Exactly 60 years ago, on February 6, 1966, American television audiences said goodbye to one of the most whimsical and enduring sitcoms of the era: Mister Ed. The final episode aired on CBS, marking the end of a six-season run that blended fantasy, humor, and a touch of absurdity through the antics of a talking palomino horse and his hapless owner. As we commemorate this milestone in TV history, let’s revisit the show’s origins, its cultural impact, and the poignant close that left fans yearning for more “horse sense.”
You can find Mister Ed on Amazon HERE.
Mister Ed first galloped onto screens in syndication on January 5, 1961, before being picked up by CBS later that year, making it one of the rare series to transition from local broadcasts to prime-time network fame. The show was inspired by a series of short stories by author Walter R. Brooks, starting with “The Talking Horse” published in Liberty magazine in 1937. Director Arthur Lubin, who had previously helmed the Francis the Talking Mule films, saw potential in adapting the concept for television. After an unsuccessful attempt to revive the mule franchise on TV, Lubin’s secretary introduced him to Brooks’ tales, sparking the creation of Mister Ed.
The pilot episode was financed by comedian George Burns at his McCadden Studio in Hollywood, costing around $70,000 – a hefty sum for the time. Initially titled “Wilbur Pope and Mister Ed,” it starred Scott McKay, but the role was recast with Alan Young as the genial architect Wilbur Post. Young, who also directed many episodes in the final season, brought a perfect blend of bewilderment and charm to the character. Connie Hines played Wilbur’s patient wife, Carol, while the neighbors evolved over the seasons: first the snobbish Roger and Kay Addison (Larry Keating and Edna Skinner), then Colonel Gordon and Winnie Kirkwood (Leon Ames and Florence MacMichael). Guest stars added star power, including icons like Mae West, Clint Eastwood, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and even George Burns himself.
At the heart of the show was Mister Ed, a mischievous palomino gelding voiced by former Western star Allan “Rocky” Lane (who went uncredited for much of the run). The horse, portrayed by Bamboo Harvester, only spoke to Wilbur, leading to endless comedic mishaps. Ed’s personality was that of a clever rapscallion – opinionated, sarcastic, and often getting Wilbur into trouble with schemes like running for office or dating mares. The famous “talking” effect was achieved through clever training: trainer Les Hilton initially used a nylon thread to prompt lip movements, but Bamboo Harvester soon learned to “talk” on cue. The theme song, written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, became iconic with its catchy refrain: “A horse is a horse, of course, of course…”
Produced by Filmways and shot in black and white across 143 episodes, Mister Ed captured the innocent escapism of 1960s television. Sponsorship from Studebaker automobiles featured prominently in early seasons, with their vehicles often appearing on screen. The show’s humor relied on running gags, like Wilbur’s clumsiness or neighbors overhearing one-sided conversations, questioning his sanity. Ed’s ability to talk was never explained – as he quipped in the pilot, “Don’t try. It’s bigger than both of us!”
The final episode, “Ed Goes to College,” encapsulated the series’ spirit of whimsy and rebellion. Aired on February 6, 1966, it followed Ed’s ambition to become a veterinarian, prompting him to enroll in college secretly. Wilbur begs Ed to embrace his equine nature and stay home, but the stubborn horse sneaks off anyway, eventually opening an animal clinic in the barn. The episode wrapped up the show’s themes of friendship, mischief, and the unbreakable bond between man and horse, without a grand farewell – just another day of hilarious chaos. There was no cliffhanger or emotional send-off; the series simply ended, leaving viewers to imagine more adventures.
In its heyday, Mister Ed was a ratings hit, appealing to families with its lighthearted fantasy. Its legacy endures through syndication reruns, DVD releases (the complete series hit shelves in 2014), and cultural references. In its heyday, Mister Ed was a ratings hit, appealing to families with its lighthearted fantasy. Its legacy endures through syndication reruns, DVD releases (the complete series hit shelves in 2014), and cultural references.
Today, Mister Ed reminds us of a simpler era in TV, where a talking horse could teach lessons on loyalty and laughter. As streaming platforms revive classic content, perhaps a new generation will discover Wilbur’s exasperated cry: “Wilburrr!” Sixty years on, the equine star’s wisdom still rings true – sometimes, the best advice comes from the horse’s mouth.
You can find Mister Ed on Amazon HERE.
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