Keeping Up With Kathy - Fall 2026

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CAN IT ALREADY BE 60 YEARS??

Can it already be 60 years since Family Affair made its debut on the CBS television network? Where has the time gone?

It was a different time then –

Family Affair premiered at 9:30 pm on Monday, September 12, 1966. Monday nights on CBS were the “must-see” TV nights in the 1960s – the night kicked off with Gilligan’s Island, and Family Affair debuted after the season premieres of The Lucy Show and The Andy Griffith Show.

That said, a plum time slot is no guarantee that a show will click with the audience. Does anyone remember Run, Buddy, Run or Mr. Terrific?

Lucy and Andy Griffith featured the typical 1960s set-up of a widowed mother or father raising their kids without a spouse. Family Affair had something similar – Bill Davis (Brian Keith), a globe-trotting, glamourous rich and eligible bachelor living with his very refined English butler/valet Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), and they enjoyed life in a New York penthouse apartment. Their lives are turned upside down when Bill’s brother’s 3 children were suddenly left on his doorstep.

The twist: the brother and his wife – the parents of the children – were both killed the previous year in an accident, and the kids had been orphaned, separated and shuttled between relatives in Indiana.

And perhaps the later time period was due to Uncle Bill’s active social life, with a different beautiful woman on his arm every week against the backdrop of the nighttime New York skyline.

Without warning, each of the children were left with their Uncle Bill and Mr. French, and the two men, reluctantly at first and lovingly as time passed, embraced their new roles as pseudo-parents to the three orphans.

In other sitcoms, this would be a good foundation for a standard comedy situation. Think about it – The Brady Bunch was based on the 2nd marriage for a widow with 3 girls and a widower with 3 boys, each blending their children each into a blended family. After the initial set-up, a viewer would never know they are step-siblings if the opening theme didn’t re-tell the story each week.

Family Affair was different – and exceptional, in that, after the initial situation was set up, the sad truth behind the Davis family was never far from the surface. From time to time, viewers were reminded of the very tragic origin of this new kind of family, and references to the parents of the children were always treated tenderly and respectfully.

So, Family Affair just may have been the first TV “dramedy,” a catch phrase from the 1980s that signaled a sitcom had a measure of real-life stirred into it. And because the subject matter could be serious from time to time, a later time-slot made sense.

Family Affair ultimately ran for 5 seasons and 138 episodes, and it was always at the top of the weekly ratings. In 1971, CBS wanted to attract a more urban audience after All in the Family came on the scene in January that year.

The Davis family really wasn’t much different from the Bunkers – it just addressed the issues and challenges facing a family with a gentler, softer, more nuanced approach.

I guess that’s why its appeal has lasted more than a half century, and why in the current era of thousands of streaming channels and unlimited programming, Family Affair continues to add new generations of fans.

And the thing I am most proud of – we addressed the social issues facing a blended family in a timeless manner, keeping the stories fresh, even to an audience mostly glued to YouTube or reality shows. And in spite of all these options, viewers always find time to watch Family Affair.

Thank you for welcoming me and the other members of the cast into your homes for 60 years – and counting!

With love,

THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO CELEBRATE FAMILY AFFAIR’S BIG MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY THIS FALL!

KATHY TRAVELS TO NORTH CAROLINA IN LATE-SEPTEMBER TO CELEBRATE MAYBERRY DAYS!

Family Affair has a long link with The Andy Griffith Show – back when it premiered, Andy’s show aired immediately before Family Affair at 9:00 pm on Monday nights.

Kathy is thrilled to be invited to participate in this year’s
Mayberry Days celebration in Mount Airy, North Carolina, the real-life town on which Mayberry was inspired, and it was also Andy Griffith’s hometown. It is being hosted by the Surry Arts Council for the week of September 21 to 27, 2026.

“Mayberry Days recreates many of the wonderful times that Andy Griffith provided to us all,” says Kathy. She will feature the audiobook she narrated, “Being Thelma Lou,” the autobiography of the life of Betty Lynn, who portrayed Barney Fife’s girlfriend (and eventual wife on Return to Mayberry) for several seasons.

Kathy will also share anecdotes from her appearance on Andy Griffith’s 1980s / 1990s hit Matlock. Kathy never forgets her Family Affair friends and fans, and she will have plenty of keepsakes from that show with her as well.

KATHY CELEBRATES OKTOBERFEST AT THE BEAUTIFUL PIPESTEM RESORT STATE PARK OCTOBER 16-18, 2026

Join Kathy and see why John Denver loved taking country roads home to beautiful West Virginia the weekend of October 16 to 18, 2026.

Celebrate Oktober with the splash of vibrant autumn colors with a full and fun-filled weekend at Pipestem Resort State Park.

