I didn't know the series lasted until the early 70s. I thought it just ran for like 4 or 5 years. Must have been weird for the actors to see the strife and turbulence of the late 60s/early 70s when their show represented the idyllic period of the 50s and early 60s.
Yep, idyllic, charming and G rated.
All the country shows were top rated when they got canceled in the early 1970's. They weren't reaching the young idiots advertisers desire. I think it was Fred Silverman's brilliant idea. It's no wonder the 1970's were an awful decade.
The Beverly Hillbies was a satirical look at society (since the Clampetts weren't "from there"). There was a surprising amount of continuity in the storylines and Jethro was quick to sign up for whatever the latest fad was (keeping the stories somewhat topical).