The Best of Leave It to Beaver

Watch The Best of Leave It to Beaver

  • 1959
  • 5 Seasons

The Best of Leave It to Beaver is a classic American sitcom that first aired in 1957 on NBC. It is a family-friendly comedy that revolves around the Cleaver family, consisting of father Ward, mother June, and their two sons, Wally and Theodore, also known as "the Beaver."

The show has a simple premise that explores the everyday lives of the Cleaver family in the suburban town of Mayfield. The Best of Leave It to Beaver consists of a compilation of the most memorable episodes of the series. The show features the classic, humorous situations and witty dialogue that made the original show a beloved classic among American viewers.

Ward Cleaver, portrayed by Hugh Beaumont, is the head of the Cleaver household. He is a kind, wise, and responsible father who always tries to teach his children the right values in life. He is the epitome of the perfect father figure, always ready to help his kids learn and grow, while also having a good sense of humor about life's little setbacks.

His wife, June Cleaver, played by Barbara Billingsley, is the typical homemaker of the era, always looking after her husband and two sons. She is the glue that holds the family together, offering unconditional love and support to all four members of the family.

Wally, played by Tony Dow, is the oldest son, a typical teenager trying to find his place in the world. He is a good student and a loyal friend to his younger brother Beaver. Beaver, played by Jerry Mathers, is the show's namesake and the youngest member of the Cleaver family. His innocent and curious nature often leads him into hilarious misunderstandings and misadventures that always seem to be resolved by the show's end. Friendly and always eager to please, Beaver represents the typical American boy of the late 1950s.

The show deals with the issues of family, friendship, and growing up. It explores the bonds and dynamics between the Cleaver family members, and the relationships they have with their friends and neighbors. Each episode portrays a different situation or obstacle that the family members must overcome, highlighting the importance of communication, honesty, and respect for one another.

Viewers of The Best of Leave It to Beaver will recognize many classic American themes from the era, such as the traditional family structure, the importance of education, the value of hard work, and the idealized portrayal of suburban life. More than just a nostalgic walk down memory lane, the show is a testament to the values and traditions that have shaped American society.

The show also showcases the evolution of American television during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was one of the first shows to depict the lives of an American middle-class family on television, paving the way for shows like The Brady Bunch and The Cosby Show. The Best of Leave It to Beaver was revolutionary for its time, and its legacy can still be felt in popular culture today.

In conclusion, The Best of Leave It to Beaver is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a heartwarming and entertaining show that represents the values and traditions of American society during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its mix of humor, drama, and relatable characters makes it a must-watch for anyone looking for a wholesome family-friendly show.

The Best of Leave It to Beaver is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (65 episodes). The series first aired on October 3, 1959.

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Seasons
Wally's Practical Joke
13. Wally's Practical Joke
May 23, 1963
Lumpy puts cherry bombs in Eddie and Wally'Â’s cars, and Eddie wants to pay him back. The joke doesn'Â’t come off as planned, and Wally and Eddie spend the day fixing the damage to Lumpy'Â’s car.
Beaver's Graduation
12. Beaver's Graduation
May 16, 1963
After Gilbert convinces Beaver to ditch the rest of the yearÂ’s homework, Beaver fails to find his diploma in the teacher'Â’s office and thinks he isn'Â’t going to graduate.
Don Juan Beaver
11. Don Juan Beaver
May 2, 1963
Beaver is invited to his graduation dance by a girl named Peggy McIntosh. After he accepts her invitation, he meets Melinda Neilson, a prettier girl who also invites him to the dance. In choosing between them, Beaver ends up dancing alone in his room.
The Book Report
10. The Book Report
April 18, 1963
Gilbert convinces Beaver to do his book report on The Three Musketeers by watching the movie, and eventually Beaver gives in without realizing that the movie has very little to do with the plot of the book.
Eddie's Sweater
9. Eddie's Sweater
April 11, 1963
Eddie'Â’s girlfriend is knitting him a sweater for his birthday, and Wally volunteers to model. Rumors start flying and Eddie becomes convinced that his girl is two-timing him with his best friend.
Wally and the Fraternity
8. Wally and the Fraternity
April 4, 1963
Wally expresses an interest in joining a fraternity on campus, and Ward offers to write a letter to Alpha Kappa on behalf of Wally and Eddie. Wally worries when an older State student informs him that Alpha Kappa is one of the worst houses on campus.
Beaver's Prep School
7. Beaver's Prep School
March 28, 1963
Aunt Martha offers to send Beaver to a prep school attended by several generations of June'Â’s family. Excited by the activities and opportunities, Beaver gladly accepts, until he realizes that he'Â’ll have to leave friends and family behind.
Lumpy's Scholarship
6. Lumpy's Scholarship
March 7, 1963
Lumpy is awarded an athletic scholarship to the state university, but it is revoked due to low grades in an academic subject. Ward intercedes on his behalf.
Beaver On TV
5. Beaver On TV
February 21, 1963
Beaver is mystified and embarrassed when the television program on which he was a panelist does not appear as scheduled.
The Credit Card
4. The Credit Card
February 7, 1963
Eddie uses his new credit card to buy a battery for Wally'Â’s car when the boys are stranded in another town, but when Wally pays him back, Eddie spends the money on a new vest, not the credit card bill.
More Blessed to Give
3. More Blessed to Give
January 24, 1963
Beaver wins a 14-carat gold necklace at a carnival and decides to give it to his school crush, whose parents decide that the gift is too expensive and send it back, creating a misunderstanding about the locket'Â’s origins.
The Parking Attendants
2. The Parking Attendants
January 17, 1963
Wally and Eddie take a job parking cars at a wedding reception, but end up working for nothing when Eddie mistakenly parks one of the cars in a restricted zone.
Wally Buys a Car
1. Wally Buys a Car
January 10, 1963
Wally gets his father’s permission to buy a car — but not the smooth number he wants. Ward’s selection is a raunchy-looking four-wheeled monstrosity that runs like a watch.
Description
Where to Watch The Best of Leave It to Beaver
The Best of Leave It to Beaver is available for streaming on the NBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Best of Leave It to Beaver on demand at Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 3, 1959