Name: Father Knows Best
Genre: Comedy, Family
Released: 1954-10-03
Rating: 6.7
Cast: Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray, Lauren Chapin

The 1950s answer to 'what if your dad was right about EVERYTHING?'

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Latest Episode

30 min

Season 6 • Episode 32

Latest

Betty's Graduation

May 23, 1960

When Kathy refuses to graduate from high school, the family tells her about Betty's reluctance to graduate from High School, too. This is a recut version of episode 63. It is not part of the syndication package and is considered ""lost"".

Overview

Comedy Family

Family man Jim Anderson copes with the everyday problems among his wife Margaret and their three children as they experience day-to-day changes.

Content warning

family sitcom middle class

idealized domesticitygenerational wisdomsuburban conformityparental authority

Standout Aspects

Acting

Robert Young's warmth defines TV fatherhood

Production

Pristine 50s suburban aesthetic porn

Writing

Moral lessons wrapped in gentle laughs

Best for:Background·Family·Solo

Heads up:Triggers

Creator

Ed James

First AiredOct 3, 1954

StatusEnded

Vibe

Pacesteady

Intensitylow

Tonelight

Feellight

Seasons6·Episodes203

Top Cast

Robert Young

Jim Anderson

Jane Wyatt

Margaret Anderson

Elinor Donahue

Betty Anderson

Billy Gray

Bud Anderson

Lauren Chapin

Kathy Anderson

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

This single-handedly cemented the 'wise patriarch' sitcom template that dominated TV until All in the Family destroyed it.

Trivia

Robert Young was so typecast as perfect dad Jim that he later did depression medication commercials—his real life struggles were the antithesis of the show.

Gallery