The Beverly Hillbillies

The Beverly Hillbillies is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and JustWatch TV, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. 9 seasons in, and the quality has not slipped. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Buddy Ebsen's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

The Beverly Hillbillies is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The jokes in The Beverly Hillbillies land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Jed Clampett's swamp is loaded with oil. When a wildcatter discovers the huge pool, Jed sells his land to the O.K. Oil Company and at the urging of cousin Pearl, moves his family to a 35-room mansion in Beverly Hills, California. Buddy Ebsen and Irene Ryan lead a cast that never overplays a joke. The series ran for 9 seasons (1962–1971), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly. The timing in The Beverly Hillbillies is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, The Beverly Hillbillies is a strong candidate. The tonal similarities to Leave It to Beaver are real, though The Beverly Hillbillies carves out its own identity quickly. 9 seasons gives the story real room to develop. Buddy Ebsen's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.

The Beverly Hillbillies wrapped up in 1971, created by Paul Henning — and 9 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.