The Beverly Hillbillies has always been one of my favorite shows, and it’s easy to see why. No sex, no foul language, no politics — just pure, feel-good comedy.
Take the hilarious episode where Granny mistakes a kangaroo for a giant jackrabbit. It perfectly captures the charm and simplicity that made The Beverly Hillbillies so beloved.
Did you know that this particular episode set a record as the most-watched half-hour sitcom of its time? But here’s the kicker — if you know where to look, there’s a glaring mistake the producers missed.
Slammed and hated by the critics. “Strained and unfunny”, according to New York Times. But to me, The Beverly Hillbillies is one of the greatest and funniest shows ever. This was back when TV was great to watch; good, old-fashioned family TV. Today’s comedies could learn a great deal from shows like this one.
From Buddy Ebsen’s laid-back charm to Irene Ryan’s feisty Granny, the show’s cast — including Max Baer Jr., Donna Douglas, Nancy Kulp, and Raymond Bailey — kept audiences laughing for years.
But even this classic sitcom had its share of goofs, and we’re here to reveal the funniest mistakes that made it onto the screen.
Ocean is on their left
In the opening scene, the Clampetts are cruising back home from Malibu, but there’s a funny little mix-up.
Malibu is west of Beverly Hills, so the ocean should be on the right if they’re heading east. Instead, it’s on their left — meaning they’re actually driving away from home.
Guess the Clampetts took the scenic route… or just got a little turned around.
The Boston Strong Girl
In season six’s episode ”The Rass’lin’ Clampetts,” Granny takes on the Boston Strong Girl and supposedly tosses her right out of the ring. But if you watch closely, you’ll see the Strong Girl giving herself a little jump to get over the ropes.
Here’s a fun twist: the Boston Strong Girl was actually played by Jerry Randall, who was a stuntman dressed in drag. And in true hillbilly style, the title’s ”Rass’lin” is just their way of saying ”wrestling.”
The missing fish
In the episode The Clampetts Go Fishing, Mr. Drysdale tries to spark the Clampetts’ interest in deep-sea fishing by sending them off to Marineland.
But here’s where things get fishy — literally! When Miss Hathaway and Mr. Drysdale pull up to the Clampett mansion, their car’s backseat is completely empty.
Yet, somehow, by the time they steps out of the car, a giant fish magically appears in the back!
Jane Hathaway’s first car
Throughout most of seasons one and two, the location shots for The Beverly Hillbillies show Jane Hathaway’s first car, a 1962 Plymouth convertible.
But if you look closely, you’ll notice a little TV magic at play. In some scenes, the shot suddenly jumps to a close-up of her arriving in a completely different car — a 1963 or 1964 Dodge.
It looks like Jane had a knack for spontaneous car upgrades.
The groundskeeper
During the closing credits of the season one Thanksgiving episode, Elly’s First Date (1962), an unexpected guest made a surprise cameo.
On the right side of the screen, a groundskeeper strolls into view, casually carrying a rake and sporting a white tank top. But then —oops!— he suddenly realizes he’s wandered straight into the shot.
With a look of sheer panic, he quickly changes course and bolts out of the frame, probably wishing he could rake that moment right off the screen.
Here’s a hilarious goof from the episode: During Jethro’s magic show, Mr. Drysdale tosses his hat to Jethro to use in an illusion. Naturally, Jethro ends up ruining the hat right off the bat.
Max Baer Jr. played his twin sister
Max Baer Jr played the role of Jethro Bodine, the son of Jed’s cousin, Pearl, a naive and borderline dim-witted man who showed off his great math skills with his multiplication classic “five gozinta five one times, five gozinta ten two times.”
But that wasn’t the only character he played on the show. In fact, Max Baer Jr. also portrayed Jethro’s twin sister Jethrine for 11 episodes during the first season.
Although Max Baer Jr. played Jethrine Bodine, he couldn’t do her voice.
As a result, he was dubbed. The one who actually said her lines was Linda Kaye Henning – daughter to the series’ creator, Paul Henning.
Mr. Drysdale’s magic hat
Here’s a hilarious goof from the episode ”The Great Jethro”: During Jethro’s magic show, Mr. Drysdale tosses his hat to Jethro to use in an illusion.
Naturally, Jethro ends up ruining the hat right off the bat.
But the real magic trick here isn’t part of the show — it’s a classic TV mistake! After Jethro does his damage, the camera cuts to Mr. Drysdale, and there he is, calmly holding his perfectly fine hat in his lap.
Then, as if by magic, the hat reappears on the magician’s stand in the next shot. Moments later, Mr. Drysdale is seen holding the ruined hat once again.
John Wayne got paid in bourbon
Even though John Wayne’s name doesn’t appear in the credits, many fans still remember his memorable cameo in the episode ”The Indians Are Coming.”
