<P> Bernard `` Barney '' P. Milton Oliver Fife is a fictional character in the American television program The Andy Griffith Show , portrayed by comic actor Don Knotts . Barney Fife is a deputy sheriff in the slow - paced , sleepy southern community of Mayberry , North Carolina . He appeared in the first five seasons ( 1960 -- 65 ) as a main character , and , after leaving the show at the end of season five , made a few guest appearances in the following three color seasons ( 1965 -- 68 ) . He also appeared in the first episode of the spin - off series Mayberry R.F.D. ( 1968 -- 1971 ) , and in the 1986 reunion telemovie Return to Mayberry . Additionally , Barney appeared in the Joey Bishop Show episode , `` Joey 's Hideaway Cabin '' and , unnamed , in the first episode of The New Andy Griffith Show . </P>
<P> Bernard `` Barney '' P. Milton Oliver Fife is a fictional character in the American television program The Andy Griffith Show , portrayed by comic actor Don Knotts . Barney Fife is a deputy sheriff in the slow - paced , sleepy southern community of Mayberry , North Carolina . He appeared in the first five seasons ( 1960 -- 65 ) as a main character , and , after leaving the show at the end of season five , made a few guest appearances in the following three color seasons ( 1965 -- 68 ) . He also appeared in the first episode of the spin - off series Mayberry R.F.D. ( 1968 -- 1971 ) , and in the 1986 reunion telemovie Return to Mayberry . Additionally , Barney appeared in the Joey Bishop Show episode , `` Joey 's Hideaway Cabin '' and , unnamed , in the first episode of The New Andy Griffith Show . </P>
when did barney leave the andy griffin show
when did barney leave the andy griffin show
at the end of season five
at the end of season five