It doesn't happen anymore, but back in the '70s, some sitcoms were re-titled for their initial syndication runs.

For example:

The Andy Griffith Show became Andy From Mayberry
Happy Days became Happy Days Again

I know there were others, but you get the point. My question is: why were these shows retitled when they first went into syndication?

I always thought it was because when they went into syndication that first run airings were still being produced and the names were changed to prevent viewers from confusing the repeats with the new episodes. In other words, the networks thought the viewers were too stupid to tell the difference if the name of the shows stayed the same while in syndication. :rolleyes:

You're probably right. Even as a kid, I knew that the new episodes aired in prime time and that reruns aired during the mornings and afternoons/early evenings.

You're probably right. Even as a kid, I knew that the new episodes aired in prime time and that reruns aired during the mornings and afternoons/early evenings.
Especially a problem for long running shows. This is the reason repeats of Bonanaza were titled Ponderosa.

Especially a problem for long running shows. This is the reason repeats of Bonanaza were titled Ponderosa.

How is that a problem? Don't people have enough sense to figure they're watching a rerun?

How is that a problem? Don't people have enough sense to figure they're watching a rerun?
In all honesty, no, people in general aren't all that bright.

In all honesty, no, people in general aren't all that bright.

Exactly that's why our minor league baseball team, the Greensboro Hornets changed their name to the Bats to avoid confusion with the Charlotte Hornets. The teams co-existed fro 1988-1994 until the NBA decided that some people in NC might confuse the 2 and asked the Greensboro Hornets to change their name. :rolleyes:

I always thought it was because when they went into syndication that first run airings were still being produced and the names were changed to prevent viewers from confusing the repeats with the new episodes. In other words, the networks thought the viewers were too stupid to tell the difference if the name of the shows stayed the same while in syndication. :rolleyes:
that's what I always heard.
As to why some shows did it but most didn't; I have no idea.:confused: