5 Answers

I loved the Waltons. What a great family! There was always a life lesson at the end of each episode and I loved the voices as they wrapped up each show. Goodnight Elizabeth. Goodnight John Boy. Goodnight Mama.     :)

We're watching the Waltons as I type. It is my all time favourite tv show.  I remember when I was a kid living in Austin, watching Will Geer in Arby's tv commercials before he passed away.  I was saddened to hear  Ralph Waite had passed away. John Walton has my vote for #1 dad.

....they're with the Beverly Hillbillies 

Not so much, I'm sorry to admit with all the fan base here.

country bumpkin

@mcm "Bummy looking"! It's possible both Will Geer and Ralph Waite were picked to play the roles of Zeb Walton and John Walton because of their rugged, rough looks.
Keep in mind that The Waltons was a tv series about a family who lived deep in the mountains of Virgina during the depression and both Zeb and John were working hard to make a living with their family-owned sawmill.
I personally can't see a baby-faced, smooth-handed actor playing the role of a hard working mountain man. :)
BTW, Ralph Waite held a Bachelor of Arts degree, he was an ordained Presbyterian minister, and he ran for a seat in the US Congress.
I'm happy to hear the Waltons are growing on you, it's a fantastic show. :)

I was watching it the other day where John Boy was teaching the mother how to drive the model A. They never seemed to want for anything.