Gunsmoke
Believe it or not, one of America’s most popular television series of all-time began as a radio show. Beginning in 1952 and lasting through 1961, Gunsmoke was a hit over the airwaves. The hit Western first debuted on television in 1955, and it would remain an American staple until ’75. Following Marshal Matt Dillon — the man in charge of Dodge City — Gunsmoke was on air for a remarkable 635 episodes. In total, the show won five Primetime Emmys. The iconic show remained the longest-running, primetime, live-action television series until 2019 when the 21st season of Law & Order: SVU premiered.
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Get Smart
Created by the iconic Mel Brooks and Buck Henry (The Graduate), Get Smart came along at the perfect time. Capitalizing on the popularity of the James Bond franchise, Get Smart debuted on September 18, 1965. Starring Don Adams as Maxwell Smart, the show is often regarded as one of the most influential comedy series of all-time. Get Smart‘s humor pushed boundaries, and its scenes often left audiences dabbing at their eyes from laughing so hard. Throughout the show’s successful run in the 1960s, Adams won three Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series.
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Petticoat Junction
What do you get when a family runs a hotel together? Madness. Created as a result of the success of The Beverly Hillbillies, Petticoat Junction is centered around the Bradley family and their hotel — The Shady Rest Hotel. Located in Hooterville, the Shady Rest Hotel is run by Kate Bradley (a widow), her three daughters — Bobbie Jo, Billie Jo, and Betty Jo Bradley — and Uncle Joe. For much of the show’s run, the Hooterville Cannonball (a steam-driven train) is a main focus. The tone of the series changed over the years. While the show began with a focus on the town and its funny inhabitants, it soon spotlighted the lives of the three daughters. Petticoat Junction‘s success led to a spin-off titled Green Acres.
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Green Acres
Speaking of Green Acres…
Created by Jay Sommers, Green Acres debuted in 1965 — two years after the pilot episode of Petticoat Junction. In this spin-off, a married couple from New York City move to Hooterville. Oliver Wendell Douglas (Eddie Albert) and Lisa Douglas (Eva Gabor) face a tall task in their new hometown. Back in New York, Oliver is an attorney. Now, the couple must adjust to life on the farm. The show was unique for its time due to its heavy use of satire — as well as the fact that characters often broke the fourth wall. Despite continued success, Green Acres was cancelled in 1971 during its sixth season.
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The Dick Van Dyke Show
From 1961 to 1966, The Dick Van Dyke Show had viewers in stitches. Starring the iconic Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, the show gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how a television show is made. Rob Petrie (Van Dyke) is the head writer for the fictional TV show, and is often at the center of the show’s hilarious moments. During its run, The Dick Van Dyke Show won 15 Primetime Emmys — with Van Dyke and Moore combining for five wins. In addition to being deemed one of the greatest shows of all-time, the series is also responsible for what many consider to be some of the best episodes ever created — including “Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth” and “It May Look Like a Walnut”.
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Gomer Pyle: USMC
Starring Jim Nabors in the titular role of Gomer Pyle, Gomer Pyle: USMC was on air from 1964 to 1969. The hit show was actually a spinoff of another iconic television show — The Andy Griffith Show. The show followed Gomer as he joined the United States Marine Corps and navigated military life with his engaging personality. Joining Nabors on the cast was Frank Sutton. Sutton was tasked with playing Sergeant Vince Carter, Gomer’s commanding officer. Gomer Pyle: USMC was popular with audiences and was known for its comedic elements and lighthearted approach to military life. At the time of its run, it was also praised for its depiction of the Marine Corps and its positive portrayal of military service.
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The Big Valley
While the western genre has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to shows like Yellowstone and Westworld, it may not be as popular as it was back in the 1960s. From 1965 to 1969, The Big Valley was one of the most popular shows on television. An ABC show, The Big Valley followed the lives of the Barkley family — a family who own and operate a large ranch in the San Joaquin Valley of California in the 1870s.
The family is led by Victoria Barkley (Barbara Stanwyck), a strong-willed and intelligent woman who is determined to keep the ranch running despite the challenges and dangers that come with life in the Old West. Additionally, the show also focused on the relationships between the Barkleys and the people who live and work on the ranch, including their relationships with the local Native American community and the neighboring ranchers and townsfolk. In terms of its legacy, The Big Valley is recognized as one of the first western television shows to feature a strong female lead and is praised for its portrayal of complex and realistic characters.
