Original Broadcast Dates and Network
Green Acres premiered on CBS on September 15, 1965, and the series ran until April 27, 1971. The show aired as part of a CBS programming block that also included The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction, creating a connected rural comedy lineup. It was produced by Filmways Television and created by Jay Sommers, with filming at the Desilu Studios in Hollywood. The series was later syndicated in reruns across the United States and remains a staple of classic TV schedules on digital broadcast and cable networks.
The show was canceled in 1971 as part of the CBS network's broader "rural purge," which removed several long-running rural-themed sitcoms from the schedule. Despite low ratings in its final season, Green Acres has maintained a strong cult following and continues to be referenced in television retrospectives and pop culture lists. The series is now available for streaming and purchase through digital platforms, making it accessible to new audiences decades after its original run.
Main Cast and Characters
Eddie Albert starred as Oliver Douglas, a New York City lawyer who moves his family to a rural farm in the fictional town of Hooterville. Eva Gabor played Lisa Douglas, his glamorous Hungarian wife who struggles to adjust to country life. The show also featured a memorable ensemble of supporting characters, including the quirky townspeople and farm animals that drove much of the comedy.
The cast included several actors who became closely associated with the rural sitcom genre during the 1960s and 1970s. Pat Buttram played Mr. Haney, the local used-car salesman known for his shady deals, while Tom Lester portrayed Eb Dawson, the naive farmhand. The characters and their interactions have been widely analyzed in television history articles and classic TV retrospectives available on entertainment reference sites.
Legacy, Syndication, and Modern Availability
Green Acres has remained in continuous syndication since its cancellation, airing on various local stations and cable networks across the United States. The show is frequently included in classic TV programming blocks and has been featured in lists of the greatest rural sitcoms of all time. Its enduring popularity is supported by consistent reruns and digital availability.
Fans can currently watch Green Acres through streaming services and digital purchase platforms that license classic television content. The series is also available for purchase on major digital storefronts, allowing viewers to own individual episodes or full seasons. For more information on the show's broadcast history and cultural impact, you can visit the official CBS archive page or the Paley Center for Media website.