Have you ever gathered with friends or family and found yourself searching for something fun to do? Well, trivia games are my go-to activity for breaking the ice and getting everyone engaged! I’ve put together over 100 Andy Griffith trivia questions that are perfect for any fan of this classic TV show.
I remember watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show with my grandparents on Sunday afternoons. Those simple stories about life in Mayberry always brought us together, and now these trivia questions can do the same for you and your loved ones!
There’s something special about trivia that brings people together, especially when it’s centered around a beloved classic like The Andy Griffith Show. These questions are perfect for family game nights, fan club gatherings, or even a themed party celebrating the charm of Mayberry. I’ve found that trivia not only entertains but also teaches us interesting facts we might never have known otherwise.
Last summer, my family hosted a TV classics night where we tested each other’s Andy Griffith knowledge, and even my teenagers (who initially rolled their eyes) got completely hooked on learning about this iconic show. The questions below range from easy to challenging, so there’s something for casual viewers and die-hard fans alike.
Basic Andy Griffith Show Questions
Let’s start with some fundamental questions about this classic television show. These questions cover the basics that any fan should know, making them perfect for warming up before diving into the more challenging categories. I’ve made sure to include a mix of questions that both occasional viewers and devoted fans can answer.
- In what year did The Andy Griffith Show first premiere? Answer: 1960
- How many seasons did The Andy Griffith Show run? Answer: 8 seasons
- What was Sheriff Andy Taylor’s son’s name? Answer: Opie Taylor
- Who played Opie Taylor on the show? Answer: Ron Howard
- What was the name of the town where the show was set? Answer: Mayberry
- In what state was Mayberry located? Answer: North Carolina
- What was Andy Taylor’s job in Mayberry? Answer: Sheriff
- Who was Andy’s deputy for most of the series? Answer: Barney Fife
- What actor played Barney Fife? Answer: Don Knotts
- What was the name of Andy’s aunt who kept house for him? Answer: Aunt Bee (Beatrice)
- What actress played Aunt Bee? Answer: Frances Bavier
- What TV show was The Andy Griffith Show a spin-off from? Answer: The Danny Thomas Show
- What was the name of the local barber in Mayberry? Answer: Floyd Lawson
- What was the prison sentence Otis Campbell usually gave himself when drunk? Answer: “A night in the tank”
- What was the name of Barney’s longtime girlfriend? Answer: Thelma Lou
- What color were the episodes in the first five seasons? Answer: Black and white
- What color were the episodes in the last three seasons? Answer: Color
- What was the gas station attendant’s name? Answer: Gomer Pyle
- Who played Gomer Pyle? Answer: Jim Nabors
- What spin-off show featured Gomer Pyle? Answer: Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
If you enjoyed these basic questions, you might also like our collection of philosophical questions for deeper discussions after your trivia game!
Characters and Cast Trivia
The characters of Mayberry are what made The Andy Griffith Show so special. From Andy’s wise but down-to-earth sheriff to Barney’s well-intentioned mishaps, each character brought something unique to the small town. I’ve always found it fascinating how these characters felt like real people we might know in our own communities.
- What was Barney Fife’s middle name? Answer: Milton
- How many bullets was Barney allowed to carry? Answer: One
- Where did Barney keep his single bullet? Answer: In his shirt pocket
- What was Opie’s mother’s name, who died before the series began? Answer: Ellen
- What was Andy Taylor’s original love interest in early seasons? Answer: Ellie Walker
- What was Ellie Walker’s profession? Answer: Pharmacist
- Who eventually became Andy’s wife in the final season? Answer: Helen Crump
- What was Helen Crump’s job in Mayberry? Answer: School teacher
- Who played Helen Crump? Answer: Aneta Corsaut
- What was the town drunk’s full name? Answer: Otis Campbell
- What was Floyd the barber’s last name? Answer: Lawson
- Who was Gomer Pyle’s cousin who replaced him at the gas station? Answer: Goober Pyle
- What was Goober’s signature phrase? Answer: “Judy, Judy, Judy!”
