Although the series was still earning good ratings, its star, Jerry Mathers, wanted to retire from acting to focus on his education upon entering high school. As a result, it was agreed to halt production and the series became the first prime time American production to have a series finale.

When filming was shifted to Universal's backlot (then known as Universal International) a new house was built. This house remained as a standing set and was later used for many other television programs and motion pictures. It is a popular attraction on Universal's Tour. More than fifty years after the show ended, the still standing set is known as "The Cleaver House."

Jerry Mathers wore his Cub Scout uniform to his audition. During the audition, he told the casting directors that he was anxious to leave for his den meeting. The producers were charmed with Mathers' innocent candor and cast him in the title role.

In his TV Archives Interview, Jerry Mathers said the reason Frank Bank and Ken Osmond appeared sporadically the last two seasons of the original television show is because both of them were serving in the Armed Forces.

Hugh Beaumont held a Master of Theology degree from the University of Southern California and was an ordained minister.