List of The Monkees episodes
This is a list of episodes of the television series The Monkees which ran on NBC from 1966 to 1968, on Monday nights at 7:30 PM Eastern (6:30 Central).
The first songs listed are from the original NBC broadcasts. Over the summer of 1967, NBC reran multiple episodes with revised soundtracks to promote the Monkees' then-current album, Headquarters, and the singles released during that summer. Then, between 1969 and 1973, CBS (and later ABC) reran the episodes on Saturday morning, revising the soundtracks once again to promote the albums The Monkees Present and Changes. All alternate songs are listed where applicable.
Tracks with different mixes or versions as compared to the album versions are indicated.
Series overview
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | ||||
| 1 | 32 | September 12, 1966 | April 24, 1967 | ||
| 2 | 26 | September 11, 1967 | March 25, 1968 | ||
Episodes
Season 1 (1966–1967)
Debuting on September 12, 1966, the series aired on Monday nights at 7:30pm EST, preceding I Dream of Jeannie and opposite The Iron Horse (ABC) and Gilligan's Island (CBS). A few episodes are shown out of chronological order from when they were filmed, as evident in Episode 8, "Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth", and the pilot as episode 10.
Some syndicated and overseas versions of episode (such as many of those used by the BBC in the United Kingdom, when they ran the series several times), use the second-season version of the opening credits in place of the original first season version.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Royal Flush" | James Frawley | Robert Schlitt and Peter Meyerson | September 12, 1966 | |
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The Monkees rescue Princess Bettina, Duchess of Harmonica (Katherine Walsh) from her evil uncle Archduke Otto (Theodore Marcuse). Songs: "This Just Doesn't Seem to Be My Day," "Take a Giant Step"1967 reruns: "You Told Me," "The Girl I Knew Somewhere” Saturday mornings: "Apples, Peaches, Bananas and Pears," "Good Clean Fun" | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Monkee See, Monkee Die" | James Frawley | Treva Silverman | September 19, 1966 | |
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The Monkees spend the night in a haunted house to collect an inheritance. Songs: "Last Train to Clarksville," "Tomorrow's Gonna Be Another Day" | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Monkee vs. Machine" | Robert Rafelson | David Panich | September 26, 1966 | |
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In a computerized toy factory, the Monkees foil an efficiency expert (Stan Freberg) who wants to replace an old toymaker (Walter Janovitz) with automation. Songs: "Saturday's Child" (alternate vocal track), "Last Train to Clarksville"1967 reruns: "Saturday's Child" was replaced with "You Told Me." Saturday mornings: "Saturday's Child" was replaced with "Listen to the Band." | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers" | James Frawley | Dave Evans | October 3, 1966 | |
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A shady PR man (Andre Philippe) kidnaps the Monkees to prevent them from winning a talent contest in order for his clients (rival band the Four Swines) to win. Songs: "Let’s Dance On," "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone," "Last Train to Clarksville"1967 reruns: "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You," "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" Saturday morning: "Last Train to Clarksville" was replaced with "Do You Feel It Too?" | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Spy Who Came in from the Cool" | Robert Rafelson | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | October 10, 1966 | |
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The Monkees get mixed up in a spy ring (Jacques Aubuchon, Arlene Martel) after Davy accidentally purchases a set of red maracas containing secret microfilm. Can the Monkees outwit two professional spies? Songs: "The Kind of Girl I Could Love," "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone," "All the King’s Horses," "Saturday's Child" (album version)1967 reruns: "Saturday's Child" was replaced with "Randy Scouse Git." Saturday mornings: "Saturday's Child" was replaced with "All Alone in the Dark." | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Success Story" | James Frawley | Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso and Bernie Orenstein | October 17, 1966 | |
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Davy's grandfather (Ben Wright) visits, and the Monkees try to convince him that his grandson is wealthy and successful. Songs: "I Wanna Be Free," "Sweet Young Thing"1967 reruns: "I Wanna Be Free" was replaced with "Shades of Gray." Saturday mornings: "I Wanna Be Free" was replaced with "French Song." | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Monkees in a Ghost Town" | James Frawley | Robert Schlitt and Peter Meyerson | October 24, 1966 | |
