The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet was a long-running American sitcom that aired from 1952 to 1966 on ABC, depicting the real-life Nelson family—Ozzie, his wife Harriet, and their sons, David and Ricky.
Originally a radio show before transitioning to television, the series presented an idealized version of family life in suburban America, blending gentle humor with relatable domestic situations. As the show progressed, it reflected the Nelson boys growing up, with Ricky becoming a teen idol due to his musical performances on the show.
While often remembered for its wholesome charm, Ozzie and Harriet also provided a pioneering template for family sitcoms that followed.
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The main cast of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet consisted of the real-life Nelson family:
Ozzie Nelson as himself – the easygoing father and head of the household.
Harriet Nelson as herself – the warm and supportive mother.
David Nelson as himself – the responsible and level-headed older son.
Ricky Nelson as himself – the fun-loving younger son, who later became a rock and roll star.
Recurring and guest cast members included:
Lyle Talbot as Joe Randolph, Ozzie's best friend and neighbor.
Mary Jane Croft as Clara Randolph, Joe's wife and Harriet’s friend.
Don DeFore as Thorny Thornberry, Ozzie's original neighbor and friend (early seasons).
Skip Young as Wally Plumstead, Ricky’s best friend.
Jimmy Hawkins as Jimmy, another friend of Ricky's.
As the series progressed, David and Ricky’s real-life wives, June Blair Nelson (David’s wife) and Kristin Harmon Nelson (Ricky’s wife), also appeared on the show.