tv

Beatles TV References

The A-team

The A-Team somehow end up in Australia. Murdock, impersonating

a strict Royal officer, busts into a militant outpost, and berates the men for not being up to code, not dressing formally as a british outpost, and worst of all, "...Having no original pressings of " Hey Jude"...".

The Addams Family

In one episode, Uncle Fester has invented a tonic that grows hair on whatever it's applied to. Gomez and Morticia notice as they walk through the house that various household items are now very hairy. When they come to Fester's bedroom door to talk with him about this, they see that his doorknob has hair on it. Gomez says "look, a doorknob with a Beatles haircut!"

The Andy Griffith Show

In one episode, Opie and Goober are talking about Opie's being in a

rock&roll band. Goober asks Opie excitedly, if he thinks they'll be as big as "...them Beagles..". Opie corrects him by saying, "...Beatles, Goob.."

Alf

In the 1996 tv movie, "Project Alf" Alf is shown a picture of Yassir Arafat and asked to identify him. He responds, "Oh, he was the drummer for the Beatles." Later, a Senator claims that she has met Yassir and "Not only is he better looking, he is a better drummer."

The Animaniacs

Episode #73, A Hard Day's Night is a parody of The Beatles movie, A Hard Day's Night. Please follow this link to Wakko Warner's Animaniacs/Beatles web page for the full script of this episode.
In "Plane Pals" (ep. #22), the Warners give their plane seat mate -- this grouchy, stuck up, man -- a hard time. The man, getting' fed up, turns ta Wakko Warner, who smiles sweetly at him, "How's about a kiss?" says Wakko.
In "Garage Sale of the Century" (ep. #12): When Wakko pushes the button on the remote to get two people to rotate through 180 degrees, the two people appear to be Yoko Ono and Julian Lennon
In "Noah's Lark" (ep. #33): "Noah's line '1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. All good children go to heaven. etc.' is from the Beatles' song "You Never Give Me Your Money" off of Abbey Road."
In "Spellbound" (ep. #38): "In Merlin's incantation for making blueberry pie, Yoko Ono is mentioned."

The Avengers

In the episode called "The girl from Auntie" four brothers are found killed by knitting needles: John, Paul, George...and Fred. (original air date: January 1966)
In the episode called "The See through man" an Ambassador from the east side of the Iron Curtain, Sergei Brodny, says that he doesn't want to return to his country because he has tickets for a Beatles concert. (original air date: February 1967)

The Beverly Hillbillies

there is an episode where Mr. Drysdale asked Miss Jane to get the Beatles to play at Elle-May's party and offered to pay them $100.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

There is an entire episode of this tv show called "the Yoko factor". Here is some dialogue from that episode.

          Spike: "It's called 'the Yoko factor.' Don't tell me you've never
                      heard of the Beatles."
         Adam: "I have. I like 'Helter Skelter.'"
         Spike: "What a surprise. The point is, they were once a real
                     powerful group. It's not a stretch to say they ruled the
                     world. When they broke up, everyone blamed Yoko,
                     but the fact is, the group split itself up, she just
                     happened to be there. And you know how it is with
                     kids. They go off to college, they grow apart. Way
                    of the world."

Catdog

A Spaceship lands at Catdog's house and four Beatle-esque aliens walk off the ship with their instruments. One of the guitarists says "excuse me mates, which way to Shea Stadium?"

Dark Skies

An Alien plan to exploit the Beatles' appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show is uncovered in an episode called "Dark Day's Night."

Dawson's Creek (January 12, 2000)

In an episode called " Barefoot at Capefest" Joey gives Dawson an "Imagine" poster (the one from the 1988 movie). And this dialogue takes place:

          Joey: Do you remember? Do you remember that summer we
                   came across a pile of Mitch and Gale's old Beatles
                   albums, and listened to them on the porch everyday for
                   hours?
         Dawson: Grams kept on yelling for us to turn down that
                        hippy music.
        Joey: Yeah... and you wanted to be John Lennon. You
                  wanted to write songs and change the world with your
                  music.
        Dawson: I did?
       Joey: You did. You weren't just about Spielberg. You
                 weren't limited. You... you were about so many things.
                I just wanted to remind you of that.(hands the poster
                to Dawson) I also wanted to remind you that, even
                though sometimes my emotions, particularly jealousy,
                uhh, sometimes get the best of me, I still hear you.
                No matter how much we yell, or, no matter how quiet
                you are. I hear you, Dawson.
       Dawson: I hear you too, Joey.
      Joey: Listen, I know what's going inside of you is
               huge. It's okay if you don't share it with me. Just
               promise me you'll keep trying to share it with
               someone?
      Dawson: (gesturing the poster) Do you want to give me
                     a hand?
      (They both climb on the bed and hang it up.)
      Dawson: Hmm. So what do you think? You think John here
                     will inspire me to walk my own path?
     Joey: You've always walked your own path, Dawson. You
               just needed to widen it a little. And be on the look
               out for your Yoko.
   (followed by "Imagine" playing as the credits roll)

