The American television series Route 66 premiered in 1960.
The CBS adventure drama debuted on October 7, 1960, following two young men who traveled across the United States in a Chevrolet Corvette. The series used real locations extensively, making highways, towns, and landscapes central parts of its visual identity.
Martin Milner played Tod Stiles, while George Maharis portrayed Buz Murdock during the early seasons. Their journeys connected the program to the popular image of postwar automobile travel, even though the show was filmed in many places beyond the actual historic Route 66 alignment.
The television series is distinct from the 1946 song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” and from documentaries about the highway. Its title helped reinforce Route 66’s place in American popular culture during the period when interstate highways were transforming long-distance travel.