SYNOPSIS

This highly successful series is often considered one of television's classic comedies, primarily because of its first-class scripting and excellent casting. Most of the principals were show-business veterans and several went on to star in series of their own. The setting, appropriately enough, was behind the scenes on a mythical TV comedy show. Rob Petrie was the head comedy writer for The Alan Brady Show, a popular New York-based comedy-variety series whose neurotic star was seldom seen here. Working with Rob were two other writers, Sally and Buddy, both of whom were close friends of Rob and his wife Laura. Their nemesis at the office, and the butt of much humor, was balding Melvin Cooley, the pompous producer of The Alan Brady Show and the brother-in-law of its star. Episodes generally revolved around the problems of the writers and the home life of the Petrie's in New Rochelle. Early episodes often included flashbacks to Rob and Laura's courtship, while Rob was still in the army, the early days of their marriage, and the development of Rob's career. Frequently seen were their next door neighbors, Jerry and Millie Helper. Writer-director Carl Reiner played the occasional role of Alan Brady, who was heard but never seen until the show had been on for several seasons.

The Dick Van Dyke Show took several seasons to develop into a major hit and was still very popular in 1966, when if finally left the air because Van Dyke and other cast members wanted to try new material. Van Dyke was never able to repeat the spectacular success of this series, but his co-star, Mary Tyler Moore went on to greater fame on her own Mary Tyler Moore Show in the 1970's.

Reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show were a staple on the CBS weekday daytime lineup from August 1965 to September 1969.