Where was Hee Haw filmed?
1969
City Locations
Nashville, TN (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Hotel
Location Styles
Ranch Style, Resort, Colonial, Rustic
About Hee Haw
Step right into Kornfield Kounty and get ready to laugh with the hit American television variety show Hee Haw! Bursting onto screens from 1969 to 1992 and later on TNN from 1996 to 1997, this unique series was the creative masterpiece of Frank Peppiatt and John Aylesworth. Country music artists Buck Owens and Roy Clark hosted the show, representing different sides of country/western music.
Hee Haw is a comedy and country music extravaganza set in the rustic farming community of Kornfield Kounty in the Southern United States. The show is renowned for its cornpone humor and lively musical performances taped before a live audience, featuring legendary guest celebrities from various fields, including actors, sports stars, and politicians.
The show allows audiences to sharpen their comedic appetite with recurring sketches taped in batches for a season, minimizing production costs but maximizing laughter. Enjoy the catchy theme tune, written by original cast member Sheb Wooley, and find out why this show was a hit in major markets with its broad appeal.
Despite a format and setting overhaul in 1992, which alienated some viewers, the longevity of Hee Haw is undeniable. TNN picked up the show for reruns and airs on networks like RFD-TV and Circle TV. Enjoy an offshoot of the franchise, Hee Haw Honeys, which aired in 1978-79, or catch the series on DVD. The show also inspired humor comics published by Charlton Comics and even had a dedicated Hee Haw Theater operating in Branson, Missouri, from 1981 to 1983.
Hee Haw Locations
The Hee Haw series was a unique mix of humor and country music, filmed predominantly in Nashville, Tennessee, but set in the fictional "Kornfield Kounty." The show was shot at various locations, including WLAC-TV and later at Opryland, USA, adding an authentic country charm to the popular series.
A barn interior became one of the most memorable sets, serving as the primary venue for numerous musical acts until the "Hee Haw Honky Tonk" set in the early ‘80s supplanted it. This barn was later dedicated to Buck Owens' performances and aptly renamed "Buck's Place" as a tribute to his famous song, "Sam's Place."
The series also made use of several other distinctive locations, including a haystack that was the stage for ensemble performances, the living area of a Victorian-style home, the front yard and porch of the Samuel B. Sternwheeler residence, a traditional grist mill that hosted many of Roy Clark's performances, and a train station where Buck Owens sang before he got "Buck's Place."
Given its rich history and connection to country music, a trip to the filming locations of the Hee Haw series could be worthwhile for fans and country music enthusiasts alike. It would provide a nostalgic walk down memory lane and an opportunity to explore Nashville, a city steeped in music history and vibrant culture.
Hee Haw amateur minute scenes in Hee Haw
WLAC/WTVF-TV Studios - 474 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
The scene is a humorous showcase of the worst talent imaginable. A cast member, typically portraying a country yokel, would display some form of terrible talent. This inevitably resulted in the audience booing and heckling the act, often leading to a comical display of vegetables being thrown and the performer being yanked off the stage by a hook.
Following this skit, five animated cartoon animals - a duck, sheep, pig, chicken, and goat - would appear onscreen, joining in the booing and adding another layer of humor to the scene.
These memorable scenes came to life at WTVF (Channel 5), a television station located in Nashville, Tennessee. The station is affiliated with CBS and owned by the E.W. Scripps Company. WTVF became the primary home station for the Tennessee Titans in 1998 and also holds historical significance as the filming location for most Hee Haw series from 1968 to 1993.
The station's Studio A, constructed in 1967 near the Tennessee State Capitol building, was the primary filming location for Hee Haw. In the last few years of the show's run, filming moved to The Nashville Network's studios, adjacent to the now-defunct Opryland USA theme park.
While the studio is still operational and may not be open to the public, those interested in visiting can contact the station's administration for more information. To get to this location, you can drive or take a cab. The studio is conveniently situated in the heart of Nashville, making it easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. Respect the private property and only visit with proper permissions.
The Kornfield Kounty scenes in Hee Haw
Grand Ole Opry House, 600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
The Hee Haw series, set in the fictional location of Kornfield Kounty, was renowned for its star-studded cast and guest list. Besides the charismatic hosts Buck Owens and Roy Clark, the show featured famous performers, including country music stalwarts Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, David "Stringbean" Akeman, and the unforgettable Hee Haw Honeys. The series also welcomed mainstream country stars such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks, further enhancing its appeal.
In 1980, production moved to Opryland Complex — Studio A, located within the Opryland theme park in suburban Nashville, Tennessee. Known as the "Home of American Music," Opryland USA was a unique blend of musical shows and typical amusement park thrills like roller coasters. Ed Gaylord, the influential figure behind Gaylord Broadcasting, became involved with Hee Haw when his company purchased the program's rights in 1981 and relocated production to a studio inside the Grand Ole Opry House.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center replaced the original Opryland theme park. However, the Grand Ole Opry still looks the same and is open for visitors.
To reach the Gaylord Opryland Resort or Grand Ole Opry, you can drive, take a taxi, or even utilize public bus #34 from downtown Nashville. Although the resort is not the exact filming location, it provides a tantalizing glimpse into the captivating musical history associated with this iconic site.
Conclusion
Hee Haw, a remarkable series that ran impressively from 1969 to 1997, certainly made an impact in its time. Despite initial critical skepticism, much like its contemporary All In The Family, it won over audiences with its distinctive blend of country music and humor.
The series was set in the fictional "Kornfield Kounty" and filmed primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, at various locations, including WLAC-TV and Opryland. This gave the show an authentic country charm, adding to its appeal. The barn interior, for instance, became one of the most memorable sets, serving as the primary venue for numerous musical acts until it was supplanted by the "Hee Haw Honky Tonk" set in the early 80s.
The performances by the cast were commendable. Key players, like the late Roy Clark, Buck Owens, Minnie Pearl, and Grandpa Jones, always delivered engaging performances, demonstrating their exceptional talent in country music. The show also hosted top-of-the-line musical guests, significantly contributing to its popularity.
Hee Haw was more than just a TV show; it was an icon of its time. It brought family-oriented programming to the fore, offering a refreshing alternative to other contemporary shows. The series is remembered fondly for its humorous segments like Grandpa Jones's "Hey Grandpa, what's for supper?" and Junior Samples's BR-549 skit.
Given its historical significance and enduring charm, it is undoubtedly recommended to watch Hee Haw. While it may not appeal to everyone's tastes, those who appreciate country music and humor will likely find it enjoyable. Its reruns on digital cable TV can offer a delightful trip down memory lane.