10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Waltons (1972)

Description: This show shares with 'The Waltons' a focus on small-town life and the importance of family and community. Both series are known for their wholesome, heartwarming storytelling and strong moral values.

Fact: Set in the fictional town of Mayberry. Don Knotts won five Emmy Awards for his role as Barney Fife. The show never ranked lower than seventh in the Nielsen ratings during its run.

Description: Like 'The Waltons', 'Little House on the Prairie' is a family drama set in a rural, historical context, focusing on the values of family, community, and perseverance. Both shows emphasize moral lessons and the importance of hard work and faith.

Fact: Based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls, also directed many episodes. The show ran for nine seasons and spawned several TV movies.

Description: Similar to 'The Waltons', this series is set in a historical period and focuses on family, community, and moral dilemmas. Both shows highlight the struggles and triumphs of rural life.

Fact: Jane Seymour won a Golden Globe for her role as Dr. Quinn. The show was known for its accurate depiction of 19th-century medicine. It ran for six seasons and had two TV movies.

Description: Both 'Touched by an Angel' and 'The Waltons' emphasize faith, family, and redemption. They share a similar uplifting and inspirational tone, often dealing with life's challenges in a heartfelt manner.

Fact: Roma Downey and Della Reese starred as angels. The show was a ratings hit for CBS. It ran for nine seasons and won multiple Emmy Awards.

Description: This series shares with 'The Waltons' a focus on family, community, and faith in a historical setting. Both shows are heartwarming and emphasize traditional values.

Fact: Based on the book by Janette Oke. The show is set in a coal-mining town in the early 20th century. It has a dedicated fanbase known as 'Hearties'.

Description: Both 'Father Knows Best' and 'The Waltons' depict idealized family life with a focus on moral lessons and parental guidance. They are quintessential examples of wholesome family television.

Fact: Originally a radio show before becoming a TV series. Robert Young won two Emmy Awards for his role as Jim Anderson. The show was one of the first to depict a middle-class American family.

Description: Like 'The Waltons', 'Gunsmoke' is set in a rural, historical context and deals with themes of justice, community, and morality. Both shows are known for their strong character development.

Fact: The longest-running primetime drama in TV history until 'Law & Order' surpassed it. James Arness played Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years. The show was originally a radio drama.

Description: While 'Bonanza' is a western, it shares with 'The Waltons' a focus on family dynamics and moral lessons. Both shows are set in rural environments and emphasize the importance of family bonds.

Fact: One of the first TV shows to be filmed in color. The Cartwright family was one of TV's first single-parent households. The show ran for 14 seasons, making it one of the longest-running westerns.

Description: Like 'The Waltons', this series focuses on moral lessons and the power of kindness and faith. Both shows are known for their positive messages and emotional storytelling.

Fact: Created by and starring Michael Landon. Landon's character, Jonathan Smith, is an angel sent to help people. The show ran for five seasons.

Description: This miniseries shares with 'The Waltons' a focus on family, coming-of-age, and rural life. Both are heartwarming stories that emphasize the importance of love and acceptance.

Fact: Based on the novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Megan Follows became internationally famous for her role as Anne Shirley. The miniseries was a critical and commercial success, leading to sequels.