Start date and basic timeline
The American television situation comedy The Beverly Hillbillies premiered on CBS on September 26, 1962, and aired through March 23, 1971. It ran for nine seasons, produced by Filmways, with a total of 274 episodes. In this evergreen profile, we clarify the show’s start year, original network, and how viewers and researchers can confirm key dates and credits.
Original network and episode count
The series aired on CBS in first-run broadcast in the United States. It was filmed in black-and-white for its first three seasons, then transitioned to color. The table below summarizes core broadcast attributes for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere date | September 26, 1962 | Network press records and syndication logs |
| Finale date | March 23, 1971 | Network press records and syndication logs |
| Original network | CBS | Network archives and contemporary listings |
| Total episodes | 274 | Producers’ library and syndication data |
| Production company | Filmways | Credits and legal production records |
Season-by-season overview
The series delivered consistent weekly programming for more than eight years. Understanding the season-by-season scope helps contextualize its longevity and cultural footprint.
- Season 1 (1962–1963): 34 episodes; debut in September 1962; strong early ratings.
- Season 2–8 (1963–1970): Regular 30–34 episode orders per year; top-10 ratings through much of the run.
- Season 9 (1970–1971): 18 episodes; moved to earlier time slots but was cancelled after the season.
How to verify air dates and credits
Because syndication and streaming versions can vary slightly in presentation, it’s useful to check authoritative sources to confirm start years and episode details.
- CBS broadcast logs and contemporary TV listings for exact local air dates.
- Produced by Filmways and registered with the U.S. Copyright Office; production records confirm episode counts.
- Library of Congress and major archive services for broadcast materials and press kits.
- Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild credits for cast and key crew verification.
Common questions about the start and run
People often ask whether the show began in color, how long it ran, and when reruns became widespread. Here are concise clarifications based on verified records:
- Did The Beverly Hillbillies start in color? No; it began in black-and-white and switched to color in Season 4 (1965).
- How many seasons did it have? Nine seasons, from 1962 to 1971.
- When did reruns become common in syndication? Reruns entered wide syndication in the early 1970s and remained popular for decades.
- Who produced the series? Filmways produced the series for CBS.
Summary and key facts
The Beverly Hillbillies is an evergreen example of a long-running network sitcom that began in the early 1960s. Knowing the premiere date (September 26, 1962), the original network (CBS), the episode count (274), and the producer (Filmways) provides a reliable foundation for research, discussion, and reference. Use authoritative broadcast logs, library collections, and writers’ guild records to confirm details and maintain accuracy over time.