The Flying Nun

Young Sister Bertrille uses her ability to become airborne to help others, whether they want it or not. Although her aims are always benevolent, her means are often bemoaned by Mother Superior. The other Sisters must cope with their beloved Sister's aerodynamics and antics as she flies in and out of trouble.

The Flying Nun (1967-1970) is an American network sitcom created by Marie Teresa Ríos, Bernard Slade and Harry Ackerman for ABC. Sally Field plays Sister Bertrille, a young novice whose ability to become airborne lets her swoop in to help anyone who needs it, whether they asked or not. Her well-meaning interventions keep landing the convent in trouble, and Reverend Mother Superior Placido (Madeleine Sherwood) bemoans every stunt while the other sisters must cope with their beloved sister's antics. The engine of each episode is simple: a small problem at the orphanage, school or the wider town, a flight that solves it, and the ripple of fallout inside the convent walls. Running three seasons and eighty-two episodes of brisk twenty-five minute comedy, it is a case-of-the-week sitcom rather than a continuing story. Its tone is cheerful, breezy and gently comic, with a wholesome 1960s family-viewing warmth. Fans of Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, with their domestic fantasy premises and affectionate supernatural mischief, will find a familiar comfort here. Set in a Catholic convent during the 1960s, it treats faith and community with lightness and sincerity.

A breezy, good-natured family sitcom whose charm rests mainly on Sally Field's lead performance, though critics regarded its premise as slight.

• Bewitchedlight workplace-family sitcom tone, supernatural premise played for gentle comedy
• I Dream of Jeanniefish-out-of-water comedy with a central character whose unusual ability disrupts an orderly community
• The Partridge Familywholesome 1960s sitcom built on a single whimsical premise and a cozy ensemble

Created by

Marie Teresa Ríos, Bernard Slade, Harry Ackerman

Release Date

1967-09-07

Episode runtime

25 min

Rating

6.5 / 10 (37)

What is The Flying Nun about?

A young nun who can fly uses her gift to help others, much to the dismay of her Mother Superior and convent sisters.

What is The Flying Nun like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Flying Nun as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is The Flying Nun violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Flying Nun.

What did critics think of The Flying Nun?

A breezy, good-natured family sitcom whose charm rests mainly on Sally Field's lead performance, though critics regarded its premise as slight.

Which shows are like The Flying Nun?

Shows with a similar feel include Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and The Partridge Family.

How long is The Flying Nun?

The Flying Nun: 3 seasons, 82 episodes.

Is The Flying Nun still running?

No, The Flying Nun has ended.

Where can I watch The Flying Nun?

In United States, The Flying Nun streams on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV.