What Might've Been: Fibber McGee & Molly (1959)

What happens when a beloved radio show moves to television without its lead actors? Disaster.

Jim & Marion Jordan, the stars of radio's Fibber McGee & Molly, were unwilling to make the transition to television. However, in 1959, NBC took it upon themselves, with help from sponsors such as the Singer Company, to develop a video version of Fibber McGee. Bob Sweeney, better known as a writer & director on later series such as The Andy Griffith Show, was cast as Fibber, with Cathy Lewis as Molly. The only other selling point? William Asher, better known for his later work at Screen Gems (i.e. Bewitched), was the producer & director.

Let's take a look at a sample episode:

Edit, 8/16/23: Had to change the video. This one has a claymation open by Art Clokey.



We'll look at the radio version another day.

Rating: B-.