Ozzie and Harriet Nelson

Long-running sitcom, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" based on a radio show of the same name is one of the shows from the period that epitomized the values of the 1950s and early 1960s through the all-American family.  The series starred read-life married couple, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson as well as their two sons, David and Ricky.  The focus of the series was the Nelson's home life as they deal with run-of-the-mill problems that families of the day faced.  By the time the show went off the air, it had produced 435 episodes over 14 seasons.  The first episode was called The Rivals and aired on ABC from October 3, 1952 to April 23, 1966.  

The series attracted large audiences and became synonymous with the 1950s ideal American family life.  Although it was never a top-ten hit, Nelson's long-term contract with ABC and the lower expectations that ame with being the lowest-rated of the big three television networks at the time ensured the show accrued enough episodes to remain the longest-running live-action sitcom in United States television history.

The Nelson's sons, did not join the cast until the radio show's fifth year initially appearing on the February 20, 1949 episode, at ages 12 and 8.  The two boys were played by professional actors prior to their joining the show because both were too young to perform.  The role of David was played by Joel Davis from 1944 until 1945 when he was replaced by Tommy Bernard.  Henry Blair appeared as Ricky.  The music was by Billy May and Ozzie Nelson.  The producers were Dave Elton and Ozzie Nelson.  The show's sponsors included International Silver Company (1944-1949), H.J. Heniz Company (1949-1952) and Lambert Pharmacal's Listerine (1952-1954).