Back in Time Today
The 1960s was a golden era for television, filled with groundbreaking shows that captivated audiences. Today, many of these once-popular series have faded into obscurity.
This list highlights 20 TV shows from the ’60s that were beloved in their time but are rarely discussed today.
Join us as we explore these forgotten gems, each offering a unique glimpse into the culture and creativity of the decade.
1. The Donna Reed Show
The Donna Reed Show was a quintessential American sitcom that aired from 1958 to 1966. It centered around the Stone family, with Donna Reed playing the nurturing mother, Donna Stone. The show depicted everyday family life with humor and warmth.
Donna Reed’s portrayal of a loving housewife was both relatable and aspirational for many viewers at the time. While it was a staple of ’60s television, it rarely gets mentioned among classic sitcoms today.
Its wholesome themes and gentle comedy make it a delightful, albeit forgotten, piece of television history.
2. Hazel
Hazel, a sitcom that aired from 1961 to 1966, followed the life of a live-in maid working for the Baxter family. Starring Shirley Booth as Hazel, the show highlighted her mischievous yet endearing interactions with the family.
Hazel’s character was known for her wit and wisdom, often outsmarting her employers in humorous ways. The show was endearing and offered a comedic look at domestic life.
Though popular in its time, Hazel doesn’t receive much attention today, overshadowed by more famous series. It remains a charming relic of ’60s television.
3. My Three Sons
My Three Sons aired from 1960 to 1972, showcasing the life of widower Steve Douglas and his three sons. Fred MacMurray played the loving father, with a focus on family dynamics and growth.
The series captured the essence of family life, emphasizing values and togetherness. Its long run and success speak to its appeal, yet it is often forgotten in discussions of classic TV shows.
The charming interactions and heartfelt stories continue to resonate with audiences seeking wholesome entertainment from the past.
4. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis aired from 1959 to 1963, following the romantic misadventures of Dobie Gillis, a college student. The show was notable for its innovative use of a talking protagonist and its satirical take on teenage life.
Dobie was constantly pursuing love, often finding himself in comical situations. The show introduced audiences to Bob Denver as Maynard G. Krebs, a beatnik character who became iconic.
While influential, it rarely gets the recognition it deserves today, overshadowed by other teen-centric shows of the era.
5. The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Dick Van Dyke Show, airing from 1961 to 1966, was a beloved sitcom set in both the workplace and home. Starring Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, it combined humor and heart seamlessly.
The series explored the life of a TV writer balancing work and family. Its clever writing and strong performances earned it critical acclaim, yet it’s not as frequently discussed today as it was in its prime.
The show’s innovative style and charming characters make it a timeless piece of television history.
6. Route 66
Route 66 aired from 1960 to 1964, following two friends traveling across America in a Chevrolet Corvette. The show was known for its location shooting and exploration of social issues.
Each episode featured a new setting and story, with the protagonists encountering diverse characters. The series offered a unique look at American culture and landscape.
Despite its popularity, it is less remembered today, overshadowed by more static, location-bound series. Route 66’s adventurous spirit remains a captivating aspect of ’60s television.
7. The Fugitive
The Fugitive, airing from 1963 to 1967, was a thrilling drama about Dr. Richard Kimble, wrongly accused of his wife’s murder. The series followed his quest to find the real killer while evading capture.
The show’s suspenseful storytelling and compelling characters captivated viewers. Its influence is seen in many crime dramas that followed, yet it seldom gets mentioned among the greats today.
The final episode remains one of the most-watched TV events of its time, a testament to its impact and enduring appeal.
8. I Dream of Jeannie
I Dream of Jeannie aired from 1965 to 1970, enchanting audiences with the magical adventures of Jeannie, a genie, and her astronaut master, Major Tony Nelson. Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman starred in this whimsical sitcom.
The show’s humor and fantasy elements made it a hit during its run. Despite its popularity, it is often overshadowed by similar magical-themed series from the era.
Jeannie’s playful antics and romantic tension with Tony provided endless entertainment, making it a delightful yet underappreciated gem of ’60s TV.
9. Bewitched
Bewitched, airing from 1964 to 1972, followed the life of Samantha, a witch trying to lead a normal life with her mortal husband, Darrin. Elizabeth Montgomery’s portrayal of Samantha was both charming and enchanting.
The series cleverly blended comedy and fantasy, exploring themes of acceptance and identity. It was a cultural phenomenon in its time, although it now takes a backseat to other classic shows.
Bewitched remains a beloved piece of television history, with its humor and heart still resonating with modern audiences.
10. The Addams Family
The Addams Family aired from 1964 to 1966, introducing audiences to a delightfully macabre family living in a gothic mansion. The show was known for its dark humor and unique characters.