Enjoy the Marketplatz, a market featuring local and regional artisans selling their handcrafted wares and locally sourced foods and beverages.
On Saturday, ride the new aerial tramway to the Mountain Creek Lodge and take part in a day-long Bavarian styled festival featuring locally crafted draft beers, giant pretzels, German fare and all day live entertainment.
Enjoy specially curated menus at the Bluestone, Black Bear and Mountain Creek Appalachian Cuisine, participate in games and contests, enjoy live entertainment at McKeever Lodge.
Shop at Pipestem’s gift shops, play a round of golf, participate in guided hikes, meander around the car show to see fantastic antique and collectable automobiles, and participate in a Hall of Fame induction at McKeever Lodge.

For more information, please contact Pipestem Resort State Park activities coordinator, Scott Hill at (304) 466-2804. Lodging is available by contacting Pipestem Resort State Park at (304) 466-1800 or 1-833-WV-PARKS.

WHAT ARE KATHY’S FAVORITE EPISODES OF FAMILY AFFAIR? WATCH CATCHY COMEDY TO FIND OUT!

Kathy Garver is the hostess for Catchy Comedy’s celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Family Affair!

Starting at 1:00 pm ET/PT on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Kathy will present her favorite episodes of Family Affair during a special 4-hour marathon.

Kathy filmed the introductions for each episode from the lovely living room of her own home in Bell Canyon, California.

Tune in to see these classic episodes:

“Jody and Cissy”
Cissy joins the family, and Mr. French decides he does not want to be a Nanny.
“Member of the Family”
French is hurt when Cissy doesn't include his drawing in a school art exhibit.
“Waltz From Vienna”
Cissy receives a royal marriage proposal, much to the dismay of Uncle Bill.
This is Kathy’s favorite episode of the series!
“With This Ring”
Cissy and Gregg feel pressured to get married when their other friends do.
“Thursday Man”
Cissy uncovers a shocking secret about French when she sets out to write a composition about him for school.
“Room with a Viewpoint”
When Cissy gets her own telephone, Buffy is so unhappy that Uncle Bill suspects a bad case of jealousy.
“New Cissy”
Afraid she's too dull, Cissy gets a make-over.
“It Can't Be Five Years”
When the children decide to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their adoption, Uncle Bill finds himself choosing between work and family.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE SPECIAL, LIMITED-TIME-ONLY SPECIAL WEBSITE MADE ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILY AFFAIR’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY?

What better way to revisit your favorite memories and catch all the exciting news during the special celebration year, starting this Fall and lasting through 2027 that to visit a brand new website:

FamilyAffair60thAnniversary.com

Join Kathy on this dedicated 60th Anniversary website for special events, book signings, watch parties, and show marathons.

The website all also be featuring new merchandise, reissued favorites from the vaults and special 60th-anniversary collectibles: swag, DVD sets, fan books, scrapbooks, and, of course, Mrs. Beasley dolls.

KICK OFF THE SUMMER OF 2027 AS THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES… ON A CRUISE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN WITH KATHY GARVER AND HER FRIENDS!

Join Kathy Garver on this once-in-a-lifetime Western Mediterranean Cruise aboard the fabulous Celebrity Equinox!

Set sail with Kathy and her closest friends on Tuesday, May 11, 2027, at Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, and spend the next 9 days visiting the Italian Riveria, France and Spain. The cruise wraps up in Spain’s beautiful port of Barcelona on Thursday, May 20.

Others ports you will visit include Naples, Italy; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Portofino, Italy; Nice (Villefranche), France; and Palma De Mallorca, Spain.

Click here to visit Celebrity Cruises’ website and view the magical itinerary yourself – see how many wonderful things there are to do and see on this special celebration of Family Affair’s 60th anniversary!

If you contact Kathy’s travel agent now, you can enjoy these very special, exclusive amenities:

Private Sail Away Cocktail Party with Kathy
A Special, Limited-Edition Commemorative Book
Fun surprises, onboard events and appearances while you sail from Rome to Barcelona

Book Now with Kathy Garver’s own Travel Agent, Betsy Weber, and see what a fabulous deal you can get if you book early and book now!

Call or email Betsy now to get a quote! Whether you want a suite or a balcony, the Celebrity Equinox has something for everyone at every price point!

Travel Agent

Betsy Weber

(909) 556-9539

epweber1@yahoo.com

Click here for rates and information about this unforgettable sailing!

AS THE BRILLIANT COLORS OF AUTUMN LEAVES START APPEARING, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE UPCOMING 70TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS SURROUNDING CECIL B. DEMILLE’S TECHNICOLOR EPIC THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Kathy Garver is currently working with the Hollywood Heritage Museum to set the date for the 70th Anniversary Celebration of one of America’s top movies of all time, The Ten Commandments!

