How one woman bewitched a generation of viewers on TV with a twitch of her nose

There’s no denying that the everyday work involved in housekeeping is magic in its own way. Somehow, no matter what we do, there’s always more to be done. So, when Bewitched aired in 1964, many viewers found themselves connecting with housewife witch and main character Samantha Stephens (portrayed by the late Elizabeth Montgomery). Torn between two worlds, Stephens constantly juggled the domestic demands of her life at home with her mortal husband while fragments of her witch life invaded and created chaos for them both.

However, each episode always ended with a happy and lighthearted outcome. The sitcom was a cherished and memorable reprieve from day-to-day life, exploring the wonder of magic in everyday application and allowing each of us to think, “What would I do as a witch in my life?”

As we take a trip down memory lane, let’s revisit some of the most unforgettable moments from this beloved show.

The first time Samantha used her magic on screen (season 1, episode 1)

Bewitched kicks off strong by taking us through the moment that Samantha reveals her sorcerous heritage to her new husband, Darrin. This pivotal moment occurs on their wedding night when Samantha twitches her nose — an iconic gesture that would become synonymous with the character — causing a candle to light itself.

This scene set the tone for the rest of the series, showcasing the central conflict between Samantha’s magical abilities and her desire to lead a normal, suburban life with Darrin.

Endora’s antics (multiple episodes)

Portrayed Agnes Moorehead, Endora played the part of a meddling mother to Stephens. She despised her son-in-law, Darrin, whom she frequently referred to by various incorrect names. Her disdain for Darrin’s mortal status led to a series of memorable confrontations, often spiced with Endora’s flair for casting hilarious and inconvenient spells on him.

This established a comedic dynamic between the two characters as they often butted heads, which was further exacerbated in absurdity when they did have to work together or come to an uneasy truce.

Samantha turns back time (season 2, episode 2)

In “A Very Special Delivery”, Samantha and Darrin are eagerly expecting their first child, but Darrin’s anxiety about becoming a father leads him to wish he could relive his carefree bachelor days. Samantha, in an attempt to soothe her husband’s worries, magically grants his wish by turning back time. Darrin wakes up in a time loop, forced to relive his past decisions.

This episode stands out not only for its comedic charm but also for the deeper emotional storyline of how Samantha and Darrin navigate the challenges of married life. The idea of wanting to rewind time, or reflect on “what ifs,” resonates with audiences of all ages, but particularly those who have experienced long marriages and know the ups and downs that come with commitment.

Tabitha’s first spell (season 3, episode 14)

In the episode “The Moment of Truth”, Tabitha, Samantha and Darrin’s daughter, performs her first spell, turning a toy clown into a real one. The Stephens family realises they now have another witch in the house, which leads to delightful chaos as they try to manage Tabitha’s emerging powers.

Tabitha’s presence added a new layer of charm and mischief to the show, keeping the magic fresh and engaging for fans. Many families, often watching with their own children, could relate to the humour and challenges of raising a little one — albeit without the spells!

Darrin swaps faces (season 5, episode 14)

In “Samantha’s Super Maid,” Darrin becomes the unwitting victim of yet another one of Endora’s spells. This time, she gives him the face of a famous actor to teach him a lesson. However, as with many of Endora’s spells, things quickly get out of hand. Darrin’s new appearance leads to a series of misunderstandings and comedic moments as he tries to go about his daily life.

This episode is particularly memorable for showcasing the physical comedy and impeccable timing that made Bewitched such a standout show. It also highlights the talent of Dick York (and later Dick Sargent, who took over the role of Darrin in later seasons) in dealing with the outrageous situations his character constantly found himself in.

The finale (season 8, episode 26)

While the final episode of Bewitched, titled “The Truth, Nothing But the Truth, So Help Me Sam,” may not have been planned as a true series finale, it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. In this episode, Endora casts a spell that forces everyone to tell the truth, leading to comical and poignant moments.

Though the show’s ending was rather abrupt due to behind-the-scenes issues, Bewitched had already made its mark as one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1960s and 70s. For many of us, it was more than just a TV show — it was part of our family’s shared viewing experience.