The show was a very big success, winning the hearts of millions of fans and viewers. However, the show did not get that same success critically, as it only broke into the top 25 shows once during 1963-1964. No matter what the critics felt, in the hearts of Americans, it was already one of the 25 most popular shows in the country.
Donna Reed herself has expressed her happiness with the show’s accomplishments. Being the only one at the time, Reed proved that a show could be successful with a strong, non-neurotic, non-sexualized female lead. Today she is recognized as one of the trendsetters and inspiration for such female leads that arose over the years.
All Good Things Come to an End
The original airing of “The Donna Reed Show” lasted until 1966 for a total of 8 years and 275 episodes. The show’s star, Donna Reed, eventually grew tired of the show and the fact that she had to work every day. She has also reported to complain about how the show has taken up most of her time, leaving very little for her personal life.
Unfortunately, the TV series was still very popular at that time when Donna Reed decided to step away from it and not renew her contract. Many of its fans were disappointed and sad with her decision.
A Feminist
Donna Stone was beautifully portrayed as a loving mother, an amazing wife, and a solid role model for women of all ages. Someone anyone could learn from. Reed's TV character effectively changed how mothers, and women in general, were portrayed on screen.
Many of Donna Reed’s close friends have said that this character is very similar to Donna Reed’s real-life persona. This is probably the reason why the character felt very natural and not forced. She was assertive and funny which made her very engaging to watch. She is definitely the main reason why the show achieved the success that it did.
Re-Runs and Re-Releases
Decades after its original TV run, MPI Home Video has acquired the rights to release all episodes of "The Donna Reed Show" on DVD in the hopes of banking on its huge success to make a profit. Fortunately, its DVD release still had a very warm reception from its die-hard fans. It has also opened up the show to more viewers which also contributed to its success.
The first season of the show was re-released on DVD on September 30, 2014. Following this success and the huge demand of the fans for more, the second season was re-released on March 24, 2015. Then, the third season was re-released on June 30, 2015. Seasons 4 and 5 were never re-released but are still available from its first DVD release. The show was a true classic, as even a new TV audience who hadn't been familiar with the show before enjoyed it. It had also been re-run on TV in September 2011 by Me-TV, a smaller TV network.
The Gilmore Girls Watch The Donna Read Show
Another testament to the popularity of "The Donna Reed Show’" is the fact that it's still referenced in pop culture. For instance, it was featured in the title of an episode of "Gilmore Girls," an American comedy-drama TV series. The 14th episode of its first Season was entitled “That Damn Donna Reed.”
It featured a story in which Rory and Dean disagreed about their views on a woman’s role in the household while watching an episode of the "Donna Reed Show." Iconic! Similar to "The Donna Reed Show," "Gilmore Girls" had non-stereotypical female leads, and has generated praise for its witty dialogue, cross-generational appeal, and effective mix of humor and drama.