Don Knotts TV Shows Overview
Don Knotts was an American actor and comedian best known for starring in multiple long-running sitcoms. His most prominent TV role was as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, where he earned five Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He later headlined his own sitcom Three's Company, playing the landlord Ralph Furley from 1979 to 1984. Knotts also appeared in guest roles and TV movies through the 1990s and 2000s, maintaining a consistent presence in American households.
Knotts' television career spanned more than four decades, from the 1960s through the early 2000s. He combined physical comedy with a nervous, stammering delivery that became his signature style. His work on The Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company remains the most widely recognized part of his legacy. Both shows have been syndicated continuously in the United States and are available on major streaming platforms.
Ratings, Awards, and Network History
The Andy Griffith Show aired on CBS from 1960 to 1968 and regularly ranked among the top five programs in the Nielsen ratings during its run. Knotts won consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards from 1961 to 1965, a record for supporting actors in a comedy series at the time. After leaving the show, he pursued a film career but returned to television with Three's Company on ABC, where the series ran for eight seasons and peaked in the top ten ratings.
Three's Company aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984 and was produced by T.A.T. Communications Company and later by Turner Broadcasting. The show was based on the British sitcom Man About the House. Knotts' portrayal of Ralph Furley earned him a sixth Emmy nomination and solidified his status as a television comedy staple. Both The Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company continue to be rebroadcast on networks such as TV Land and streamed on services including Netflix and Hulu.
Streaming Availability and Modern Access
As of the latest available data, The Andy Griffith Show is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in the United States. Three's Company can be found on Hulu and is also offered through digital purchase platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon. Both series are distributed by their respective rights holders, with streaming availability subject to licensing agreements that can change over time.
Don Knotts TV shows remain popular with audiences seeking classic sitcoms. The Andy Griffith Show holds a 9.2 rating on IMDb based on user votes, while Three's Company holds a 7.6 rating. Knotts' performances are frequently cited in lists of greatest TV comedy moments by outlets such as Forbes and entertainment databases. His work continues to introduce new generations of viewers to his comedic style through streaming and syndication.