Get Smart (1965–1970)
- Sep 17, 1965
- 2 min read
Get Smart is an American sitcom that blended spy thriller tropes with sharp, satirical comedy, becoming a defining hit of 1960s television. Airing on NBC for its first four seasons and CBS for its fifth, the show stood out for its clever parody of the espionage genre, inspired by James Bond and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Its absurd humor, memorable catchphrases, and lovable characters made it a cultural classic.
Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, Get Smart was developed with contributions from writers like Leonard Stern. The series premiered on September 18, 1965, and its final episode aired on May 15, 1970. Brooks and Henry’s vision of a bumbling spy navigating high-stakes missions with wit and luck delivered a timeless mix of slapstick and satire, influencing comedy for decades.
Plot
Set in Washington, D.C., Get Smart follows Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, a well-meaning but clumsy operative for CONTROL, a secret government agency battling the evil organization KAOS. Partnered with the capable Agent 99 and guided by the exasperated Chief, Max uses gadgets like his shoe phone to thwart villains, often stumbling into success. The show explores themes of loyalty, ingenuity, and teamwork, with humor driven by Max’s incompetence, absurd spy tech, and iconic lines like “Would you believe…?”
Cast
Don Adams as Maxwell Smart (Agent 86)
Barbara Feldon as Agent 99
Edward Platt as The Chief
Robert Karvelas as Larrabee
Bernie Kopell as Siegfried (recurring)
Victor French as Agent 44 (recurring)
Seasons and Episodes
Season 1 (1965–1966) – 30 episodes
Season 2 (1966–1967) – 30 episodes
Season 3 (1967–1968) – 26 episodes
Season 4 (1968–1969) – 26 episodes
Season 5 (1969–1970) – 26 episodes Total Episodes: 138
Cultural Impact
Get Smart became a 1960s pop culture phenomenon, with catchphrases like “Sorry about that, Chief” and “Missed it by that much!” entering everyday speech. The show’s gadgets, like the Cone of Silence, parodied spy tropes brilliantly, influencing comedies like The Naked Gun and Austin Powers. It spawned a 1980 film (The Nude Bomb), a 1989 TV movie, a 1995 revival series, and a 2008 feature film. Syndication on MeTV and streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime keep it accessible, with merchandise like DVDs and fan communities sustaining its legacy.
Honors and Recognition
Get Smart won seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 1968 and 1969, and Outstanding Lead Actor for Don Adams in 1967–1969. It earned 14 Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. Don Adams’ deadpan delivery and Barbara Feldon’s cool competence were praised for their perfect comedic chemistry.
Conclusion
Get Smart remains a comedic masterpiece, celebrated for its clever satire, unforgettable characters, and timeless humor. Its parody of the spy genre and enduring catchphrases ensure its place as a classic sitcom that continues to entertain audiences across generations.
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