Route 66 (1960)

On the cusp of the swinging sixties, two young men, Tod Stiles and Buz Murdock, set off on an odyssey across North America in a glossy Corvette, a symbol of their youthful exuberance and thirst for adventure. "Route 66," a trailblazing series, paints a vivid portrait of a continent in flux. Tod, a preppy Ivy Leaguer, and Buz, a street-smart orphan from Hell’s Kitchen, become unlikely comrades while working on the East River barges. Their lives take an unexpected detour when Tod's father dies, leaving him with nothing but a Corvette. Embracing their newfound freedom, they traverse the iconic Route 66, from Chicago to LA, the artery of the American dream. Their journey, punctuated by odd jobs from shrimping to shipbuilding, becomes a deep dive into the heart of a country grappling with shifting social norms and changing values. They encounter a diverse array of individuals, their lives intertwined with the pulse of a rapidly changing society. These drifters, rejecting the suburban American Dream, champion and learn from the oppressed and troubled souls they meet, becoming the socially conscious knights of the road. The show, written by Oscar-winning Sterling Silliphant, captures the essence of the era, reflecting the hopes of a burgeoning Great Society and the fears of the Cold War. Silliphant's dedication to authenticity takes the series to 40 states, showcasing the diverse local cultures of a North America not yet dominated by generic suburbs and international franchises. However, the journey takes a toll on Buz, who contracts hepatitis, leaving Tod to continue his journey with Linc Case, a US Army veteran also seeking his place in the world. As they cruise along the highways, Nelson Riddle's atmospheric score underscores their adventures, adding to the allure of the journey. "Route 66" is a compelling exploration of a nation on the brink of transformation, told through the eyes of two young men searching for their place in it. This series, a testament to the spirit of discovery and resilience, is a timeless depiction of a country in transition. It is an evocative journey that moves with the rhythm of the road, the heartbeat of America at a crossroads.

Route 66 is a drama show featuring Glenn Corbett and created by Stirling Silliphant.

Route 66 is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on Crackle and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy Route 66 on Amazon Video.