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.
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."
Writers Didn’t Want the Show to Be Too Funny
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!
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!
Mathers Dabbled in the Music Business
When "Leave it to Beaver" went off the air in 1963, Jerry Mathers was a teenager. He decided to give a shot at a singing career. He got a contract with Atlantic Records and recorded a self-titled single called “Don’t Cry.”
Unfortunately, the song was not a hit. He tried forming a band next. He called it Beaver and the Trappers. You’ve probably never heard of it. Similar to Mathers's song, it was not a hit.