Back in Time Today
The 1960s was a golden era for television, giving birth to numerous shows that entertained millions. While some of these programs have stood the test of time, others have faded into obscurity.
This blog post delves into 23 TV shows from the 1960s that, despite their initial popularity, are all but forgotten today.
Each entry offers a nostalgic glimpse into a different era of television, reminding us of the creativity and charm that once graced our screens.
1. The Farmer’s Daughter
“The Farmer’s Daughter” aired from 1963 to 1966 and starred Inger Stevens as Katy Holstrum, a young Swedish woman who becomes a housekeeper for a congressman.
The show blended comedy with lighthearted drama, exploring cultural clashes and social issues of the time.
Despite being well-received during its run, it struggled to maintain its audience against other leading shows.
Today, it remains a hidden gem for those interested in 1960s television, offering a unique perspective on politics and society through the lens of an endearing character.
2. Mr. Terrific
“Mr. Terrific” was a comedic twist on the superhero genre, airing in 1967. The series followed Stanley Beamish, a mild-mannered gas station attendant who transforms into a superhero thanks to a special pill. Despite its unique premise, the show only lasted one season.
Its lighthearted approach and humorous take on heroism resonated with some viewers but failed to capture a larger audience. Today, “Mr. Terrific” is often overlooked, yet it remains an amusing relic for fans of superhero parodies.
3. My Living Doll
In “My Living Doll,” Julie Newmar played Rhoda, a lifelike robot navigating human society, with Bob Cummings as her caretaker. Running from 1964 to 1965, the show was a blend of science fiction and comedy.
Its exploration of human-robot interactions was ahead of its time, yet it struggled with ratings and continuity issues. Despite its short run, the series is remembered for Newmar’s charming performance, making it a curious piece of 1960s television history worth revisiting.
4. Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats
“Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats” mixed Western themes with comedy, airing from 1966 to 1967. The show focused on the Hanks family, who defended their town using unconventional methods. Its comedic take on Western motifs added a fresh twist to the genre.
Despite its unique premise and humorous elements, it failed to compete with more serious Westerns and ended after one season. Today, it’s a forgotten piece of television, offering laughs for those who stumble upon its quirky family antics.
5. The Double Life of Henry Phyfe
“The Double Life of Henry Phyfe” starred Red Buttons as an ordinary accountant caught in espionage adventures. Airing in 1966, it parodied spy dramas popular at the time, blending humor with intrigue.
Despite its clever premise, the show struggled with ratings and only produced a single season. Its lighthearted take on espionage offers a delightful escape for viewers seeking vintage spy comedy, though it’s largely forgotten in the realm of 1960s television.
6. The Tammy Grimes Show
“The Tammy Grimes Show” was a short-lived sitcom featuring Grimes as a wealthy heiress navigating the chaos of everyday life. Premiering in 1966, it exuded charm and wit, with Grimes’ performance being a standout aspect.
However, the show faced stiff competition and was canceled after just four episodes. Despite its brief existence, Grimes’ charisma left a lasting impression, making it an intriguing, albeit obscure, entry in 1960s television history.
7. Occasional Wife
“Occasional Wife” was a romantic comedy exploring the complexities of modern relationships. Airing from 1966 to 1967, it followed a bachelor who hires a woman to pose as his wife for career advancement.
The show’s humorous take on romantic conventions provided light entertainment but struggled to gain traction against more traditional sitcoms. Although it didn’t have a long run, it offers a nostalgic look at the societal expectations of marriage during the 1960s.
8. The Ugliest Girl in Town
“The Ugliest Girl in Town” was a comedy about an American man’s misadventures while disguised as a woman in London. Airing in 1968, it played with themes of gender identity and societal norms.
The show’s bold premise was ahead of its time, though it only lasted one season due to mixed reception. Despite its controversial concept, it’s a forgotten series worth exploring for its unique approach to comedy and social commentary.
9. Hank
“Hank” followed the story of a young man attending college classes without being officially enrolled. Airing from 1965 to 1966, the show humorously depicted his attempts to evade detection and achieve his educational goals.
Its premise of pursuing education against the odds resonated with some viewers, yet it struggled with ratings. “Hank” is a forgotten gem for those interested in light-hearted tales of ambition and resourcefulness from the 1960s.
10. The Rounders
“The Rounders” was a Western comedy that aired in 1966, starring Chill Wills and Ron Hayes as two cowboys navigating the ups and downs of ranch life. Its blend of humor and Western charm offered a fresh take on the genre.
Despite its entertaining premise, it struggled to find a consistent audience and ended after one season. Today, it remains a curious relic for fans of Western comedies seeking a nostalgic escape.
11. The Baileys of Balboa
“The Baileys of Balboa” was a comedic exploration of life on a California marina, airing from 1964 to 1965. The show followed the eccentric Bailey family as they navigated nautical adventures and community antics.
Its unique setting and humorous storytelling offered a different perspective on family life, though it struggled with ratings. Despite its short run, it provides a light-hearted glimpse into 1960s coastal living and comedy.
12. It’s About Time
“It’s About Time” was a time-travel comedy that aired from 1966 to 1967. The series followed two astronauts who accidentally travel back to prehistoric times, leading to comedic encounters with cavemen.
Its creative concept and humorous execution entertained some viewers, yet it struggled to sustain interest. “It’s About Time” is a forgotten series that offers a whimsical look at time travel and prehistoric life through a comedic lens.
13. The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters
“The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters” was an adventurous drama following a father and son on a wagon train journey. Airing from 1963 to 1964, it combined family drama with historical exploration.
Despite its compelling storytelling and rich settings, it struggled with ratings and concluded after one season. Today, it remains a hidden gem for those interested in historical adventures and family dynamics of the 1960s.
14. The Ghost & Mrs. Muir
“The Ghost & Mrs. Muir” was a fantasy sitcom that aired from 1968 to 1970. It followed the story of a young widow who moves into a seaside cottage haunted by the ghost of a sea captain.
The show’s charming blend of romance and supernatural elements won a loyal audience but wasn’t enough to sustain long-term success. Today, it remains a delightful relic, offering a whimsical escape into a world of spectral romance.
15. The Good Guys
“The Good Guys” was a buddy comedy starring Bob Denver and Herb Edelman, airing from 1968 to 1970. It followed the misadventures of two friends running a diner, mixing slapstick humor with witty dialogue.
Despite its entertaining duo and comedic moments, it struggled with ratings and eventually ended. “The Good Guys” offers a light-hearted escape for those who stumble upon its quirky charm in the world of 1960s television.
16. Love on a Rooftop
“Love on a Rooftop” was a romantic comedy series that aired from 1966 to 1967. It followed a young couple navigating married life in a tiny rooftop apartment in San Francisco.
The show’s charming depiction of love and the challenges of newlywed life resonated with some viewers, yet it struggled to compete with more popular series. Despite its short run, it offers a sweet glimpse into 1960s romance and urban living.
17. Run, Buddy, Run
“Run, Buddy, Run” was a comedic adventure series that aired in 1966. The show followed Buddy Overstreet, a man on the run from a crime syndicate, leading to humorous encounters and escapes.
Its unique premise and comedic chase sequences entertained viewers but didn’t achieve long-term success. “Run, Buddy, Run” is a forgotten gem for those interested in comedic escapades and zany adventures from the 1960s.
18. Please Don’t Eat the Daisies
“Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” was a family comedy based on the hit film of the same name, airing from 1965 to 1967. The show captured the chaotic yet endearing dynamics of the Nash family.
Its portrayal of everyday family life resonated with viewers, though it struggled to maintain a consistent audience. Despite its short-lived run, it remains a charming depiction of 1960s suburban family life and comedy.
19. The Pruitts of Southampton
“The Pruitts of Southampton” starred Phyllis Diller as the matriarch of a wealthy family facing financial decline. Airing from 1966 to 1967, it combined humor with social commentary.
Despite its comedic take on wealth and class, it struggled with ratings and ended prematurely. “The Pruitts of Southampton” is a curious piece of 1960s television, offering laughs and insight into societal themes of the era.
20. Camp Runamuck
“Camp Runamuck” was a comedy centered around the antics of counselors and campers at a summer camp. Airing in 1965, it offered a blend of slapstick humor and nostalgic camp experiences.
Although it captured the essence of summer camp fun, it struggled to maintain its audience and ended after one season. “Camp Runamuck” remains a light-hearted escape for those seeking nostalgic comedy from the 1960s.
21. He & She
“He & She” was a romantic sitcom that aired from 1967 to 1968, featuring the lives of a couple in New York City. The series blended humor with relatable domestic scenarios, capturing the essence of urban married life.
Despite its clever writing and charming performances, it failed to compete with other popular shows at the time. “He & She” offers a delightful look at love and marriage, making it a forgotten gem in the realm of 1960s sitcoms.
22. Hey, Landlord
“Hey, Landlord” was a comedy about a young man who inherits an apartment building and the comedic challenges he faces with his tenants. Airing from 1966 to 1967, it captured the quirks of urban living with humor and wit.
Despite its engaging premise, it struggled to find a lasting audience and ended after one season. “Hey, Landlord” is a forgotten piece of television history, offering laughs for those exploring 1960s comedy.
23. The Debbie Reynolds Show
“The Debbie Reynolds Show” aired from 1969 to 1970, featuring Reynolds as a suburban housewife navigating the challenges of family life. The show combined her comedic talent with relatable family scenarios.
Despite Reynolds’ star power, it struggled against other popular sitcoms and ended after one season. “The Debbie Reynolds Show” remains a charming snapshot of 1960s television, showcasing Reynolds’ charisma and comedic skills.