Toistimen palvelin
Jakso
Kausi
Waltons
19727
Draama
Julkaistu
14.9.1972
Maa
Yhdysvallat
Tuotanto
Lorimar Productions
Waltonsit elävät Virginiassa maaseudulla suurten laman ja toisen maailmansodan aikana.
About
Quick guide
A nine‑season drama that follows the Walton family through the Great Depression and WWII in rural Virginia.
The Waltons follows the life of a large, close‑knit family in the fictional Walton’s Mountain, Virginia, during the 1930s and 1940s. From 1933 to 1946, the series captures the hardships of the Great Depression, the family’s involvement in World War II, and the everyday joys and sorrows of rural life. Earl Hamner Jr.’s stories are narrated by the older John‑Boy, lending a reflective tone that anchors each episode. The show balances humor and heartache while depicting the values of community, faith, and perseverance in a changing America. It remains a staple of nostalgic family programming for its portrayal of resilience and tradition.
What to know
- Nine seasons, 221 episodes, 45‑48 minute runtime.
- Set in Walton’s Mountain, Virginia, from 1933–1946.
- Created by Earl Hamner Jr. and narrated by John‑Boy.
- Features a large family and their community during the Depression and war.
- Includes six reunion movies released after the series ended.
- Winner of an Emmy and a Peabody Award for its first season.
- Known for the “Goodnight, John‑Boy” sign‑off that ends each episode.
- Available for streaming on Peacock and other platforms.
Watch if
If you enjoy heartfelt family dramas that blend historical context with relatable characters, The Waltons offers a gentle yet poignant look at life in rural Virginia during the Depression and WWII. Its focus on family values, community, and the everyday resilience of ordinary people will
Skip if
If you prefer fast‑paced, action‑heavy shows or modern, urban settings, The Waltons’ slower, dialogue‑rich storytelling and focus on a rural 1930s‑1940s community may feel dated and less engaging.
family friendlywar themespolitical themessad toneuplifting tonemature themeslight toneslow burn
Setting and Time Period
Walton’s Mountain is a fictional Appalachian town based on Hamner’s childhood home in Schuyler, Virginia. The narrative spans 1933 to 1946, covering the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and the United States’ entry into World War II. The series captures the era’s economic struggles, the rise of industrial labor, and the cultural shift toward a wartime footing. The setting provides a backdrop for the Walton family’s everyday challenges and triumphs.
Main Characters
John‑Boy (Richard Thomas) is the eldest son and narrator, whose voice carries the family’s story. His parents, John Walton Sr. (Ralph Waite) and Olivia (Michael Learned), provide moral and economic guidance. The six siblings—Mary Ellen, Erin, Ben, Jim‑Bob, and Elizabeth—each navigate adolescence and adulthood against a backdrop of war and depression. Grandma Esther (Ellen Corby) offers wisdom, while Grandpa Zeb (Will Geer) embodies tradition.
Season Highlights
Early seasons focus on the family’s struggle to survive the economic slump and the community’s mutual aid. Mid‑series episodes delve into wartime themes such as the Pearl Harbor attack and the enlistment of the Walton boys. Later seasons explore themes of grief, loss, and hope as the family copes with the return of war veterans and the aftermath of the war’s end.
Themes and Tone
The series balances humor and sorrow, reflecting both the hardships of the Depression and the warmth of family bonds. Themes of resilience, faith, and patriotism pervade, while the show also touches on political events like Roosevelt’s New Deal. Its slow‑burn narrative lets viewers develop an attachment to characters, culminating in the emotional “Goodnight, John‑Boy” sign‑off.
Legacy and Reunions
The show’s success led to six reunion movies from 1982 to 1997, extending the storyline into the late 1940s and early 1960s. It received multiple Emmy awards, including Best Drama Series, and a Peabody for its first season. The series has become a cultural touchstone, cited in political speeches and adapted for modern audiences in a 2021 CW film.
Watching Today
All nine seasons and the reunion films are available for streaming on Peacock. The series can also be purchased on DVD, and occasional broadcasts appear on television networks. Its timeless themes and relatable characters make it a viable option for new viewers seeking family‑drama from the 1970s.
FAQ
49 Q&A
What year did The Waltons TV show first air?
The Waltons first aired in 1972.
What were some of the major historical events shown in the series?
The series showed events like the Great Depression and World War II.
What was the name of the Waltons' dog?
The Waltons' dog was named Skip.
What was the original name of The Waltons?
The original name for The Waltons was "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story".
Who played John-Boy Walton?
Richard Thomas played John-Boy Walton for most of the series.
What was Mary Ellen's husband's name?
Mary Ellen's husband's name was Curt.
What was Elizabeth Walton's main hobby?
Elizabeth Walton's main hobby was writing.
Did Olivia Walton ever leave Walton's Mountain?
Yes, Olivia Walton left Walton's Mountain for a time to teach school.
How many children did John and Olivia Walton have?
John and Olivia Walton had eight children.
Who was the narrator of The Waltons?
The narrator of The Waltons was an adult John-Boy Walton.
What was the inspiration for The Waltons?
The Waltons was inspired by the childhood experiences of creator Earl Hamner Jr.
Did the actors who played the Waltons stay the same throughout the series?
For the most part, the main actors stayed the same, but there were some cast changes over the years.
What was the significance of the Baldwin sisters' secret?
The Baldwin sisters' secret was that they made their own moonshine.
What happened to John-Boy at the end of the series?
John-Boy left Walton's Mountain to pursue his dream of being a writer.
What was Grandpa Walton's nickname?
Grandpa Walton's nickname was Zeb.
What was the Waltons' farm called?
The Waltons' farm was called "Walton's Mountain."
What was the name of the Baldwin sisters?
The Baldwin sisters were named Mamie and Emily.
What was the relationship between John-Boy and Daisy?
John-Boy and Daisy Mae were friends, and Daisy Mae had a crush on him.
How did the Great Depression affect the Waltons?
The Great Depression made times very hard for the Waltons, and they had to be very careful with money.
What was Grandma Walton's full name?
Grandma Walton's full name was Esther Rose Walton.
Where was The Waltons filmed?
The Waltons was filmed on a studio backlot in Hollywood, California.
Did Jim-Bob Walton ever get married?
Yes, Jim-Bob Walton got married to a woman named Cindy.
What happened to the Waltons' house?
The Waltons' house was eventually sold to another family.
What was Ike Godsey's job?
Ike Godsey ran the general store.
What did Erin Walton do for a living?
Erin Walton worked as a telephone operator and later as a journalist.
What award did The Waltons win?
The Waltons won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Dramatic Series in 1973.
What was the role of religion in the Walton family's life?
Religion was very important to the Waltons. They often attended church and prayed together, showing faith in God through hard times.
What was the age difference between John-Boy and his siblings?
John-Boy was the oldest. His younger siblings were born about two years apart.
How did World War II impact the Walton family?
World War II affected the family by sending John-Boy to war and causing shortages and worries at home.
Did John-Boy ever return to Walton's Mountain permanently?
John-Boy did not return to live permanently on Walton's Mountain after leaving to pursue his writing career.
What was the meaning of 'Goodnight, John-Boy'?
'Goodnight, John-Boy' was a nightly farewell exchanged between family members, showing their love and connection.
What was the name of the local store?
The local store was called the Dew Drop Inn.
What was the Waltons' favorite meal?
While not explicitly stated as a single favorite, hearty meals like pot roast and vegetables were common and enjoyed by the family.
What was the relationship between the Waltons and their neighbors?
The Waltons had close and supportive relationships with their neighbors, often helping each other through difficulties.
What were the names of the other children in the Walton family?
The other children were Mary Ellen, Erin, Jason, Jim-Bob, and Elizabeth.
What was the significance of the recording studio John-Boy built?
The recording studio was significant because it was John-Boy's passion project, allowing him to pursue his dream of radio and writing.
How did the show handle sensitive topics for its time?
The show handled sensitive topics like poverty, war, and social issues with care and often presented moral lessons.
What were some of the challenges faced by the characters?
Characters faced challenges such as poverty, illness, war, and personal struggles.
What was the profession of John Walton?
John Walton worked as a foreman at a lumber mill.
How many seasons of The Waltons were there?
There were nine seasons of The Waltons.
How did the family deal with financial hardship?
The family dealt with financial hardship by working together, conserving resources, and supporting each other.
What was the family's motto or guiding principle?
The family's guiding principle was love, faith, and sticking together through thick and thin.
What was the final episode of The Waltons about?
The final episode, 'The Wedding', focused on the marriage of Erin Walton.
Did any of the Walton children move away permanently?
Yes, John-Boy moved away to pursue his career, and other children also left home for various reasons over time.
Did the series end with a wedding?
Yes, the series finale featured the wedding of Erin Walton.
What was the name of the church the Waltons attended?
The family attended church, but a specific name for it was not a central focus of the show.
What was the name of the school they went to?
The children attended a one-room schoolhouse.
How did the show portray family values?
The show portrayed strong family values such as love, honesty, hard work, and mutual respect.
Were there any spin-off shows from The Waltons?
Yes, there were two spin-off series: 'The Young Riders' and 'Spencer's Mountain'.
