After Billingsley signed a contract with Universal Studios in 1957, she made her mark on TV as everyday mother June Cleaver in family sitcom "Leave It to Beaver". It debuted on CBS in 1957, to mediocre ratings. The show was picked up by ABC the following year and became a hit, airing for the next five seasons. The show was broadcast in over 100 countries. Also starring on "Beaver" were Hugh Beaumont, in the role of Ward Cleaver, June's husband and the kids' father, as well as child actors Tony Dow in the role of Wally Cleaver and Jerry Mathers as Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver.