The Flying Nun (1967)
The beloved ABC sitcom starring Sally Field as a novice nun whose oversized cornette gives her the miraculous — and mischievous — gift of flight.
The Flying Nun - Series Information
- Original Title: The Flying Nun
- First Air Year: 1967
- Last Air Year: 1970
- Created by: Marie Teresa Ríos, Bernard Slade et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 82
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 7, 1967 (United States - TV-G), September 7, 1967 (Australia - G), September 7, 1967 (Brazil - L)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: Screen Gems Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Flying Nun - Plot
Young Sister Bertrille uses her ability to become airborne to help others, whether they want it or not. Although her aims are always benevolent, her means are often bemoaned by Mother Superior. The other Sisters must cope with their beloved Sister's aerodynamics and antics as she flies in and out of trouble.
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The Flying Nun - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Marie Teresa Ríos
- Bernard Slade
- Harry Ackerman
Main Cast
- Sally Field
- Marge Redmond
- Madeleine Sherwood
- Alejandro Rey
- Shelley Morrison
- Linda Dangcil
- Julio Medina
- Naomi Stevens
- Lew Palter
- A.G. Vitanza
Writers
- John McGreevey
- Lee Erwin
- Ed Jurist
- Myles Wilder
- Larry Markes
Executive Producers
- Harry Ackerman
The Flying Nun - FAQs
Did Sally Field actually learn to fly for The Flying Nun?
Sally Field didn't take to the skies for real — her airborne scenes were achieved through wires, harnesses, and clever camera work. She has since spoken candidly about how physically demanding and occasionally uncomfortable those wire-rigging sessions were, though her comedic timing made every flight look effortless on screen.
Is The Flying Nun based on a book or true story?
The series is based on "The Fifteenth Pelican," a 1965 novel by Marie Teresa Ríos. The book introduced the whimsical premise of a lightweight nun whose oversized cornette catches the wind and lifts her into the air. The TV adaptation expanded the concept into a full comedic universe set in Puerto Rico.
Where can you stream The Flying Nun for free?
You can watch The Flying Nun for free with ads on both Tubi TV and The Roku Channel. No subscription is required for either platform — just create a free account and start streaming this beloved 1960s classic whenever the mood strikes.
How did The Flying Nun launch Sally Field's career?
The Flying Nun was Sally Field's second major TV role, following Gidget, and it cemented her as a recognizable face in American households. Though she later distanced herself from the role, the show's success gave her the platform to pursue dramatic work, ultimately leading to two Academy Award wins.
How many seasons and episodes does The Flying Nun have?
The Flying Nun ran for three seasons on ABC from 1967 to 1970, producing 82 episodes in total. Season 1 delivered 30 episodes, while Seasons 2 and 3 each contributed 26. The show also includes a small collection of special episodes rounding out its complete run.
Was The Flying Nun well received by critics and audiences?
The show was a genuine ratings hit during its original ABC run, particularly popular with younger viewers charmed by its lighthearted fantasy premise. Critics were more divided — some found it delightfully absurd, others considered it slight — but its three-season run and enduring cult status speak to its lasting audience appeal.
Where was The Flying Nun filmed and set?
The series is set in San Tanco, a fictional town in Puerto Rico, giving it a distinctive Latin American flavor rare for 1960s American sitcoms. However, most filming took place on studio lots in California, with location footage and set design used to evoke the Puerto Rican atmosphere throughout the show's run.
What shows are similar to The Flying Nun?
Fans of The Flying Nun tend to enjoy other warm, character-driven comedies like The Andy Griffith Show and The Facts of Life. For a similar blend of community, humor, and heart, Laverne & Shirley and The Jeffersons also capture that classic American sitcom spirit that made The Flying Nun such a beloved staple.
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