https://www.metv.com/stories/george-lindsey-said-he-was-hollywoods-favorite-second-choice

Lindsey lost out on a role to Nabors, but still made it to Mayberry anyway.

Nabors was the right choice for Gomer.

The article's title is a little misleading:

"George Lindsey said he was Hollywood's favorite second choice"

I assumed the article would go on to give other examples of George Lindsey just missing out on a part, but it didn't. It happened one time, how does that make him Hollywood's favorite second choice?

Nabors was the right choice for Gomer.

Absolutely, although Gomer was sometimes over the top on his own series, I liked him better at Wally's service station.