Did You Catch This Grand Rapids Shoutout During ‘Hogan’s Heroes’?

Hogan's Heroes, to this day, is one of the most unique sitcoms ever to air on TV. The idea of having a comedy take place inside a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp and not only be funny but also successful enough to run six seasons is a testament to both the writers and Bob Crane's charisma.

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Throughout the show, U.S. Colonel Robert E. Hogan and his allies spent their days sabotaging the Nazis from within, while oblivious Kommandant Wilhelm Klink ran the camp with what he thought was a sparkling no-escape record, never realizing he was being tricked the entire time.

CBS

The show's premise could be considered tone-deaf today, as it makes light of what was historically a brutal experience for actual survivors; either way, it was a hit. During its final season, Grand Rapids, Michigan, even helps out the war effort, getting a shoutout from Hogan himself. Albeit a small one, it becomes a key moment in the episode.

Hogan's Heroes – Season 6, Episode 8

During the episode "Eight O'Clock and All Is Well", Hogan is speaking with a new prisoner, Captain James Martin, who repeats their secret code word back to them, seemingly indicating he was an actual prisoner and could be part of their operation. However, the Heroes aren't that easily swayed, so each member of the squad tries to sniff out whether he is legit in their own ways.

While talking to Captain Martin, Sergeant Carter deliberately calls Grand Rapids "the prettiest little town in Illinois" to see if Martin will catch the error. Martin takes the bait, correcting him: "Grand Rapids is in Michigan and isn't what you would call a small town."

READ MORE: Grand Rapids’ Strange Link to a 1965 Risqué Film

Grand Rapids leading into the 1940s was a boom town because of its booming furniture economy, earning it the nickname "Furniture City." Since Martin knew enough about one of the United States' fastest-growing towns, he passed the test, and it seems to confirm to Carter that he can be trusted.

This is an Assessor's Department Real Property Appraisal Card file for 86 Front Ave SW. This building used to house the Stow and Davis Furniture Co. / City of Grand Rapids Archives and Records Center

However, Hogan and the Heroes soon learn they were duped; he was a spy. Even though it was a small part of the episode, it's cool that Grand Rapids got used as an example.

You can watch the full episode on Apple TV.