5 Things You Never Knew About ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’

When Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. debuted on CBS in 1964, it didn’t take long for the show to march its way into the hearts of millions. A spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show, the series followed Jim Nabors as Gomer, the sweet, slow-talking Mayberry gas station attendant who found himself enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The show paired Gomer’s wide-eyed innocence with the hilarious gruffness of his drill instructor, Sgt. Vince Carter, played by Frank Sutton, playing off the mismatch for big laughs (despite its military setting and the ongoing Vietnam War, the series kept things light and never touched on the conflict).

Over five seasons and 150 episodes, the show remained a top 10 ratings hit, and has continued to charm audiences through reruns. This Sunday, June 8, beginning at 5am CT, Catchy Comedy will air 24 straight hours of episodes, as part of their “Catchy Binge” programming. But even if you’ve watched every salute and “shazam,” you may not know these behind-the-scenes facts: