See the cast of The Andy Griffith Show in their '60s heyday – including Ron Howard

Sheriff Andy Taylor had a trustworthy deputy in Don Knotts' Barney Fife. Together with Ron Howard as Opie Taylor, they proved that family can be found in friendship, too.

 Happily caught grinning together on a barrel swing, the trio clearly shared a real-world love for one another that extended past Mayberry's borders.

The Christmas spirit runs strong through Mayberry. In 1960, Andy Taylor outwitted grumpy businessman Ben Weaver who demanded moonshiner Sam Muggins be arrested for Christmas.

Andy arrested Sam's family as accessories, inviting Opie, Ellie and Aunt Bee to join as deputies, and creating such a warm environment that Ben tries to get himself arrested too!

It's Andy, Opie and Aunt Bee who truly sit at the heart of this '60s sitcom. Andy and Opie make their home with Bee, Andy's warm-hearted aunt who acts as a surrogate mother, who moves in to replace their house keeper Rose and provides plenty of mouth-watering meals, as well as strong moral advice.

The traditional Southern matriarch moved through several iterations of the franchise, from The Andy Griffith Show to Mayberry R.F.D.

Aneta Corsaut's Helen Crump started out as a substitute teacher in 1963, staying on the show until its end. 

For dedicated fans who returned to Mayberry in spin-off sequel, Mayberry R.F.D., the first episode will have had them getting out their party dresses as the two got hitched in the series' debut episode.

Opie and Aunt Bee shared a sweet bond as Bee took to the part of great-aunt with ease. While Opie was fond of housekeeper Rose, he soon enough adjusts to having his grandmother take the reins.

While Bee teaches Opie all her old Southern manners, the pair occasionally clash over Opie's love for all creatures small, scaly or feathered. 

While Andy eventually finds love with local teacher Helen, she's not the only romantic interest the leading man falls for. The Sheriff dates nurse Peggy McMillan, played by Joanna Moore, during Season 3. 

When he finds out her family are very wealthy, Andy starts avoiding her with fears he isn't good enough for her. All is resolved when Peggy assures him that she loves him exactly as he is.

Getting your first job is never straightforward, not even in the quiet village of Mayberry. When Opie tries to get a delivery job at the local grocery, he finds some tough competition in Billy Crenshaw. 

With the goal to save up for a new bicycle, Opie brings his A-game and wins the job. But he proves a kind heart is more important than anything when he gives up the role so his rival can help to support his family.

What kept viewers coming back to check on Mayberry's beloved residents was the gentle adventure and all-round, stress-free fun of The Andy Griffith Show. 

It was primarily thanks to comedy genius in the form of Andy Griffith, Don Knotts and a young Ron Howard that the series is still a hit today.