Orientalism on Television: A Case Study of I Dream of Jeannie
This is where the magic dims. Watching I Dream of Jeannie through a modern lens is often uncomfortable.
Despite its abrupt ending, I Dream of Jeannie achieved legendary status in syndication. Generations of children grew up watching Jeannie cross her arms, nod her head, and blink her eyes to make the impossible happen.
Dr. Bellows walked slowly to the door, his face ashen. He opened it, turned back to look at the toaster one last time, and then looked at Tony. I Dream of Jeannie
Do you remember watching "I Dream of Jeannie" after school? Share your memories in the comments below.
I Dream of Jeannie was one of the last major American television shows to begin its run in black and white. The first season, often considered the most artistic and "magical," focused on the initial tension of Tony trying to keep Jeannie's existence a secret, particularly from Dr. Bellows.
During its five-season run, "I Dream of Jeannie" earned several awards and nominations. The show was nominated for three Emmy Awards and won one for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy. The program also ranked as high as #3 in the Nielsen ratings during its second season. Orientalism on Television: A Case Study of I
The secret sauce was the casting. For the role of Captain (later Major) Anthony Nelson, an astronaut who becomes the master of the 2,000-year-old genie, the network wanted a stoic Robert Reed type. Sheldon fought for Larry Hagman, fresh off a Tony nomination for The Year of the Blunderbuss . For Jeannie, he needed someone who could play naive, all-powerful, and smolderingly seductive all at once. He found Barbara Eden, a 31-year-old actress who had been working steadily in television and film. The chemistry test was instantaneous.
Suddenly, the door to Tony’s bedroom swung open. Major Roger Healey, Tony’s best friend and fellow astronaut, stumbled in. He was wearing his dress uniform, though his tie was askew.
Long before he became the ruthless J.R. Ewing on Dallas , Hagman was the ultimate straight man. As Tony Nelson, Hagman delivered an incredibly physical, high-energy comedic performance. He spent five seasons looking perpetually panicked, frantically trying to undo Jeannie’s magical mishaps before his military superiors found out. Generations of children grew up watching Jeannie cross
The show spawned two television movie sequels in the 1980s and 1990s, animated spin-offs, and endless pop-culture references. The famous purple and gold genie bottle—originally a 1964 Jim Beam Christmas decanter hand-painted by the prop department—remains one of the most recognizable props in television history.
The success of I Dream of Jeannie rested entirely on the undeniable chemistry of its lead actors and its brilliant supporting cast.