Video: 'The Monkees: The Running Gag Supercut'

(Tuesday, February 20, 1968) — The Monkees, an American situation comedy television series that follows the adventures of four young men trying to make a name for themselves as a rock ‘n roll band, was officially cancelled today, one day after the band began filming its first feature film, Head

The rock quartet had become tired of scripts which they deemed monotonous and stale and proposed switching the format of the series to become more like a variety show, with musical guests and live performances.

NBC, however, was not interested in eliminating the existing format, and the group (except for Peter Tork) had little desire to continue for a third season.

NBC would continue to broadcast first-run episodes of the series through Mar. 25, 1968, with prime-time repeats airing through Sept. 9, 1968.