25 minSeason 1 • Episode 32
LatestA frozen alligator is the cause of some confusion.
Gidget is an American sitcom about a surfing, boy-crazy teenager called "Gidget" and her widowed father Russ Lawrence, a UCLA professor. Sally Field stars as Gidget with Don Porter as father Russell Lawrence. The series was first broadcast on ABC from September 15, 1965 to April 21, 1966. Gidget was among the first regularly scheduled color programs on ABC, but did poorly in the Nielsen ratings and was cancelled at the end of its first season.
Acting
Sally Field's infectious spark carries every scene.
Costume
Wardrobe is a masterclass in 1965 beach casual.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sally Field lied about her surfing ability to get cast; she learned for the role. The series was created by the same team behind The Flying Nun, explaining the similar 'quirky young woman' energy.
Gidget arrived at peak Beach Boys California dream era, yet its ratings failure suggests audiences preferred their teen girls less independent. The 1959 film and 1965 series both flopped, but the character became a lasting cultural archetype.
US
