The Monkees

 March 25, 1968, the final episode of The Monkees aired on NBC. The series originally premiered on September 12, 1966, and ran for two seasons until its conclusion on March 25, 1968.

The Monkees—featuring Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork—were created in 1965 by producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider for a television sitcom inspired by the success of The Beatles.

The series blended comedy, music, and a fast-paced visual style that anticipated the modern music video. While initially criticized as a manufactured group—with early recordings relying on session players like the Wrecking Crew—the band fought for and gained creative control of their music in 1967.

At their peak, the Monkees were among the biggest acts in the world, earning four consecutive No. 1 albums—The Monkees, More of the Monkees, Headquarters, and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.—along with three No. 1 singles: “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer,” and “Daydream Believer.”

Although the series ended on March 25, 1968, their influence continued well beyond its original run, with a major revival in 1986 introducing their music and show to a new generation.