The Monkees (1966)
Four aspiring musicians, one Malibu beach house, and a whole lot of madcap comedy — The Monkees turned 1960s pop culture upside down.
The Monkees - Series Information
- Original Title: The Monkees
- First Air Year: 1966
- Last Air Year: 1968
- Created by: Bert Schneider, Bob Rafelson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 58
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 12, 1966 (United States - TV-G)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Screen Gems Television, Raybert Productions, NBC, Columbia Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
The Monkees - Plot
Micky, Mike, Peter, and Davy are four young men in mid-1960s LA, members of a struggling country-folk-rock band looking for their big break amid madcap encounters with a variety of people straight out of TV and movie central casting, with full knowledge that their existence is part of a weekly television series.
The Monkees - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the band's anarchic, music-fueled adventures:
Who's putting who on? You'll never know till you see this show!
Where to Watch The Monkees
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The Monkees - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bert Schneider
- Bob Rafelson
Main Cast
- Davy Jones
- Micky Dolenz
- Michael Nesmith
- Peter Tork
- Valerie Kairys
- Monte Landis
- Henry Corden
- James Frawley
- Vic Tayback
- Joe Higgins
Writers
- Dee Caruso
- Gerald Gardner
- Dave Evans
- Peter Meyerson
- Coslough Johnson
The Monkees - FAQs
Were The Monkees a real band or just actors?
The Monkees began as actors cast for a TV show but evolved into a genuine musical act. Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork all had real musical talent. They eventually gained creative control over their recordings and produced legitimate hit albums and singles throughout the late 1960s.
What is The Monkees TV series about?
The Monkees follows four young musicians — Davy, Micky, Mike, and Peter — living together in a Malibu beach house while trying to make it big in the Los Angeles music scene. Each episode blends slapstick comedy, musical performances, and self-aware humor in a fast-paced, anarchic style inspired by The Beatles' films.
Where can you stream The Monkees today?
The Monkees is available to stream on several platforms in the United States. You can check current availability across streaming services, rental, and purchase options on JustWatch, which provides up-to-date regional listings for the series.
When did The Monkees first air on television?
The Monkees premiered on September 12, 1966, on NBC. The show ran for two seasons, concluding in 1968, and quickly became one of the most-watched programs of its era, drawing enormous audiences of young viewers captivated by the band's irreverent humor and catchy pop-rock music.
How many seasons and episodes does The Monkees have?
The Monkees ran for two seasons on NBC, comprising 58 episodes in total. Season 1 contained 32 episodes and Season 2 contained 26 episodes. The series also has a collection of 19 special episodes. The show aired from 1966 to 1968 before concluding its original run.
Did The Monkees TV show win any awards?
Yes. The Monkees won two Emmy Awards in 1967, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy. The wins were notable given the show's unconventional, experimental style. The series was widely praised for its innovative use of hand-held cameras, fast cuts, and breaking the fourth wall.
Who created The Monkees TV series?
The Monkees was created by Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson, who later became prominent figures in New Hollywood cinema. The series was produced by their company Raybert Productions in association with Screen Gems Television and aired on NBC. Bob Rafelson went on to direct Five Easy Pieces after the show ended.
Is The Monkees suitable for all ages?
Yes. The Monkees carries a TV-G content rating, making it appropriate for all audiences including young children. The humor is lighthearted, the musical performances are family-friendly, and the show contains no mature content. It remains a popular choice for family viewing and for introducing younger generations to 1960s pop culture.
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