Gidget (1965)
The classic ABC sitcom that launched Sally Field's career, following a surf-loving California teenager and her devoted widowed father.
Gidget - Series Information
- Original Title: Gidget
- First Air Year: 1965
- Last Air Year: 1966
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 15, 1965 (United States - TV-G), September 15, 1965 (Australia - G)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: Screen Gems Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Gidget - Plot
Gidget is an American sitcom about a surfing, boy-crazy teenager called "Gidget" and her widowed father Russ Lawrence, a UCLA professor. Sally Field stars as Gidget with Don Porter as father Russell Lawrence. The series was first broadcast on ABC from September 15, 1965 to April 21, 1966. Gidget was among the first regularly scheduled color programs on ABC, but did poorly in the Nielsen ratings and was cancelled at the end of its first season.
Gidget - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Gidget's sunny California adventures:
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Gidget - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Don Porter
- Sally Field
- Betty Conner
- Lynette Winter
- Pete Duel
- Michael Nader
- Tim Rooney
- Bonnie Franklin
- Janis Hansen
- Beverly Washburn
Writers
- Barbara Avedon
- John McGreevey
- Albert Mannheimer
- Joanna Lee
Gidget - FAQs
Who played Gidget in the 1965 TV series?
Sally Field played Frances Elizabeth 'Gidget' Lawrence in the series — one of her earliest major roles. Don Porter co-starred as her widowed father, Professor Russell Lawrence. The show helped launch Field's career before she went on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated actresses.
Why was Gidget cancelled after one season?
Despite being one of ABC's first regularly scheduled color programs, Gidget struggled in the Nielsen ratings throughout its run. Low viewership led the network to cancel it after just one season, ending its broadcast run on April 21, 1966. The show later found a devoted audience in syndication.
Where can you watch Gidget today?
Gidget is available to watch for free with ads on Tubi TV. If you prefer to own it, the series can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Is Gidget based on a true story or book?
The TV series is based on the Gidget character created by Frederick Kohner, who wrote the 1957 novel inspired by his real-life daughter Kathy. The character became a pop culture phenomenon through the novel, a 1959 film, and eventually this ABC sitcom, which adapted the lighthearted beach-girl premise for weekly television.
When did Gidget first air on television?
Gidget premiered on ABC on September 15, 1965, and ran until April 21, 1966. The series aired during the 1965–1966 television season, consisting of 32 episodes across its single season.
How many episodes does Gidget have?
The series ran for 32 episodes across one season, plus 2 additional special episodes. Each episode ran approximately 25 minutes, fitting the half-hour sitcom format typical of 1960s network television.
What is Gidget the TV series about?
Gidget follows a spirited, surf-obsessed teenage girl nicknamed Gidget and her warm relationship with her widowed father, a UCLA professor. Equal parts beach comedy and coming-of-age story, the show captures the breezy optimism of 1960s California youth culture through Gidget's romantic adventures and everyday misadventures.
What are shows similar to Gidget?
Fans of Gidget's lighthearted family comedy style may enjoy I Love Lucy, The Good Life, or The Vicar of Dibley for classic sitcom charm. For more contemporary picks, Single Parents and The Unicorn offer a similar warmth around single-parent family dynamics and gentle humor.
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