Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. is a classic American sitcom that aired on CBS from September 25, 1964, to May 2, 1969. A spinoff of The Andy Griffith Show, its pilot aired as the Season 4 finale of The Andy Griffith Show on May 18, 1964. The series ran for five seasons with 150 episodes. In 2006, CBS Home Entertainment began releasing the show on DVD, with the final season issued in November 2008. Created by Aaron Ruben, who produced the series alongside Sheldon Leonard and Ronald Jacobs, it was filmed and set in California. It stars Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle, a naive but good-natured gas-station attendant from Mayberry, North Carolina, who enlists in the United States Marine Corps. Frank Sutton portrays Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter, a high-energy, quick-tempered drill instructor, and Ronnie Schell appears as Gomer's friend Gilbert 'Duke' Slater. Allan Melvin appears in a recurring role as Gunnery Sergeant Carter's rival, Sergeant Charley Hacker. The series intentionally did not address the Vietnam War, instead focusing on the evolving relationship between Gomer and Sergeant Carter. The show enjoyed strong ratings throughout its run.