I love these early episodes and especially how cute Jerry is and how Ward and June do a lot of flirting and are very sexy. Can’t see that happening in Season 6 where they barely touch. You would think they would be more affectionate in the swinging 60’s.

The "swinging 60s" didn't really start until later in the decade. But you are right that there was a different dynamic between them at the beginning. I think it mostly comes down to the writers modeling the show after previous sitcoms like Father Knows Best where the emphasis was about equal on the parents and the kids. As the series progressed, they made the show more about Beaver and Wally and W and J receded into a sort of authority presence in the background. There was less need for affection, and the way they were presented became more formal and buttoned up.

What amazes me about the early episodes is how closely W and J seem to be pattered after Ricky and Lucy. There's one episode, I don't remember which one, where Ward comes home from work and June is giving him the royal treatment, and Ward says, "Dear, what did you buy, break, or lose?" This seems straight out of the I Love Lucy playbook. I'm glad the writers didn't continue in that style.

Very true about Ricky and Lucy! I remember hearing that line recently.

Maybe their spouses complained and asked for them to not looks so much in love.

Another thing that could have affected the dynamic between Ward and June could be the move from CBS to ABC after season 1. Every network had their differing standards. I say had because I don't think there are any standards anymore.

I say had because I don't think there are any standards anymore.

So true.

CBS had a great show and decided not to pick up their option. So does anyone know why after two seasons ABC took over? I really see a change in Ward and June but not until season 4 and by season 6 they were just judge and jury.

Minor correction: Beaver ran one season on CBS and was then picked up by ABC for the second season. The switch that happened at the end of the second season was from filming at Republic Studios, changed to Universal Studios (thus, a different set/exterior house for the third season).

Right, the major changes in Ward and June were much later, although season 1 and season 3 Ward and June were a little different too. Later we see them less and less in casual attire (esp. Ward), not as lovey-dovey, etc. Maybe it had to do with the overall maturing of the boys, different wants from ABC as time went on, more scripts from Conway and MacLane, etc.

I always thought it was a new network when they got the new house. You said after season 1 they changed networks. I still can’t imagine why CBS didn’t want to continue with the show. It was such a well acted and funny series. Did CBS sell the rights to ABC? Was George Gobel from CBS or ABC? Also at the end of Most Interesting Character Ward says they sold the house and June says they bought a house on Lakewood Ave. but they wound up on Pine Avenue. Later Pine Street. Too bad they didn’t stick to Lakewood.

I think I read in Jerry's book (a very reliable source, of course) that the sponsor got a better deal from ABC, for season 2.

I remember that reference to Lakewood Avenue in the last episode of season 2. Also either W or J said each boy would get his own room.

Guess they decided they needed a guest room instead.

I imagine Gomalco Prods. went along with whatever the sponsor wanted.