Interestingly, the only payment John Wayne requested for his guest appearance was a fifth of Jack Daniel’s bourbon. Let’s hope they paid him after his performance!
The Giant Jackrabbit
The iconic season-two episode ”The Giant Jackrabbit” achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the most-watched telecast at the time of its airing, and it still holds the record for the most-watched half-hour episode of any sitcom.
At first glance, these astonishing ratings might seem puzzling. However, when you consider the context of the time, it all begins to make sense.
Early 1964 was a challenging period for America, following the tragic assassination of President Kennedy just six weeks earlier. The nation was in mourning, seeking solace and a respite from the harsh realities of life. In this environment, the lighthearted humor and quirky charm of The Beverly Hillbillies offered the perfect escape for viewers.
The blooper
But considering how many people have enjoyed watching Granny mistake a kangaroo for a jackrabbit, it’s surprising that many have missed a tiny goof in this episode. And honestly, it’s understandable — it really takes a keen eye to catch it.
So here it is: when the kangaroo first hops up to the Clampetts’ back door, a man’s foot — most likely that of the trainer — briefly appears in the lower left corner (at 09:02) of the screen. It’s a little detail that adds to the fun of this classic moment.
A nod to the casting genius
Since we’re diving into this legendary episode, let’s talk about the owner of “Beverly Caterers.” When Granny spots the escaped kangaroo and mistakenly believes it to be an oversized jackrabbit, it raises eyebrows and makes the others suspect she might have had a bit too much moonshine.
Meanwhile, the Clampetts face a struggle to get food from Beverly Caterers. Interestingly, the owner, Bill Tinsman, is named as a nod to William Tinsman, the casting director for The Beverly Hillbillies as well as other shows in the HenningVerse.
The creator was ashamed
Speaking of the creator of the series, Paul Henning, did you know that he was ashamed of the 1981 TV movie “The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies”?
10 years after the popular show ended, some of the characters in the Clampett family reunited in a television movie written and produced by Henning. But viewers and critics didn’t like it, as many thought that the series’ original spirit had been abandoned in the movie.
Paul admitted to sheer embarrassment when the finished product aired on the CBS network.
Different original title
Those who watched the pilot “The Clampetts Strike Oil” may have noticed that the show was then called “The Hillbillies of Beverly Hills.”
After the first episode, though, the original title was changed to “The Beverly Hillbillies”, which was a little easier to say and more catchy.
Sonny was 8 years younger than his mother
Hollywood has had its fair share of impossible mothers. For example, when Angela Lansbury starred in The Manchurian Candidate (1962), she was only two years older than Laurence Harvey, who played her son. And the list goes on and on – The Beverly Hillbillies was no exception.
Did you know that the actress who played Mrs. Drysdale was just eight years older then her on-screen son Sonny Drysdale, the spoiled rich step-son of Milburn Drysdale.
Why CBS axed the show
By the end of the 60’s, The Beverly Hillbillies struggled with ratings.
But it was still a very popular and successful show, so when CBS went out and announced the canceling of the show in 1971, many were shocked. The same thing happened to Paul Henning’s other hit, “Petticoat Junction”.
This was dubbed a “rural purge” and CBS took the lead by axing several popular shows. The change came when the networks and the advertisers decided to target a more cultured, metropolitan audience.
“CBS canceled everything with a tree — including Lassie,” actor Pat Buttram of Green Acres famously said.
Beverly Hillbillies – what a show with great actors and actresses!
As we wrap up our journey through the hilarious world of these characters, it’s clear that even the most beloved shows have their quirks and blunders.
From the kangaroo mix-up to the magical hat tricks gone awry, these little-known mistakes add an extra layer of charm to the series.
So next time you tune in, keep an eye out for the behind-the-scenes fun—you might just find a new reason to chuckle at these unforgettable characters!
We Were About to Adopt a 5-Year-Old Boy but a Wealthy Couple Stepped in Wanting to Adopt Him Too
Adopting Nicholas was the answer to everything my husband Camden and I had dreamed of, but then a wealthy couple arrived, offering him everything we couldn’t. I feared we’d lost him — until he made a choice no one expected.
Here’s the thing: I never thought life would turn out this way. I always imagined myself in a cozy house filled with the sound of little feet running across the hardwood floors and laughter echoing through the halls.
A back view of a toddler in a diaper running in the garden | Source: Pexels
But that dream got cut short the day my doctor sat me down and said the word “infertile.” It felt like someone had pulled the rug out from under me, leaving me to wonder if my marriage would even survive the weight of that news.
I was terrified Camden would leave me. After all, he had every right to want kids of his own, right? But he surprised me in the most beautiful way. He didn’t flinch. Instead, he wrapped his arms around me and said, “Family isn’t just about biology. Maybe there’s another way.”
An understanding and caring man looking at someone | Source: Midjourney
And that’s when the idea of adoption took root in my heart.
We started the process slowly. Foster care visits, endless paperwork, and meetings with social workers. Camden was a rock through it all, never losing faith, even when I did. Then, one day, everything changed.
We met Nicholas.
He was five, with the biggest brown eyes and a shy smile that made my heart do flips. The moment I saw him, something inside me whispered, this is your son, Zelda.
A little boy | Source: Midjourney
He barely said a word that day, just clung to his toy truck and peeked up at us every now and then. But I could feel it. We connected in a way that went beyond words.
“Do you like trucks, buddy?” Camden asked him, crouching down to his level. Nicholas nodded, not saying a word, but his eyes lit up for just a second. That was enough for me.
Months passed, and we were so close to making him ours. The paperwork, the home visits — everything was falling into place. Then, out of nowhere, everything took a turn.
A surprised woman | Source: Midjourney
“We’ve had another family express interest in Nicholas,” our social worker, Mrs. Jameson, said one afternoon. “They’re quite wealthy and very interested in adopting him.”
My stomach dropped. “But… we’re so close. We’ve been with him for months,” I said, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.
“I understand, Zelda,” Mrs. Jameson replied. “But they have the right to apply as well. Nicholas will be given time with both families and ultimately, it will be up to him.”
A social worker talking to someone | Source: Midjourney
That’s when we met them. The Featheringhams.
They strolled into the foster home as if they owned the place — polished, perfect, with an air of entitlement that filled the room.
Mrs. Featheringham, tall and blonde, with a diamond necklace glittering around her throat, looked me up and down as if I were something unpleasant she’d found on the bottom of her shoe. Her husband stood beside her, equally well-groomed, surveying Camden and me like we were unworthy competition.
A wealthy man standing in a room | Source: Midjourney
“I have to say,” Mrs. Featheringham began, her voice dripping with condescension, “I’m surprised someone like you would think you have a chance. I mean, just look at yourself—plain, middle-class. What exactly do you have to offer Nicholas?”
I could feel the heat rising to my face, but I forced myself to stay calm. Camden’s hand tightened around mine, steadying me.
A woman looks displeased and a little angry | Source: Midjourney
She wasn’t done. “We can give Nicholas everything—the best private schools, vacations across the globe, a life of luxury. What do you have? A little house in the suburbs? What’s he going to do there, play in the backyard while you struggle to make ends meet?”
Her words were sharp, meant to cut deep, and they did. I could feel Camden tense beside me, but I held him back with a slight squeeze of his hand.
A man looking unhappy and tensed | Source: Midjourney
“We’re the kind of family a child like Nicholas deserves,” she continued, her voice cold. “You should do what’s best for him and step aside. He’ll never choose you. Why would he? Just look at the difference between us.”
Camden couldn’t hold back any longer. “We might not have all the money in the world,” he said, his voice calm but firm, “but what we can offer Nicholas is love, stability, and a real home. That’s what matters.”
Mrs. Featheringham scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Love doesn’t pay for college or vacations. Be realistic.”
A wealthy woman scoffs while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney
Mrs. Jameson, sensing the rising tension, stepped in. “Both families will have a week with Nicholas. After that, he’ll make his decision.”
A week. One week to convince this little boy that we could give him the love and life he deserved.
I took a deep breath and nodded, but inside, my heart was breaking. What if Nicholas didn’t choose us?
An anxious woman | Source: Midjourney
When our week with Nicholas finally arrived, I was filled with a mix of excitement and dread. We’d heard all about his time with the Featheringhams: fancy dinners, amusement parks, and a water park.
Nicholas talked about how they’d bought him new clothes, the latest toys, and basically every child’s dream. Every time he mentioned it, I felt the hope slipping away from us.
Our week, in contrast, was far more humble — and to be honest, it seemed like everything went wrong. We had planned to take Nicholas to the zoo on our first day, thinking he’d love the animals.
A closeup shot of a lion in a zoo | Source: Pexels
But wouldn’t you know it? It rained all day. So instead, we stayed inside and built forts out of old blankets in the living room. Camden even made a “campfire” by arranging some pillows in a circle and holding a flashlight underneath them, making Nicholas giggle.
“Looks just like a real campfire, huh, buddy?” Camden asked, his voice full of hope.
Nicholas nodded, smiling shyly. “Yeah, it’s cool.”
It wasn’t flashy, and definitely not what we’d planned, but for a moment, I thought maybe it wasn’t such a disaster after all.
A smiling little boy | Source: Midjourney
The next day, we tried to take him to a local arcade, hoping to have a fun time. But almost every machine there was broken.
We ended up leaving after a few rounds of air hockey and went to the park nearby instead, sitting under a tree and playing board games we’d brought from home. Camden even found a chess set and started teaching Nicholas how to play.
“Why do all the pieces look so serious?” Nicholas asked, making me laugh.
A closeup shot of chess pieces on a chess board | Source: Pexels
“That’s because it’s a very serious game,” Camden said, leaning in like he was sharing a big secret. “But you know what? The real fun is in breaking the rules every now and then.”
Nicholas giggled as Camden made a rook do a silly dance across the board. It wasn’t what we’d planned, but we were making the best of it. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Nicholas was comparing our simple activities to the extravagant week he’d spent with the Featheringhams.
A little boy riding a carousel | Source: Pexels
By midweek, we decided to have a picnic. We figured it was a safe, easy plan, something that couldn’t possibly go wrong. But sure enough, as soon as we sat down and opened the basket, a swarm of ants decided to join us. Nicholas squealed as they crawled over the sandwiches, and we had to scramble to pack everything up.
“Guess ants like peanut butter more than we do,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Nicholas grinned. “Can we eat somewhere else?”
A happy little boy | Source: Midjourney
We ended up at a little diner around the corner, sitting in a booth and sharing sandwiches and fries. Camden told Nicholas funny stories about his childhood, like the time he’d fallen into a lake trying to catch frogs. Nicholas laughed so hard that he nearly spilled his soda.
Day after day, our plans fell apart, but something surprising happened along the way. Nicholas didn’t seem to mind. By the end of the week, he was holding our hands as we walked around the neighborhood. He laughed with us, even when things didn’t go perfectly.
A woman and a little boy smile while hanging outdoors | Source: Midjourney
One night, during a movie, he curled up on the couch and fell asleep in my lap, his tiny hand resting on mine. It felt so natural, like he belonged there.
On the last night of our week together, Camden and I were both quiet as we watched Nicholas sleep. I could see the worry in Camden’s eyes, even though he tried to hide it.
“I don’t know, Z,” he whispered. “What if it’s not enough? What if we’re not enough?”
A sad and worried man | Source: Midjourney
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I think… I think we’ve shown him what really matters.”
Camden nodded, though I could tell he wasn’t convinced. And to be honest, neither was I.
Then came the final day. The day Nicholas had to choose.
We sat in a small room at the foster home, Camden and I on one side, the Featheringhams on the other. Nicholas sat beside Mrs. Jameson, the social worker, looking down at his hands.
A quiet little boy | Source: Midjourney
Mrs. Featheringham didn’t waste any time. “Nicholas, darling,” she cooed, “we had such a wonderful time, didn’t we? Remember the water park? The toys we bought you? Imagine living with us, having everything you could ever want.
Nicholas nodded, glancing at us. My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest.
“And remember,” she continued, “we can take you on vacations, send you to the best schools… you’d never want for anything, sweetheart.”
A wealthy and self-assured woman is looking at someone | Source: Midjourney
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. How could we possibly compete with all of that? What could we offer him that they couldn’t?
Mrs. Jameson turned to Nicholas. “Nicholas, it’s your decision. Take your time.”
He looked up, his little face serious. “I had fun with them,” he said softly, referring to the Featheringhams. “The places we went to were cool. And… and they gave me lots of toys.”
I felt Camden’s grip on my hand tighten, but I kept my eyes on Nicholas, my heart sinking with each word.
A little boy playing with toys | Source: Midjourney
“But…” Nicholas paused, looking directly at us. “But I feel like I have a family when I’m with them.”
The room went silent.
He pointed at Camden and me. “They don’t take me to big places or give me lots of stuff… but I feel happy when I’m with them. And I feel safe. And I like the stories they tell me. It feels like home.”
A cheerful little boy | Source: Midjourney
My breath caught in my throat. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Camden looked just as shocked.
Nicholas smiled at us shyly. “I want to stay with them.”
For a moment, no one spoke. Mrs. Featheringham’s face tightened, but she didn’t say anything. Mrs. Jameson smiled warmly.
“Then that’s settled,” she said softly.
Nicholas chose us.
I blinked back tears as Camden wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close. We had worried, doubted, and feared that we weren’t enough.
A happy couple sharing a hug | Source: Midjourney
But in the end, love, trust, and the simple moments had been enough. Nicholas didn’t want a life of luxury; he wanted a family.
And he had found that with us.
If this story tugged at your heartstrings, here’s another one that you might like even more: Larriel moves into a fancy neighborhood with her two sons, hoping for a fresh start. But whispers and cold stares follow them as the neighbors forbid their children from playing with her boys. One unexpected act of bravery, however, changes everything…
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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