On March 23, 1967, 59 years ago today, ABC aired the 100th episode of Bewitched, titled “Charlie Harper, Winner,” marking a milestone for the beloved sitcom that enchanted viewers with its blend of magic and suburban hijinks. The episode, part of the show’s third season, drew millions into the whimsical world of Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a witch juggling spells and domestic life with her mortal husband Darrin (Dick York). This anniversary stirs nostalgia for a TV classic that ran 254 episodes over eight seasons, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture and sitcom history.
You can find Bewitched on Amazon HERE.
In “Charlie Harper, Winner,” Samantha faces off with an old high school rival turned braggart, Charlie Harper (Tom Tryon), who flaunts his success over Darrin. With a twitch of her nose—courtesy of magic sparked by Agnes Moorehead’s Endora—Sam levels the playing field, delivering the show’s signature mix of humor and heart. By 1967, Bewitched was a ratings juggernaut, pulling 32.1 million viewers weekly in a three-network era—numbers dwarfing today’s CBS primetime average that now hovers around 5 million, according to a report from Variety. Its 100th episode landed in a golden age of TV, alongside The Andy Griffith Show and I Dream of Jeannie, cementing its status as a Thursday night staple.
The milestone reflected Bewitched’s swift rise since its September 1964 debut. Created by Sol Saks and produced by Harry Ackerman, the show snagged 22 Emmy nods (winning three) and thrived on Montgomery’s charm and York’s flustered everyman—later swapped for Dick Sargent in 1969 due to York’s health.
Fifty-nine years after airing its 100th episode on March 23, 1967, Bewitched remains a cornerstone of TV history, born on September 17, 1964, when it debuted on ABC as a whimsical sitcom blending magic and suburban life. Created by Sol Saks and produced by Harry Ackerman, the show starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, a witch navigating marriage to mortal ad exec Darrin Stephens—first Dick York (1964-1969), then Dick Sargent (1969-1972)—with Agnes Moorehead’s meddling Endora sparking chaos. Filmed at Columbia Ranch (now Warner Bros.), it ran 254 episodes over eight seasons, ending June 25, 1972, and snagged 22 Emmy nods (three wins) while peaking at 25 million viewers weekly—far outpacing today’s 1.87 million for CBS Mornings. Inspired by films like Bell, Book and Candle, Bewitched broke ground with its empowered female lead, influencing shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and earning a 1987 TV Hall of Fame nod despite a $2 million budget ($150K per episode). After ABC canceled it amid ratings dips—hitting No. 72 in its final year—it thrived in syndication, airing today on Antenna TV and streaming on Hulu, spawning TV movies and a 2005 Nicole Kidman film.
You can find Bewitched on Amazon HERE.
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