Degrassi Jr. High

In one episode Wheels has to get glasses, and Joey tells him that he will have to take his glasses off when he plays with the band, because "who ever heard of a rock star wearing glasses?" And Wheels replies to him "What about John Lennon?"
Joey Jerimiah has a Sgt. Pepper's poster hanging in his bedroom

Doug

There is an episode called "Doug Rocks" where Doug and Skeeter win tickets to see their favorite rock group, the Beets, but miss it due to Skeeter being grounded. (Ashley luvsGeorge tells me that The Beets are a reoccurring British rock band that are very similar to the Beatles. That one of the members look very much like John and another like Ringo.)

The Drew Carey Show

There is an episode where Drew, Oswald, Lewis, and Kate are in a band together. Kate is the lead singer, and sings very much off key, "A Taste of Honey" (which is song the Beatles covered...so is this really a reference? )

Early Edition

In one episode, a character named Patrick says "Yeah on Nick Sterling's Cd you can hear Beatles songs, you can almost hear Strawberry Fields" And then he starts to sing Strawberry Fields Forever.

E.R.

During the first season, Sherry Stringfield's character's sister is going through drug withdrawal and asks her to sing her favorite song. "Backbird" is the song that is heard through the episode.

Family Matters

In an episode called "Talk's Cheap" Steve is on a talk show. Also appearing on this talk show is a Paul McCartney impersonator.

The Flintstones

In an episode called "Laugh Laugh" there is a long haired band playing on the 1960's show, Shindig. Their managers' name is Brian Eppystone.

Freaks and Geeks

There is an episode basically all about Nick's drumming. Lindsay gives Nick some suggestions on how to improve the band (practice the song was one of them) and when Nick makes the band do these things, Daniel calls her "Yoko" and blames her for breaking up the band. Later in this episode, Nick fails his audition for a local rock band, and his friends try to comfort him. He walks into the lunch area and they all applaud and Daniel says "There he is, Ringo Starr..."

Full House

in one episode about Danny's 30th birthday, the expression "ob la di, ob la da" is used. At the end of this same episode the family is seen in a convertible while the song "Drive my Car" is being played.
In one episode, Joey and Jesse are trapped in the basement recording studio and they are yelling for help. Danny is about to go downstairs, and he faintly hears them saying "help!" So Danny says, "they're recording the Beatles song 'Help!'"

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

There is an episode about an interracial couple who is getting married. Carlton comes up with a medley to sing at the wedding. One of the songs he sings part of is the Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder hit, "Ebony and Ivory"

Friends

In one episode, Phoebe is finding out what she has in common with her mom. Her mom says "I like the Beatles" and Phoebe answers "Oh my God, so do I!"
In another episode, Phoebe and her boyfriend are talking at a New Years Eve Party, when Sam (her boyfriend's business partner) comes up to them. Phoebe says "Hi Sam." And Sam responds, "Yoko..." He says this because Phoebe was responsible for breaking up Sam and her boyfriend's experiment.

Gilligan's Island

A mop top band called the Mosquitoes land on the island.

Golden Girls

In one episode, Dorothy and Rose go see a Beatles tribute band play. Dorothy comments that she had tickets to the Shea Stadium concert, but couldn't go because her kids came down with chicken pox. Dorothy ends up dating the man that portrays George in the band, but ended the relationship by the end of the episode.

Joanie loves Chachi

In episode 11, titled "Beatlemania, Joanie announces that she's seen Paul McCartney incognito in a hospital, and she and Chachi lure the patient to a well-advertised "rehearsal" with their band to improve

business. Chachi doubts Joanie's news that the famous star has been hospitalized for exhaustion, using the name Marvin O. Pizika, until he and Annette see the young Englishman for themselves. When Marvin

admits that he plays guitar and misses jamming with the lads back home, Chachi invites him to a jam session at the restaurant the following night. Meanwhile, Joanie and Chachi tell the world about Paul's appearance - never dreaming that he might not be Paul. As they talk after finishing the jam a man looking not unlike Ringo, sticks his head in the door, and tells Paul to.." Hurry up mate,... we're running late.". The gang looks on in disbelief as Paul gives them a knowing smile!! <Just a little side note, the man who plays "Paul" in this episode is none other than Mitch Weissman. the bass player for the band Liverpool, who I see at Beatlefest every year!>

