Theater of the Mind

Father Knows Best

147 episodes · 1949–1954 · NBC · Comedy

Before it was a television classic, Father Knows Best was on NBC radio, from August 25, 1949, to March 25, 1954, sponsored mostly by General Foods. Ed James created it. Robert Young played Jim Anderson, an insurance agent, with June Whitley and then Jean Vander Pyl as Margaret, and Rhoda Williams, Ted Donaldson and Norma Jean Nilsson as the kids. The radio Jim was a good deal more sarcastic than the TV one; Young wanted the television version to be warmer.

Sources: Father Knows Best, Wikipedia

Episodes

Tap a year to see its episodes, then a title to play it on Radio Days.

19492 episodes

Best August 25, 1949 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
New Year's Eve December 29, 1949 · NBC · 30 min
Jim tries to keep his temper over the holidays, no matter what Mr. Gribble does.

195028 episodes

Safety Campaign January 5, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
Jim tries to get out of giving a speech on highway safety, and Bud has a problem of his own to dodge.
Elusive Card Game January 12, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists this date as “The Day Father Received the Christmas Bills.”
A Week-End in the Country February 16, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
Winter or not, the Andersons get away for a weekend in the country.
Jim's Birthday February 23, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
The family plans a surprise party for Jim's birthday, but Mr. Gribble has plans too.
Income Tax March 9, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
Income tax time, and Margaret's old boyfriend is coming to dinner.
An Uncontrolled Dog May 4, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Golf Challenge May 11, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Superstitious Folk May 25, 1950 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Time for a New Car June 8, 1950 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Father's Day Trip June 15, 1950 · NBC · 29 min
A Father's Day fishing trip with the whole family. Robert Young is named Screen Father of the Year.
A New Housekeeper June 22, 1950 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
New Arrangements June 29, 1950 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Vacation Arrives July 6, 1950 · NBC · 29 min
Where will the Andersons spend their vacation? It's not an easy decision.
An Efficient House September 7, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Family Car Stolen September 14, 1950 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Who Has the Time September 21, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
A New Girlfriend September 28, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Family Spending October 5, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Skunk Must Go October 12, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
A Spooky Cemetery October 26, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
A Halloween story: the Andersons run out of gas on a dark night, right in front of a cemetery.
Too Many Problems November 2, 1950 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Bad Barbecue November 9, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Enterprising Kids November 16, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
A Modern Thanksgiving November 23, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
Thanksgiving without the kids isn't much of a celebration.
Betty's French Teacher December 7, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Becomes Ill December 14, 1950 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
A Hans Christian Andersen Christmas December 21, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
A Christmas fable about Hans Christian Andersen and the characters of his stories.
Party Preparations December 28, 1950 · NBC · 30 min
The Andersons are tired of turkey, and then Jim wins a thirty-five-pound turkey that's still alive.

195138 episodes

Taking on City Hall January 4, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Missing Furniture January 11, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Redecoration Woes January 18, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Sound Matchmaking January 25, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Jim Inherits a Ranch in Arizona February 1, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
What was his Name? February 8, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Orchid for a Lady February 15, 1951 · NBC · 30 min
It's Valentine's Day, and Mother is going to get an orchid one way or another. She ends up with quite a few.
Always Tell Truth February 22, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Being a Better Father March 8, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Tax Interruptions March 15, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Stranded Strangers March 22, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists this date as “Helping Out the Boss.”
Both Bosses Visit March 29, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
It Pays to Borrow April 5, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Carrot Costume Party April 12, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Anniversary Secret April 19, 1951 · NBC · 29 min
A surprise anniversary party for the Andersons, or two, or three.
Aunt Martha Visits April 26, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
A Missing Salesman May 3, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Junk Around the House May 10, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Locked out of the House May 17, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Anniversary Event May 24, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Going to New York May 31, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Father's Day Picnic June 14, 1951 · NBC · 29 min
The family plans a Father's Day picnic.
Mother Drives a Car June 21, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Wedding Preparation June 28, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Meaning of Freedoms July 5, 1951 · NBC · 29 min
The Andersons go back to the days of the American Revolution.
Saving Money to Buy a Boat September 6, 1951 · 29 min
The Circus September 13, 1951 · NBC · 30 min
The circus is in town and Kathy wants to go. Who will take her? Not me, says every Anderson.
A Diet Discussion September 20, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Billiard Table September 27, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
The Rug October 11, 1951 · NBC · 29 min
Father has a secret, and so does Mother.
Gossip October 18, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
The Tie November 1, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Father of the Year November 8, 1951 · NBC · 30 min
Will Jim Anderson be named Father of the Year? Of course he will. Won't he?
The Music Business November 15, 1951 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Thanksgiving Prayer November 22, 1951 · NBC · 30 min
A prayer by Benjamin Franklin inspires the Andersons' Thanksgiving.
The Meteor November 29, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Attic Auction December 6, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Planning a Christmas Party December 13, 1951 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.

195233 episodes

The Chaperone January 3, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
Jim is asked to chaperone the sleigh ride for Betty's sorority.
The Family Behind the Man January 10, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
Jim's job requires him to figure out a family's role in a man's work.
The Fashion Expert January 17, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
Jim and his neighbor plan a hunting trip, and then there's the matter of Betty's dress.
The Motor Scooter January 24, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Emancipation January 31, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Valentine's Day Party February 14, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Secrets of the Attic February 21, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
What's in the Anderson attic? You'd be surprised.
Keeping Up with the Joneses February 28, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
Jim has promised to buy forty tickets to the Springfield minstrel show, and neighbor Herb Jones is hard to keep up with.
No Partiality March 6, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
Jim tries to treat all the children equally, and then there's the seating at dinner.
Flowers and Candy March 13, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
New Washing Machine April 17, 1952 · NBC · 29 min
An automatic washing machine arrives at the Anderson house.
My Name is Sam May 1, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Kathy's Twin Sister May 8, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Home Management May 15, 1952 · NBC · 29 min
Margaret's family is moving from Toledo, the basement has to be cleared out, and Jim suddenly has to take a trip.
Driving Back from Toledo May 22, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Sorting Through Old Trunk May 29, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Aunt Ethel June 5, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Lead Your Own Life, Bud June 12, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Betty is Stage-Struck June 19, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
Treasure Hunt July 3, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
Kathy plays treasure hunt, with the real treasure well hidden.
Kathy's Engagement Ring September 4, 1952 · NBC · 29 min
Kathy announces her engagement, and she really has a ring. The first show of the season.
Watching the Dog September 11, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Weekend Away From Home September 18, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
An insurance convention in Chicago on the same weekend all three kids will be away.
Should Women Work September 25, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Betty and Crooner October 9, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Bud Quits School October 16, 1952 · NBC · 30 min
Bud quits school, so his father gives him a job as handyman.
Carnival in Town October 30, 1952 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Selling the House November 6, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Missing Pipes November 13, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Phantom Prowler November 20, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
A Worried Witness December 11, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Kids Revolt December 18, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Shared Christmas Gifts December 25, 1952 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.

195335 episodes

Southern Manners January 1, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
Betty plays a Southern belle to impress a new boyfriend.
Second Family Car January 8, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
The Andersons seem to need a second car.
The Boy Next Door January 15, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
Betty lets slip that she likes the boy next door, and Bud tells him all about it.
Bud Dislikes Girls January 29, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
Bud is fed up with women, all women.
Aunt Thelma Visits February 5, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
Aunt Thelma is coming to visit, an ordeal for everyone.
Babysitting Miseries February 12, 1953 · NBC · 27 min
Jim has to choose between an important school-board meeting and babysitting.
Modernizing the Home February 19, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
Time to fix up and modernize the Anderson house.
Banged Up Fender February 26, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
Betty has a fender-bender in the family car.
Overdue Vacation March 5, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Getting ready for the family vacation is the hard part. NBC News breaks in at the end with a bulletin.
To Build a Brick Wall March 12, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Should there be a brick wall in the Andersons' back yard?
The Missing Wedding Ring March 19, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
The case of the missing wedding ring.
The Uninsured Robin March 26, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
A wounded robin turns up at the Anderson house, in need of a doctor.
Bud's Panama Cat Business Venture April 2, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Bud goes into business raising and selling Panama cats.
How to Face Problems April 9, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Jim worries that his family can't face up to its problems.
Family Getaway to Beaver Falls April 16, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
The Andersons plan a vacation at Beaver Falls.
Old Father Time April 23, 1953 · NBC · 29 min
Jim is starting to feel old. Maybe it's time to act his age.
Springtime Woes April 30, 1953 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Good Old Days May 7, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Sophisticated Bud May 14, 1953 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Paper Drive Management May 21, 1953 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Remembering Names September 10, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Big Inheritance September 17, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Mind Your Manners September 24, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
A Date Mix-Up with Leonard and Ralph and Betty October 1, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Father arranges a date for Betty and causes all kinds of trouble.
The Value of Money October 8, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Life of the Party October 15, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Is Bud a snob? No, he just can't talk to girls.
Too Many Peanuts October 22, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Halloween Blues October 29, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Moving to Chicago November 5, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Betty's Engagement November 12, 1953 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Missing Uncle November 19, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
A suitcase from the attic makes the family think Uncle Hubert is coming to visit.
Thanksgiving November 26, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
A typical Thanksgiving at the Andersons', with a prize-winning poem.
Too Many Rabbits December 3, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Jim witnesses a traffic accident, and Bud ends up with five rabbits.
An Old Fashioned Christmas December 24, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
Christmas Eve, and the family has its own ideas about how to celebrate.
New Year's Sitter December 31, 1953 · NBC · 30 min
A good-looking babysitter changes the Andersons' New Year's Eve plans several times.

195411 episodes

Taking Pictures January 7, 1954 · NBC · 30 min
Using up the last two pictures on a roll of film leads to complications.
An Unusual Bet January 14, 1954 · NBC · 30 min
Jim bets Betty a new dress that she can't go twenty-four hours without talking about boys.
The Mink Coat Woes January 21, 1954 · NBC · 30 min
Margaret looks wonderful in a $3,000 mink coat, which is only in the closet for safekeeping.
Trash Can Lids January 28, 1954 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
The Telephone Mix-Up February 4, 1954 · 29 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Betty's Freedom February 18, 1954 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Check Writing February 25, 1954 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Spring Cleaning March 4, 1954 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
False Elopement March 11, 1954 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Income Tax Mix-Up March 18, 1954 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.
Rainy Day Activity March 25, 1954 · 30 min
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists the same title on this date.