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The Carol Burnett Show
Sketch comedy was all the rage during the 1960s and 70s. Throughout 279 episodes of The Carol Burnett Show, Carol Burnett showcased her immense comedic versatility and ability to perform. The show was known for its sketches and musical numbers, which ranged from comedic parodies to heartfelt tributes. Many of the musical numbers featured guest stars, such as Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, and Lena Horne, who sang and danced alongside the cast. The show won an astounding 25 Emmy Awards during its run.
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Dark Shadows
No, this isn’t a picture from a Dracula movie. The image above is a still from the show Dark Shadows. On air from 1966 to 1971, Dark Shadows is a gothic soap opera that followed the Collins family — a family who were haunted by a curse that had plagued their family for generations. Barnabas Collins, the vampire seen above, was accidentally freed from his coffin by construction workers in 1795, and was ultimately brought back to the present day. In the present day, Barnabas tries to reconnect with his descendants and fix the mistakes of the past. The show was known for its campy and melodramatic tone, as well as its elaborate and often bizarre plotlines. It featured a wide range of supernatural creatures, including vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and witches, as well as time travel and parallel universes.
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The Monkees
The Monkees was a very successful television show in the late 1960s, but it pales in comparison to the success of the musical group of the same name. Starring the four men who comprised the band — Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork — the show was known for its humorous and often absurd storylines, as well as its energetic and catchy musical numbers. Each episode featured the Monkees getting into misadventures and trying to make it big in the music industry, often with the help of their manager. In real life, the group sold more than 75 million records worldwide and produced hits such as “Daydream Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville”.
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Star Trek: The Original Series
It is truly incredible that Star Trek has been a household name for nearly 60 years. Star Trek: The Original Series debuted in 1966 and ran through 1969. As many people know, both William Shatner (Captain Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Spock) emerged as legitimate stars following their time on the show. The show follows the adventures of the crew of the starship USS Enterprise, who are tasked with exploring the galaxy and seeking out new life and civilizations. The Original Series is known for its groundbreaking special effects and its exploration of themes such as space exploration, intercultural relations, and the human condition.
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Batman
Batman is one of the most iconic characters of all-time. Many top actors have donned the cape over the years, including Adam West. From 1966 to 1968, West starred as the Caped Crusader in Batman. The live-action series, which also starred Burt Ward as Robin, was set in the fictional Gotham City and followed the dynamic duo as they fought against a variety of villains, including the Joker, the Riddler, and the Penguin. The show’s action sequences were also notable for their use of sound effects and graphics, with words like “POW!” and “BAM!” appearing on screen to accompany punches and explosions. This campy, humorous take on the iconic superhero remains a fan favorite all these years later.
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The Lucy Show
Lucille Ball is instantly recognizable. In the 1950s, Ball starred in the historic show I Love Lucy. So, when The Lucy Show debuted in 1962, audiences were understandably excited to watch Ball on TV once more. In this series, Ball starred as Lucy Carmichael — a widow with two children who had to navigate life and work after the death of her husband. In both 1967 and 1968, Ball won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series.
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The Jetsons
Set in the year 1962, The Jetsons follows the futuristic, space-age adventures of the Jetson family. The main character on the show is George Jetson. A working-class man, Jetson lives with his wife, Jane, and their children, Elroy and Judy. As one could imagine, the Jetsons lived in a high-tech home filled with futuristic gadgets. Joining the family on their adventures — which included traveling via flying cars and rockets — were a talking dog named Astro and a robotic housekeeper named Rosie. Despite the original show being on air for just two years, The Jetsons remains a well-known entity.
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Doctor Who
Doctor Who has withstood the test of time. The long-running British science fiction television show first aired in 1963, and remains one of the most popular shows on television 60 years later. The show follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as the Doctor, who travels through time and space in a spaceship called the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) accompanied by a variety of companions. The Doctor is a mysterious and eccentric character who has the ability to regenerate, allowing him to take on new forms and personalities. While actors such as Jodie Whittaker, Matt Smith and David Tennant have played the Doctor in recent years, the 1960s belonged to William Hartnell (1963-66) and Patrick Troughton (1966-69).
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The Munsters
Let’s talk about a rather special family, shall we? From 1964 to 1966, America came to love the Munsters. The family was comprised of a Frankenstein-like father (Herman), a vampire mother (Lily), a werewolf son (Eddie), a vampire grandpa (Grandpa Munster), and Marilyn Munster — the only normal-looking family member. The Munsters had a simple premise — the show was about a family of monsters who lived in a mansion in the suburbs. The show found success in parodying the familiar setup of family sitcoms. Its campy humor and big performances have won over generations of fans.
