Ten TV Series That "Everybody" Watched Including Me: Dick Van Dyke Show (#4)

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It's time for another one of those classic television series that drew millions of viewers...including me! Given my young age when this originally aired, I didn't have a lot of choice but to watch it. But as an adult I keep going back to it for its masterful comedy. Here's today's classic series. #4: The Dick Van Dyke Show You know that little disclaimer they put at the end of shows that says something along the lines of "this is fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental"? Forget it here. This show was based in reality. Carl Reiner (Rob Reiner's dad for you All in the Family or Spinal Tap fans) created this terrific sitcom based on his days writing for the classic Sid Caesar program Your Show of Shows. Reiner played Alan Brady, the host of the TV show the most of the main characters worked for. Brady was based on Caesar. Rose Marie's Sally Rogers role was based on pioneering comedy writer Selma Diamond (who's already been referenced in this countdown due to her stint on the series Night Court). And Buddy Sorrell, Morey Amsterdam's character, was based on Mel Brooks (I'm sure he doesn't need an introduction). Innocent fun (although Mary Tyler Moore did turn heads on occasion in the early 60s by -- gasp -- wearing slacks!!!!! at home) and brilliant comedy. It's one of those few instances where the "tribute" does the original complete justice, and then some! The Dick Van Dyke Show Aired on CBS 1961-1966 That classic opening: