1. Andy Griffith originally intended to play the comic, not the straight man.
When the show began, Andy planned to be the funny one. But once Don Knotts (Barney Fife) joined, Andy quickly realized that Don’s comic timing was gold. Andy took a step back, becoming the calm center that let other characters shine.
2. The show never had a series finale.
There was no grand goodbye for The Andy Griffith Show. It quietly transitioned into Mayberry R.F.D., with many of the same characters staying on — except Andy, who gradually stepped out.
3. Don Knotts thought he was only signed for one season.
Knotts left the show after five seasons because he believed Andy planned to end the series. When Andy decided to keep going, Don had already signed a film contract. This misunderstanding changed the course of the show.
4. Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee) didn’t get along with the rest of the cast.
Though she played the warm and loving Aunt Bee, off-screen Frances Bavier was known to be distant and sometimes difficult to work with. She reportedly didn’t enjoy the laid-back environment on set.
5. There was almost no background music.
Unlike many shows, The Andy Griffith Show used very little background music. This minimalist approach gave the show a more realistic, homespun feel — and let the characters’ emotions do the work.
6. Ron Howard was just 6 years old when the show started.
Despite his age, Ron Howard (Opie) delivered remarkably natural performances. He later said he often didn’t fully understand the lines, but Andy helped coach him scene by scene.
7. Floyd the Barber had a stroke during the series.
Howard McNear, who played Floyd, suffered a stroke in 1963. After recovering, he returned to the show — but he could no longer walk, so scenes were carefully staged with him seated or propped up.
8. The show’s theme song has lyrics — but you’ve never heard them.
We all know the whistled tune, but “The Fishin’ Hole” actually has lyrics, written by Everett Sloane. Andy Griffith even recorded a vocal version!