Kids in the Hall

One sketch features a party scene where Kevin MacDonald tells fellow party-goer Dave Foley that he has never heard of the 'Sgt. Pepper' album or The Beatles (he had spent the sixties shackled in his parents' basement). In the end, he was lying to Foley the whole time.
In another skit, MacDonald is playing inebriated, foul-mouthed Buddy Holly, shortly before he, Valens, and the Big Bopper embark on their fateful flight. Holly remarks how he is on top of the world and that nothing can go wrong. He boasts, "Who knows? I could be influencing four guys...from Liverpool...right now. It could happen."

Laverne and Shirley

In the episode where they are moving out of their Milwaukee apartment, the song "Yesterday" is played.
During the theme song in the California episodes, the girls are seen kissing a large cut of out 1964 Beatles. This cut out of the Beatles is seen in their apartment for the rest of the shows.

Mad About You

Yoko was a guest star in one episode. In this episode, they mentioned Yoko breaking up the Beatles (and how you should never mention this around her). At the end of this episode, Jamie and Paul are in bed, and Yoko is in the middle of them. The song "give peace a chance" is being played.
In another episode of the show, Jerry Lewis was buying Paul collectable things. Paul walks into his apartment and sees a drum set with "The Beatles" on it and says "You even bought me Ringo's drums?"

The Monkees

An interviewer asked Davy Jones about a girl who mailed herself to him, Davy says" we shipped her to the Beatles."
In the pilot episode, you see Mike throwing darts at a Beatles poster.

The Munsters

There is an episode where a party is thrown at the Munster's house while they are away. A VERY Beatle looking band plays two songs, one of which is an actual Beatles tune.

The Muppet Show

One of the Muppet's full name is Sgt. Floyd Pepper
During the 3rd season (1979) host, James Coco sings "Octopus's Garden"
During the 4th Season (1979-Lynda Carter is the host) there is an Indian sacrifice, and "Help from my friends" is performed. In this same episode, Floyd singing "While my guitar gently weeps."
During the 5th season (1980) host, Buddy Rich opens the show with "Goodday Sunshine."

Mystery Science Theater 3000

There are a TON of Beatles references in this TV show. To read an extensive list of them all CLICK HERE.

Quantum Leap

In the episode "Good Morning, Peoria". (September 9, 1959) Rachel Porter (played by Patricia Richardson) asks disc jokey Howlin' Chick Howell (Sam) what song he wanted to start with he says "Something by the Beatles." Rachel doesn't know who the Beatles are because they haven't came to America yet.
In the episode, "Blind Faith" (February 6, 1964) Sam leaps into a blind pianist by the name of Andrew Ross. It is the day before the Beatles arrive in America. Al says he went out and bought himself a wig after seeing them on the Ed Sullivan show. The Beatles help out Sam in this leap.
In "The Leap Home part 1" (November 25, 1969) Sam leaps into himself at the age of 16. He tells his little sister, Katie, that the Beatles break up in the future. He also tells her the great news that Paul is alive. John is Katie's favorite Beatle, and Al tells Sam not to tell her about John's tragic death, instead Sam sings to her most of "Imagine"
In "Glitter Rock" (April 12, 1974) Sam leaps into a singer in a Kiss like band. Al mentions "the nozzle who killed John Lennon." (This information was taken from "Beatles/Quantum Leap Connection http://members.tripod.com/~nnsoftware/QUANTUMBEATLES.HTML )

Sabrina (cartoon)

There is an episode where Sabrina and her friends get turned into mermaids and turning their under sea adventure, they run into a yellow submarine full of Beatles.
In another episode, Sabrina and her friends want to be rock stars. In one of the videos they make they cross the street and there is a freeze frame where it looks like the Abbey Road cover.

Saturday Night Live

On October 2, 1976 Jane Curtain tries to convince Eric Idle not to perform his stunning version of "Here comes the Sun"
On April 24, 1976, Lorne Michaels gives the Beatles a great offer (one of the most well known Beatles references of all times!)

click here to read the full script

click here to see how the Beatles parody band, The Rutles were involved

A year later on April 23, 1977, Eric Idle and Neil Innes appear on the program again, and in a John Lennon fashion hold a telethon to save Britain.

