The Misunderstood Origins: Why The Beverly Hillbillies Changed Their Hometown to Tennessee

One of the most enduring television series of the 1960s, The Beverly Hillbillies, has been the subject of many trivia and discussions about its setting and characters. Dashed hopes, plot details, and backstory have all intrigued fans for decades. In particular, the show’s original setting, the Ozarks, was changed to Tennessee in early episodes. This change may seem minor, but it clears up some confusion and adds a layer of intrigue to the backstory.

Confusion of Settings

It's said that three things in the very first episode of The Beverly Hillbillies (Season 1, Episode 1) should make it abundantly clear that the Clampetts were originally from Arkansas, not Tennessee. Here’s a closer look at these points:

Ozarks vs. Tennessee

The first, and perhaps most straightforward, is the repeated reference to the Ozarks. The Ozark Mountains, a region in the central United States, does not extend into the state of Tennessee. The mention of the Ozarks in the original episodes indicates that the writers intended to portray the Clampetts as originally being from Arkansas. Unfortunately, an error in the earliest episodes meant they were described as Tennesseans, leading to confusion amongst viewers.

Pigs and Razorbacks

Granny mentions that a pig that managed to get into her mash was a Razorback. Razorbacks are a specific breed of pig associated with the Southeastern United States, particularly the state of Arkansas. This breed is popular in hunting and is known for its distinctive, soustache-like bristles along its spine, which is why they're named Razorbacks. This detail further cements the original setting as being in Arkansas.

Movies and Eureka Springs

Another compelling point comes from an earlier conversation in an episode where Pearl reminds Jed about the time his father took them to a "movin' picture show" in Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a charming and historic town known for its natural springs, picturesque woodlands, and bustling state park. More importantly, it is located in the Ozarks region, reinforcing the original setting of the series.

Changing Settings: Plot and Backstory

Despite these clear indications of the Clampetts' origin from Arkansas, the show's producers decided to change the setting to Tennessee. This change had both plot and backstory implications. Let's dive into these details to understand why.

Granny's Family Background

Granny's family, the Moses family, hails from Napoleon, Tennessee. Their ancestors had a quarrel with the Bodkins family, leading to the former's expulsion from town. This quarrel laid the groundwork for future conflicts in the series. For example, Milburn, the Clampetts' neighbor and banker in Beverly Hills, is a descendant of the Bodkins family. The unresolved tensions between the two families add an element of drama and undercurrents to the series.

Further Backstory

While there are tales of ugly events that transpired between the Moses and Bodkins families in Tennessee, these events are described as happening way before Granny's time. This background provides enrichment to the characters and their motivations. It also explains why there's ongoing tension between the Clampetts and their neighbors even decades later.

Conclusion: The Importance of Setting

The change in the setting from the Ozarks to Tennessee in The Beverly Hillbillies is not just a matter of place. It's a reflection of a rich, interwoven storyline that adds depth to the characters and their relationships. Understanding why this change occurred clears up much of the confusion surrounding the show's origin and offers a clearer picture of the world in which the Clampetts live.

For fans of The Beverly Hillbillies, it's an intriguing look into how a small detail can have broader implications. Whether you're catching up on reruns or exploring the backstory in more detail, the origins of the show and its characters provide hours of entertainment and reflection.