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.

2. Opie is not actually throwing that rock

During the opening credits it appears that Opie is throwing a rock into the lake, but a young Ron Howard couldn’t master the shot or get the rock to the water at all. The producers cheated and put someone in the bushes behind him to do it, and the rest is TV history.

3. There were only two real southerners involved

Despite the show being based in and highly focused around life in the south, the only main cast members involved who were true southerners were Andy Griffith himself and Jim Nabors. Guess they passed along their knowledge and charm quite nicely.