When we talk about TV shows or series today, it is very different from the TV shows way back in the 1950s to the 1970s. The classic TV shows back then were simple but full of slap-stick comedy that many of us still look for even with all the shows that are available for our watching. There is nothing that beats sitting in front of the TV while watching a show in black and white.
The classic TV shows which started around the 1950s were revolved around family comedies and Westerns. Those were the hit back in the day. But until now, many individuals still long to watch those classics. Even downloading it on youtube and other legitimate video downloading websites.
In this article, find out about the Top 5 Favorite Classic TV shows of all time. Reminisce to the simple humor of everyday life with classic and famous characters that we all know and love.
1. I Love Lucy (1951)
This is a sure favorite classic TV show indeed. I Love Lucy is an American television sitcom with a witty, trouble-causing yet lovable redhead named “Lucy.” The sitcom revolved around a happily married couple, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (Cuban bandleader), and their landlords and best friends, Ethel and Fred Mertz. Lucy (starred by Lucille Ball) is a typical housewife and dreams to be in the entertainment business. She feels like she has all the talent needed and does over-the-head tactics to be in the business of showbiz. Her husband Ricky Ricardo (played by Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball’s husband in real life) plays a bandleader at the Tropicana and has to figure out ways to control his frantic yet lovable wife. They live in an apartment building with their best friends and landlords, Ethel (played by Vivian Vance) and Fred Mertz (starred by William Frawley).
This sitcom ran from October 15, 1951 to May 6, 1957 and was the most-watched show in the United States in four of its six seasons. Today, I Love Lucy is still said to be watched in several parts of the world in different kinds of languages. This earns this comedic sitcom to be on the Top 5 favorite classic TV shows of all time.
2. The Brady Bunch (1969)
This is also another American sitcom created by Sherwood Schwartz and start airing on September 26, 1969 up to March 8, 1974. If you aren’t too familiar with The Brady Bunch, it revolves around Mike Brady (Robert Reed) and Carol Brady (Florence Henderson), husband and wife, who have been previously married and had three kids each learning to live together as a large blended family. The setting of this TV sitcom is a largely suburban, two-story house in Los Angeles, California. The large family also had a housekeeper named Alive Nelson (Ann B. Davis) and a dog named Tiger. The Brady Bunch series aired for five seasons and was canceled in 1974.
Until now, even with the original sitcom ending a while back, The Brady Bunch is still a popular staple among children and teenage viewers. It has been remade into several films and spinoff series throughout the years. Until now, it still remains a hit for many individuals worldwide and is still remembered no doubt.
3. Gilligan’s Island (1964)
This is another American sitcom that earns its spot in the Top 5 favorite classic TV shows because it is simply timeless and still remembers in our day and age. Also produced by Sherwood Schwartz, also the producer of The Brady Bunch, this TV sitcom was a hit during its day. It is a comedy that started from September 26, 1964 to September 4, 1967 and is about the comic adventures of seven castaways that all try to survive on an island where they were shipwrecked.
Most of Gilligan’s Island episodes rotate around the characters’ conflicts with one another which turned out to be comedic in nature for the audience. This sitcom had 98 episodes, started the first 36 episodes in black and white, and later on had color. During its original run, it had solid ratings and became even more popular throughout its years.
4. The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
CBS televised this all-American sitcom from October 3, 1960 to April 1, 1968. It revolves around, Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) who plays the widowed sheriff in a small fictional community of Mayberry, North Carolina. He has a son named Opie (Ron Howard) and an aunt/housekeeper, Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier). At work, he has to face deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts). In most episodes, there are unique and interesting conflicts that Andy has to face which make the show quite comedic.
The Andy Griffith Show has been ranked as the 9th best show in American television history by TV Guide. There were several awards that it earned such as six Emmy awards. Even today, reruns are still being played on TV Land and is also available on DVD and Netflix. The Andy Griffith Show earns its place in the Top 5 favorite classic shows of all time indeed.
5. The Three Stooges (1925)
When we talk classic, how can we forget about the wacky team of The Three Stooges? Until now, there are still remakes of this being created because it surely is unforgettable. This was an American vaudeville and comedy act that was one of the first of the classic shows to come out. They defined “slapstick” comedy. Who could forget the names Moe, Larry, and Curly? Nobody can! The Three Stooges has remained popular with the audiences, no matter what age. Their films also stay widely popular until now, first appearing in 1958.
They still continue to delight their fans with their comedic tactics. Even in other genres of films and television series, The Three Stooges style is still widely used even today. Many comedians have used these three as an inspiration for their acting styles which later evolved to the comedy in our day. Moe, Larry, and Curly have been reigning as the kinds of comedy for over fifty years.