by Nick Somoski

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 31, 2009

Every decade produced their own television hits. The 1960's followed the paths of the 1950's by bringing comedy to light. While Westerns still remained popular, comedies were taking a larger stand. More and more began showing up on the airwaves, and more and more viewers began making them an institution in their homes.

1960's comedies produced many memorable moments, so many great characters, and success that is still carrying on to this day. These shows have been hugely successful for many reasons, always deserving of taking the top spots.

1. The Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-1968) - This could just be the most lucrative show of the decade. For 8 seasons, The Andy Griffith Show was at the top of the ratings. It never placed lower than 7th, and was the second show to end its run as the top show on television. And, it was funny. Andy Griffith starred as Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry, North Carolina. He is joined by Don Knotts, portraying the wacky deputy Barney Fife, Frances Bavier as housekeeper Aunt Bee, and his son Opie, played by Ron Howard.

What makes it the best? For the time, it was innovative. It was among of the first of the "rural" comedies that would soon take over the decade. Andy Griffith was at his best in the show of his name, while his acting and his supporting cast's acting was always superb. The writing was phenomenal, the storylines always interesting, and in a way, it defined every single TV viewer that watched the show week after week.

It won numerous awards, spawning 2 spin-offs in Gomer Pyle and Mayberry R.F.D. To this day, it remains TV Land's biggest hit, airing on cable and in syndication all over the world. Its DVD's have flown off store shelves, and viewers, old and new, are kept entertained by the same episodes they've watched hundreds of times. To me, this is the true definition of a successful comedy.

2. The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962-1971) - This show was one of the highlights of the 1960s. The Beverly Hillbillies defined popularity in the '60's. It continued the outbreak of rural comedies, and helped put CBS in the lead for 8 consecutive years. It ranked at the top of the ratings its entire run, coming in as the #1 rated series for its first 2 seasons. Viewers were intrigued at the time by its simplicity - showing a family of rather naive hillbillies striking it rich made viewers laugh, and it allowed for one of the most creative, innovative series on television.

The show starred Buddy Epsen as Jed Clampet, the

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