The short-lived, long-syndicated show The Monkees follows the daily lives of four struggling rock stars. Inspired by the Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night, the producers developed the concept of a television show about a fictional rock group. A casting call went out and Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork were chosen. Many rumors circulated that these were just actors and not musicians; live concerts laid those rumors to rest.
The theme song to The Monkees, released as the single "(Theme from) the Monkees" in 1967, includes the line "we're the young generation, and we've go somethin' to say" reflecting the counterculture developing in America. Other hits include "Daydream Believer," "I'm a Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," "Valeri," and "(I'm not Your) Steppin' Stone."