When "The Andy Griffith Show" was at its best, it was a perfect or near-perfect show. It is because of this I give the show a score of 10. I loved how unlike most sitcoms, the characters were much more important. Cheap laughs and silly situations were rarely seen in the show and showing a character grow and connect with the viewer were what set this show apart. However, it would also be unfair to mention that the show slipped dramatically in quality once Don Knotts left the show. As for me, I really wish they had just stopped the show then, as replacements such as Goober, Emmett and Howard just weren't up to filling Barney's shoes. Part of this was because Barney was such a great character, but these three were also just very dull characters--particularly Emmett and Howard. Blocks of wood would have been as interesting! And, Barney's short-term replacement (Avery Shriber) was annoying and Barney's special appearances painful. My advice is watch the original Barney episodes...then stop. Why mess with perfection?!
Review of The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show
(1960–1968)
The first seasons were brilliant...that latter were unnecessary.
11 October 2010