Kentucky Jones

I remember this show on Saturday nights on NBC. According to a TV reference book I own, his character was Kenneth Yarborough Jones, "Kentucky" came from his first and middle initials. Useless trivia, I agree-but that's half the fun, isn't it?

My Dad was a big Dennis Weaver fan, and we watched it together when it was on. Dennis Weaver's initials in his first name were K.Y. so the Kentucky Jones name. The first show began where he was at the horse track (this was when I was 8, so please correct any information you may have) and his wife had died. However, before she died they had wanted to adopt a child, and he came just after she died. So the premise is of a single father/son premise that has been repeated on TV.

The character Weaver portrayed seemed awkward at times trying to raise a child without a mother, but had help from the supporting cast.

It seemed like a good show (at least in my 8 year old eyes) but as my Dad said, "The good shows get canceled."

I seem to recall this show being televised on Saturdays but I may be wrong. Dennis Weaver played a veterinarian and horse trainer who had an Asian boy who he was either legal guardian to or was his father/stepfather. It was set in the Southwest (I think) and Jones drove a rather sporty convertible. However I can't remember why he was called Kentucky.

Kentucky Jones was on NBC on Saturday evenings.I believe it was aired at 8:00 right after "Flipper". It was only on for about 1 and a half seasons. Sadly it was never given a chance. It was replaced by "I Dream of Jeannie". It was a lovely show; too bad it didn't last longer. His name, Kentucky, had something to do with the Kentucky Derby and horse racing. The series was a great deal about raising race horses. It reminded me of "National Velvet", also on NBC. Sadly, Dennis Weaver passed away recently; he appeared in many shows during television's golden age. Harry Morgan, who later played Colonel Potter in "Mash" co-starred.

I really enjoyed it and it should have been given a chance. It was some what like a modern version of Veterinarian James Herriot series. Well acted by Weaver as a devoted, sensitive no-nonsense single father willing to listen to his son. The role displayed a strong work ethic, capacity to explain differences on many subjects, cultural as well personal. This was (to me) one of his best roles, non-pretentious, serious, manner yet displaying some comedy and sense of wit. It was cancelled without giving it a chance to establish itself and the theme and expand the nuances. The supporting cast was very good especially the roll played by Harry Morgan.