Unlock the Hidden Gems of 1960s TV: The Untold Stories Behind the Decade’s Most Iconic Shows

Ever wondered what it was like to gather around the glowing TV set in the 1960s — that magical box that transformed living rooms into portals of adventure, laughter, and sometimes downright intrigue? The 1960s carved out a unique space in American television history, a vibrant bridge from the black-and-white simplicity of the ’50s into a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and social change that would bloom in the decade ahead. Imagine a time when westerns, family sitcoms, and spy thrillers didn’t just compete for ratings — they fought for the heart of the family room itself, turning the weekly arrival of TV Guide into an anticipated ritual. But here’s the kicker: which shows didn’t just flicker briefly like a shooting star, but truly left an indelible mark, defining an entire decade of prime-time storytelling? To uncover that, we didn’t settle for mere popularity snapshots. Instead, we dove deep into Nielsen’s seasonal top 25 rankings for the ’60s, crafting a clever, points-based system that rewards not only the peak moments but the grit of longevity. The result? A definitive rundown of the Top 24 TV shows that shaped the ’60s — from enduring classics like Bonanza and The Andy Griffith Show to unexpected chart-toppers that flared brightly before bowing out. Join me as we journey through this golden era when three networks ruled the airwaves, and tune into the stories that made America laugh, think, and come together week after week. LEARN MORE

The 1960s was a decade of transition for American television, bridging the black-and-white era of the 1950s with the colorful, more socially aware programming that would emerge in the 1970s. Viewers could tune in to a dizzying mix of westerns, family sitcoms, rural comedies, spy thrillers and variety hours, all vying for space in living rooms that were becoming the center of family life. For many households, the weekly arrival and reading of TV Guide was a ritual.

Some shows came and went in a single season, while others became cultural touchstones, running for years. But which ones truly defined the decade across the full 10-year span from 1960 through 1969? To answer that question, we turned to the most reliable measure of television popularity: Nielsen’s annual top rankings for each season. But rather than simply listing the #1 show from each year, we wanted to create a list that measured both peak popularity and staying power.

Here’s how we did it: we applied a weighted scoring system to every season’s Top 25 list. A #1 finish earned 25 points, #2 earned 24 points, #3 earned 23 and so on down to 1 point. We then totaled each show’s points across all seasons of the 1960s. This meant a long-running series that consistently finished in the Top 10 could outrank a short-lived smash hit, even if that hit had a higher single-season ranking. At the same time, a program that spent just a few years on the air could leap into the upper ranks if those years were spent dominating the ratings.

The result is a definitive, data-driven list of the Top 24 TV Shows of the 1960s. You’ll see predictable giants like Bonanza and The Andy Griffith Show, but you’ll also find surprises: short-run juggernauts like Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In that exploded into the #1 spot, family sitcoms like My Three Sons that quietly stayed in the ratings mix for years and variety series like The Ed Sullivan Show that bridged generations.

What follows is a show-by-show breakdown, with each entry detailing its premise, key cast, and popularity across the 1960s. Together, they tell the story of an era when three networks ruled the airwaves, the TV set was the heart of the household and America tuned in—week after week—to a shared prime-time experience.

1. ‘Bonanza’

Premise: Set in the 1860s around the vast Ponderosa Ranch near Virginia City, Nevada, Bonanza followed the lives of the Cartwright family—patriarch Ben Cartwright and his three very different sons from three different marriages—as they navigated frontier challenges, family bonds and moral dilemmas.

Cast: Lorne Greene (Ben Cartwright), Pernell Roberts (Adam Cartwright), Dan Blocker (Eric “Hoss” Cartwright) and Michael Landon (Joseph “Little Joe” Cartwright), later joined by David Canary (Candy Canaday) and Mitch Vogel (Jamie Hunter Cartwright).

Popularity: Premiering on NBC in 1959, Bonanza quickly became a cornerstone of Sunday night television, aided by being one of the first TV westerns filmed in color. It dominated much of the 1960s, spending multiple seasons at #1 in the Nielsen ratings and appearing in the Top 25 every single year of the decade.

