The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

The radio show launched October 8, 1944 on CBS, created as a vehicle for Ozzie when Red Skelton's draft left a gap in CBS's schedule. The show moved between CBS, NBC, and ultimately ABC across its radio run. Until 1949, the boys (David and Ricky) were played by professional child actors. David and Ricky joined the actual cast on February 20, 1949, at ages 12 and 8. The television version (ABC, 1952–1966) became one of the longest-running sitcoms in American television history. Ricky Nelson's music career launched from the TV show in 1957.