When I was looking up #Thanksgiving shows to share with you I knew I couldn’t leave #Hazel off the list. For my family there is some television shows you grow up watching, and then there are those you discover years later and wonder how in the world you missed them!
When we moved from our trailer into the apartment, we decided to get rid of cable. That left me wondering what I was going to watch on television because I knew nothing about steaming back then. One day, while looking for something to watch, I stumbled across The Patty Duke Show and Hazel.
I really had no clue what I was getting myself into! Before long, I had also discovered Father Knows Best, and I fell in love with all three shows. I’m surprised I don’t remember watching these shows as a child. Maybe they weren’t part of our television routine, or perhaps I was too busy doing other things. Whatever the reason, I’m certainly making up for lost time now!
There is just something about Hazel that makes me smile. She has a way of teaching people lessons, even when they don’t realize they need one. She’s outspoken and funny as all get out, a women’s women who know knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to get involved when she thinks someone needs a little help.
And let’s not forget her antics! Hazel being a bowling queen is one of those things that makes you laugh out loud. That’s exactly why I wanted to include her Thanksgiving episode in our 27 Days of Thanksgiving. Sometimes we need to step away from the newest movies and television specials and rediscover the classics. So grab something to drink, settle into your favorite chair, and let’s visit with Hazel!
Being a #Thankskgiving movie event I thought we should watch a episode of #Hazle centered around Thanksgiving called Everybody’s Thankful But Us Turkeys
- Television series: Hazel
- Season: 1
- Episode: 9
- Original air date: November 23, 1961
- Network: NBC
- Genre: Comedy
- Original runtime: Approximately 30 minutes
- Television rating: TV-G
Thanksgiving is approaching, and the Baxter family has company coming for dinner. Unfortunately, not everyone is in the holiday spirit. George’s sister is having difficulties with her husband, George’s mother is feeling lonely, and there are plenty of family disagreements threatening to spoil the celebration.
Of course, Hazel steps in to help straighten things out while trying to get Thanksgiving dinner on the table. Hazel has a way of seeing what people need, even when they’re too busy arguing to recognize it themselves. The episode reminds us that Thanksgiving isn’t just about preparing a big meal, gathering around a beautifully decorated table, or making sure everything goes according to plan.
It’s about the people sitting around that table and remembering what we have to be thankful for. And sometimes, it takes someone like Hazel to remind everybody! This is why when I grow up I want a maid just like Hazel. Santa if your listening would you bring me one if not I will add it to my Christmas Wish List and into our Christmas Gift Guide so Charlie and David can bring me one.
For those of you who’ve never watched Hazel, let me introduce you to the woman who could run an entire household while keeping everyone else on their toes. The series premiered on September 28, 1961, on NBC. It was based on the popular newspaper cartoons by Ted Key that appeared in The Saturday Evening Post. I didn’t know that. Did you? The show starred Shirley Booth as Hazel Burke, a live-in housekeeper who worked for the Baxter family.
The original Baxter family included:
- Shirley Booth as Hazel Burke
- Don DeFore as George Baxter
- Whitney Blake as Dorothy Baxter
- Bobby Buntrock as Harold Baxter
Other familiar faces included Maudie Prickett as Rosie, the Baxters’ neighbor and fellow housekeeper, and Howard Smith as Harvey Griffin. Shirley Booth brought Hazel to life with her wonderful comedic timing and personality. She won two Emmy Awards for playing the character. I can see why. How about you?
Here’s something that might confuse you if you start watching the series from the beginning and continue through all five seasons. At first, Hazel works for George and Dorothy Baxter and their son Harold. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Hazel is working for another family!
When this happened to me I thought I had accidentally started watching another television show? Did the characters change? What happened? I wasn’t I was still watching Hazel. After four seasons on NBC, the series moved to CBS for its fifth and final season in 1965.
The storyline changed, too. George and Dorothy were transferred overseas for George’s work, and Hazel went to work for George’s brother, Steve Baxter, and his family. Harold went along with Hazel to the new household.
The new family included:
- Ray Fulmer as Steve Baxter
- Lynn Borden as Barbara Baxter
- Julia Benjamin as Susie Baxter
- Mala Powers as Mona Williams
- Ann Jillian as Millie Ballard
So if you think you’re watching two different shows, you’re not! It’s the same Hazel, just a different household. I thought that was an interesting piece of television history worth sharing because I certainly wouldn’t want anyone thinking they missed something! Would you?
If you enjoy today’s Thanksgiving episode as much as I think you will, there’s plenty more to discover. Hazel ran for five seasons, from 1961 through 1966, with a total of 154 episodes. Man that is a whole lot of Hazle and I bet you I’ve watched most of the shows at least once. What about you?
Originally, the series aired Thursday evenings at 9:30 p.m. on NBC. When it moved to CBS for its final season, the broadcast moved to Monday evenings at 9:30 p.m. Come and join me and lets watch Hazel which will not take up a whole lot of time because the shows are only 30 minutes.
Since I mentioned Hazel being a bowling queen, I had to find the episode for you. In Season 2, Episode 11, titled “The Natural Athlete,” Hazel and Mr. B square off against one another in a bowling tournament. It originally aired November 29, 1962. If you enjoy watching Hazel get herself into funny situations, this is another episode you’ll want to add to your list. I mean, who knew our favorite housekeeper was such a talented bowler?
I would like to share where you can watch Hazel at. I found the series available through these streaming services:
Frndly TV– If you already subscribe to Frndly TV, you’re in luck! Hazel is featured on its website, with FETV listed as a channel carrying the program. Frndly TV offers live television and on-demand features, depending on your plan. For me it came on my Roky TV. Visit:
Tubi– I also found Hazel listed on Tubi, where you can watch the series for free! Tubi lists all five seasons, including today’s Thanksgiving episode. I can’t wait to rewatch the show and finally see how it ends. Would you like to join me for a little bit of Hazel and some Popcorn. If so before we settle down to watch it will need to check the current listings and see the availability in my area.
For Day 3 of our 27 Days of Thanksgiving, I hope you’ll give Hazel a chance. Don’t just watch today’s Thanksgiving episode and move on. If you have the time, start with the first episode and discover the Baxter family, Hazel’s adventures, and all the wonderful characters along the way. You might discover a new favorite television show just like I did! And when you do, come back and tell me what you thought.
Have you watched Hazel before? Do you remember watching it when it originally aired, or are you discovering it for the first time like I did? What’s your favorite Hazel episode? And did you know the series changed families when it moved networks? I’d love to hear your stories!
Because sometimes the best Thanksgiving memories aren’t made by watching the newest movie. Sometimes they’re made by rediscovering an old friend on television. Until tomorrow, remember to stay Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed!
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
