In earlier this week, we were treated to the remarkable 99-year-old Dick Van Dyke's performance in Coldplay's new music video. It was filled with visual references to the sitcom that made him a household name in the early 1960s. And even after six decades, he remains a household name. However, one wonders how many of those who appreciate his extreme longevity - both cultural and biological - have actually seen an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show. I myself only caught the occasional late-night rerun in childhood. But regardless of his characteristic goofiness, the thirty-something Van Dyke in the role of comedy writer Rob Petrie always seemed to embody the very essence of mature adulthood.

Now Available on YouTube

You can now watch The Dick Van Dyke Show's five seasons for free on YouTube. It starts with the first season on a channel called FilmRise Television. On their collection of playlists, you'll also find such pillars of mid-century American television as Dragnet, The Lone Ranger, Bonanza, and That Girl. These regularly scheduled entertainments became veritable cultural institutions when they originally aired on major networks in the 1950s and 1960s, with an influence that extended far beyond their already considerable viewership. It's hard to understand for those who grew up with on-demand content, but these shows held a special place in history.

The Impact of the Golden Age of Television

The millennial generation grew up regarding shows of this kind as hokey but sufficient diversions when nothing more irreverent or postmodern was on. At worst, they felt like inferior predecessors of the then-current sitcoms and dramas we were watching in prime time. But then came the long "golden age" of prestige television, with its new levels of aesthetic and narrative complexity. This changed our very conception of television. It opened our eyes to a whole new world of storytelling and visual excellence.

Traveling Back in Time with The Dick Van Dyke Show

Today, watching The Dick Van Dyke Show or any of the other hits with which it shared the scarce airwaves feels almost exotic. It's like traveling to the past, to a foreign country where they do things differently. And fortunately, a few of its citizens are still around to entertain us. The show's charm and timelessness are truly remarkable. It has withstood the test of time and continues to bring joy to viewers around the world.

The Cultural Significance

The Dick Van Dyke Show was more than just a sitcom. It was a cultural phenomenon that shaped the way we viewed television and entertainment. It introduced us to new characters, storylines, and ways of thinking. Its influence can still be felt today in modern television shows and popular culture. It is a testament to the power of great storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic television.