The Waltons Legacy, How the Series Was Different From Real Life

THE WALTONS first aired on commercial television in 1972 and became a hit. The series, based on the life of the Hamner family of Schuyler, Virginia, was written by brother and author Earl Hamner. This special presentation features interviews with the Hamner brothers and sisters, the stars of THE WALTONS at the series' Silver Anniversary celebration, and the residents of Schuyler. The Hamners discuss their strong family ties, tell about growing up in Nelson County, relay how the commercial series was different from real life, and remember what it was like to have their lives and community portrayed on national television. The presentation visits Schuyler, the Hamners' childhood home, and the Walton Museum.

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[ronaldmercer]

Real or not it was the best show ever, it took me away from the depressed, delusional people I lived with

[nilahicks]

My mother if she was alive would be 100 years old and when I was growing up we never missed an episode. I remember after everyone she always said that’s how she grew up. If all her siblings had lived there would have been 17 of them in a 3 room shack and an outhouse in the hills of Tennessee. So I loved the Walton’s. I related to so many episodes

[onfireforjesus]

This show when it 1st came on saved me. My mother and father had been divorced for about 4 years and I was now 13 when I was watching this every Thursday night. My mom worked all the time and I longed for a family like this. The Waltons was my family every Thursday night.
I still enjoy the reruns after all these years. I am 63 now.
I've been to the old home place and school in 2005.

[chnalvr]

America in 2021 needs much more of this, especially right now.

[kathygoodman]

My parents grew up during the depression. I never really understood that time until I watched The Waltons. It is a show that is badly needed in today's world where children are growing up with no morals and values and all they think of is themselves. They expect everything that we worked so hard for to just be handed to them. They need to be taught the lessons that were in every single episode of this show. God bless the Hamner family and Schulyer, Virginia! God bless everyone involved in the show.

[madtrapper]

There will NEVER be another T.V. show that will EVER compete with the Waltons.Good wholesome television is gone for good.

[marlenechioda]

What stood out to me was the love displayed by them, especially the grandparents. Love is kind...

[jackkircher]

RIP Earl Hamner. I read somewhere that Earl (Jr) was 90 in 2016 when he passed away. What a legacy he has left behind. I trust his family will continue to carry the torch of memory to this wonderful family!
Blessings to all of them!

[gailsmith]

When I get tired of all the bad news on the TV, I say well it's time to go up on the mountain, and I turn to The

[teamcougars]

We still need shows like The Waltons that’s why we are still watching many years and years ago reruns ❤❤

[shopsshire]

Fifty years ago since the original Waltons movie, " The Homecoming", aired around Christmastime 1971.

[davesiler]

I have been watching this show since 1971, again and again. It has always symbolized the words "hope, " "love" and "family" for me and I have always wished my own nuclear family had been like the Hamners/Waltons. Say what you may; it's hard to find cleaner, sweeter, more positive entertainment than this. God bless you, Earl Hamner!!!!

[susanhaloe]

I live in Oregon. But when I was in the Army; I visited The Waltons Museum in Schuyler Virginia. I cried when they played the theme song! I just couldn't even hold back my tears!

[wandamiller]

Those were the good old days, best series ever made.💙

[monicaguilbeaux]

I loved the Waltons!!! I still watch it every day. My favorite was Grandpa, he sure was a character!!

[lindaneff]

Earl Hamner Jr's voice is so soothing...I always loved The Waltons and still do after all these years. It was part of my childhood that I will always cherish. This is a lovely video, thank you!!!

[reneeheknowsmyname]

They sure don't make family tv shows like 'The Waltons' anymore! What a beautiful show it was/is!!
It's my forever favorite show!

[ronalds.reamssr.]

I watch this occasionally and every time, it brings tears to my eyes. Not of sadness, but of hope that we can all come together again in these very uncertain times.
Why not? We had great forebears who showed us how it can be done.

[lindacarr]

I am a senior citizen but I still try to watch it every weekday!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❣️

[jgsmile]

All the values they exude as in the mother and father Hamner come from the Bible. They exemplified the Golden Rule and taught those values to their children, Earl and his siblings. That is what people have fallen in love with. The other people in the community had the same values which stem from being a follower of Jesus Christ. You can have that to by asking Jesus into your heart today. God bless you. Thank you for this video and the Hamner family, especially Earl, and the town's people of Skyler.