Apple's Way

Apple's Way is an American drama television series that aired on CBS from February 10, 1974, to January 12, 1975. It was created by Earl Hamner Jr. Premise The Apples of Los Angeles—architect George, his wife Barbara, their children Paul, Cathy, Steven, and Patricia; and Grandfather Aldon—seek refuge from the hectic pace of city living and relocate to George's hometown of Appleton, Iowa, which was founded by his ancestors. The family had to adjust to a different culture and climate and to a slower pace of life. They lived in a working grist mill that served as a backdrop for the situations depicted in each episode. Well-meaning George would often get involved in causes that increased his family's tensions. Apple's Way was a mid-season replacement for The New Perry Mason. The series did not gain the ratings CBS had hoped for, partly because it had to compete with NBC's long-running Top 20 hit The Wonderful World of Disney and ABC's popular crime drama The F.B.I.. The concept was "re-booted" in the second season to focus on plots that dealt more with such issues (such as freedom of speech, drug use, terminal illness) as opposed to the more rural-specific plots of the first season. The second season was produced by successful veteran producer-writer John Furia Jr. Furia hired Worley Thorne as story editor. The series was canceled during its second season and replaced with Cher. Cast Ronny Cox as George Apple Frances Lee McCain as Barbara Apple Malcolm Atterbury as Grandfather Aldon Vince Van Patten as Paul Apple Patti Cohoon as Cathy Apple Eric Olson as Steven Apple Frannie Michel as Patricia Apple (1974) Kristy McNichol as Patricia Apple (1974–1975)