Route 66

Watch Route 66

  • TV-Y7
  • 1960
  • 4 Seasons
  • 7.7  (1,827)

Route 66 is a classic television show that aired from 1960-1964 that follows two young men, Tod Stiles (Martin Milner) and Buz Murdock (George Maharis), as they travel the country in a Chevrolet Corvette on Route 66 in search of adventure and themselves. The show aired on CBS and was known for its iconic theme song by Nelson Riddle. Tod is a wealthy young man from a privileged background who has been thrown into the real world after his father's death. Buz is a former sailor who has seen his fair share of the world but has never truly found his place in it. Together, the two embark on a journey across the United States, taking on odd jobs and meeting a variety of characters along the way. Route 66 is a unique show for its time, as it was one of the first to feature two young men traveling across the country without any particular destination in mind. The series was also among the first to be shot on location, with the cast and crew traveling to each new location for filming. One of the show's strengths is the chemistry between Milner and Maharis. The two actors have a natural rapport that makes their characters' friendship feel genuine, which is essential to the show's success. A third character, Linc (Glenn Corbett), replaces Buz in the fourth and final season. Linc is a former Marine and also searches for adventure and purpose on Route 66. The show's writers were careful to ensure that every episode had a distinct plot and didn't feel repetitive. Each installment is essentially a self-contained story that explores different aspects of American life in the 1960s. Some episodes deal with issues like racism and classism, while others are more lighthearted and focus on the characters' personal lives. Route 66 is not a typical episodic TV show, but rather a collection of short films that tell a story. The show's structure allows for a lot of creativity in terms of storytelling, as each episode has a different plot and style. Some episodes use flashbacks and non-linear storytelling, while others are more traditional in structure. This variety keeps the show engaging and fresh throughout its four seasons. Another notable aspect of the show is its guest stars. Many famous actors of the time appeared on Route 66, including Robert Redford, Boris Karloff, Leslie Nielsen, and Joan Crawford. These guest stars helped to draw in audiences and add to the show's appeal. Despite its unconventional structure, Route 66 was a hit with audiences and critics alike. It was praised for its excellent writing, cinematography, and performances. The show was also notable for its use of music, with many episodes featuring live performances by musicians of the era, including Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin. Route 66 has become a beloved classic over the years, with many fans re-discovering the show on DVD or streaming services. Its unique format and blend of drama, comedy, and adventure continue to make it a compelling watch for audiences of all ages. In conclusion, Route 66 is a classic era-defining TV show that follows two young men's journey across America. This unique show provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and times of ordinary Americans in the early 1960s, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in television history. The series' unconventional structure, excellent performances and writing, and use of music and guest stars continue to make it an engaging and entertaining watch for audiences today.

Route 66
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Seasons
Where There's a Will, There's a Way, Part 2
23. Where There's a Will, There's a Way, Part 2
March 13, 1964
Where There's a Will, There's a Way, Part 2
Where There's a Will, There's a Way, Part 1
22. Where There's a Will, There's a Way, Part 1
March 6, 1964
The bizarre terms of a tycoon's will mandate that Tod marry his daughter. Filmed in Tampa.
I'm Here to Kill a King
21. I'm Here to Kill a King
March 20, 1964
Coincidence brings Tod together with a political assassin who is his identical double. Filmed in Canada.
Follow the White Dove With the Broken Wing
20. Follow the White Dove With the Broken Wing
February 21, 1964
After accidentally killing a policeman, a troubled teenager takes Tod and Linc hostage.
This is Going to Hurt Me More Than It Hurts You
19. This is Going to Hurt Me More Than It Hurts You
February 14, 1964
A former classmate of Tod's, who is now a millionaire, wants Tod and his "manservant" Linc to take his place.
Who in His Right Mind Needs a Nice Girl?
18. Who in His Right Mind Needs a Nice Girl?
February 7, 1964
A shy and naive young librarian becomes infatuated with a dashing stranger, unaware he is a murderer being sought by the police.
Cries of Persons Close to One
17. Cries of Persons Close to One
January 31, 1964
Linc must take the place of an alcoholic boxer who is unable to participate in a fight.
Kiss the Monster, Make Him Sleep
16. Kiss the Monster, Make Him Sleep
January 24, 1964
Linc has a full plate as he carries on a relationship with a troubled young woman while reconciling with his mother and estranged father.
Like This It Means Father, Like This Bitter, Like This Tiger
15. Like This It Means Father, Like This Bitter, Like This Tiger
January 17, 1964
Linc runs into a former member of his Vietnam outfit - the man who got his men killed in combat.
Is it True There Are Poxies at the Bottom of Landfair Lake?
14. Is it True There Are Poxies at the Bottom of Landfair Lake?
January 10, 1964
A young man in rural Georgia seeks to publicly humiliate a woman who was the instrument of a cruel practical joke perpetrated on him in the Army.
Child of a Night
13. Child of a Night
January 3, 1964
Tod and Linc try to fulfill a dying man's wish to find the child he never knew and give her his life's savings.
93 Percent in Smiling
12. 93 Percent in Smiling
December 20, 1963
Tired of their parents' bickering, two young children kidnap their baby brother and set up their own "family."
Come Home Greta Inger Gruenchaffen
11. Come Home Greta Inger Gruenchaffen
December 13, 1963
Tod and Linc vie for the affections of a German physical culturalist who is on a sabbatical.
A Long Way From St. Louie
10. A Long Way From St. Louie
December 6, 1963
Linc takes it upon himself to help out a quintet of girl musicians stranded in Toronto, Canada.
A Cage in Search of a Bird
9. A Cage in Search of a Bird
November 29, 1963
A moll steals six hundred dollars from her boyfriend's poker game and then hides the money in the hubcap of Tod and Linc's car.
I Wouldn't Start From Here
8. I Wouldn't Start From Here
November 15, 1963
Tod and Linc help an old Vermont farmer try to stave off bankruptcy.
The Stone Guest
7. The Stone Guest
November 8, 1963
A cave-in at a Colorado mine traps the town ne'er-do-well underground with a spinster, while Mozart's Don Giovanni plays in the town and parallels the mine tragedy.
And Make Thunder His Tribute
6. And Make Thunder His Tribute
November 1, 1963
Tod and Linc go to work for a raspberry farmer and find themselves in yet another father-son conflict.
Build Your Houses With Their Backs to the Sea
5. Build Your Houses With Their Backs to the Sea
October 25, 1963
Tod and Linc observe the grim conflict between a Maine lobster fisherman and his prodigal son.
Where Are the Sounds of Celli Brahms?
4. Where Are the Sounds of Celli Brahms?
October 18, 1963
Tod gets a job working with a female acoustical engineer and finds her difficult to keep up with.
Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
3. Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
October 11, 1963
Linc falls for the capricious daughter of a sawmill owner.
Same Picture, Different Frame
2. Same Picture, Different Frame
October 4, 1963
A matron fears her ex-husband means to kill her.
Two Strangers and an Old Enemy
1. Two Strangers and an Old Enemy
September 27, 1963
Tod and Linc search for a missing war hero in the Everglades.
Description

