The Andy Griffith Show debuted on television over 60 years ago and has aired in syndication virtually every day since, amassing a devoted fanbase seeking high-quality, wholesome entertainment that harkens back to a simpler time.
Now, after producing the feature film Mayberry Man (2021), inspired by the television classic, the children of the actors who appeared in the original series are developing a new family-friendly streaming series—Mayberry Man: The Series.
In the feature film, arrogant movie star Chris Stone’s life changes when he is forced to spend a week at a nostalgic festival celebrating The Andy Griffith Show, the beloved television classic from the 1960s. Mayberry Man: The Series picks up where the movie leaves off, following Chris Stone as he navigates his newfound relationships with Mayberry’s sweetheart Kate and the quirky characters of a modern-day Mayberry.
For fans who always dreamed of visiting Mayberry, they have the opportunity to participate in the show as actors and extras. The funds for the Mayberry Man movie were raised through crowdfunding, and the producers will use the same strategy for Mayberry Man: The Series. When backing the project on Indiegogo beginning June 25, fans can choose from a variety of “perks” that include things like getting their name in the credits, passes to a red carpet premiere, participating on-set as a background extra, or they can even land an on-screen speaking role.
Creator of the series, Stark Howell, who also wrote and directed the movie, is the son of Hoke Howell, a character actor known for portraying hillbilly Dud Wash on The Andy Griffith Show. Stark was inspired to make the movie after attending his first Mayberry festival in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s hometown.
“I’ve always been a fan of the show, but I was shocked to discover the spirit of Mayberry still exists today within the tight-knit Mayberry fan community,” says Howell. “It’s the perfect setting to tell modern-day, family-friendly stories that express the virtues of the fictitious town of Mayberry that we all love.”
Stark’s younger brother Cort Howell produced the movie and will return as producer of the series. “We worked outside the Hollywood system and partnered with Mayberry fans through crowdfunding to protect the wholesomeness of the project,” Cort says. “We plan to repeat this winning formula with the series.”
The project involves Mayberry royalty, as well. Andy Griffith’s daughter Dixie Griffith is returning as Executive Producer and Karen Knotts, daughter of Don Knotts, will be a cast member. Additionally, co-producer Gregory Schell is the son of actor-comedian Ronnie Schell, who appeared on The Andy Griffith Show and played “Duke Slater” in Gomer Pyle, USMC. Ronnie is also slated to appear in the series.