Kathy will commemorate the film’s Platinum Anniversary this October with a live appearance, where she will be discussing her work with – and discovery by – the famous Cecil B. DeMille. She will also sign books and photos and feature memorabilia to see and buy.

Look for an announcement later this month!

Kathy Garver promises a new show this holiday season – Kathy Garver’s Christmas Storybook, featuring an evening of stories, memories, music and Christmas Magic~

Look for details soon!

MOVIE UPDATES

THE GREAT PICKLE MYSTERY

Filming has been completed on The Thing About Pickles, starring Kathy Garver, directed by Shannon Brown, and co-starring Shannon’s wife Suzette Brown and character actress Dee Wallace. This heartfelt drama explores how a family reacts and adjusts to the news that their father has been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.

The film is set in rural Indiana, and the Hollywood trade magazines are very excited about this new family drama/mystery movie is ready for release!

Kathy describes the movie as “a drama that explores family dynamics, mystery and heartfelt stories.” She also says that she has enjoyed getting the opportunity to film her projects on location in many states in the East, including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, Florida and others. “The current wave of projects being produced outside of Hollywood lets me meet fans I normally wouldn’t get a chance to meet!”

Kathy says The Thing About Pickles will premiere in the spring of 2027.

KATHY GOES DOWN UNDER FOR A RETELLING OF THE TIMELESS POLLYANNA STORY!

Look for an announcement coming soon officially announcing production of Pollyanna’s Wish, a new film being shot in Australia. Kathy stars as cranky retired Australian teacher Mrs. Snow in a new retelling of the classic series of Pollyanna books written by Eleanor H. Porter.

“Mrs. Snow is a wickedly wonderful and fun character to play,” Kathy says. She is inspired by Anges Moorehead’s interpretation of Mrs. Snow in Disney’s treatment of the movie back in the 1960s.

Shooting is planned for Spring 2027 on location in Australia, and just wait until you hear Kathy’s Australian accent!

KATHY LOVES CHRISTMAS!

Kathy loves Christmas, so it is no wonder why she is so excited about her starring role in Adam Rivera’s much-anticipated A Mother’s Christmas. The great news is that the picture will finally start shooting in a few weeks this Fall in New York. Kathy stars as Abigail, a mother who wonders if she will spend Christmas alone, or will her wish of having her whole family together for Christmas come true?

Kathy says, "My heart has really been in this project! It's a beautifully written, heartfelt story with some wonderful comedic moments that I think will really resonate with everyone. It truly shares the magic of the season!”

The film’s release is planned for 2027. Kathy adds that she is inspired by the script, saying “It is a powerful reminder to never give up hope when you are chasing your dreams.”

SURGE OF DAWN IN PRE-PRODUCTION

Grammy-nominated Kathy has lent her voice as the title character in Surge of Dawn, the next chapter of Vince Roth’s Surge of Power film series and the award-winning web series, Alex Fernandez’s Dawn. The story features Cinema’s first out gay superhero, Surge, who returns for a crossover event in Surge of Dawn. Surge must team up with an unlikely hero – the vampire witch who works for God, named Dawn. Kathy has already worked with Vince in Surge of Power and can’t wait to start this project! Watch this space as more information becomes available.

The film is finally complete! Surge of Dawn runs 46 minutes and features special guest stars Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura from Star Trek) returning as Omen, Joseph Culp (Doctor Doom from Roger Corman’s Fantastic Four) returning as Spade, Michael Gray (Billy Batson from the SHAZAM! TV show) returning as reporter Will E. Bee, and Shannon Farnon (Wonder Woman from the Super Friends cartoon) returning as MAVIS.

It is now showing in various film festivals around the country.

Watch the trailer here!

IT’S NEVER TOO SOON TO THINK ABOUT NEXT CHRISTMAS, AND MRS. BEASELEY ORNAMENTS ARE SURE TO BE HOT THIS 60TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR FOR FAMILY AFFAIR!

It’s never too early to start planning and shopping! Kathy’s darling collection of Mrs. Beasley ornaments and dolls sell out early every year, and demand is sure to be even higher with the 60th Anniversary celebration of Family Affair this year! Visit Kathy’s website now and avoid missing out on these Christmas collectibles.

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? Cozy up to some good books while you fend off the howling winds of Winter with Kathy’s best sellers!

“I like to spend more time in the kitchen this time of year,” Kathy says, “and you can check out my favorite things in a pair of my cookbooks – Holiday Recipes for a Family Affair and The Family Affair Cookbook.”

It’s also a good time to take a trip down memory lane with The Family Affair Scrapbook and X Child Stars – Where Are They Now? Visit www.kathygarver.com today and enjoy cocooning while you wait for the Spring Thaw!

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Newsletter Fall 2026