Inspired by the success of the two Beatles films directed by Richard Lester, the show was aimed at 1960s American youth culture. Considerable controversy surrounded the show because the band, four young men who “portrayed themselves,” was “manufactured” by Raybert Productions. In 1965 an advertisement appeared in Daily Variety, a major U.S. trade publication for the film and television industry, requesting responses from “4 insane boys aged 17–21.” More than 400 individuals replied.

Though Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, two of the young men selected for the program, had some previous musical experience, the other two, Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz, had none. Several recordings, closely tied to the series, were released and became commercial successes. Then it also became widely known that the actors did not play their own musical instruments—on the recordings or in the series. The controversy rising from this “revelation” was further exacerbated when the actors embarked on a concert tour. Despite these issues, the Monkees became teen idols, sold millions of records, and were heavily merchandised.

The show was innovative in both form and content, violating the conventions of realist television. Episodes were characterized by self-reflexive techniques such as distorted focus, direct address of the camera, the incorporation of outtakes and screen tests, fast and slow-motion effects, and continuity errors. In all, however, the television version of “psychedelic” cinema was tamed for the domestic medium, and the boys generally engaged in wholesome, if quirky, fun.

“Monkee Mania” experienced a renewal in the 1980s, when the program was rerun on MTV. The popularity of the show with contemporary youth audiences has led to reissue of recordings; fan conventions, magazines, and websites; and several concert tours by three of the original members (Dolenz, Jones, and Tork).