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The Twilight Zone
From 1959 to 1964, The Twilight Zone captivated audiences across the United States and changed the world of television. Created by Rod Serling, the show features a series of standalone stories — each episode is its own unique tale — often with a piece of moral or social commentary at its core. The show explores a wide range of topics, including the supernatural, the paranormal, and technology. Many of the episodes deal with themes of isolation, manipulation, and the unpredictable nature of reality. The show was truly ahead of its time, and often left viewers baffled due to twist endings and thought-provoking moments.
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The Flintstones
In the year 2023, it is a safe bet that if you are reading this article you are fully aware of the entire Flintstones family. Set in the fictional town of Bedrock — where the characters live in a world that resembles the Stone Age, but with modern conveniences such as automobiles, telephones, and appliances powered by animals — The Flintstones is a show centered around the Flintstone family, consisting of Fred, his wife Wilma, and their children, Pebbles and Bam-Bam. With funny storylines and one of television’s most iconic theme songs, The Flintstones has remained popular more than 60 years after its debut.
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The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show is generally regarded as one of the greatest television shows in American history. On air from 1960 to 1968, the show followed life of Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), a widowed sheriff, and his young son Opie (Ron Howard). In addition to those two legends, the show also featured Don Knotts as Barney Fife — a well-meaning detective who just so happened to be Andy’s cousin. The show was known for its wholesome, down-to-earth storytelling, as well as its strong moral values and good humor. As a result of its popularity, The Andy Griffith Show consistently ranked in the top-10 of the Nielsen ratings throughout its run.
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Bonanza
Another popular western series from back in the day, Bonanza remained on air throughout the entirety of the 1960s. The series, which debuted in 1959, was set in the mid-1800s. The show followed the lives of the Cartwright family, who owned and operated a large ranch called the Ponderosa in the Nevada territory. The family was led by Ben Cartwright, a widowed father of three sons: Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe. Each episode followed the family as they faced challenges and conflicts in their personal and professional lives, often involving the rough realities of the Old West. Over the course of its lengthy run, Bonanza won three Primetime Emmys.
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The Beverly Hillbillies
Before Petticoat Junction and Green Acres, there was The Beverly Hillbillies. From 1962 to 1971, America watched the Clampett family adjust to their new lives in Beverly Hills. A family of hillbillies, the Clampetts left their home in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri for Beverly Hills following some good fortune — the family struck oil on their land and became incredibly wealthy. The Beverly Hillbillies was known for its comedic storytelling and strong ensemble cast, with standout performances by Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett, and Irene Ryan as his feisty mother-in-law, Granny. The show was a ratings hit, consistently ranking in the top-10 of the Nielsen ratings throughout its nine seasons.
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Bewitched
Bewitched is a classic television show that originally aired from 1964 to 1972. It follows the story of a young woman named Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), who is a witch married to a mortal man named Darrin (Dick York). Despite being married to a mortal, Samantha uses her magical powers to try and lead a normal life, but her supernatural abilities often cause problems and comedic misunderstandings.
The show is known for its clever writing, quirky humor, and lovable characters. It also tackled themes of gender roles and the challenges of being a working mother in the 1960s. The show was so popular that it spawned numerous spinoffs.
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The Addams Family
58 years before Jenna Ortega took the world by storm through her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix smash-hit Wednesday, The Addams Family was a phenomenon. On air from 1964 to 1966, The Addams Family is based on the popular cartoon characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams. The show follows the strange and unique Addams family — a wealthy and eccentric family with a love for all things dark and gothic. The family is made up of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, and Uncle Fester (among others).
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I Dream of Jeannie
This 1960s hit remains popular to this day. I Dream of Jeannie debuted in 1965 and starred Barbara Eden as Jeannie — a 2,000-year-old genie who is discovered by a young astronaut named Tony (Larry Hagman). As we all know, genies are capable of granting wishes — and Jeannie was no different. Jeannie is able to grant Tony three wishes, and the show follows their adventures as they try to navigate their growing feelings for each other and the challenges that come with Jeannie’s magical powers. This show is a great time.
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Gilligan’s Island
What happens when seven people are stranded on an uncharted island? Madness and lunacy. A true American classic, Gilligan’s Island was on air from 1964 to 1967. It follows the story of seven people who are stranded on a deserted tropical island after their boat, the S.S. Minnow, is shipwrecked. The group is comprised of first mate Gilligan (Bob Denver), the skipper, the wealthy couple Thurston and Lovey Howell, the movie star Ginger, the Professor, and Mary Ann. The show gained its popularity through its lighthearted humor and the cast’s welcoming dynamic. The 1960s wouldn’t have been the same without Gilligan’s Island.
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