- Who played Aunt Bee in the pilot episode of The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: Frances Bavier (she played the character throughout the series)
- What was the name of Opie’s teacher before Helen Crump? Answer: Miss Rosemary
- What were Barney Fife’s favorite words to use when excited? Answer: “Nip it in the bud!”
- What was the full name of the county clerk? Answer: Howard Sprague
- What instrument did Andy Taylor play? Answer: Guitar
- What was the name of the choir director in Mayberry? Answer: John Masters
- What color was Barney Fife’s car? Answer: Light blue (a 1961 Ford Falcon)
For more character-based questions to ask your friends, check out our random questions to ask a guy collection!
Mayberry Setting and Location Questions
Mayberry might be a fictional town, but it felt like a real place to millions of viewers. These questions explore the setting and locations that made this small-town community come alive on screen. My family always jokes that they wish they could visit Mayberry for a weekend getaway – it seems like the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life!
- What was the name of the lake where Andy and Opie went fishing? Answer: Myers Lake
- What was the famous whistled tune played during the opening credits? Answer: “The Fishing Hole”
- What was the name of the fictional neighboring town often mentioned? Answer: Mount Pilot
- What real North Carolina town was Mayberry modeled after? Answer: Mount Airy
- What was the name of the local newspaper in Mayberry? Answer: The Mayberry Gazette
- What was the name of the hotel in Mayberry? Answer: Mayberry Hotel
- What was the name of the movie theater in Mayberry? Answer: The Grand
- What was the name of the local diner where characters often ate? Answer: The Bluebird Diner
- What establishment did Juanita work at? Answer: The Bluebird Diner
- What type of store did Ben Weaver own? Answer: Department store
- What was the name of the local filling station? Answer: Wally’s Service Station
- What was the name of the fancy restaurant in Mayberry? Answer: The Rendezvous
- What was written on the front of the jail? Answer: “Sheriff”
- What road did the Taylor family live on? Answer: Maple Street (605 Maple Street)
- What was the name of the town’s mayor? Answer: Mayor Pike
- What was the population of Mayberry according to the sign? Answer: 2,000
- What fictional county was Mayberry in? Answer: Mayberry County
- What was the name of the local funeral home? Answer: Clyde’s Funeral Home
- Where did the Morrison Sisters live? Answer: Outside town in the country
- What was the name of the local band where Andy sometimes played? Answer: The Mayberry Band
If you’re planning a Mayberry-themed gathering, you might need some interesting topics to talk about between trivia rounds!
Episodes and Plot Lines
The storylines in The Andy Griffith Show ranged from heartwarming to hilarious, often teaching subtle life lessons along the way. I’ve found that even after watching episodes multiple times, I still catch new details or appreciate different aspects of these classic tales. These questions test your knowledge of specific episodes and memorable plot points.
- In what episode does Opie accidentally kill a mother bird with his slingshot? Answer: “Opie the Birdman”
- What is the most famous episode featuring the “Fun Girls”? Answer: “The Fun Girls”
- What was the name of the escaped criminal who held Barney hostage in the courthouse? Answer: Gentleman Dan Caldwell
- In what episode does Andy pretend to be a terrible guitar player to help Barney impress Thelma Lou? Answer: “Barney and the Choir”
- What prize did Aunt Bee win that caused problems? Answer: A pony
- What was the name of the episode where Opie raised three baby birds? Answer: “Opie the Birdman”
- What famous episode features Gomer repeatedly telling Barney “Citizen’s Arrest!”? Answer: “Citizen’s Arrest”
- In what episode does Andy trick Barney into thinking he has superhuman strength? Answer: “Barney’s Physical”
- What episode features Barney buying a car that falls apart? Answer: “Barney’s First Car”
- What episode shows Andy pretending to have a broken leg? Answer: “Andy’s Vacation”
- What was the title of the final episode of The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: “Mayberry R.F.D.”
