20 Classic TV Shows That Make You Miss the Old Days
These shows are still relevant and very entertaining.
There are few things more comforting than watching a favorite old TV show—knowing not only exactly what to expect, but safe in the knowledge that the show will still be entertaining decades later. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly choice friends and loved ones can enjoy together or just a chance to indulge in some nostalgia, many of the shows considered groundbreaking in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, still hold up today. Here are 20 classic shows from the golden age of television that will put a smile on your face.
I Love Lucy (1951-1957) is one the most record-breaking shows in television history, making household names of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It was one of the first shows to use a live television audience.
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964) is the grandfather of spooky TV shows. A blend of science fiction and horror, the show explored our deepest fears with compelling storytelling.
The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968) made us all want to live in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. A true family-friendly show, the positive values it espoused still stand up today.
Leave It to Beaver (1957-1963) is another show focusing on family values through the adventures (and misadventures!) of young Beaver Cleaver (Jerry Mathers). The themes of honesty and kindness are still relevant.
Gilligan's Island (1964-1967) is one of the first "stranded on a desert island" shows. With plenty of slapstick humor, the show is light-hearted and a very fun watch even today.
The Brady Bunch (1969-1974) was a huge hit when it first aired, and is still culturally relevant through memes such as "Sure, Jan". The characters are iconic and the lessons of a blended family are still relevant.
MAS*H (1972-1983) a comedy/drama set during the Korean war doesn't sound like light entertainment yet it endures as a very entertaining show with classic characters. The series finale was one of the most watched in the history of television.
Happy Days (1974-1984) is still one of the most iconic shows in television history, with characters that endure to this day. Focusing on the Cunningham family and their friends (especially The Fonz!). It also gave us the term "jumping the shark".
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) was sharp, funny, and tackled serious issues with wit and levity. The show won 15 Emmy awards and is considered a classic.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977) was groundbreaking for its time, featuring the trials and tribulations of a career woman. The character of Mary Richards was not defined by her romantic relationships, which is unusual even today.
Cheers (1982-1993) is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, giving us a wonderful spinoff with Frasier. Warm-hearted and funny, this show set in a Boston bar is why we have the iconic line of "where everybody knows your name".
The Honeymooners (1955-1956) starring Jackie Gleason featured memorable working-class characters and inspired many relationship-based sitcoms such as King of Queens. For a show that didn't run for very long it had a significant cultural impact.
The Addams Family (1964-1966) and the musical theme of the show are entrenched in popular culture to this day. Detailing the adventures of the spooky Addams family, the show may seem subversive but it also focused on strong family values.
I Dream of Jeannie (1965-1970) was one of the first shows to use special effects. This is obviously impressive, but the heart of the show was the relationship between genie Barbara Eden and astronaut Larry Hagman.
The Munsters (1964-1966), like the Addams Family, was another show about monsters espousing family values. Fred Gwynne's portrayal of Herman Munster is one of the most enduring examples of physical comedy which absolutely holds up today.
Bewitched (1964-1972) was a show about a witch who married a regular man, and, of course, hilarious hijinks ensued. Starring Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York, the show is still firmly entrenched in popular culture.
The Jeffersons (1975-1985) was a spin-off of All in the Family, with an iconic theme song and a groundbreaking tale in the adventures of a black family moving to New York City's Upper East Side. This warm-hearted show was one of the first depictions of wealthy people of color on TV.
Gunsmoke (1955-1975) set records as the longest-running TV show in history. Set in Dodge City, Kansas, this show is a nostalgic look back at classic Western shows with storylines that are still relevant today.
Bonanza (1959-1973) is another enduring Western focused on family through the adventures of the Cartwright family. Set on a Nevada ranch, the show was beautiful to watch thanks to the stunning sets and locations.
The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971) set the groundwork for shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210 (although the Walsh's might be offended by this comparison!). A classic fish-out-of-water sitcom, this show about a Ozark family trying to fit in in Beverly Hills is an enduring classic.
