Bewitched is a popular sitcom that aired for eight seasons on the ABC television network.  The first episode entitled “I, Darrin,Take This Witch, Samantha,” debuted on September 17, 1964, and the series went on to rank #2 overall for its first season.

Although the show had many cast changes, Elizabeth Montgomery played the witch Samantha Stephens throughout the series. Her husband, Darren Stephens, was originally portrayed by Dick York through the 1969 season. Dick Sargent took over the role from 1969 through 1972.  The ratings took a huge dive as a result of the unannounced change.

There were many well-rounded characters that helped make Bewitched not only a hit in the 1960s but also who helped to make the series one of the great iconic shows of all time.

Characters such as Samantha’s mother, Endora, played by Agnes Moorehead and David White who portrayed Darren’s boss. There were was the charming Uncle Arthur, played by the super funny Paul Lynde. Samantha even had deviate identical twin named Serena, of course played again by Elizabeth Montgomery. And who could ever forget the original nosy-neighbor, Mrs. Gladys Kravits?

Bewitched was all about a witch who marries a mortal and tries to lead the life of a typical suburban housewife.   While Samantha pledges to forsake her magical, twinkle-nosed powers,  her magical family disapproves of the mixed marriage and frequently interferes in the couple’s lives. Darren most commonly takes on the brunt of their spells which wreaks havoc in their lives, yet after all the fireworks are over, Darrin and Samantha always come together in love to confound her magical relatives’ schemes.

The series is set in an upper middle class suburb but the writers never seemed to come right out and say what city or state they lived in. There were clues of course, such as the car license plates, but the conflicting dialogue placed their home in both New York State and Westport, Connecticut.  I suppose they used magic to be in two places at one time.

Bewitched is a sitcom I recall watching as a very young child with my entire family. Those were the days when kids really didn’t want to watch TV all day, choosing to find fun things to do outside. Yet, no matter if it was kickball or hide-and-seek, there were a few shows such as Bewitched that got us inside for a while each day.