The Dick Van Dyke Show has become a classic television show, beloved by generations of fans, many of whom were not alive during its original run.
After its first season, however, its ratings were only so-so. CBS decided to cancel the show, but were convinced otherwise by television legend Danny Thomas. Summer reruns began showing signs of life and by the Fall premiere, its ratings were huge. When Dick Van Dyke chose to end the show after its fifth season, CBS tried to convince him to keep things going in an odd twist.