

25 minSeason 5 • Episode 32
LatestRob gives Laura his book (it took 5 years to write.) As Laura begins to read the book, we see classic moments from several episodes. The book takes us through how Rob and Laura met as well as how Rob almost missed his wedding! Later Rob talks about waiting for the birth Ritchie. As Laura finishes the book Rob tells her the publisher hated the book, Alan Brady decides to make the book into a TV series!
The Dick Van Dyke Show centers around the work and home life of television comedy writer Rob Petrie. The plots generally revolve around problems at work, where Rob got into various comedic jams with fellow writers Buddy Sorrell, Sally Rogers and producer Mel Cooley.
Writing
Carl Reiner's scripts are architecturally perfect — setup, escalation, payoff.
Acting
Dick Van Dyke and Moore's chemistry rewrote TV marriage dynamics.
Direction
Multi-cam mastery with timing so precise it feels improvised.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Carl Reiner originally starred as Rob Petrie in the pilot 'Head of the Family,' but recast himself after realizing he was wrong for the part. His ego said nope, his artistry said yes.
Mary Tyler Moore's Capri pants caused a minor scandal — networks wanted skirts. She won. Television wives would never be the same.