Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. is an American situation comedy that originally aired on CBS from September 25, 1964, to May 2, 1969. The series was a spinoff of The Andy Griffith Show, and the pilot was aired as the finale of the fourth season of The Andy Griffith Show on May 18, 1964. The show ran for five seasons and a total of 150 episodes. In 2006, CBS Home Entertainment began releasing the series on DVD. The final season was released in November 2008. The series was created by Aaron Ruben, who also produced the show with Sheldon Leonard and Ronald Jacobs. Filmed and set in California, it stars Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle, a naive but good-natured gas-station attendant from the town of Mayberry, North Carolina, who enlists in the United States Marine Corps. Frank Sutton plays Gomer's high-octane, short-fused Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter, and Ronnie Schell plays Gomer's friend Gilbert "Duke" Slater. Allan Melvin played in the recurring role of Gunnery Sergeant Carter's rival, Sergeant Charley Hacker. The series never discussed nor addressed the then-current Vietnam War, instead focusing on the relationship between Gomer and Sergeant Carter. The show retained high ratings throughout its run.

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964-1969) is an American situation comedy created by Aaron Ruben for CBS and spun off from The Andy Griffith Show. Jim Nabors plays Gomer Pyle, a naive but good-natured gas-station attendant from Mayberry, North Carolina, who enlists in the United States Marine Corps. His high-octane, short-fused drill instructor Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter is played by Frank Sutton, and Ronnie Schell plays Gomer's friend Duke Slater, while Allan Melvin appears recurringly as Carter's rival Sergeant Charley Hacker. The engine of the show is simple: Gomer's earnest attempts to fit into boot camp and base life keep colliding with Carter's explosive temper, producing a steady stream of gentle misunderstandings and small triumphs. Each episode is self-contained, built around a new base mishap or training situation. Across five seasons and 150 episodes, the series stays light and warm, avoiding the Vietnam War entirely and centering the comedy on the odd-couple bond between recruit and sergeant. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show, Sgt. Bilko and Hogan's Heroes will find resonance in its wholesome, character-driven military humor and affectionate, family-friendly tone.

Reception is unknown in the provided data, though the series is remembered as a warm military sitcom built on Jim Nabors and Frank Sutton's comic pairing.

• The Andy Griffith Showshared sitcom tones, small town roots and gentle military comedy with an earnest naive lead
• Sgt. Bilkoshared military sitcom format built around a loud drill instructor and a bumbling recruit
• Hogan's Heroesshared workplace-service setting and gentle character-driven sitcom comedy

Created by

Aaron Ruben

Release Date

1964-09-25

Episode runtime

25 min

Rating

7.0 / 10 (35)

What is Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. about?

A naive, good-natured gas-station attendant from Mayberry enlists in the Marines and clashes comically with his short-fused drill sergeant.

What is Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C..

What did critics think of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.?

Reception is unknown in the provided data, though the series is remembered as a warm military sitcom built on Jim Nabors and Frank Sutton's comic pairing.

Which shows are like Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.?

Shows with a similar feel include The Andy Griffith Show, Sgt. Bilko, and Hogan's Heroes.

How long is Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.?

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.: 5 seasons, 150 episodes.

Is Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. still running?

No, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. has ended.