One other proof of the show’s immense popularity was made apparent in 1964 when the benign Munster family was asked to join in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. In case you’re not already aware of it, the parade is somewhat of an important event, and they simply just don’t invite anyone or any name to be part of it.
Even though Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis were the only ones invited to the parade, the Grandpa and son-in-law monster tandem rode down the street aboard the iconic Munster Koach. Without a doubt, their appearance drew smiles on the faces of plenty of children who were waiting to witness their favorite friendly monsters up close and personal, plus aboard the Koach as an extra treat!
Dad Humor
Over the years, there have been loads of family-centered comedy shows, all of which brought some great father figured to our screen. But Herman Munster is definitely one of the best TV dads out there. He was even officially ranked for it in 2004.
Yes, you are reading correctly. In 2004, TV Guide listed the top 50 TV dads of all time, and the lovely Herman came in at #19!
The Munsters Had Quite a Family Tree
Grandpa's character is commonly known as "Grandpa Munster," but when you think about it, it doesn't make much sense. If Lily Munster had taken her husband's name after they got married, then this means she wasn't a Munster by birth, and therefore, her father would have a different surname too!
As it turns out, Lily's maiden name (and her father's surname, obviously) is Dracula. Herman Munster got his last name from his adoptive father, whom we've never seen on the show. It's possible that Lily's niece, Marylin, took on the last name as well after the Munsters adopted her.
The Original Comicbook Vampires
Back in 1954, the Comics Code Authority prohibited comics from featuring vampires entirely. This was quite expected, however, given the stringent rules levied on all kinds of entertainment during the time. But Gold Key Comics though was an independent body from the Comics Code Authority, and this allowed them to print 16 issues of "The Munsters" comics between 1965 and 1968.
Gold Key Comics (also known as Whitman Comic) was an imprint of Western Publishing established for comic books that were sold to newsstands. The original issues of "The Munsters" comics also featured photo covers from the actual TV show. The first issue of the comics is still among Gold Key Comic’s highest prized publishing exploits until today.
The Munsters and Leave It To Beaver Were Neighbors
The house in which the Munster family called home was situated just down the street where the first home of America’s most wholesome family, the Cleavers, resided in the TV show "Leave It to Beaver." As a matter of fact, the Munster house still appears on TV up until today, being featured in various episodes of the TV series "Desperate Housewives" and "Coach."
The production team had to spend nearly $1,000,000 to turn the ordinary house into the Munster Mansion and is currently on exhibit on Universal City, California, at the Universal Studios theme park. The house also has a precise replica at Waxahachie, Texas.