The Andy Griffith Show is a 1960s American television series humorously depicting life in a fictional community in the southern United States. The show was created by Sheldon Leonard, filmed at Desilu Studios, and televised by CBS from October 3rd, 1960 to April 1st, 1968. The show's first five seasons were filmed in black and white while the last three were in color. Andy Griffith stars as widower Andy Taylor, the Sheriff of Mayberry, North Carolina. Andy lives with his son Opie and his spinster housekeeper, Aunt "Bee" Taylor. Episodes revolve around Andy's life as a lawman, a father, and a lover. The series was very popular from its inception, won Emmys for stars Don Knotts and Frances Bavier, and left the air when it was #1 in the Nielsen Ratings. It spun off two television series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. and Mayberry R.F.D. , as well as a 1986 reunion television movie, Return to Mayberry. The Andy Griffith Show is syndicated by CBS Paramount Television with reruns broadcast across the United States. The complete series, selected episodes, and individual seasons are available on DVD.