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Stranded in a ghost town after their car runs out of gas, the Monkees are held prisoner by bank robbers (Len Lesser, Lon Chaney Jr.) and their boss, "The Big Man" (Rose Marie). Songs: "Tomorrow’s Gonna Be Another Day," "Papa Gene’s Blues," "(Theme from) The Monkees" 1967 reruns: "Words" (single version) replaced "Tomorrow’s Gonna Be Another Day." | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth" | Robert Rafelson | Dave Evans | October 31, 1966 | |
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Davy is given a horse, which the Monkees have to hide from their landlord, Mr. Babbitt (Henry Corden). It is returned to a heart-broken child (Kerry MacLane) and father (Jim Boles) after Davy rides it to victory over the horse of the father's neighbor. Famed character actor, and frequent Bob Hope sideman, Jerry Colonna plays veterinarian Doctor Mann. Songs: "Papa Gene’s Blues," "All the King’s Horses" Saturday mornings: "I Never Thought It Peculiar" replaced "All the King's Horses." | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "The Chaperone" | Bruce Kessler | Dee Caruso and Gerald Gardner | November 7, 1966 | |
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Davy's feelings for retired General Harley Vandenberg's (Arch Johnson) daughter Leslie (Sherry Alberoni) leads Micky to pose a female chaperone at a party after the real chaperone (Diana Chesney) gets drunk. Songs: "This Just Doesn’t Seem to Be My Day," "Take a Giant Step" (alternate vocal track), "You Just May Be the One" (original version)Saturday mornings: "Midnight Train" replaced "This Just Doesn't Seem to Be My Day." | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Here Come the Monkees (Pilot)" | Mike Elliot | Paul Mazursky and Larry Tucker | November 14, 1966 | |
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The Monkees play a sweet sixteen party and help the birthday girl (Robyn Millan) with her studies after she falls for Davy. Songs: "I Wanna Be Free" (fast and original album versions), "Let’s Dance On"1967 reruns: "Shades of Gray" replaced "I Wanna Be Free." Notes: This is an edited version of the original pilot for the series as shot in November 1965 and pitched to NBC; producer Bob Rafelson re-edited it after it tested poorly; NBC picked up the series afterward. The tag features screen tests of Davy and Mike, taken on the sets of "The Farmer's Daughter". The Monkees arrive at the party not in the Monkeemobile, which was built after the show was picked up by NBC, but in a red-and-yellow "woodie" station wagon. Bing Russell (Kurt's father) makes a brief appearance as the Monkees' manager, who is never seen or referred to again. | ||||||
| 11 | 11 | "Monkees à la Carte" | James Frawley | Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso and Bernie Orenstein | November 21, 1966 | |
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The Monkees pose as the Purple Flower Gang to save their favorite Italian restaurant from a gangster (Harvey Lembeck). Songs: "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone," "She" | ||||||
| 12 | 12 | "I've Got a Little Song Here" | Bruce Kessler | Treva Silverman | November 28, 1966 | |
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Mike is fleeced by a fraudulent music publisher (Phil Leeds), but Micky dons the guise of a flashy Hollywood producer to get Mike's money back. Songs: "Gonna Buy Me a Dog", "Mary, Mary"1967 reruns: "For Pete's Sake" replaced "Mary, Mary." Saturday mornings: "Steam Engine," a song not on any albums or singles during the series' run on the networks, replaced "Mary, Mary." Note: First appearance of the Monkees in their "Monkeemen" superhero guise. Davy, Peter and Micky don the costumes. | ||||||
| 13 | 13 | "One Man Shy" "Peter and the Debutante" | James Frawley | Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso and Treva Silverman | December 5, 1966 | |
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Bashful Peter tries to win the heart of lovely debutante Valerie Cartwright (Lisa James) while dealing with her haughty boyfriend Ronnie Farnsworth (George Furth). Songs: "I'm a Believer", "You Just May Be the One" (original version)1967 reruns: "I'm a Believer" was replaced with "Forget That Girl." Saturday mornings: "I'm a Believer" was replaced with "If I Knew." | ||||||
| 14 | 14 | "Dance, Monkee, Dance" | James Frawley | Bernie Orenstein | December 12, 1966 | |
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The Monkees sign up for lessons at Renaldo's Dance Au Go Go (Hal March), and then find out that their contracts are for life. Songs: "I’ll Be Back Up on My Feet" (original version), "I'm a Believer"Saturday mornings: "If You Have the Time," which did not appear on any albums or singles at the time | ||||||
| 15 | 15 | "Too Many Girls" "Davy and Fern" | James Frawley | Story by : Dave Evans Teleplay by : Dave Evans, Gerald Gardner & Dee Caruso | December 19, 1966 | |
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A domineering stage mother (Reta Shaw) tries to use Davy to further her daughter Fern's (Kelly Jean Peters) career. Songs: "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" (performed live on set), "I'm a Believer", "Different Drum" (played for laughs) Note: The episode includes a beauty pageant scene in which Fern appears wearing a bathing suit; NBC aired a mix of this scene with a smudged lens to obscure Kelly Jean Peters' figure and prominent cleavage, but the syndicated reruns from the 1970s showed her uncensored. Note: In the talent show Davy and Fern are contestants in, Mike (as 'Billy Ray Hodstetter') comedically plays a sped up version of "Different Drum", a song written by Nesmith, which became the first major hit by Linda Ronstadt (and the Stone Poneys). | ||||||
| 16 | 16 | "Son of a Gypsy" | James Frawley | Story by : Treva Silverman Teleplay by : Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso and Treva Silverman | December 26, 1966 | |
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A band of gypsies, headed by the powerful Maria (Jeanne Arnold), force the Monkees to steal a priceless statuette called the "Maltese Vulture." Songs: "Let’s Dance On," "I'm a Believer" | ||||||
| 17 | 17 | "The Case of the Missing Monkee" | Robert Rafelson | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | January 9, 1967 | |
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Peter becomes involved with the disappearance of the respected Professor Milo Schnitzler (Norbert Schiller) and then disappears himself. Songs: "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone"1967 reruns: "Pleasant Valley Sunday" | ||||||
| 18 | 18 | "I Was a Teenage Monster" | Sidney Miller | Story by : Dave Evans Teleplay by : Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso and Dave Evans | January 16, 1967 | |
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A mad scientist (John Hoyt) hires the Monkees to teach his monster (Richard Kiel) music—and then transplants their musical talent into the monster. Can the Monkees get their talent back? Byron Foulger appears as Groot, Dr. Mendoza's assistant. Songs: "Tomorrow’s Gonna Be Another Day," "Your Auntie Grizelda"Saturday mornings: "Your Auntie Grizelda" was replaced with "Good Clean Fun." | ||||||
| 19 | 19 | "Find the Monkees" "The Audition" | Richard Nunis | Dave Evans | January 23, 1967 | |
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When television producer Hubbell Bensen (Carl Ballantine) hears a tape of the Monkees, he frantically stages auditions in the hope of finding them for his new television show, unaware they are desperately trying to audition for him. Songs: "Sweet Young Thing," "Papa Gene’s Blues," "Mary, Mary" Note: As many episodes have featured minute-long interview segments after the epilogue hosted by producer Robert Rafelson, this episode's tag is nearly three minutes long. | ||||||
| 20 | 20 | "Monkees in the Ring" | James Frawley | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | January 30, 1967 | |
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A crooked fight promoter (Ned Glass) prepares to cash in on a big bet by making Davy a stooge in a bout with the champ. Songs: "Laugh" (without background vocals on first verse), "I’ll Be Back Up on My Feet" (original version)Saturday mornings: "Looking for the Good Times" | ||||||
| 21 | 21 | "The Prince and the Paupers" | James Komack | Story by : Peter Meyerson Teleplay by : Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | February 6, 1967 | |
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Davy doubles for a lookalike Peruvian prince in order to win the heart of Wendy Forsythe (Heather North) or forfeit his throne to evil Count Myron (Oscar Beregi Jr.). Songs: "Mary, Mary"Saturday mornings: "99 Pounds" Note: This episode features the "split-screen effect" (à la Patty Duke) for Davy Jones as himself and Prince Ludlow. American DJ Rodney Bingenheimer was used as Davy's double, seen from the back only. | ||||||
| 22 | 22 | "Monkees at the Circus" | Bruce Kessler | David Panich | February 13, 1967 | |
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To save a bankrupt circus, the Monkees pose as a troupe of dazzling, supreme high-wire artists from France known as the Mozzarelli Brothers, but get in trouble when their guise requires them to actually perform. Songs: "Sometime in the Morning," "She" Note: References to Micky's previous TV series Circus Boy are made throughout. | ||||||
| 23 | 23 | "Captain Crocodile" | James Frawley | Story by : Peter Meyerson & Robert Schlitt Teleplay by : Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso, Peter Meyerson and Robert Schlitt | February 20, 1967 | |
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The Monkees' appearance on popular children's show The Captain Crocodile Show is sabotaged by its host (Joey Forman), who fears that his guest's popularity is diminishing his own. Songs: "Valleri" (original version), "Your Auntie Grizelda"1967 reruns: "Pleasant Valley Sunday" replaced "Your Auntie Grizelda." Note: This episode contains parodies of TV shows, "What's My Line?," "To Tell The Truth," and "Batman." | ||||||
| 24 | 24 | "Monkees à la Mode" | Alex Singer | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | February 27, 1967 | |
