Popular sitcom 'The Andy Griffith Show' premiered 55 years ago today

NORTH CAROLINA -- The Andy Griffith Show was first introduced to the world fifty-five years ago today.

According to WGHP, the first episode of the iconic TV show aired on CBS Television on October 3rd, 1960.

Andy Griffith, a Mount Airy, North Carolina native, starred in the hit show that focused on life in the small, sleepy town of Mayberry -- which was based on Mount Airy.

The popular sitcom lasted for eight seasons and nearly 250 episodes. It also starred Ronny Howard, Don Knotts and Frances Bavier.

Thousands of people recently attended the 26th annual Mayberry Days festival, which paid tribute to Mount Airy's role as inspiration for the idyllic Mayberry.

In July of 2012, Griffith died of a heart attack at the age of 86. He was buried in Roanoke Island.