- In what episode does Aunt Bee make terrible pickles? Answer: “The Pickle Story”
- What special event occurs in the episode “A Date for Gomer”? Answer: The Fireman’s Ball
- In “The Great Filling Station Robbery,” who turns out to be the thief? Answer: Jimmy
- What happens in the episode “Man in a Hurry”? Answer: A businessman’s car breaks down in Mayberry on Sunday
- What episode features Andy and Barney investigating a skeleton found in a cave? Answer: “The Haunted House”
- What does Opie find in the episode “Opie and the Spoiled Kid”? Answer: A bicycle
- In what episode does Andy bring home a stray dog for Opie? Answer: “Dogs, Dogs, Dogs”
- What holiday is celebrated in the episode “The Christmas Story”? Answer: Christmas
- What famous singer makes a guest appearance as “Jim Lindsey”? Answer: James Best
For more fun questions to ask at your next Andy Griffith viewing party, check out our this or that questions collection!
Behind the Scenes Facts
There’s something fascinating about learning what happened behind the camera on our favorite shows. These questions reveal interesting production facts, casting decisions, and other behind-the-scenes tidbits about The Andy Griffith Show. I once toured a TV studio and gained a whole new appreciation for what goes into creating these beloved programs!
- Who wrote and owned the rights to “The Fishing Hole” theme song? Answer: Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer
- What was the original working title for The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: “The New Andy Griffith Show”
- How much of Andy Griffith’s real-life hometown influenced Mayberry? Answer: Considerably – many aspects were based on Mount Airy, NC
- What was Ron Howard’s age when the show started? Answer: 6 years old
- How many Emmy Awards did Don Knotts win for playing Barney Fife? Answer: 5
- What network aired The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: CBS
- Who directed the majority of episodes? Answer: Bob Sweeney
- What town’s exterior shots were used for Mayberry? Answer: Culver City, California (on the 40 Acres backlot)
- How many episodes did The Andy Griffith Show produce in total? Answer: 249
- Why did Don Knotts leave the show after the fifth season? Answer: His contract ended and he signed a film deal with Universal Pictures
- What day and time did The Andy Griffith Show originally air? Answer: Mondays at 9:30 PM
- Did Andy Griffith win any Emmy Awards for his role as Sheriff Taylor? Answer: No, he was never nominated
- What was the highest Nielsen rating The Andy Griffith Show ever achieved? Answer: #1 in its final season
- Who helped create and develop The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: Sheldon Leonard and Danny Thomas
- What was Frances Bavier’s relationship with the cast like off-screen? Answer: Often strained and difficult
- What famous director started his career working on The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: Ron Howard
- What physical feature of Don Knotts did the writers often reference? Answer: His “high metabolism” and skinniness
- Who sang “The Fishing Hole” theme song? Answer: It was whistled, not sung
- What sitcom replaced The Andy Griffith Show in its time slot? Answer: Mayberry R.F.D.
- What special feature was in Floyd’s barbershop that was considered modern at the time? Answer: Air conditioning
If you enjoy testing your knowledge about classic TV shows, you might also like our 80s movie trivia questions for another nostalgic challenge!
Andy Griffith’s Career Beyond Mayberry
While most people know Andy Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor, his career spanned much more than just his time in Mayberry. I’ve always been amazed at how versatile he was as an actor, moving from comedy to drama with ease. These questions explore Andy’s work before and after his iconic role on The Andy Griffith Show.
