Tarzan (1966)
The classic NBC jungle adventure series starring Ron Ely as a well-educated apeman who abandons civilization for the wilds of Africa.
Tarzan - Series Information
- Original Title: Tarzan
- First Air Year: 1966
- Last Air Year: 1968
- Created by: Sy Weintraub
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 46 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 57
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 8, 1966 (United States - NR), September 8, 1966 (Canada - G), September 8, 1966 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Banner Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Tarzan - Plot
Tarzan is a series that aired on NBC from 1966 – 1968. The series portrayed Tarzan as a well-educated character, one who, tired of civilization, had returned to the jungle where he had been raised. The show retained many of the trappings of the classic movie series, including Cheeta, while excluding other elements, such as Jane, as part of the “new look” for the fabled apeman that producer Sy Weintraub had introduced in previous motion pictures starring Gordon Scott, Jock Mahoney, and Mike Henry. CBS aired repeat episodes the program during the summer of 1969.
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Tarzan - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Sy Weintraub
Main Cast
- Ron Ely
- Alan Caillou
- Manuel Padilla Jr.
- Rockne Tarkington
- Harry Lauter
- Bernie Hamilton
- Robert DoQui
- Ben Wright
- Julie Harris
- Maurice Evans
Writers
- Carey Wilber
- Don Brinkley
- Lee Erwin
- Oliver Crawford
- Jerry Adelman
Tarzan - FAQs
Who played Tarzan in the 1966 NBC series?
Ron Ely played Tarzan in the 1966 NBC series. Ely portrayed the character as a well-educated, articulate man who had chosen to return to the jungle. His athletic performance across two seasons and 57 episodes made him one of the most memorable actors to take on the iconic role.
What is the 1966 Tarzan TV series about?
The 1966 Tarzan series follows a well-educated apeman who, disillusioned with civilization, returns to the African jungle. Produced by Sy Weintraub, the show reimagined the classic character without Jane, emphasizing adventure and action while retaining beloved elements like Cheeta the chimpanzee.
How many seasons and episodes does Tarzan 1966 have?
The 1966 Tarzan series ran for two seasons totaling 57 episodes. Season 1 comprised 31 episodes and Season 2 comprised 26 episodes. The show aired on NBC from September 1966 through 1968, with CBS later broadcasting repeat episodes during the summer of 1969.
Is the 1966 Tarzan series based on a true story?
No, the 1966 Tarzan series is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs' fictional Tarzan character, first introduced in the 1912 novel Tarzan of the Apes. The series reimagined the fabled apeman for a 1960s television audience under producer Sy Weintraub's creative vision.
Why was Jane absent from the 1966 Tarzan TV series?
Jane was deliberately excluded as part of producer Sy Weintraub's “new look” for the Tarzan character, a direction he had already established in earlier theatrical films starring Gordon Scott, Jock Mahoney, and Mike Henry. This approach repositioned Tarzan as a solitary, self-sufficient jungle hero rather than a domestic partner.
When did the 1966 Tarzan series first air?
The 1966 Tarzan series premiered on September 8, 1966, on NBC in the United States. The show ran for two seasons before concluding in 1968. CBS subsequently aired repeat episodes of the program during the summer of 1969, extending the series' broadcast reach.
Where can I watch the 1966 Tarzan TV series?
Streaming availability for the 1966 Tarzan series varies by region. You can check JustWatch for a comprehensive, up-to-date list of platforms currently offering the series for streaming, rental, or purchase in your area.
What are shows similar to the 1966 Tarzan series?
Fans of the 1966 Tarzan series may enjoy Jungle Jim (1955) and Tarzan: The Epic Adventures (1996) for similar jungle adventure themes. For broader action-adventure entertainment, Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle (1976) and Life Is Wild (2007) offer comparable spirit and exotic settings.
More About Tarzan
Explore further details about the series through these authoritative resources.