The real attraction for the show

[waltonsnut]

Hi all - I think for me I enjoy the show so much because it reminds me of different times in my life. When I see the old opening where the family greets John holding the radio, it reminds me of summer days when I was a kid and watched the reruns. I can’t really separate the show from my own life!

[goodnight]

It reminds me of stories I've heard of my grandmother growing up in the 1920's and 30's. And my mom growing up in the 40's and 50's. And since we lived in WV, it's close to where the places discussed in the show were.

[Sussie of Teckelhut Acres]

My family is/was the most dysfunctional family I have ever met. But one thing we DID agree on. We loved the TV shows M*A*S*H and The Waltons. When those came on each week we would be in the living room laughing and enjoying the shows just like a family should all the time. Thats why I still have an attraction to both shows.

[Brenda]

My parents grew up during the Depression in rural areas, my mother on a farm in eastern Kentucky and my dad on a tobacco farm in eastern North Carolina. Watching “The Waltons” helps me visualize what it might have been like for them growing up, although I think their families were much poorer than The Waltons, at least as they were depicted on tv.  Neither of them grew up with electricity in the house or indoor plumbing. My dad was in the CCC, and he served in the Army during WW2.  My parents were married during WW2, and my brother was born just before my dad went overseas.  So I enjoy watching The Waltons and thinking about what that time must have been like for them. 

[patriciaanne]

I was always attracted to the rural backdrop of the show. I probably never would have watched it were it set in the city. I grew up in the city and desperately wanted to live in the "country." I did get my country respite every weekend and vacation when we went up to our lake house. I also longed for a dog, a cat, all kinds of animals.

In my view, as a child, the Waltons were not poor. They had everything I wished I had -- a house (where they lived all the time, not just on weekends and vacations), pretty countryside, a dog and many other animals. It looked like a great life to me!

[Heather]

I love The Waltons because the family is depicted how family should be IMO - the most important thing. I was lucky to have a close, supportive family growing up but now most of those folks are gone. The show gives me comfort in that regard. Plus, through the show I've met so many great people and had so many great experiences.