Route 66 is a classic television show that aired from 1960-1964 that follows two young men, Tod Stiles (Martin Milner) and Buz Murdock (George Maharis), as they travel the country in a Chevrolet Corvette on Route 66 in search of adventure and themselves. The show aired on CBS and was known for its iconic theme song by Nelson Riddle.

Tod is a wealthy young man from a privileged background who has been thrown into the real world after his father's death. Buz is a former sailor who has seen his fair share of the world but has never truly found his place in it. Together, the two embark on a journey across the United States, taking on odd jobs and meeting a variety of characters along the way.

Route 66 is a unique show for its time, as it was one of the first to feature two young men traveling across the country without any particular destination in mind. The series was also among the first to be shot on location, with the cast and crew traveling to each new location for filming.

One of the show's strengths is the chemistry between Milner and Maharis. The two actors have a natural rapport that makes their characters' friendship feel genuine, which is essential to the show's success. A third character, Linc (Glenn Corbett), replaces Buz in the fourth and final season. Linc is a former Marine and also searches for adventure and purpose on Route 66.

The show's writers were careful to ensure that every episode had a distinct plot and didn't feel repetitive. Each installment is essentially a self-contained story that explores different aspects of American life in the 1960s. Some episodes deal with issues like racism and classism, while others are more lighthearted and focus on the characters' personal lives.

Route 66 is not a typical episodic TV show, but rather a collection of short films that tell a story. The show's structure allows for a lot of creativity in terms of storytelling, as each episode has a different plot and style. Some episodes use flashbacks and non-linear storytelling, while others are more traditional in structure. This variety keeps the show engaging and fresh throughout its four seasons.

Another notable aspect of the show is its guest stars. Many famous actors of the time appeared on Route 66, including Robert Redford, Boris Karloff, Leslie Nielsen, and Joan Crawford. These guest stars helped to draw in audiences and add to the show's appeal.

Despite its unconventional structure, Route 66 was a hit with audiences and critics alike. It was praised for its excellent writing, cinematography, and performances. The show was also notable for its use of music, with many episodes featuring live performances by musicians of the era, including Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin.

Route 66 has become a beloved classic over the years, with many fans re-discovering the show on DVD or streaming services. Its unique format and blend of drama, comedy, and adventure continue to make it a compelling watch for audiences of all ages.

In conclusion, Route 66 is a classic era-defining TV show that follows two young men's journey across America. This unique show provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and times of ordinary Americans in the early 1960s, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in television history. The series' unconventional structure, excellent performances and writing, and use of music and guest stars continue to make it an engaging and entertaining watch for audiences today.

Route 66 is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (117 episodes). The series first aired on October 7, 1960.

Where to Watch Route 66

Route 66 is available for streaming on the Shout! Factory website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Route 66 on demand at Google Play and Tubi TV.

  • Premiere Date
    October 7, 1960
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (1,827)