Why wouldn’t the writers want big belly laughs from the viewing audience? We couldn’t tell you! Apparently, they were looking for a steady stream of chuckles instead of bursts of uproarious laughter that shows like “I Love Lucy” evoked.
Tony Dow said that they would take a line out if it got too much of a laugh. Funnily enough, reading this years later had us laughing out loud!
Co-creator Joe Connelly Shared His Inspiration for Leave It to Beaver
Joe Connelly basically framed the entire show around his own family. The adventures of Wally and Beaver were based on his own two sons.
Listening to the conversations of his boys, Ricky and Jay, he developed the brotherly relationship of the Cleaver household.
The Show’s Working Title Was "Wally and the Beaver"
When the creators were coming up with a name, they wanted one that put the spotlight on the Cleaver boys.
They had just about decided on "Wally and the Beaver," but then they had second thoughts. It sounded like some kind of nature show, so they changed it to "Leave it to Beaver."
There Was a Character Named Frankie
In the pilot, Frankie hoodwinked the Beaver into falling for a free bicycle scam. The "Frankie" character did not make it to the "Leave it to Beaver" series, but the actor a name you've probably heard of before.
Harry Shearer went on to "SNL" in the 1980s. We know his voice as Ned Flanders on the notorious show, "The Simpsons." He also voices Principal Skinner and Mr. Burns.
You’ll Be Surprised to Learn Who Moved Into the Cleavers’ Home
After the second season of "Leave It to Beaver," the Cleavers moved to a new house located on the fictional Pine Street in the Universal backlot. Forty years later, guess who moved in?
The street name changed, but the house stayed the same. Now called Wisteria Lane, the house was featured as a home on "Desperate Housewives." Stay-at-home moms on TV sure did change, by golly!