I heard that The Beverly Hillbillies may be one of the earliest TV series to have a story arc which spanned multiple episodes. Any particular story arcs that took place during the show's nine-season run?

When the Clampetts on BH traveled to their "Clampett Castle" in England, the story went on for multiple episodes.

I believe in the final season of BH, the "frogman " story went on for at least 3 episodes (Granny thinks Elly's boyfriend Templeton becomes a real frog). The "Honest John" series with Phil Silvers and some of the Shorty stuff (Shug Fisher) may have been 3 or more too.

However, by that time series like My Three Sons had several lengthy story arcs (Rob meeting/marrying Katie, triplets on the way, Steve meeting/marrying Barbara, etc) -- mid-to-late '60s.

Remember too, I Love Lucy: Lucy's pregnancy and the birth of Little Ricky was multiple. Trip to California/Hollywood. Trip to Europe. The buying of the house in CT. Likely others too.

Another earlier series with a multiple-ep story arc: The Danny Thomas Show / Make Room for Daddy, when Danny meets and eventually marries Kathy.

There was also the trip to Siler City to get Elly married durign that festival/fair they had....that went on forever it seemed...and that Biddle-bird-watchers crap that also seemed endless...

Yes -- Silver Dollar City, where Elly's cake becomes the new millstone...! LOL

If I recall correctly, Shorty Kellems (Shug Fisher) is introduced there as the hotel manager. The Clampetts also meet one of the Templeton twins there, and blacksmith Shad Heller. These contacts were used to generate later storylines back home. For example, Shorty later comes to Beverly Hills and is set to marry (reluctantly) Elverna Bradshaw (Elvia Allman). Shad builds a jail-cell like cage to keep him from running off...!

The visit of Lafe Crik from "back home" lasted at least three episodes.

and don't forget those STUPID "womens lib" episodes.

And the ones where the Clammpetts set up some businesses on the 5th floor of the bank (I call them "the 5th floor series")

What about those awful Honest John eppies about getting them to buy the Hollywood Bowl and Griffith Park?

What about those awful Honest John eppies about getting them to buy the Hollywood Bowl and Griffith Park?
I didn't think those were bad, I liked them.

There were several episodes in the first season when the Clampetts went back home they were trying to get Cousin Pearl to marry John Brewster, and Jethrine was chasing Jasper Depew.

Also their crossovers with Petticoat Junction and Green Acres.

Oh, what about the ones where Granny thought that Mark guy was a real frogman until she saw him out of his suit? That lasted for a few eppies...Wasn't he the preacher's brother from SDC?

I had the pleasure this evening of meeting and visiting with someone who was in the 4th episode of the Silver Dollar City arc. Her name is Violent Hensley. She is 103 years old. Violet is a nationally known fiddler, fiddle maker, and performer. She has performed at SDC every year since 1969, including this fall. I asked her if she had any stories or particular memories from when the cast of The Beverly Hillbillies filmed there. Violet told me that she in particular got acquainted with Irene Ryan and that they went together to get ice cream. She remembered that Irene had particular trouble getting a line just right in one particular scene, and they had to re-shoot it several times. Violet also shared some time with Donna Douglas, and remembered Max Baer being on set (even though he did not have any scenes at SDC, only back at the mansion). When asked how long it took to shoot all those scenes at SDC, Violet said they (cast and crew) were "not there very long, just about a week or so". Even at 103, Violet still has a sharp mind and keen wit.

There were lots of other shorter arcs. I know the Granny/Boston Strong girl/Rebecca arc went on for 3 or 4 episodes. That was great--lampooned soap operas (kind of) and professional wrestling in one fell swoop.

I heard that The Beverly Hillbillies may be one of the earliest TV series to have a story arc which spanned multiple episodes. Any particular story arcs that took place during the show's nine-season run?

In the mid-1950's The Danny Thomas Show (a/k/a Make Room For Daddy) made frequent use of story arcs.