The Beverly Hillbillies, which aired on CBS from 1962 until 1971, was one of the most popular sitcoms (see entry under 1950s—TV and Radio in volume 3) in television (see entry under 1940s—TV and Radio in volume 3) history. Although the series was criticized for its backwoods humor, audiences embraced the misadventures of the mountaineer family who discovered oil on their rural property and subsequently moved to the land of swimming pools and movie stars—Beverly Hills, California. The series' great success led CBS to air a number of rural-based comedies for the next decade.

Its memorable theme song was performed by bluegrass (see entry under 1940s—Music in volume 3) stars Lester Flatt (1914–1979) and Earl Scruggs (1924–). In the song, the audience learns how Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen; 1908–) discovered "bubbling crude" on his land and became an instant millionaire. He is soon convinced to transplant his clan...