Led by Gomez and Morticia, the Addamses challenged conventional norms with their eccentric lifestyle. The show, while iconic, is often overshadowed by other family sitcoms.
Its quirky charm and subversive humor make it a standout, offering a refreshing take on family dynamics and societal expectations.
11. The Munsters
The Munsters, airing from 1964 to 1966, was a comedy about a family of monsters living in suburban America. With characters like Herman Munster and Grandpa, it offered a comedic take on classic horror tropes.
The show was a humorous and heartwarming portrayal of family life, despite its monstrous characters. It was popular in its day but is less frequently revisited now.
The Munsters’ playful approach to blending horror and comedy makes it a memorable yet underappreciated show from the ’60s.
12. The Mod Squad
The Mod Squad aired from 1968 to 1973, focusing on a trio of young undercover cops. The show was groundbreaking for its diverse cast and its exploration of counterculture themes.
With characters like Pete, Linc, and Julie, it captured the spirit of the ’60s and ’70s, addressing social issues through its storytelling. Despite its success, it is not as frequently discussed today.
The Mod Squad’s innovative approach to crime drama and its cultural impact make it a significant yet overlooked piece of television history.
13. The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. aired from 1964 to 1968, a stylish spy series following agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin. It combined espionage with humor, capturing the era’s fascination with spies.
The show’s blend of action and comedy made it a hit, influencing many spy-themed shows and films.
Despite its popularity, it often falls under the radar today. Its cultural significance and innovative storytelling continue to make it a fascinating watch for fans of the genre.
14. Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., aired from 1964 to 1969, followed the comedic antics of Gomer Pyle, a naive but lovable Marine recruit. Jim Nabors’ portrayal of Gomer brought humor and heart to the series.
The show focused on Gomer’s interactions with his fellow Marines and his strict sergeant, often leading to humorous situations.
It was a spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show and enjoyed popularity in its time, though it is less discussed now. Gomer Pyle’s lighthearted take on military life remains a charming part of television history.
15. I Spy
I Spy, airing from 1965 to 1968, was a trailblazing spy series featuring Robert Culp and Bill Cosby as international espionage agents. It stood out for its witty dialogue and action-packed adventures.
The series broke ground with its diverse casting, showcasing Cosby as one of the first African-American leads in a drama. Although it was a hit in its day, it is not as commonly referenced now.
I Spy’s blend of humor, action, and cultural significance continues to resonate with audiences seeking classic spy tales.
16. Get Smart
Get Smart, airing from 1965 to 1970, was a comedic take on the spy genre, created by Mel Brooks. It followed the bumbling agent Maxwell Smart, played by Don Adams, as he thwarted threats to national security.
The show’s humor and clever writing endeared it to audiences. Its iconic gadgets, like the shoe phone, became part of pop culture, yet it is not as prevalent in discussions today.
Get Smart’s unique blend of comedy and espionage continues to entertain, offering a humorous escape into the world of secret agents.
17. Batman
Batman, airing from 1966 to 1968, brought the iconic comic book hero to television, starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. The show was known for its campy humor and action.
Each episode featured colorful villains and dynamic fight scenes, capturing the imaginations of viewers. While Batman remains a cultural icon, this particular series is often overshadowed by later adaptations.
Its playful tone and memorable catchphrases make it an enjoyable, though often overlooked, part of ’60s pop culture.
18. It Takes a Thief
It Takes a Thief aired from 1968 to 1970, following the exploits of Alexander Mundy, a thief recruited by the government for covert missions. Robert Wagner played the charming lead with flair.
The series blended heist-style plots with espionage, offering a unique twist on the spy genre. Although it enjoyed success during its run, it rarely appears in discussions of classic television.
It Takes a Thief’s mix of charm, wit, and intrigue continues to delight fans of vintage spy thrillers.
19. The Wild Wild West
The Wild Wild West aired from 1965 to 1969, blending Western and spy genres in a unique and entertaining way. Robert Conrad and Ross Martin starred as secret agents battling eccentric villains.
The show’s innovative mix of genres and imaginative storytelling made it a standout of its time. However, it is less frequently discussed today, overshadowed by more traditional Westerns.
The Wild Wild West’s creative concept and adventurous spirit continue to capture the imagination of those who discover it.
20. The Virginian
The Virginian, airing from 1962 to 1971, was a Western drama set on the Shiloh Ranch. It was the third longest-running Western series, featuring James Drury as the titular character.
The show explored themes of justice and morality, with richly developed characters and complex narratives. Despite its longevity, it is not as commonly revisited today.
The Virginian’s dedication to storytelling and its portrayal of Western life make it a timeless piece of television that still resonates with fans of the genre.