One of the most durable television sitcoms and one of the most successful of the popular rural comedies at CBS during the 1960s, The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-71) has withstood critical disdain and become a favorite with viewers in reruns. The Beverly Hillbillies is the old story of city slicker versus country bumpkin, of education versus wisdom; and though the laughs are at the Hillbillies' expense, in the end they almost always come out on top despite their lack of sophistication. This simple account of simple country folk at odds with city folk hit a nerve in the country and was reflected in a number of other shows of the era, including fellow Paul Henning productions Petticoat Junction and Green Acres. The Beverly Hillbillies premiered to a critical blasting and yet within a few weeks was at the top of the ratings and remained popular...