What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Beverly Hillbillies
Penelope Spheeris · Film · 1993
If you loved The Beverly Hillbillies, start with The Beverly Hillbillies (Paul Henning, 1962) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 3 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Beverly Hillbillies across media.
If you enjoyed The Beverly Hillbillies, you appreciate stories exploring the humorous and poignant friction between disparate social classes and cultures.
Start with the source
The source
The Beverly Hillbillies
Paul Henning · Series · 1962
Books on the same thread
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Thomas Hardy · Book · 1992
Explores: Fate, Social Class, Female Victimization.
While darker in tone than The Beverly Hillbillies, this story mirrors the rural-to-urban transition and the harsh realities of social class shifts that define the Clampett family saga.
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
J. D. Vance · Book · 2018
Explores: Poverty, Family Dysfunction, Social Mobility.
This memoir provides a grounded, real-world counterpart to the rural life depicted in The Beverly Hillbillies, examining the complexities of moving between Appalachian roots and modern success.
Hillbilly Elegy
JD Vance · Book
Explores: social mobility, generational poverty, class identity.
Much like the protagonists of The Beverly Hillbillies, this narrative explores the tension of social mobility and the cultural identity challenges that arise when leaving behind a humble upbringing.
The Pearl
John Steinbeck · Book · 1993
Explores: Greed, Poverty, Family.
This novella captures the sudden wealth and fortune central to The Beverly Hillbillies, but shifts the focus toward the moral consequences and greed that follow such life-changing events.
Series on the same thread
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Andy Borowitz · Series · 1990
Shares a thread with The Beverly Hillbillies: Culture clash.
This series is the perfect successor to The Beverly Hillbillies, utilizing the classic fish-out-of-water premise to highlight the culture clash between street-smart origins and an affluent, posh lifestyle.
King of the Hill
Greg Daniels · Series · 1997
Explores: Suburban Life, Middle Class, Small Town.
Fans of The Beverly Hillbillies will recognize the small-town sensibilities and family dynamics at play here, as the characters navigate the social quirks of their specific regional environment.
Beavis and Butt-Head
Mike Judge · Series · 1993
Shares a thread with The Beverly Hillbillies: Social Satire.
If you enjoyed the satirical edge and cultural commentary found in The Beverly Hillbillies, this show offers a sharper, more cynical look at societal norms and suburban teenage life.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
This rural drama captures the community-focused storytelling found in the quieter moments of The Beverly Hillbillies, grounding the experience in the authentic rhythms of family life and farming.
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Podcast
Explores: sports analysis, celebrity culture, media criticism.
While different in format, the casual, conversational nature of this podcast mirrors the family-oriented camaraderie and regional charm that made The Beverly Hillbillies a relatable cultural staple.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Beverly Hillbillies movie from 1993 a remake of the 1962 television series?
Yes, the 1993 film directed by Penelope Spheeris is an adaptation of the original television series titled The Beverly Hillbillies that first aired in 1962. Both versions follow the story of Jed Clampett and his family as they move to California after striking oil on their property.
Does The Beverly Hillbillies movie follow the same plot as the 1962 show?
Both the 1993 film and the 1962 television show The Beverly Hillbillies share the same core premise. In both versions, a dirt-poor man named Jed Clampett finds oil on his land, becomes wealthy, and moves his family to Beverly Hills at the insistence of his cousin Pearl.
Should I watch the 1962 show before The Beverly Hillbillies movie?
You do not need to watch the 1962 show to understand the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies. While they share the same title and basic premise regarding the Clampett family moving to California, the film functions as a standalone adaptation of the television series source material.
What is the premise of The Beverly Hillbillies?
The Beverly Hillbillies centers on a mild-mannered man named Jed Clampett who strikes oil on his property. After discovering his newfound wealth, he moves his family to Beverly Hills at the urging of his cousin Pearl to experience a different lifestyle, which is the basis for both adaptations.