Over the years, there have been loads of family-centered comedy shows, all of which brought some great father figured to our screen. But Herman Munster is definitely one of the best TV dads out there. He was even officially ranked for it in 2004.
Yes, you are reading correctly. In 2004, TV Guide listed the top 50 TV dads of all time, and the lovely Herman came in at #19!
The Drag-U-La
Grandpa Munster’s ride, given the fitting name of Drag-U-La, was actually developed with the use of an authentic coffin. The coffin was smuggled to North Hollywood in secrecy as it was prohibited to purchase coffins without a corresponding death certificate. The casket was bought using cash and then placed free-standing on the funeral service at the cover of darkness so Barris and his team can safely grab it and start building the Drag-U-La.
Grandpa’s car was featured on the TV series for just one episode but was shown in the end credits of every episode of its second season. The Drag-U-La was likewise created by Tom Daniel, who was also the creator of the Munster Koach.
The Munsters and The Addams Family's - Just a Coincidence
"The Munsters" first premiered on CBS while "The Addams Family" first aired on ABC, both on the same day. A lot of viewers debated on whether or not either one of the shows tried to rip off the other. In reality, though, both shows were produced without any knowledge of what the other was working on. In the long run, "The Addams Family" ultimately became the victor on the TV screen. Nevertheless, "The Munsters" proved to be a revolutionary show in numerous regards.
Although the show only ran for a couple of seasons, it managed to live on with a fresh batch of audiences who discovered the show via syndication. In case you find yourself searching for a new late-night show to binge-watch, you might want to consider "The Munsters" as your next living room craze.
The Munsters Had Quite a Family Tree
Grandpa's character is commonly known as "Grandpa Munster," but when you think about it, it doesn't make much sense. If Lily Munster had taken her husband's name after they got married, then this means she wasn't a Munster by birth, and therefore, her father would have a different surname too!
As it turns out, Lily's maiden name (and her father's surname, obviously) is Dracula. Herman Munster got his last name from his adoptive father, whom we've never seen on the show. It's possible that Lily's niece, Marylin, took on the last name as well after the Munsters adopted her.
The Munster in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
One other proof of the show’s immense popularity was made apparent in 1964 when the benign Munster family was asked to join in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. In case you’re not already aware of it, the parade is somewhat of an important event, and they simply just don’t invite anyone or any name to be part of it.
Even though Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis were the only ones invited to the parade, the Grandpa and son-in-law monster tandem rode down the street aboard the iconic Munster Koach. Without a doubt, their appearance drew smiles on the faces of plenty of children who were waiting to witness their favorite friendly monsters up close and personal, plus aboard the Koach as an extra treat!