High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Sheriff Andrew Jackson "Andy" Taylor is the principal character on The Andy Griffith Show, an American sitcom which aired on CBS, (1960–1968). He also appears in the Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. episode "Opie Joins the Marines", five episodes of Mayberry R.F.D. (1968–1971) and the reunion telemovie Return to Mayberry (1986). The character made his initial appearance in an episode of The Danny Thomas Show entitled "Danny Meets Andy Griffith." Andy Taylor appeared in all 249 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show and was played by comedian and actor Andy Griffith.