A Shout-Out to Fathers

To celebrate Father's Day, let's give a shout-out to TV's Uber-Dad: Jim Anderson, the calm, thoughtful patriarch played by Robert Young on "Father Knows Best." Antenna TV must feel the same way: On Sunday, the retro channel will air wall-to-wall episodes beginning at 6 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m. Here are five things to know about the show:

-- It aired on each of the three broadcast networks: CBS (1954-55; 1958-62); NBC (1955-58) and ABC (1962-63).

-- The show actually ceased production in 1960 when Robert Young decided he was tired of playing Jim and wanted to pursue other roles. But prime-time reruns continued to air for three more seasons -- a demonstration of the show's staying power.

-- During its first season, CBS aired it at 9 p.m., which attracted few viewers. The network canceled the show, but after a wave of viewer protests, NBC picked it up, and "Father Knows Best" became a hit airing at the more family-friendly 7:30 p.m.

-- "Father Knows Best" began as a radio program; Young was the only cast member who made the transition to TV.

-- The Andersons lived in a quaint town called Springfield. As far as we can tell, though, they didn't know The Simpsons.

-- Andy Edelstein, Newsday