
Andy Taylor is the widower sheriff of the small, sleepy North Carolina town of Mayberry. Andy and son Opie live with Aunt Bee, who takes care of the family. Andy's deputy is his bumbling but neurotically hilarious cousin, Barney Fife. Among Andy's Mayberry friends is the town's resident barber, Floyd.
Opie joins a secret club and is responsible for the candle they use in their meetings. When the barn the club meets in is burned to the ground, Opie is accused of starting the fire.
Andy teaches Ronald Bailey, the spoiled son of a rich man, the importance of being self-reliant and responsible.
Barney orders Gomer and Otis to keep watch on Andy when an ex-con Andy sent to prison many years before returns to Mayberry.
After a shaky start, male patrons accept the addition of a manicurist to Floyd's barbershop.