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Studio executives argued with the show's creators that no one would sponsor a show about two "bums." Of course, Chevrolet proved them wrong.
 Route 66 created television history by being the first television show shot entirely on location. The early episodes were politically charged and dealt with deep issues that mirrored the problems of the times. The first episode told the story of a wealthy businessman who, learning that his son had been killed in action, murdered two German POWs as his neighbors watched. Subsequent shows featured a variety of characters including a heroin addict, a washed-up prizefighter, migrant farm workers, an aging RAF pilot (turned crop-duster), a runaway heiress, an eccentric scientist, a small-time beauty contest promoter, drought-stricken ranchers, a recent ex-con (female and framed), a grim Nazi-hunter, a blind dance instructor, a dying blues singer--each facing some personal crisis or secret pain.
CBS executives, concerned about the seriousness of the series and its political undertones, ordered the show's producer to add more "broads, bosoms, and fun" to the show. The producers eventually conceded to network demands and introduced young female guest stars such as Tuesday Weld and Suzanne Pleshette to provide more romance for Tod and Buzz.
Maharis left the show in 1963 and was replaced by Glen Corbett as Linc, a recently-retuned Vietnam veteran. Viewers never really bonded with the new character and the shows ratings foundered. It was eventually cancelled.
Even though the series is associated with Route 66 the highway, only a few of the episodes were actually firmed in towns along the old highway itself. Nevertheless, it managed to capture the feelings of adventure and wanderlust that the road invokes in people's minds.
In 1993, a summer series on NBC put Buz's illegitimate son at the wheel of the Corvette. He took to the highway with a forgettable partner in the passenger seat. The new Route 66 only lasted a few weeks but it led to other TV series based on the wandering Samaritan doing good on his travels
We've had visitors to our site ask what happened to Martin Milner and George Maharis?
For a biography of Martin Miler
To learn more about George Maharis |
