Watch The Dick Van Dyke Show

The Dick Van Dyke Show is a classic sitcom that aired from 1961 to 1966. The show is centered around the character of Rob Petrie, played by Dick Van Dyke, who is a head writer for a fictional TV show called The Alan Brady Show. Rob works alongside Buddy Sorrell (Morey Amsterdam) and Sally Rogers (Rose Marie), who are also writers on the show.

Rob is married to Laura Petrie, played by Mary Tyler Moore, who is a housewife and mother to their young son Richie, played by Larry Mathews. Laura is portrayed as a modern and independent woman who sometimes chafes at the expectations placed on her by society. In many ways, Laura is ahead of her time, sometimes outsmarting the men on the show and upending gender roles.

The show is known for its witty writing and clever jokes, often revolving around the absurdities of working in the television industry. Many episodes focus on the challenges the writers face while trying to come up with new ideas for the show. These ideas are sometimes inspired by Rob's personal life, which also serves as fodder for the show.

Another memorable character on the show is Mel Cooley, played by Richard Deacon, who is the show's producer. Mel is often exasperated by the antics of Rob and the other writers, and he is frequently the butt of their jokes.

One of the show’s unique features is its opening sequence. The scene shows Van Dyke entering his home with a lively tune playing in the background. He famously trips over an ottoman in the middle of his living room, a scene that was not supposed to be in the show but was included after it received a big laugh during rehearsals.

Throughout the run of the show, there are many memorable moments and episodes. One such episode is “It May Look Like a Walnut,” in which Rob has a bizarre dream after watching a sci-fi movie. Another is “Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth,” in which Laura accidentally reveals the winner of a TV contest on national television.

The show was praised for its sophisticated writing and innovative use of physical comedy. It was also one of the first shows to portray a working mother as a central character, paving the way for future sitcoms. The show was also notable for dealing with controversial topics such as race and politics, something that was rare for a sitcom in the 1960s.

The Dick Van Dyke Show was a critical and commercial success, winning 15 Emmys over its five-year run. The show has remained popular over the years and has been released on DVD, allowing new generations of viewers to appreciate its humor and wit.

In conclusion, The Dick Van Dyke Show was a classic sitcom that still holds up today. Its smart writing, timeless humor, and talented cast made it one of the most beloved shows of its time, and its legacy has endured. The show broke barriers during a time when sitcoms were still finding their footing, and it remains a testament to the power of great writing and strong performances.

The Dick Van Dyke Show is a series that ran for 5 seasons (160 episodes) between October 3, 1961 and on Image Entertainment