Dick Van Dyke attends an event in 2008.AP1/WENN/MEGA
Sixty years ago, viewers watched the final episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show. After five seasons, stars Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, playing Rob and Laura Petrie, shared one last on-screen kiss in the last moment of the finale. All these decades later, fans still revisit the show and say it holds up beautifully.
The Dick Van Dyke Show stood out for showing a marriage with equal partners who had real chemistry and respect for one another. Created by Carl Reiner, the series became known for its slapstick, rapid-fire comedy.
While television has changed dramatically since the series ended in 1966, some fans argue that The Dick Van Dyke Show still outshines many modern sitcoms.
Viewers frequently praise the chemistry between Van Dyke and Moore, noting that Rob and Laura’s marriage felt realistic, affectionate, and refreshingly modern for its era. That combination of heart and humor continues to attract new viewers decades after the final episode aired.
In addition, fans point to Moore’s performance as Laura, noting she brought intelligence, independence, and warmth to the role of a television wife. During that era of television, such portrayals were still relatively uncommon.
“I remember watching it as a kid, with my parents, and liking it. I recently binged the whole series and loved it. It holds up extremely well for having been written in the 60s. Great show, outstanding cast, and excellent writing,” praised a fan on Reddit.
“I used to watch this as a kid and remember enjoying it. I’m watching episode one right now and I’ve been laughing so hard my dog got mad at me and left the room,” revealed someone else.
“They were living the life that young kids and teenagers hoped to live someday as adults,” suggested an additional fan.
Mary Tyler Moore attends the annual White House correspondents dinner in 2005.Carrie Devorah / WENN
Six decades after its final episode aired, The Dick Van Dyke Show remains a favorite comfort watch for many viewers. Fans say the series still feels fresh because of its sharp writing, physical comedy, and the aspirational relationship between Rob and Laura.
For some, the show brings back memories of gathering around the television with family. For others, it serves as a reminder of a sitcom era built on humor, heart, and characters that viewers genuinely wanted to spend time with.
Sixty years after saying goodbye to Rob and Laura Petrie, many fans still consider The Dick Van Dyke Show one of television’s most timeless comfort series.