My dad didn't install an outdoor TV antenna on our house, until the spring of '69. So, our family was stuck watching shows on CBS until then, since we couldn't pick-up other networks 'til the antenna was installed. As a result, I had to watch the "Monkees" on Saturday mornings, when they were in re-runs on CBS, starting in 1968.
The "Monkees" was a cutting-edge sitcom for its time. The 60s were a new era in pop-culture, television included. So, the "Monkees" fit right in to the new generational zeitgeist, that took over America during the mid-60s.
The show was meant to be a spoof of a rock-band, who lived together in a cool beach house. The "Monkees" were 4 young, good-looking dudes on-the-loose. They never had to answer to any authority figures, such as parents, teachers, etc. That factor alone, made them popular with their youthful viewer-ship. And this was a show aimed right at the under-22 demographic, during the swinging 60s.
The "Monkees" consisted of Mike Nesmith on guitar, Peter Tork on bass, Mickey Dolenz as their drummer, and Davey Jones as their lead-singer (a role he shared with Mickey Donlenz). It was always fun to watch their zany, Marx-brothers-like brand of slap-stick antics. They had a wonderful, on-screen chemistry going on between them all. Instead of relying on funny dialog, the "Monkees" series ran on the strength of the group's highly energetic performances. Each episode revolved around the group getting into hilarious misadventures, but coming-out unscathed in the end.
The group also performed their hit songs in every episode. Most of the "Monkees" songs were written by some very talented composers, including Neil Diamond, and Boyce & Hart. And so, the Monkees had many chart-topping hits during the 60s.
Some have said that the "Monkees" were an insignificant part of the 60s music scene. I disagree. Their show was the early template that paved the way for later sitcoms about rock music, such as the Partridge Family. Most importantly, the "Monkees" series was pioneering, since it linked the concept of visual performances set to pop music. Without this show, there probably never would've been MTV.
As for me, I really looked forward to my sugar-laden bowl of cereal, while watching the "Monkees" every Saturday morning as a youngster. Both the cereal, and the show, always got me stoked with plenty of energy!
The "Monkees" was a cutting-edge sitcom for its time. The 60s were a new era in pop-culture, television included. So, the "Monkees" fit right in to the new generational zeitgeist, that took over America during the mid-60s.
The show was meant to be a spoof of a rock-band, who lived together in a cool beach house. The "Monkees" were 4 young, good-looking dudes on-the-loose. They never had to answer to any authority figures, such as parents, teachers, etc. That factor alone, made them popular with their youthful viewer-ship. And this was a show aimed right at the under-22 demographic, during the swinging 60s.
The "Monkees" consisted of Mike Nesmith on guitar, Peter Tork on bass, Mickey Dolenz as their drummer, and Davey Jones as their lead-singer (a role he shared with Mickey Donlenz). It was always fun to watch their zany, Marx-brothers-like brand of slap-stick antics. They had a wonderful, on-screen chemistry going on between them all. Instead of relying on funny dialog, the "Monkees" series ran on the strength of the group's highly energetic performances. Each episode revolved around the group getting into hilarious misadventures, but coming-out unscathed in the end.
The group also performed their hit songs in every episode. Most of the "Monkees" songs were written by some very talented composers, including Neil Diamond, and Boyce & Hart. And so, the Monkees had many chart-topping hits during the 60s.
Some have said that the "Monkees" were an insignificant part of the 60s music scene. I disagree. Their show was the early template that paved the way for later sitcoms about rock music, such as the Partridge Family. Most importantly, the "Monkees" series was pioneering, since it linked the concept of visual performances set to pop music. Without this show, there probably never would've been MTV.
As for me, I really looked forward to my sugar-laden bowl of cereal, while watching the "Monkees" every Saturday morning as a youngster. Both the cereal, and the show, always got me stoked with plenty of energy!