed results.  Movie nights gained prominence, particularly on NBC.  Variety and Gameshows also continued to display with mixed results.  

Trending Cold -- NBC, though still in 2nd place, seemed to experience a rougher time in the mid-60's.  It only nicked 5 places in the Top 30 and covered most of its roster in the Middle of the Pack.  Animated shows also began to lose steam this season, and 50's fares began to fall down the ratings ladder or fall off the roster. 

Sources 

1. http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Television-Magazine/Television-1967-Aug.pdf 

2.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964%E2%80%9365_United_States_network_television_schedule 

TV Ratings Guide Halloween Special: The Addams Family and The Munsters, a TV History

They're creepy and they're kooky. They're monsters living among us. They're the beloved sitcoms of the 1960s that combined creepy with funny. For this Halloween special, I'll be discussing two beloved sitcoms that are Halloween classics: The Addams Family and The Munsters.

Humble Beginnings

The Munsters and The Addams family are so similar, that they usually go hand in hand. Both are iconic in their own way. They began a week apart from each other, and the Addams Family inspired the Munsters. Funny enough, The Munsters received better ratings than the Addams Family, despite the Addams Family being a much more successful franchise.

Aren't Movies Great?

Even after the cancellations of the shows, movie versions continued to be made. Munster, Go Home! was the first movie adaptation of the Munsters. If failed theatrically, but was actually quite significant, as it featured the Munsters in Technicolor for the first time. A few more made-for-TV movies aired of the Munsters, but M,GH! was the only theatrical release of a Munster movie. The Addams Family, however, had far better fortunes, movie-wise. The Addams Family and Addams Family Values were both hits, both commercially and critically. The 1991 Addams Family movie received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

Let's Get Animated

Both the Addams and Munster families got animated in 1973. The Munsters received a one hour TV film titled the Mini-Munsters, while The Addams family aired 16 episodes. The Mini-Munsters failed to be adapted into a series, which was the initial intention. The Munsters were never seen in animated form again. The Addams Family had a different result. Though the original animated Addams Family series was cancelled after one season, the Addams Family returned to animation in 1992. That series did somewhat better than the first attempt. However, it only lasted 21 episodes (though the series was pretty good). Unfortunately, the animated versions of the Munsters and Addams Family are unlikely to ever be seen again on TV, though the 1992 series did previously air just a few years ago.

Remakes, Remakes, Remakes

We all know how much TV loves remaking classics. Usually, this ends badly. For Addams Family, that remained true. Halloween with the New Addams Family failed to receive a series pickup, and The New Addams Family, from 1998, aired just two seasons. The Munsters didn't fare much better, with NBC's Mockingbird Lane failing to receive a series order. However, The Munsters Today aired 72 episodes in Syndication in the late 1980s and early 90s, two more episodes than the original series.

Classic Addresses

The addresses that the Addams Family and Munsters lived at, 0001 Cemetery Lane and 1313 Mockingbird Lane, are also pretty iconic parts of the shows. 1313 Mockingbird Lane even inspired the name of a failed Munsters spinoff, Mockingbird Lane.

Iconic Homes

Okay, so maybe the homes aren't beautiful. But they are iconic symbols of these two shows. Everybody knows that the Addams Family's house is a museum (where people come to see-em). And every fan of the Munsters knows that almost every non-Munster that steps in the house typically says something about it being run down. Speaking of the Munsters Mansion, the Munsters wasn't the only show it ever appeared in. It has appeared in Desperate Housewives, The Incredible Hulk, and Murder, She Wrote, among many others.

Toys, Toys, Toys

We all know how that nearly every successful franchise has some form of a toy depicting them. The Munsters and Addams Family are no different. Many toys of the shows have been produced, including dolls/figurines, video games, and models of the Munsters home.

Unorthodox Animals

The Munster and Addams families both had unusual pets. The Addams Family had Aristotle, an octopus, while the Munsters had Spot, a dragon. These weren't their only pets, of course. The Munsters also had a bat named Igor, as well as a cat that roars like a lion. The Addams Family had Kitty Kat, a lion, and Cleopatra, a man-eating plant. While all of these pets are rather peculiar, they fit the shows perfectly.
  

So Much Potential

Unfortunately, both the Addams Family and the Munsters struggled in the ratings. For that reason, each received just two seasons, with the Munsters lasting 70 episodes to the Addams Family's 64. It's hard to believe that these classic shows only lasted two seasons each. But their legacies live on in syndication, Netflix, and movies to this day.