- What was Andy Griffith’s first major film role? Answer: A Face in the Crowd (1957)
- What comedy album launched Andy Griffith to fame in the 1950s? Answer: “What It Was, Was Football”
- What TV show did Andy Griffith star in after The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: Matlock
- What character did Andy Griffith play on Matlock? Answer: Ben Matlock, attorney
- How many years did Matlock run? Answer: 9 years (1986-1995)
- What was Andy Griffith’s first TV role? Answer: “No Time for Sergeants” on The United States Steel Hour
- What Broadway show did Andy Griffith star in before his TV career? Answer: No Time for Sergeants
- Did Andy Griffith win any Grammy Awards? Answer: Yes, for his gospel album “I Love to Tell the Story” (1997)
- What state did Andy Griffith call home for most of his later life? Answer: North Carolina
- In what year was Andy Griffith inducted into the Television Hall of Fame? Answer: 1991
- What was Andy Griffith’s birth name? Answer: Andy Samuel Griffith
- What college did Andy Griffith attend? Answer: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- What subject did Andy Griffith plan to teach before becoming an actor? Answer: Music
- What instrument did Andy Griffith play professionally? Answer: Guitar
- What was Andy Griffith’s last film appearance? Answer: “Play the Game” (2009)
If you’re looking for more questions about famous personalities, try our questions to ask a guy list for inspiration!
The Legacy of The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show’s impact extends far beyond its original run, influencing American culture and television for generations. I’m always struck by how many modern shows still reference Mayberry or try to capture that same small-town charm. These questions explore the lasting legacy of this beloved series.
- In what year was The Andy Griffith Show added to the National Registry? Answer: 1999
- What popular modern sitcom has made numerous references to The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: Parks and Recreation
- What statue stands in Mount Airy, NC in honor of the show? Answer: A statue of Andy and Opie going fishing
- What annual festival celebrates The Andy Griffith Show? Answer: Mayberry Days
- What spinoff show continued the Mayberry story after The Andy Griffith Show ended? Answer: Mayberry R.F.D.
- What was unusual about The Andy Griffith Show’s final season ratings? Answer: It’s the only show to end its run at #1 in the ratings by choice
- What memorial honors Andy Griffith in his hometown? Answer: The Andy Griffith Museum
- What popular show featured a reunion of Andy Griffith Show cast members? Answer: Return to Mayberry (1986 TV movie)
- How has Mayberry been described in terms of American nostalgia? Answer: “America’s Hometown”
- What famous politician often cited The Andy Griffith Show as his favorite TV show? Answer: Barack Obama
For more nostalgic conversations, check out our deep topics to talk about list!
Ultimate Fan Challenge Questions
These final questions are for the true Mayberry aficionados who know the show inside and out. I’ve saved the toughest questions for last, so if you can answer these, you’re definitely a super-fan! My family has an ongoing competition to see who can answer the most of these difficult questions.
- What was the name of Barney’s landlady? Answer: Mrs. Mendelbright
- What was Aunt Bee’s full name? Answer: Beatrice Taylor
- What was Opie’s pet crow’s name? Answer: Blackie
- What were the names of the two “Fun Girls”? Answer: Daphne and Skippy
- What was Helen Crump’s hometown? Answer: Kansas City
- What book series did Barney love to quote from? Answer: “Rules of Good Citizenship”
- What was the license plate number on Andy’s squad car? Answer: 3A-1 (for 3 Authorized Car #1)
- What was Ernest T. Bass’s catchphrase? Answer: “It’s me, it’s me, it’s Ernest T!”
- What food did Aunt Bee famously make poorly? Answer: Pickles
- What was the name of Opie’s best friend? Answer: Arnold Bailey
If you’ve made it through all these challenging questions, you might enjoy our funny ways to say good job to congratulate your trivia teammates!
Final Thoughts
Wow, we’ve journeyed through over 100 questions about The Andy Griffith Show, exploring everything from basic facts to obscure details that only the most dedicated fans would know. I hope these trivia questions bring as much joy to your gatherings as they have to mine!
Whether you’re hosting a themed party, looking for a fun family activity, or just wanting to test your own knowledge of this iconic show, these questions are sure to entertain and maybe even teach you something new about Mayberry and its beloved residents.
How many questions were you able to answer correctly? I’d love to know which ones stumped you or if there are any fascinating Andy Griffith facts you know that I didn’t include!
For more great conversation starters and trivia questions, be sure to check out our other collections of would you rather questions or video game trivia questions for your next gathering!