Who doesn’t love marathoning some classic TV? These days, there’s so much to stream — so much that it becomes overwhelming at times. In those instances, we love to curl up with some tried-and-true favorites. After all, old-school shows like The Andy Griffith Show and I Love Lucy were such gems when they first hit screens — and that really hasn’t changed. In some ways, watching these familiar faces now is even more fun, especially when you need some comfort viewing.
So, the next time you find yourself looking for a new marathon-worthy show, why not turn back the clock with a few classics? From history-making hits like The Mary Tyler Moore Show to the laugh-out-loud antics of Ethel and Lucy, we’re taking a look back on some of our favorite shows from yesteryear. And, as an added bonus, we’ll let you know where to stream full episodes of Andy Griffith and all your old favorites.
Embrace the Nostalgia of “The Andy Griffith Show”
Has modern life got you feeling overwhelmed? Unplug from social media and head over to Mayberry, a fictional North Carolina town where Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) serves as the world’s coolest sheriff. Andy’s widowed character lives with his caring Aunt Bee, who’s always serving up delicious home-cooked meals as she helps raise Andy’s young son, Opie (played by an adorably young Ron Howard).
The show is filled with all kinds of zany townsfolk, including Andy’s hilariously bumbling deputy, Barney Fife. Picture a mixture of Norman Rockwell-style Americana and classic TV hijinks at their finest, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you can expect from The Andy Griffith Show.
Where to watch full episodes of The Andy Griffith Show:
- Amazon Prime
- Tubi (Free)
- Youtube TV
- The Roku Channel (free)
- Apple TV
Enjoy the Time-Honored Fun of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”
The Mary Tyler Moore Show chronicles the hilarious adventures of Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), a 30-something single gal living and working in Minneapolis. Mary scores a job as an associate producer at MJMTV, which happens to be the lowest-rated six o’clock news channel in town.
Much to the annoyance of her boss, Lou Grant (Ed Asner), Mary refuses to let life’s struggles dampen her spirit. As a result, she often ends up being a major asset to work colleagues and friends alike. You’ll also recognize other familiar faces, including that of Betty White, who plays Sue Ann Nivens, the shamelessly perky host of an MJMTV show called The Happy Homemaker.
Where to watch full episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show:
Laugh Out Loud Like Never Before With “I Love Lucy”
If you’ve never seen I Love Lucy, drop everything and plop down in front of a TV screen, laptop or iPad immediately. Largely considered one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, I Love Lucy revolves around a hilarious housewife Lucy Ricardo, who always seems to be getting into trouble despite her best intentions, and her bandleader husband, Ricky (Desi Arnaz), who plays the “straight man” to Lucy’s comedic antics.
With the help of the couple’s best friends and landlords, Fred and Ethel Mertz, Lucy is constantly finding herself in wacky situations that are sure to leave you crying with laughter. If you’re unsure where to start, check out an episode called “Job Switching,” where Lucy and Ethel attempt to get jobs at a chocolate factory. Needless to say, hilarity ensues.
Where to watch full episodes of I Love Lucy:
Comedy & Drama Effortlessly Mingle in “M.A.S.H.”
M.A.S.H. is one of those rare shows that successfully manages to blend comedy and drama. Set during the Korean War, the show features an ensemble cast of characters who serve in the 4077 United States Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (or M.A.S.H.).
While some episodes feature the serious tone you would expect to find in a show set against the backdrop of a war, the characters have a way of using humor to propel them through tough situations. You’ll find yourself falling in love with the entire cast as they make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.
Where to watch full episodes of M.A.S.H.:
Keep the Laughs Coming With “The Golden Girls”
In The Golden Girls, four retirees living in Miami experience the fun, and trials, of their golden years — all of which is served up with big laughs, lots of heart, and a slice of cheesecake. Best of all, the show features a brilliant cast of characters, including the sarcastic Dorothy (Bea Arthur), the ditzy-but-lovable Rose (Betty White), a sex positive Southern belle named Blanche (Rue McClanahan), and Dorothy’s ever-feisty mom, Sophia (Estelle Getty).
All four of the actresses won Emmys for their work on The Golden Girls, making them one of the few casts to do so. So, as you can imagine, there are plenty of great episodes to choose from, including “The Case of the Libertine Belle,” “Ladies of the Evening,” and “To Catch a Neighbor,” which features a young George Clooney.
Where to watch full episodes of The Golden Girls:
Take a Trip to the Old West With “Bonanza”
If you’re looking for a great western, it doesn’t get much better than Bonanza. Set in the 1860s, the show revolves around Nevada ranching patriarch Ben Cartwright (Lorne Green) and his family. Ben’s three sons, who really round out the cast, include the very serious eldest son, Adam; middle child Hoss, who’s something of a gentle giant; and Little Joe, the youngest member of the family — and a hopeless romantic.
Together, the Cartwright men work their ranch, the Ponderosa, and experience the many adventures that come along with living in the old west. With all the excitement of classic westerns and the heart-warming feels of a compelling drama, Bonanza is fun for the whole family.
Where to watch full episodes of Bonanza:
Experience the Comedic Magic of “I Dream of Jeannie”
When astronaut Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) finds himself stranded on a desert island, he lucks out by finding a bottle that contains a beautiful genie (Barbara Eden). Little does he know, she’s not always so great at the whole magic thing, which lands them in hilarious situations, despite Jeannie’s best efforts.
With the help of his best friend and fellow astronaut, Roger (Bill Daily), Tony struggles to keep Jeannie’s existence a secret from his long-suffering boss Alfred Bellows (Hayden Yorke). With magic, mischief, and plenty of fun, I Dream of Jeannie is still a ton of fun.
Where to watch full episodes of I Dream of Jeannie:
- The Roku Channel (free)
- Tubi (free)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Vudu
