The Most Popular TV Show From Your Birth Year (1951-1990)

12. 1963-1964: The Beverly Hillbillies

Based on its cultural significance, you might be surprised to learn that The Beverly Hillbillies topped the ratings for only two seasons. That’s an accomplishment, but two seasons of top ratings do not adequately capture the show’s popularity.

The Clampetts commanded top-20 ratings throughout its nine seasons. However, The Beverly Hillbillies and a slew of other rural-themed shows would be dashed in a move known as the “rural purge.” The 1970s took a hard break from the country bumpkin brand of comedy that The Beverly Hillbillies typified.