TV shows

TV shows [∞]

The 1950s and 1960s were pivotal decades for television, with shows that shaped entertainment and family life. Here's a look at some of the most popular TV shows from each decade, organized by genre: 1950s Family Sitcoms

I Love Lucy (1951–1957)

Lucy Ricardo's comedic schemes made this one of the most beloved shows of all time.

Leave It to Beaver (1957–1963)

Focused on the Cleaver family, it captured the idyllic American suburban life.

Father Knows Best (1954–1960)

Portrayed the Anderson family and emphasized traditional family values.

Variety Shows

The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971)

Famous for introducing iconic acts like Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

Texaco Star Theater (1948–1956)

Hosted by Milton Berle, it was a must-watch early variety show.

Westerns

Gunsmoke (1955–1975)

The longest-running primetime drama, set in the American West.

The Lone Ranger (1949–1957)

Adventures of the masked cowboy hero and his companion, Tonto.

Hopalong Cassidy (1949–1954)

One of the first TV westerns aimed at children.

Drama

Perry Mason (1957–1966)

A legal drama featuring Raymond Burr as a brilliant defense attorney.

Dragnet (1951–1959)

Focused on realistic police procedural stories, emphasizing "just the facts."

Children’s Programming

Howdy Doody (1947–1960)

A puppet and live-action show loved by kids.

The Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1996, intermittently)

Hosted by the Mouseketeers, featuring songs, skits, and Disney content.

1960s Family Sitcoms

The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)

Set in the small town of Mayberry, it focused on Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son, Opie.

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966)

A groundbreaking comedy about a TV writer and his family.

Bewitched (1964–1972)

A magical sitcom about a witch trying to live as a suburban housewife.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Star Trek (1966–1969)

The original series exploring space and human potential, now a cultural phenomenon.

The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

A mix of science fiction, fantasy, and moral lessons with twist endings.

Lost in Space (1965–1968)

A family’s space adventures, with the iconic Robot and Dr. Smith.

Variety Shows

The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978)

Known for its hilarious sketches and memorable characters.

The Jackie Gleason Show (1952–1970)

A variety show featuring The Honeymooners segments.

Westerns

Bonanza (1959–1973)

Chronicled the lives of the Cartwright family on their Nevada ranch.

Rawhide (1959–1965)

A cattle drive drama starring a young Clint Eastwood.

The Big Valley (1965–1969)

Focused on a powerful matriarch and her family in California’s Old West.

Spy and Action Shows

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964–1968)

A spy thriller inspired by James Bond.

Mission: Impossible (1966–1973)

Followed a team of secret agents on daring missions.

Children’s Programming

Captain Kangaroo (1955–1984)

A beloved show featuring Mr. Green Jeans and other charming characters.

Sesame Street (1969–present)

Educational programming featuring the Muppets and aimed at preschoolers.

Game Shows

The Price Is Right (1956–present)

Contestants guess the price of consumer goods.

What’s My Line? (1950–1967)

A panel of celebrities guessed the occupations of guests.