The Lowest-Rated Episode of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Launched Another TV Series
The Andy Griffith Show is an iconic TV series. It’s one of the beloved ’60s shows that has a firm place in pop culture. Even though its original run is long over — the program ran from 1960 to 1968 — The Andy Griffith Show continues in syndication. And, just like any other TV show, it has episodes that don’t resonate with viewers.
The worst episode is in ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Season 8
According to IMDb ratings, the worst episode of The Andy Griffith Show is from the program’s eighth season. The Andy Griffith Show Season 8 Episode 30: “Mayberry R.F.D.” is the lowest-rated episode with 4.8 stars out of 10.
Originally airing on April 1, 1968, the episode centers around Sam Jones (Ken Berry) and his friend from Italy. Sam’s friend, Mario, comes to Mayberry to help on the farm. But unbeknownst to Sam, Mario brings his father and sister along too. It’s a challenge adjusting to life in a new place and Sam must decide whether or not they can stay.
The episode is the series finale of The Andy Griffith Show. Viewers don’t get to find out what happens to Andy or any of the other main characters, which is likely behind the episode’s low rating. Unlike a more traditional series, storylines aren’t wrapped up and answers aren’t given.
‘The Andy Griffith Show’ series finale sets up ‘Mayberry R.F.D.’
The series finale of The Andy Griffith Show sets up Mayberry R.F.D., a spinoff. Instead of Andy being the main character, Mayberry R.F.D. focuses on Sam’s life in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina.
He raises his son, works on the farm, and gets elected to the town council. Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), who Sam hires as his housekeeper, is there for support. Short-lived, Mayberry R.F.D. runs for three seasons from 1968 to 1971.
‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Season 3 has the best episode of the series
Out of eight seasons of The Andy Griffith Show, one of the program’s earlier episodes ranks higher than the rest. The Andy Griffith Show Season 3 Episode 11: “Convicts-at-Large” is the series’ highest-rated episode.
Originally airing on December 10, 1962, it focuses on Barney Fife (Don Knotts) and Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear). Barney and Floyd are taken hostage by three women who have just escaped from prison. According to IMDb ratings, the episode has 9.4 stars out of 10.
Even though there isn’t much going on in Mayberry, viewers clearly enjoy it when there’s some excitement in the small town.
Watch every season of The Andy Griffith Show for free on Tubi or stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
