(L-R): Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz from a 1967 episode of The Monkees TV series (via their Facebook page)
The Monkees’ classic television series is returning. Starting Sunday, March 3, television viewers can relive the music and high jinks of the Emmy Award–winning series from its very first episode, on MeTV, described as “America’s No. 1 classic television network.”
The channel cites an overwhelming viewer response to its Peter Tork tribute last Sunday, February 24. The Monkees joins MeTV’s Sunday afternoon lineup, which also includes such ’60s favorites, The Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island.
The Monkees will air Sundays at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET.
The series originally aired from 1966–68, employing avant-garde film techniques like improvisation, jump cuts and breaking the fourth wall. The series earned two Emmy Awards in 1967 for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy.
From the announcement: “Inspired by the Beatles’ classic films A Hard Day’s Night and Help!, the made-for-TV pop band soon rose to international stardom. The Monkees beloved lineup included Peter Tork, who died February 21, 2019, as the band’s ‘lovable goof,’ keyboardist, bass guitarist and eventual songwriter.”
Micky Dolenz was cast as the “funny” drummer, Michael Nesmith as the “deadpan” guitarist and former child actor Davy Jones was the resident “teen heartthrob” and frequent lead vocalist.
Dolenz and Nesmith are touring as “The Mike and Micky Show.” Tickets are available here and here.
“The Monkees is a truly memorable series, the first TV comedy of the 1960s to showcase musician characters with original popular music that charted, combined with zany comedy and the teen heartthrob phenomenon,” said Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting Co.
MeTV also airs such classic series as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Beverly Hillbillies, Cheers, Hogan’s Heroes, Leave it to Beaver, and dozens of others. Find the channel on your cable or satellite provider here.
Watch a clip from MeTV’s tribute to Peter Tork
More from the MeTV announcement: In spite of being dismissed by critics for their “Hollywood” beginnings, the Monkees’ music struck a chord with the emerging youth culture, catapulting the group into one of the most influential bands of the decade and birthing “Monkeemania” — a flurry of merchandising and record sales. A young Jimi Hendrix even opened for them on tour.
Related: Hendrix joins the Monkees tour
In 1966 and 1967, the band earned two #1 albums, and songs “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer” and “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” all reached #1 on the singles chart.
10 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationCool that “The Monkees” (the show) will be on TV again for fans old and new to enjoy! I think the music has endured better than the show — But I also think the show was very innovative for its time and still a great deal of fun!
Watch it now, and see that it was more counterculture and subversive than many gave it credit for. Timothy Leary knew, and even wrote about it.
One correction to the article: “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” did NOT hit #1. It peaked at #2 on Billboard, but “Daydream Believer” was the group’s third, and final, #1 hit.
I know Billboard is considered to be the music bible, but “A Little Bit Me…” actually hit #1 on Record World.
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You also hit No. 1 on the Cashbox chart, as did Valleri. So while Billboard only credits The Monkees with three No. 1 singles, the Cashbox total is five. I’m not sure how they stand in the Record World rankings.
Luv The Monkees! Will be watching. On another note, will also be watching for The Monkees induction into the R & RHOF. They have been ignored far too long just as many other artists have.
RIP Peter Tork & Davy Jones
Absolutely! Let’s get them in the R&RHOF. It’s about time. Forever lovin’ the Monkees! ❤️
I love the Monkees! ❤️ I am glad they will be on. I will not miss them. Thank you! Thank you! ❤️
We are not a cable network but s broadcast network often carried on cable. Most tv viewers can see us for free if they don’t have cable or satellite. Visit MeTV.Com to find wagered to watch. Thanks from “me@
This is great! But even better, for Christmas I bought myself the HD Box set of the series. It is beautiful! From the original 35 mm film prints. Complete episodes and no commercials.
The Monkees had great songwriters and all four of them were very talented. I am glad the show is coming backl
The Monkees fastest songs ever written and produced was “Valleri” recorded by Boyce and Hart. The Candy Store Proffits played on this song. I like the TV version better which was one of the two recorded.