And the Winner is....

While I adore both shows, and watch them each and every Halloween, I've always preferred the Addams Family. I was so obsessed with the Addams Family that for a school project one year, I created models of Morticia, Gomez, and Cousin Itt. To this day, I still use those as Halloween decorations. I own the Addams Family on DVD, and love the Addams Family feature films, as well as the animated shows. But that's not to say that I'm not a huge Munsters fan. One year, I was Grandpa Munster for Halloween.  

Now, it's time for you to decide the superior series.. Are you an Addams Family fan or a Munster maniac? 

TV Ratings Guide Halloween Special: The Best Halloween Movies

Well, it's that time of the year again. Halloween is around the corner, and that means that it's time for Halloween movies, arguably the most fun part of Halloween. Other than candy, of course.


Rebecca Bunch's Top Five Halloween Movies
I'll just start by saying that I'm not a big fan of scary movies. The scariest thing that I'll watch is American Horror Story. So my movies obviously will only include movies that don't have much death, gore, or thrills. But if that's your thing, stick around for the end of this post.

1) For Halloween, Hocus Pocus is Your Best Bette:

Hocus Pocus is a Halloween classic. ABC Family (I still refuse to call it by that stupid name that begins with an F) airs it almost every day during their "13 Nights of Halloween" Marathons. One reason for that is that it is a great movie. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are all great in their roles, and it can be watched over and over again. And also, Bette Midler's version of I Put A Spell On You is the best version.

2) Whatever You Do, Don't Say it Three Times:

Beetlejuice.Beetlejuice. Beetleju- I won't say it again. This movie remains a classic after three decades. It's possibly the best Tim Burton film. And it's a helluva lot of  fun to watch. Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin are perfect in their roles. And this movie makes you feel the strangest things (see what I did there?). Of course you want Beetlejuice to appear. He's an awesome character. But you also really hate him at the end. And it also makes me want to slap Lydia's parents every damn time.

3) It's Astounding:

Sure, this may be the strangest movie of all time. But it's also one of the most fun. It may not be spooky. And I'm not 100% sure what qualifies it as a Halloween movie. But it's still great. It has the catchiest songs, and I always just want to yell "Dammit Janet!" at the top of my lungs whenever I see Susan Sarandon. This movie is a cultural icon, and it's funny, catchy, and strange, all at the same time. And also, " Touch-a touch-a touch-a touch me!"

4) They're Creepy and They're Kooky:

If you've seen my post about the Addams Family, you know that I love it dearly. And I love the movies, The Addams Family and Addams Family Values, almost as much. Addams Family Values managed to do the impossible: it managed to be a sequel that is better than the (superb) first movie. These movies are truly great, and they don't ruin the original content, something far too many remakes manage to do.


5) Everybody Grab your Brooms:

This movie may not be as famous as Hocus Pocus, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or Beetlejuice. But it's still pretty fun. This movie was my childhood. I watched it all the time. I love it so much that I have an autographed copy of the Halloweentown DVD signed by Debbie Reynolds. I treasure it . This movie is something that, all of these years later, I still love to watch.

Honorary Mention: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

If this Halloween classic had a runtime of longer than 25 minutes (which means it technically isn't a movie), it would definitely be in my Top 5. It's just so awesome. It defines the Halloween Spirit and what it's all about. All of the other Halloween specials bow down to it.

Jon (Crazy Ex-Nashville Fan)
1) The Addams Family

I was scrolling through the channels last year, and I saw this movie on Freeform. I started watching it and I was instantly hooked! Sad I only have known about such a great movie for a year. I love this movie because of the different plot. I mean what other family is like this? It’s funny, it is different, it is Halloween themed, what more is needed? The Addams Family really is the last movie in its genre. You know the type of Halloween themed episode of a show that is set years back, and has some crazy scientist in a small town doing weird-Halloweeney things? The Addams Family is the last movie that really went on that plot, and I love it.

2) Fun Size

 Maybe I am the only one who is a fan of this forgotten Halloween film, but I shouldn’t be. Fun Size was about a girl who was supposed to take her brother trick-or-treating, and lost him. Her and her friends scout for him all night which takes them on an amazing journey on one of the craziest nights of the year. Fun Size had it all. Comedy. Perfect Halloween elements, and a really great story. I would definitely recommend watching it before Tuesday.

3) The Nightmare Before Christmas 

This is one of my top Halloween movies for so many reasons. One of those being how unique the movie is. It has such an interesting, and different plot than all the other holiday movies. Watching this movie really makes me excited for the season. I love it so much. It is also great because it is partially Christmas themed, and I love Christmas!

4) Scream – Film Series:

While there are a lot of really good, Halloween movies, some that have been a favorite for almost all my life, every year, my number one movie to watch around the scariest holiday of the year is Scream. First off let me say something, I LOVE scary movies, I LOVE slasher movies, and I LOVE Halloween. So all three combined is the absolute best combination. Scream was probably the movie that started the slasher horror craze, and 20 years later it is still so popular. It is fun, scary, and has a lot of blood – those are a few things I like about it. Throughout the season I watch it quite a few times and every time feels like the first. I love to watch it late at night and just get into the murder. It really makes the Halloween season, and with it and Halloween being scary it is perfect. You should watch it this season!

5)Halloweentown 

While an old movie, I still find this as one of the best classics. Halloweentown is probably the most popular children’s Halloween movie. I really love it so much. I remember as a kid, I would always watch this movie during the season, and it gave me so many good memories. It is one of the symbols of Halloween to me.

Bridger Cunningham's Top 5 Halloween Films

1) Halloween (1978)

A fitting classic with slick production values.  It had an authentic feel to it as the series hadn't strayed too far from realism yet.

2) The Funhouse

A forgotten movie that seems to show up around this time of the year.  The scares were subtle and it had a great opening sequence like Halloween.

3) Halloween II (1981)

Kind of cheesy and strayed from realism.  But still captured the imminent doom element.  The hot tub scene was hilarious, the hallway scenes terrifying.  Along with that parking lot.

4) Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Still trippy.

5) The Fog (1980)

 Quite possibly one of the best movies which still freaks me out.  The campfire tale, the town falling apart, that boat, and most frightening of all when Adrienne Barbeau lashes the hook at the ghost, and worms come out of the face!  The remake was a joke.

1965-66 Sitcom Scorecard -- Several Old Favorites Leave ABC and CBS

Written Hoping Reboots Keep the Flintstones in the 60's by Bridger Cunningham

Yabba, dappa dropped.  1966 spelled an all-too-familiar trend of parting with the previous era's successes.  Several longstanding ABC veterans and three-year ventures were handed pink slips from the networks.  Given newer sensations Bewitched and Batman were top-10 players, ABC decided to shake it up and remain competitive with 1st place CBS.  The Tiffany Network continued with its perfect marriage between homespun and silly premises.  The Lucy Show remained on top despite a devastating blow from losing venerable veteran Vivian Vance, whom Lucille Ball failed to talk out of retirement with a sizable salary.  NBC's sitcom pallet ran rife with failure as 40% of their sitcoms were handed renewals and rated on the softer side.

Freshman comedies were not the only cancellations ABC and CBS handed out.  The Ozzie and Harriet Show, America's then-longest running sitcom, was handed a shameful Saturday timeslot followed by a cancellation notice.  Their 14-season record remained intact for 37 years until The Simpsons broke its record in 2003.  However, Ozzie and Harriet continues to hold the live-action vs. animation record for an unprecedented 51 years.  Next up on longstanding cancellations was Donna Reed with 8 season, also handed the same shameful Saturday package offered to Ozzie and Harriet.  The first animated sitcom, The Flintstones, ended after 6 seasons.  The Hanna/Barbera production became a Top 20 sensation its first season and would remain in the top 30 until 1963.

McHales's Navy ended after 4 seasons, Patty Duke and The Farmer's Wife after 3, and The Addams Family after 2.  All ranked below 60th place.  The Addams Family's CBS knockoff, The Munsters, also ended after two seasons, one rank higher than the Addams Family.  CBS held more room than ABC to cancel its sitcoms as other longstanding shows left the air.  The Dick Van Dyke Show and Hazel ended after 5 seasons, and My Favorite Martian was sent out of the orbit after 3 seasons.  Not a single sitcom on NBC's roster possessed more than 2 seasons during the 1965-66 season, and the six cancellations all were freshman, including the ultra-embarrassing My Mother the Car.

Sources

1. http://fbibler.chez.com/tvstats/by_5_yr_period/top_programs_1965-1970.html
2. American Television History, 1967 -- http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Television-Magazine/Television-1967-Aug.pdf
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965%E2%80%9366_United_States_network_television_schedule