J.R.'s initials stood for Jedidiah Romano.
William Conrad appeared on many early episodes of the show as Frank Cannon. Barnaby and Betty had originally appeared on "Cannon" (1971) after Barnaby's son Hal, who was a good friend of Frank's, was murdered. Cannon helped Barnaby eventually track down his son's killers.
Referenced in
"Mystery Science Theater 3000: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (#4.21)" (1991)
- "Next week on 'Barnaby Jones,' 'Mrs. Claus of Death'!"
The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)
Jingle All the Way (1996)
"South Park: City on the Edge of Forever (#2.7)" (1998)
- Cartman complains about missing Barnaby Jones on TV.
"South Park: Roger Ebert Should Lay Off the Fatty Foods (#2.11)" (1998)
- The kids watch this in class at school.
"E! True Hollywood Story: The Beverly Hillbillies" (2001)
Good Fences (2003) (TV)
- Grandfather mentions it while sitting on the porch.
Featured in
Cops and Robbersons (1994)
Spoofed in
The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)
- Buddy Ebsen cameo as Barnaby Jones