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The Monkees are chosen as "Typical Young Americans of the Year," by Chic magazine, a haughty publication that runs a bogus article on the group molding them into a false image of clean cut young men. Songs: "(Theme from) The Monkees" (excerpts), "Laugh," "You Just May Be the One" (original version)Saturday mornings: "Oh My My" replaced "Laugh." Notes: Micky plays the kettle drum portion of "Randy Scouse Git" when drumming on the table. | ||||||
| 25 | 25 | "Alias Micky Dolenz" | Bruce Kessler | Story by : Dave Evans Teleplay by : Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso and Dave Evans | March 6, 1967 | |
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The police cash in on Micky's striking resemblance to imprisoned crime kingpin Baby Face Morales in an attempt to locate robbery loot. Songs: "The Kind of Girl I Could Love," "Mary, Mary" Notes: Second episode in which the "split-screen effect" is used. Davy Jones does not appear in the episode; he appears in the closing interview tag explaining his absence. | ||||||
| 26 | 26 | "Monkee Chow Mein" | James Frawley | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | March 13, 1967 | |
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Peter finds a secret message in a fortune cookie at a Chinese restaurant, forcing Monkeemen Davy and Mike to come to his rescue from the evil Dragonman (Joey Forman). Songs: "Your Auntie Grizelda"1967 reruns: "Words" (single version) Note: References to Get Smart are made throughout. Second appearance of the Monkees in their superhero guise, "Monkeemen"; Davy and Mike don the costumes to rescue Peter and Micky. The episode also features Mike Farrell, who plays an FBI agent. | ||||||
| 27 | 27 | "Monkee Mother" | James Frawley | Peter Meyerson and Robert Schlitt | March 20, 1967 | |
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Middle-aged widow Millie (Rose Marie) moves in with the Monkees as a new tenant, resulting in the boys' trying to find her a husband. Songs: "Sometime in the Morning," "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)" Note: This was only one of two episodes featured entirely at the Monkees' house, the other being "A Coffin Too Frequent" from the second season. | ||||||
| 28 | 28 | "Monkees on the Line" | James Frawley | Gerald Gardner, Dee Caruso and Coslough Johnson | March 27, 1967 | |
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Hired by a telephone answering service, the Monkees are soon plunged into mix-ups, hang-ups and crossed wires leading to pursuit by a crooked bettor (Milton Frome). Songs: "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)"Saturday mornings: "Little Girl" | ||||||
| 29 | 29 | "Monkees Get Out More Dirt" | Gerald Shepard | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | April 3, 1967 | |
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The Monkees' friendship is threatened when they all fall for the same girl, luscious local laundromat proprietress April Conquest (Julie Newmar). Songs: "(Theme from) The Monkees," "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" Saturday mornings: "Steam Engine" replaced "The Girl I Knew Somewhere."Note: Wally Cox makes a cameo appearance in the teaser. | ||||||
| 30 | 30 | "Monkees, Manhattan Style" "Monkees in Manhattan" | Russell Mayberry | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | April 10, 1967 | |
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In New York City, the Monkees fend off an irate hotel manager (Philip Ober) as they help a producer (Richard Anders) get backing for a Broadway musical. Songs: "The Girl I Knew Somewhere," "Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)" (with extra instrumental passage), "Words" (original version) Saturday mornings: "Acapulco Sun" replaced "The Girl I Knew Somewhere." | ||||||
| 31 | 31 | "Monkees at the Movies" | Russ Mayberry | Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso | April 17, 1967 | |
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The Monkees have a run-in with a snobbish movie idol (Bobby Sherman) on the set as extras in a beach movie. Songs: "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You," "Last Train to Clarksville," "Valleri" (original version) Note: Davy's pre-Monkees album on Colpix Records is used as a prop. Closing credits list "When Love Comes Knockin' (At Your Door)" as being in this episode; "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" fades out early. | ||||||
| 32 | 32 | "Monkees on Tour" | Robert Rafelson | Robert Rafelson | April 24, 1967 | |
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A mini-documentary chronicling a live Monkees concert gig on location in Phoenix, Arizona during their first public appearance tour. Songs: "The Girl I Knew Somewhere," "I'm a Believer"1967 reruns: "Pleasant Valley Sunday" replaced "The Girl I Knew Somewhere," and "Words" (single version) replaced "I'm a Believer. Saturday mornings: "Steam Engine" replaced "The Girl I Knew Somewhere." Concert songs: "Last Train to Clarksville," "Sweet Young Thing," "Mary, Mary," "Cripple Creek," "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover," "I Wanna Be Free," "I Got a Woman," "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone." Notes: First episode with no laugh track, due to the nature of the episode, which is the only relatively "reality" based, non-scripted episode of the entire series. The teaser, in which Davy Jones makes introductory remarks, was filmed on the set of Bewitched and was done during the Headquarters Sessions (as noted by Mike, Micky and Peter's beards). | ||||||
Season 2 (1967–1968)
The series aired on Monday nights preceding The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, and The Champions and opposite Cowboy in Africa (ABC) and Gunsmoke (CBS). "For Pete's Sake" from the Headquarters album replaced the "Monkees Theme" as the closing song during this season.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 1 | "It's a Nice Place to Visit..." "The Monkees in Mexico" | James Frawley | Treva Silverman | September 11, 1967 | |
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In El Monotono, Mexico, Davy is captured by a bandito (Peter Whitney) and his minions for being "captivated" with El Diablo's girlfriend (Cynthia Hull). Song: "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?" Note: Featuring a cameo appearance by Godfrey Cambridge | ||||||
| 34 | 2 | "The Picture Frame" "The Bank Robbery" | James Frawley | Jack Winter | September 18, 1967 | |
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Peter must prove the Monkees' innocence when they unwittingly rob a bank in the pretext of making a movie for two con men (Cliff Norton, Kelton Garwood). Songs: "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Randy Scouse Git" | ||||||
| 35 | 3 | "Everywhere a Sheik, Sheik" | Alex Singer | Jack Winter | September 25, 1967 | |
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It is a "harem-scare 'em" scene as Davy faces the prospect of marriage to a lovely Nehudian princess (Donna Loren). Songs: "Love is Only Sleeping" (alternate mix), "Cuddly Toy" Note: First of seven episodes to feature Monte Landis, and the only episode in which he does not play the villain. Anita Mann appears in the Cuddly Toy video segment dancing alongside Davy. | ||||||
| 36 | 4 | "Monkee Mayor" | Alex Singer | Jack Winter | October 2, 1967 | |
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Mike casts his wool hat into the ring to stop a crooked construction tycoon (Monte Landis) from turning the city into parking lots. Songs: "No Time," "Pleasant Valley Sunday" | ||||||
| 37 | 5 | "Art for Monkees' Sake" | Alex Singer | Coslough Johnson | October 9, 1967 | |
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At an art museum, Peter copies an old painting for two guards (Monte Landis, Vic Tayback) who are actually thieves bent on snatching the real painting. Songs: "Randy Scouse Git," "Daydream Believer" Note: Cameo appearance by Liberace, in which he smashes his piano with a sledgehammer as "performance art". | ||||||
| 38 | 6 | "I Was a 99-Pound Weakling" "Physical Culture" | Alex Singer | Story by : Jon C. Andersen Teleplay by : Gerald Gardner & Dee Caruso and Neil Burstyn | October 16, 1967 | |
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After losing his girlfriend Brenda to a muscle man named Bulk, Micky starts a health program under the guidance of fraudulent physical cultist Shah-Ku (Monte Landis). Songs: "Sunny Girlfriend," "Love is Only Sleeping" (alternate mix) Notes: Michael Nesmith does not appear due to a tonsillectomy; his absence is noted throughout. The other guys appear as the Monkeemen during the musical "romp" scene (to "Sunny Girlfriend"). Professional wrestler Nick Bockwinkel appears. | ||||||
| 39 | 7 | "Hillbilly Honeymoon" "Double Barrel Shotgun Wedding" | James Frawley | Peter Meyerson | October 23, 1967 | |
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Lost in Swineville, the Monkees get caught in the middle of a hillbilly feud between the Weskitts and Chubbers with Davy staring down the barrel of a shotgun wedding to pretty Ella Mae Chubber (Melody Patterson). Song: "Papa Gene's Blues" (extended edit) Note: First appearance of the "Isn't that dumb?" catchphrase. | ||||||
| 40 | 8 | "Monkees Marooned" | James Frawley | Stanley Ralph Ross | October 30, 1967 | |
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Peter trades his guitar for a con man’s treasure map. On a deserted island, the Monkees go hunting for treasure—and are hunted by a mad Australian (Monte Landis) and his man Thursday (Rupert Crosse). Songs: "Daydream Believer," "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?"Saturday mornings: "Do You Feel It Too?" replaced "Daydream Believer." | ||||||
| 41 | 9 | "The Card Carrying Red Shoes" | James Frawley | Treva Silverman | November 6, 1967 | |
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Peter is the target of a romantic prima ballerina (Ondine Vaughn) and a dastardly plot choreographed by the rest of the ballet company. Song: "She Hangs Out" (alternate mix) Notes: Mike does not appear. | ||||||
