Route 66: The Complete Series - Classic TV Road Drama Collection

In this review of Route 66: The Complete Series the bottom line is simple: this is an essential set for anyone who loves classic television drama, American road stories and strong location photography. The four-season collection gathers all 116 episodes of the semi-anthology series that paired two good-natured friends with a Corvette and a string of memorable guest stars, and it is most valuable for viewers seeking vintage acting, writing and a vivid sense of 1960s Americana. While transfer quality draws mixed comments, the series' storytelling and performances make it a worthwhile addition to a classic TV library.

Key Features

• Complete series: Includes all 116 episodes from the original CBS run so viewers can follow the show from start to finish without missing any story arcs.
• On-location filming: Shot on location across the United States, the series offers authentic scenic visuals that capture midcentury Americana and travel culture.
• Notable cast and guests: Features lead performances from Martin Milner and George Maharis with guest turns by classic and rising stars, enhancing the series' historical appeal.
• Award-recognized writing: The program earned an award for writing and multiple Emmy nominations, reflecting strong scripts and dramatic quality across episodes.
• Anthology-style variety: With its semi-anthology format, each episode explores different towns and characters, making the set easy to watch in single sittings or as an extended binge.

Who It's For

Collectors of classic television, fans of character-driven drama, and viewers who appreciate period location cinematography will find this collection particularly rewarding. The set is ideal for those who value strong acting and writing over modern production gloss, and for anyone interested in a televised portrait of early 1960s America.

Those who primarily want pristine, modern video restoration or who expect high-definition remastering might want to temper expectations, since customer feedback notes mixed video quality. If pristine transfers are a requirement, shoppers should research the release details before purchasing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich period atmosphere and authentic location photography that bring the road narrative to life.
• Strong performances and memorable guest stars that elevate many standalone episodes.
• Complete 116-episode run, preserving the series arc and notable anthology entries for collectors.
• Writing recognized by awards, lending legitimacy to the show's dramatic strengths.

Cons

• Video quality receives mixed reviews, so viewers expecting modern restorations may notice imperfections.
• Some episodic stories reflect period pacing and may feel slower to audiences used to contemporary television.

Specifications

Title	Route 66: The Complete Series
Original run	1960 to 1964
Number of episodes	116 episodes
Format	Complete series collection on DVD
Notable cast	Martin Milner, George Maharis, Glenn Corbett
Awards	Writing award and two Emmy acting nominations

Our Verdict

Route 66: The Complete Series is a rewarding purchase for classic TV enthusiasts who value strong writing, memorable guest stars and authentic location shooting. Despite some mixed video quality reports, the complete 116-episode set offers enduring storytelling and period charm, making it a good value for collectors and fans of vintage American drama.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this collection include every episode?
Yes, this set contains all 116 episodes from the series' original CBS run between 1960 and 1964.

Are the episodes restored in high definition?
Customer feedback indicates mixed video quality; expect original-era transfers rather than modern high-definition restorations.

Who are the lead actors and notable guests?
The series stars Martin Milner and George Maharis (later Glenn Corbett) and features guest appearances from many classic and rising stars of the era.