‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ first aired on CBS in October 1961 and ran for five seasons

David Van Deusen; ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ cast.Credit: Courtesy of David Van Deusen; Silver Screen Collection/Getty
David Van Deusen; ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ cast.
Credit: Courtesy of David Van Deusen; Silver Screen Collection/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Carl Reiner originally planned to introduce a second child to the Petrie family during season 1 of The Dick Van Dyke Show, according to historian David Van Deusen
  • The baby would have inspired storylines about Ritchie adjusting to a new sibling
  • In his latest book, From Fandom to Friendships: My Adventures with The Dick Van Dyke Show Cast, the archivist and historian shares rare behind-the-scenes details about the beloved series

As The Dick Van Dyke Show celebrates its 65th anniversary, there is still plenty to discover about one of television’s most beloved families.

After decades of research, David Van Deusen, an archivist and historian of the series, uncovered an intriguing detail about creator Carl Reiner’s original vision for Rob and Laura Petrie’s household. The discovery suggests that the family’s story could have taken a different direction during the show’s first season.

“As part of his show creation, Carl Reiner had prepared detailed descriptions for all of the main characters from the show,” Van Deusen reveals in his book From Fandom to Friendships: My Adventures with The Dick Van Dyke Show Cast. “This initially included not only Rob, Laura and Ritchie, but the reference to a Petrie baby that would arrive in the first season.”

Carl Reiner and David Van Deusen.Credit: Courtesy of David Van Deusen
Carl Reiner and David Van Deusen.
Credit: Courtesy of David Van Deusen

According to Van Deusen’s research, at the time of creation, Reiner envisioned the new arrival as more than a background detail, anticipating stories of an older child adjusting to a younger sibling.

The proposed character would “be used to develop shows that have as their theme the sibling rivalry that exists between older children and the interlopers that are brought home from maternity hospitals.”

Premiering on CBS in October 1961, The Dick Van Dyke Show starred Dick Van Dyke as Rob Petrie, a comedy writer working on a television variety program, and Mary Tyler Moore as his wife, Laura. Their son, Ritchie, played by Larry Mathews, was central to the family’s home life, while the series balanced domestic comedy with Rob’s adventures at work alongside fellow writers Sally Rogers and Buddy Sorrell.

Reiner’s unrealized plan offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative thinking behind a sitcom that would unknowingly become a television classic. 

Dick Van Dyke and David Van Deusen.Credit: Courtesy of David Van Deusen
Dick Van Dyke and David Van Deusen.
Credit: Courtesy of David Van Deusen

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Van Deusen has spent decades preserving its history, publishing The Walnut Times newsletter for 20 years and his latest book is packed with rare behind-the-scenes tidbits and “his experiences engaging and interacting with cast members and guest stars” from the beloved show.

Once recognized by Reiner as “the other DVD,” he continues to share his knowledge through the Facebook group Celebrating The Dick Van Dyke Show and the podcast Tripping Over The Ottoman, which he co-hosts.

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