TV Couples of Early TV 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Deputy Dog

This was the longest running prime time series of the 20th century, with a 20 year run from '55 to '75 and over 600 episodes. Miss Kitty owned the saloon, "Doc Adams" was the feisty doc, and Chester was portrayed as the stiff-legged deputy. Another regular was hill-billy accented Festus, a friend of Chester as well as a deputy to Marshall Dillon. Oh, I forgot, Deputy Dog was the correct answer and is now safely back with "Terrytoons".

Answer: David

Running from 1952 to 1966, the series toward the end lost the '50s family values and even though Ozzie changed the format, it just didn't quite make it. Ricky (real first name Eric) went on to a singing career and when he appeared in public, he was booed if he tried to sing any of his recent songs but was loudly cheered for his golden oldies. David was an actor, producer and director.

Answer: Ricky Ricardo

This show was a classic starting in 1951 and even today is seen by about 40 million Americans. Ricky Ricardo was her real life husband Desi Arnaz. "That's All" was the song played during the final episode and had a double meaning because the next day Lucy filed for divorce.

Answer: Gracie Allen

Who could argue with the illogical logic of Gracie Allen? It was a hit when it hit TV in 1950 and was first broadcast before a studio audience. Burns switched to film for syndication but every episode was shown to a live audience. The series ended in '58 but George continued one more year without Gracie.

It just didn't work. George Burns had contracted to play in London and Las Vegas for his 100th birthday joking, "I can't die, I'm booked". Unfortunately the booking was cancelled by his untimely death.

Answer: Dale Evans

Roy, Dale Evans and Pat Brady, along with his jeep "Nellybelle", drove along "Happy Trails" from 1951 to 1957. Don't forget Roy's horse "Trigger", dog "Bullet" and Dale's sometimes forgotten horse "Buttermilk". It was the epitome of "good guy" vs. "bad guy" children's show that went out along with many other shows of this ilk in the '60s.

Answer: June

The "Beav" (Jerry Mathers) was the star of one of the first sit-coms written from a child's point of view. People identified with this family and the problems they encountered growing up. Ward and June were the understanding parents and, along with older brother Wally (Tony Dow), entertained other regulars like smooth-talking "Eddie Haskell". Unbelievably, this icon of the ideal suburban family never cracked into the Nielsen ratings top-30, nor did it win any awards.

Answer: Bud and Lou

Although it ran for only two years (1952-1954) it is regarded today as one of the most influential comedy programs. William "Bud" Abbott and Lou Frank Costello will be remembered fondly for their "Who's on First" routine and Lou yelling "HEEEEEEEEYYY ABBOTTTT!" They had a rocky partnership and were plagued by tax and gambling issues. "Fireman Save My Child" was supposed to star this team but Costello's health doomed their participation.

Answer: Kelly

Between 1957 and 1962 this series appeared on all three networks. Bentley, Kelly, houseboy Peter Tong and next door neighbor and Kelly's boyfriend Howard Meechum were the series regulars. It never finished in the top 25 ratings in any of its seasons. For trivia fans, their dog was named Jasper.

Answer: Dagwood

The original series lasted one season in 1957 and was revived with a different cast in 1968 and suffered the same fate as the original. Besides Blondie and Dagwood, the characters included their children, Cookie and Alexander; Dagwood's boss, Mr. Dithers, and the mailman Mr. Beasley. The transfer from comics to screen just didn't work out.

Answer: Joey

Peter Graves (younger brother of James Arness) starred as Jim Newton with his adopted son Joey (Bobby Diamond) and general housekeeper Pete (William Fawcett) in this series, which was later called "Brave Stallion". Guest stars would do something stupid or naughty and had to be rescued by Fury. It lasted from 1955 to 1960 and was only shown in black and white.