17 Things Producers of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Hid from Fans

The Andy Griffith Show ran from 1960 to 1968 and captured audiences with its portrayal of the sleepy town of Mayberry and its lovable cast of characters that were always up to something. But not everything about the show was as transparent and wholesome as it seemed. Here are some behind-the-scenes things about the show that you’re not supposed to know about the classic sitcom with the catchiest whistling theme song ever.

1. Andy and Barney were first introduced as cousins

When the show first hit the air, Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife were introduced as cousins. That relationship was mentioned and kept up for the first three episodes “The New Housekeeper,” “The Manhunt,” and “Runaway Kid.” But then the producers changed their mind and just dropped that familial storyline, hoping that no one would notice.