Skip to main content
Shakespeare & Beyond

5 classic TV Shakespeare references from the late 60s and early 70s: The Flintstones, Gilligan's Island, Star Trek, The Brady Bunch, and Happy Days

The Merry Wives of Windsor cast on a Brady Bunch-inspired stage
The Merry Wives of Windsor cast on a Brady Bunch-inspired stage
The Merry Wives of Windsor cast on a Brady Bunch-inspired stage

The cast of The Merry Wives of Windsor with a 1970s twist at Folger Theatre. The Brady Bunch-inspired scenic design is by Tony Cisek. (Cameron Whitman Photography)

Shakespeare’s influence can be found in many aspects of American culture, from film adaptations to vegetable brands. It’s no wonder, then, that his stories and characters have often served as inspiration for television series—which in turn can influence interpretations of his plays. For example, Folger Theatre’s current production of The Merry Wives of Windsor (pictured above) draws from classic sitcoms of the late 60s and early 70s, and Tony Cisek’s set is heavily evocative of where “a man named Brady” (along with a bunch of other people) made his home.

To celebrate the connections between the Bard and the small screen during that groovy time, here are five classic episodes that pull from Shakespeare’s works with far-out results:

1. The Flintstones – Curtain Call in Bedrock
Aired: 18 February 1966

The first family of Bedrock gets theatrical when Wilma is put in charge of the PTA’s drama show: “Romeorock and Julietstone.” Though Fred quickly reveals himself to have a natural dramatic flair, he turns down the role of Romeorock and Barney is cast—only to prove to have no feel for the language. But the show must go on, and after some help from their alien friend Gazoo, light Rubble shenanigans, a surprise case of laryngitis, and some quick casting adjustments, their interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragic love story brings down the house…literally.

Comments

If record-breaking Game Shows count, Americans audiences will always remember last week’s “Who Is Iago?” in Jeopardy finale.

Ron Levao — January 17, 2020

Delete my prior. I sped read past the 60s and 70s part!

Ron Levao — January 17, 2020

Loved the article, I bet your Mom and I watched some of these together.

Dolores — January 17, 2020

There’s a good discussion of Margaret of Anjou on BBC’s *In Our Times* podcast — search or scroll to May 24, 2018.

MH Rudolph — January 18, 2020