click here to see and hear this footage

There was a skit with Eddie Murphy in which he claimed that he was the 5th Beatles, and that the band was really named "the Clarences" after himself, and that he had actually written most of the songs and he was their trumpet player.
Ringo Starr was the host of the show on December 8, 1984. Among other things, he was in a sketch where he was put up for auction with Beatles memorabilia, played an unlucky man constantly hit by lightning, was in a "Bridge over the River Kwai" parody, was joined by his wife, Barbara Bach for an interview by Billy Crystal's "Fernando" character and did a medley of his Beatles and solo songs with "Sammy Davis Jr." (really Crystal in make up) <This information was found in the Dec '84/Jan '85 issue of Beatlefan magazine
In the later years of SNL, there was a skit where the body of Lenin was on display at a supermarket, and many teenagers came and were disappointed because it wasn't the body of John Lennon.
In 1993, Paul McCartney was a guest on SNL, and he appeared in several funny skits, including one with Chris Farley. He and Linda also sang a chorus of the "red hooded sweat shirt song"

The Second Hundred Years

Someone on the street asks the main character, who has been frozen in the Yukon for one hundred years and thawed out in the late 1960's, a question that everyone would answer yes to. The woman asks "Do the Beatles sell albums?" The man's reply is "Nowadays I wouldn't be a bit surprised."

Seinfeld

A "With the Beatles" album cover magnet is stuck on Jerry's fridge.

Sesame Street

In the late 70's, the Sesame Street Beetles were a regular skit on the show. It had 4 mop top beetles singing Beatle-type songs such as "Letter B" and "Hey Food"

The Simpsons

There is an episode called "Brush with Greatness" where Ringo is answering his back fan mail from the 60's, and answers Marge's letter. Marge asks Ringo what his real name is and drew him a picture of himself. Ringo Starr's real voice is used in this episode. (original air date: April 11, 1991)
In an episode about Homer's barbershop quartet the, B-sharps, parody the Beatles story with it ending with a rooftop concert on top of Moe's bar. George Harrison's real voice is used for this episode. (Original air date: September 30, 1993)
There was an episode called "Lisa the Vegetarian." Lisa meets Linda and Paul McCartney (once again real voices) and Abu sings Sgt. Pepper. At the very end, Maybe I'm Amazed is played. (Original Air Date: October 15, 1995)
In an episode where Bart does community service at a nursing home, the Beatles songs "Can't buy me love" is played.
In yet another episode, they play "A Hard Day's Night" and the old people in the nursing home dance to it and mimic the Beatles in the movie, A Hard Day's night.
There is an episode where Homer causes the Y2K bug to occur at midnight on 1-1-00. While the world is coming to an end, the preacher is at the church saying "The Lord would not excuse your mini dresses and Beatles boots." Ned Flanders is sitting in a pew and is wearing Beatles boots. Ned says "I resisted wearing these for 35 years, why did I have to choose today?" Also in this episode, there is a line of the most influential people who were chose to leave Earth on a space ship and go to Mars. Paul McCartney can be seen standing in that line.
For a detailed description of these Beatle references in The Simpsons and many, many more please follow this link to The Simpsons Archives

The Single Guy

In an episode called "Pop," Sam discovers an old recording that he thinks is by the Beatles. (Original air date: May 9, 1996)

Spitting Imagine (UK Puppet show)

A song called "I never met a nice South African" is sung, and this line is in that song "I've even heard a decent song by Paul McCartney's Wings..."

Three's Company

Jack has a picture of the Beatles from the Let it Be album.
Jack is at home with a lady named Rita. He starts to kiss her and refers to her as "lovely Rita"

Whose Line is it Anyway? (American)

There is a game where the players have to answer only in song titles. Beatle titles they have said in this game include, Hello Goodbye, I am the Walrus, and Maxwell's Silver Hammer.
On one show, Wayne Brady sings a song in the style of Yoko Ono and he mentions how she broke up the Beatles in the song he made up.

WKRP in Cincinnati

Dr. Johnny Fever plays "Come Together" on the show (this is only in the original episode, now they have replaced it for the reruns)

Wonder Years

During the show, Kevin is seen with a Beatles '65 and a Beatles white album poster in his bed room.
In the episode, "Rock n Roll," Kevin joins a band, The Electric Shoes when he is inspired by The Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. In this episode the Abbey Road album is mentioned and a cover version of "Blackbird" is played. (Original Air Date: January 2, 1990)

TV theme songs
Life Goes On = "Ob la di, Ob la da"
Wonder Years = "With a Little Help from my Friends"
Grace under Fire = "Lady Madonna"
Providence = "In my Life"

                                  H is for Hurry
                                  E is for URGENT
                                  L is for lovely
                                  P is for PPPPPPlease
                    Won't you please please help me.
Help! If you have any more Beatles tv references, please    email me today!

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