| 42 | 10 | "The Wild Monkees" | Jon C. Andersen | Story by : Stanley Ralph Ross and Corey Upton Teleplay by : Stanley Ralph Ross | November 13, 1967 | |
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The Monkees turn chicken when they unwittingly befriend the girlfriends of a tough motorcycle gang. Songs: "Goin' Down" (sung live over instrumental track in the teaser), "Star Collector" (without Moog synthesizer)Saturday mornings: "Looking for the Good Times" replaced "Star Collector." | ||||||
| 43 | 11 | "A Coffin Too Frequent" | David Winters | Stella Linden | November 20, 1967 | |
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A mad scientist (George Furth), his goony cousin (Mickey Morton), and his dotty aunt (Ruth Buzzi) use the Monkees' pad for a séance to summon their relative Elmer from beyond. Songs: "Goin' Down," "Daydream Believer"Saturday mornings: "Oklahoma Backroom Dancer" replaced "Goin' Down." | ||||||
| 44 | 12 | "Hitting the High Seas" | James Frawley | Jack Winter | November 27, 1967 | |
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Thoughts of mutiny are bountiful as the Monkees try to stop the hijack of a cargo ship by a vengeful sea captain (Chips Rafferty). Songs: "Daydream Believer," "Star Collector"Saturday mornings: "Oh My My" replaced "Daydream Believer." Notes: First second season episode without a laugh track. Mike only appears briefly. | ||||||
| 45 | 13 | "The Monkees in Texas" | James Frawley | Jack Winter | December 4, 1967 | |
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In the Lone Star State, the Monkees outwit Black Bart (Barton MacLane), his cohort Red (Len Lesser) and the gang to save Mike's Aunt Kate's (Jacqueline deWit) ranch. Songs: "Words," "Goin' Down" (sung live over the instrumental track in the tag) Note: No laugh track. | ||||||
| 46 | 14 | "The Monkees on the Wheel" | Jerry Shepard | Coslough Johnson | December 11, 1967 | |
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In Las Vegas, the Monkees are mistaken for crooked gamblers by a roulette dealer (Rip Taylor) and policeman (Dort Clark) and try their luck at exposing the real gang (David Astor and Pepper Davis). Songs: "The Door Into Summer," "Cuddly Toy" Notes: No laugh track. First appearance of the "Save the Texas Prairie Chicken" catchphrase. | ||||||
| 47 | 15 | "The Monkees' Christmas Show" | Jon C. Andersen | Story by : Dave Evans and Neil Burstyn Teleplay by : Neil Burstyn | December 25, 1967 | |
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The Monkees try to instill the spirit of Christmas in a cynical little boy (Butch Patrick) who has soured on the whole idea. Song: "Riu Chiu" (sung by the Monkees a cappella) Notes: No laugh track. Instead of the standard closing credits, the Monkees appear on the set and invite many of the behind-the-scenes staff and crew members to appear with them on camera. The closing credits appear over the joyful crowd. As part of an elf costume, Davy wears Mike's iconic green wool cap. | ||||||
| 48 | 16 | "Fairy Tale" | James Frawley | Peter Meyerson | January 8, 1968 | |
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A Monkee pantomime romp through Fairy Tale Land, introduced by a "Town Crier" (Rege Cordic), sees Peter rescuing a haughty princess (Michael) from death by her fiendish fiancee (Murray Roman). Song: "Daily Nightly" Note: No laugh track. Along with themselves, Micky and Davy also portray Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel & Gretel in the episode. | ||||||
| 49 | 17 | "The Monkees Watch Their Feet" "Micky and the Outer Space Creatures" | Alex Singer | Coslough Johnson | January 15, 1968 | |
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A documented film report by the Department of UFO Information, headed by Pat Paulsen, shows the Monkees foiling an invasion by aliens (Stuart Margolin and Nita Talbot) from Planet Zlotnick. Song: "Star Collector" Note: Michael Nesmith only appears in the opening and closing segments with Pat Paulsen. | ||||||
| 50 | 18 | "The Monstrous Monkee Mash" | James Frawley | Neil Burstyn & David Panich | January 22, 1968 | |
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The Monkees attempt to rescue Davy from his girlfriend Lorelei (Arlene Martel), Count Batula (Ron Masak), a Wolfman (David Pearl), Mummyman, and a Frankenstein-looking monster in a creepy castle. Song: "Goin' Down"Saturday mornings: "Bye Bye, Baby, Bye Bye" Note: No laugh track | ||||||
| 51 | 19 | "The Monkee's Paw" | James Frawley | Coslough Johnson | January 29, 1968 | |
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A broken-down magician's (Hans Conried) magical monkey's paw starts to bring the equally broken Monkees luck...unfortunately, all bad. Songs: "Goin' Down", "Words" Note: No laugh track | ||||||
| 52 | 20 | "The Devil and Peter Tork" | James Frawley | Story by : Robert Kaufman Teleplay by : Robert Kaufman and Gerald Gardner & Dee Caruso | February 5, 1968 | |
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At an eerie pawn shop, Peter unwittingly sells his soul to devilish character Mr. Zero (Monte Landis) in order to purchase a golden harp! Can Peter's musical talent save him from Mr. Zero's evil clutches forever?. Songs: "Salesman," "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (harp instrumental), "I Wanna Be Free" (harp instrumental), "No Time"Saturday mornings: "I Never Thought It Peculiar" replaced "Salesman." Note: Final episode in which Mike Nesmith wears his wool hat; he rarely wears it during the second season. (In fact, this episode was filmed very early on in the second season.) | ||||||
| 53 | 21 | "The Monkees Race Again" "Leave the Driving to Us" | James Frawley | Dave Evans and Elias Davis & David Pollock | February 12, 1968 | |
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Davy drives the Monkeemobile in an auto race when the British entry is sabotaged by Baron Von Klutz (David Hurst) and his Klutzmobile. Featuring a cameo appearance by co-producer Bob Rafelson as the "World's Oldest Flower Child". Song: "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?" Note: No laugh track | ||||||
| 54 | 22 | "The Monkees in Paris" "The Paris Show" | Robert Rafelson | Robert Rafelson | February 19, 1968 | |
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The Monkees take a vacation from the studio grind and are chased (on location) all over the French Capital by beautiful girls and gendarme. Songs: "Love is Only Sleeping" (album mix), "Don't Call on Me," "Star Collector," "Goin' Down"Saturday mornings: "Oh My My," "I Love You Better," "Tell Me Love" Note: No laugh track | ||||||
| 55 | 23 | "Monkees Mind Their Manor" | Peter H. Thorkelson | Coslough Johnson | February 26, 1968 | |
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Davy inherits an English manor but must first win a tournament against Sir Twiggley Toppen Middle Bottom (Bernard Fox) with lances, swords, and vocal cords. Songs: "Greensleeves," "Star Collector" Note: No laugh track. Directed by Peter Tork. Jack Good, who portrays Lance Kibbie the Sot, would later produce the 1969 TV special 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee. | ||||||
| 56 | 24 | "Some Like It Lukewarm" "The Band Contest" | James Frawley | Joel Kane and Stanley Z. Cherry | March 4, 1968 | |
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To enter and win a band contest hosted by radio DJ Jerry Blavat, David poses as a girl and falls in love with Daphne (Deana Martin), posing as a boy for her group who is also in the contest. Songs: "Last Train to Clarksville," "The Door Into Summer," "She Hangs Out" Note: No laugh track. Special guest appearance by Charlie Smalls, who appears with Davy in the end-of-episode tag segment. | ||||||
| 57 | 25 | "The Monkees Blow Their Minds" | David Winters | Peter Meyerson | March 11, 1968 | |
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The Monkees swing to the rescue when mentalist Oracullo (Monte Landis) gains control of Peter's mind to use him in a nightclub act. Director James Frawley appears as Oracullo's assistant Rudy. Songs: "Valleri" (1968 version), "Gonna Buy Me a Dog" (instrumental track), "Daily Nightly" Note: No laugh track. Final appearance of Mr. Schneider. Featuring cameos by Frank Zappa (who appears with Mike in the teaser) and Burgess Meredith (as the Penguin). | ||||||
| 58 | 26 | "The Frodis Caper" "Mijacogeo" | Micky Dolenz | Story by : Jon C. Andersen and Micky Dolenz Teleplay by : Micky Dolenz and Dave Evans | March 25, 1968 | |
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The Monkees match wits with the insane Wizard Glick (Rip Taylor), who is out to control the minds of television viewers worldwide. Songs: "Zor and Zam" (Original version), "Song to the Siren" (performed by Tim Buckley)Saturday mornings: "I Never Thought It Peculiar" replaced "Zor and Zam." Notes: No laugh track. Directed by Micky Dolenz. Special guest appearance by Tim Buckley in the end-of-episode tag segment. One of Wizard Glick's henchmen says that the Monkeemen monitor "Ain't been activated in 5 years", implying that the fictional Monkees have been together since at least 1963, and had battled Wizard Glick before. The alternative title, "Mijacogeo" comes from the name of Micky Dolenz' childhood pet dog, who was named after all the members of Micky's family at the time: Micky, Janelle (his mother), Coco (his sister) and George (his father). | ||||||
Unproduced episode
- "Monkees Toy Around" (written by Coslough Johnson; first draft: February 27, 1967)
Movie
The Monkees also filmed a movie called Head that started production in early 1968, and was released in theaters that November by the Monkees' parent studio, Columbia, just after their TV show was canceled. Head was co-written by a then-largely-unknown Jack Nicholson. The film included six new songs, but was poorly promoted and not received very well by the public (as the film had a somewhat darker and more mature tone than the TV series) or contemporary critics; in the decades since, it has become somewhat of a cult classic; some of the film's songs are now part of the Monkees' current concert setlist.
