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Petticoat Junction was a popular American television sitcom that aired on CBS from 1963 to 1970. Created by Paul Henning, the show followed the lives of the residents of the Shady Rest hotel, a small inn located in the fictional town of Hooterville, in the farming community of Pixley, California. Its main characters were played by Edgar Buchanan, Linda Henning, and Bea Benaderet.

At the center of the series was the Bradley family, which was composed of Kate Bradley, the widowed owner of the Shady Rest, and her three daughters: Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo, and Betty Jo. Kate was played by Bea Benaderet, an accomplished radio and television actress who had previously starred in The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, as well as the beloved animated series The Flintstones. Linda Henning, who appeared in Petticoat Junction as Betty Jo Bradley, was the daughter of the show's creator and producer Paul Henning.

The show's other main character was Uncle Joe Carson, Kate's lazy and scheming brother-in-law who always had a get-rich-quick scheme up his sleeve. Edgar Buchanan, who portrayed Uncle Joe, was a popular character actor who appeared in over 100 films, including Shane and Penny Serenade.

The series was set in the 1960s, a time when the United States was experiencing significant social and cultural change. However, Petticoat Junction offered a nostalgic portrayal of rural American life that was reminiscent of earlier times. The Bradley family lived a peaceful, idyllic life in the countryside, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the simplicity of small-town living.

The show's episodes typically followed a similar pattern: Uncle Joe would hatch a new scheme to make money, while the Bradley sisters would navigate their romantic lives and the challenges of running the Shady Rest. The series was known for its gentle humor and light-hearted tone, which made it a favorite among viewers of all ages.

Petticoat Junction was also noted for its catchy theme song, which was composed by the show's creator Paul Henning. The song, which featured lyrics such as "Come ride the little train that is rolling down the tracks to the junction," became an instant classic and is still remembered fondly by fans of the show.

Despite its popularity, Petticoat Junction faced criticism from some quarters for its portrayal of women. The show's female characters were often seen performing domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, while their romantic pursuits were a major focus of the series. However, the show also featured strong, independent female characters like Kate Bradley, who managed the Shady Rest and raised her three daughters without a husband.

Petticoat Junction was followed by two spin-off series: Green Acres and The Beverly Hillbillies. Both shows were created by Paul Henning and followed similar themes of rural life and the clash between country and city culture. However, neither show achieved the same level of success as Petticoat Junction, which remains a beloved classic of American television.

In conclusion, Petticoat Junction was a popular and influential sitcom that captured the hearts of viewers during its seven-year run on CBS. Its focus on rural life and family values offered a nostalgic portrayal of America that resonated with audiences in the 1960s, while its gentle humor and catchy theme song continue to be remembered and celebrated today.

Petticoat Junction is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (222 episodes). The series first aired on September 24, 1963.