Later television episodes
The Monkees' television series was canceled after its second season. The group hoped to take the television show in different directions, e.g. recasting it as an hour-long variety show with comedy sketches and musical guests. However, NBC wanted the show to stay the same. Both parties decided to throw in the towel. After the series was canceled, NBC contracted with The Monkees to create and broadcast three longer television specials.
33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee was the first of these longer television productions. It aired on NBC on April 14, 1969 (opposite ABC's live telecast of the 41st Academy Awards) to lower-than-expected ratings. The second two planned television specials were never produced. Peter Tork quit the group between the taping of 33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee and its broadcast; Michael Nesmith left the group - buying out of his contract - in early 1970 to focus on his solo career, leaving the Monkees as a duo of Dolenz and Jones, under which one final original Monkees album under the 1966 Colgems contract, Changes, was released in June 1970.
The Monkees returned to broadcast television with Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees, a reunion special which was broadcast on ABC on February 17, 1997. The special was written and directed by Nesmith, emulating the style of the original NBC series; all four of the "real" Monkees do comedy and sing songs, some of which were new songs from the quartet's 1996 album Justus. This would be the last time Dolenz, Jones, Nesmith, and Tork would appear together on a television special, although Dolenz, Jones, and Tork made semi-frequent guest appearances on TV talk shows (such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Rosie O'Donnell Show and the Today show) for a few years afterwards. Davy Jones died in 2012.
Nesmith, Dolenz and Tork continued to make occasional TV interview appearances in later years. The trio appeared together for a May 2016 interview with Anthony Mason of CBS News Sunday Morning, on the occasion of the group's 50th anniversary. Peter Tork died in 2019.
Notes
- Episodes frequently finished short of the allotted thirty minutes; this led producer Rafelson to film candid backstage interviews with the boys that lasted one minute, and led to a frequent quip, "We're a minute short." For the episode "Find the Monkees", the epilogue interview (in which the Monkees discussed the then-recent Sunset Strip riots) lasted three minutes.
- During the series' original NBC run and during CBS Saturday-morning repeats, some episodes were updated with music from the band's current releases. The Monkees ceased releasing new records in 1970, but altered episodes continued on CBS until 1972.
- Many of the episodes, particularly those of the second season, are known by more than one title. This is largely due to the episodes not having their titles shown on screen; and rerun episodes sometimes billed with different titles from that given on the original showings. Occasionally, the early draft titles were confused with the final title; and slogans from promotional advertisements (such as those in TV Guide) may also be confused with the actual episode title.
- The use of a laugh track was officially dropped starting with the second-season episode "Hitting the High Seas", with the exception of "The Monkees Watch Their Feet" and "The Devil and Peter Tork", as they were produced before the practice went into effect.
- A majority of Season 2 episodes were leftover scripts from Season 1 and shot in the spring of 1967, shortly after the first season finished shooting. The rest of the season was shot in the fall of 1967, but episodes were not aired in the order in which they were filmed. This explains the difference in appearances for each of the Monkees, as well as the alteration in Mike Nesmith's voice (a result of throat surgery). An example of this: "The Monkees Blow Their Minds" as compared to "The Wild Monkees." The differences show up in "The Monkees in Paris" between the teaser and epilogue (featuring Micky with his hair curled up) and the bulk of the episode (where Micky's hair is combed). This is also evident between the storyline filming and the music portions of some episodes. In "It's a Nice Place to Visit", Micky's hair is combed back throughout the episode. However, when they play "What Am I Doing Hanging 'Round?", Micky's hair is curly. Plus, Mike spoke with a slightly husky, stronger voice in episodes such as "The Monkee's Paw" and "The Monkees in Paris," whereas he kept his pre-surgery voice in such episodes as "The Devil and Peter Tork" and "Art for Monkee's Sake."
- When the TV series was distributed and broadcast in syndication beginning in 1975, the opening credits sequence used for all 58 episodes was the sequence from the original Season 2. This package was also commonly shown in the United Kingdom and seen on MTV in the 1980s. Many modern viewers of the program never saw the Season 1 opening credits sequence, which is included in most newer DVD compilations, until the show began airing on MeTV in a remastered widescreen version in 2019.
References
The Monkees: The Day-by-Day Story of the 60s TV Pop Sensation by Andrew Sandoval - Lists which songs get replaced in the 1967 reruns and the Saturday morning reruns from September 1969 to December 1970.
The Monkees Film and TV Vault - A website providing much extensively researched information on the band and the TV show, including song substitutions from 1967 and from 1969 to 1972.