2. ‘The Andy Griffith Show’

Premise: Set in the fictional small town of Mayberry, North Carolina, The Andy Griffith Show centered on the life of widowed sheriff Andy Taylor, his young son Opie, and the eccentric townspeople who often found themselves in humorous situations. The show balanced gentle comedy with heartfelt moments, often carrying an underlying moral about kindness, community, and common sense.

Cast: Andy Griffith (Sheriff Andy Taylor), Ron Howard (Opie Taylor), Don Knotts (Deputy Barney Fife), Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee Taylor), Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle), George Lindsey (Goober Pyle), Howard McNear (Floyd Lawson).

Popularity: Debuting on CBS in 1960, the series was an immediate favorite, rarely leaving the Top 5 in the Nielsen ratings throughout its eight-season run. It concluded in 1968 with its highest achievement—finishing the year as the #1 show on television.

3. ‘Gunsmoke’

Premise: Set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the late 19th century, Gunsmoke followed U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon as he maintained law and order in a rough frontier town. The series blended action, moral drama, and character-driven stories, exploring themes of justice, survival and human nature in the Old West.

Cast: James Arness (Marshal Matt Dillon), Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty Russell), Milburn Stone (Doc Galen Adams), Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode, 1955–1964), Ken Curtis (Festus Haggen, 1964–1975), Burt Reynolds (Quint Asper, 1962–1965).

Popularity: Premiering on CBS in 1955, Gunsmoke was already a proven hit by the start of the 1960s, and it continued to dominate early in the decade, including multiple seasons at #1 in the Nielsen ratings. Though competition increased in the mid-’60s, it remained a Top 25 fixture for nine of the 10 years, securing its place as one of television’s longest-running and most enduring westerns.

4. ‘The Red Skelton Show / Hour’

Premise: A variety series built around the comedic talents of Red Skelton, the show featured a mix of slapstick sketches, stand-up monologues, musical performances and Red’s gallery of recurring characters, among them Freddie the Freeloader, Clem Kadiddlehopper and George Appleby. Episodes often balanced broad humor with sentimental moments, appealing to audiences of all ages.

Cast: Red Skelton (host and performer), with frequent guest stars such as Vincent Price, Jackie Coogan, Martha Raye and musical acts ranging from classical performers to popular singers of the day.

Popularity: Airing on NBC from 1951 to 1953 and CBS from 1953 to 1970 (later returning to NBC briefly), the series was a Top 25 staple throughout the 1960s. Skelton’s versatility and family-friendly humor kept it near the top of the ratings for much of the decade, including several seasons in the Top 5.

5. ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’

Premise: This fish-out-of-water sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies followed the Clampetts, a poor but good-natured Ozark family who strike oil on their land and move to a lavish mansion in Beverly Hills. The series mined comedy from the culture clash between the Clampetts’ rural ways and the sophistication (or pretension) of their wealthy new neighbors.

Cast: Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett), Irene Ryan (Daisy May “Granny” Moses), Donna Douglas (Elly May Clampett), Max Baer Jr. (Jethro Bodine), Raymond Bailey (Milburn Drysdale), Nancy Kulp (Jane Hathaway).

Popularity: Premiering on CBS in 1962, the show was an immediate sensation, finishing its first two seasons as the #1 program in the country and setting ratings records for a sitcom. While its rankings gradually declined later in the decade, it remained a consistent Top 25 presence for eight seasons.

6. ‘The Lucy Show’

Premise: Lucille Ball returned to television as Lucy Carmichael, a widowed mother sharing a home with her friend Vivian Bagley. Together, they navigated work, raising children and a variety of comical mishaps. After Vivian’s departure in 1965, the series shifted to follow Lucy working for and frequently outwitting her grumpy boss, banker Theodore J. Mooney.

Cast: Lucille Ball (Lucy Carmichael), Vivian Vance (Vivian Bagley, 1962–1965), Gale Gordon (Theodore J. Mooney, 1963–1968), Candy Moore (Chris Carmichael), Jimmy Garrett (Jerry Carmichael), Ralph Hart (Sherman Bagley).

Popularity: Debuting on CBS in 1962, The Lucy Show quickly proved that Lucille Ball could strike ratings gold beyond I Love Lucy. It consistently ranked in the Nielsen Top 10 through most of its six-season run, with Ball’s physical comedy and celebrity guest appearances keeping it fresh.

7. ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’

Premise: A spin-off from The Andy Griffith Show, this military sitcom followed the misadventures of Gomer Pyle, a sweet-natured but naïve gas station attendant from Mayberry who enlists in the United States Marine Corps. Much of the comedy came from Gomer’s good-hearted bumbling and his interactions with the gruff, no-nonsense Gunnery Sergeant Carter.

Cast: Jim Nabors (Private First Class Gomer Pyle), Frank Sutton (Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter), Ronnie Schell (Duke Slater).

Popularity: Premiering on CBS in 1964, the series was an instant ratings hit, debuting at #3 and peaking at #2 in its second season. It remained in the Top 10 throughout its five-year run and in the Nielsen Top 25 for four of those years. Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. ended in 1969 with Nabors voluntarily moving on to a variety show career, but its high rankings during its run cemented it as one of the most successful sitcoms of the decade.

8. ‘Bewitched’

Premise: Bewitched followed Samantha Stephens, a charming witch who marries a mortal advertising executive and vows to live as an ordinary suburban housewife. Her good intentions were constantly tested by her mischievous magical relatives and her own occasional use of witchcraft to solve problems—often with unintended consequences.

Cast: Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha Stephens / Serena), Dick York (Darrin Stephens, 1964–1969), Dick Sargent (Darrin Stephens, 1969–1972), Agnes Moorehead (Endora), David White (Larry Tate), Erin Murphy (Tabitha Stephens), Alice Ghostley (Esmeralda), Paul Lynde (Uncle Arthur).

Popularity: Debuting on ABC in 1964, Bewitched was an immediate hit, finishing its first season at #2 in the Nielsen ratings. It remained a consistent Top 25 performer for six seasons of the 1960s, often landing in the Top 10.

9. ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’

Premise: Hosted by comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, this groundbreaking variety series delivered a rapid-fire mix of political satire, topical humor, one-liners, blackout sketches, musical performances and recurring comedic bits. The show’s unconventional, fast-paced editing style set it apart from traditional variety programs and made it a cultural touchstone of the late 1960s.

Cast: Dan Rowan (host), Dick Martin (host), Goldie Hawn, Arte Johnson, Judy Carne, Henry Gibson, Jo Anne Worley, Ruth Buzzi, Gary Owens (announcer), Lily Tomlin (joined later).

Popularity: Premiering on NBC in January 1968, Laugh-In quickly became the #1 show on television, topping the Nielsen charts in both the 1968–69 and 1969–70 seasons. Although it had only two full seasons in the decade, its impact was immediate and massive, attracting younger viewers and influencing the style of television comedy for years to come.

10. ‘Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color’

Premise: This family-friendly anthology series showcased a rotating selection of programming from the Disney library, including animated shorts, nature documentaries, behind-the-scenes looks at Disneyland and original live-action stories. The “Color” in the title emphasized its role in promoting color television, with vibrant visuals that set it apart from much of the early ’60s lineup.

Cast: Hosted for many years by Walt Disney himself, who introduced each episode. After Disney’s death in 1966, the series continued with guest hosts and narrator segments, drawing on a wide range of Disney talent and productions.

Popularity: Premiering on NBC in 1961 as an upgrade from the earlier Disneyland series, the show quickly became a Sunday-night tradition for millions of families. It appeared in the Nielsen Top 25 for eight seasons in the 1960s, sometimes ranking as high as the Top 10 and its wholesome content and colorful presentation made it one of the most enduring anthology series in television history.

11. ‘Family Affair’

Premise: A gentle domestic sitcom that followed Bill Davis, a wealthy, single New York City engineer whose life is turned upside down when he becomes the guardian of his orphaned nieces and nephew. With the help of his meticulous English butler, Mr. French, Bill navigated the challenges of sudden parenthood in a sophisticated urban setting.

Cast: Brian Keith (Bill Davis), Sebastian Cabot (Mr. Giles French), Kathy Garver (Cissy Davis), Johnny Whitaker (Jody Davis), Anissa Jones (Buffy Davis).

Popularity: Debuting on CBS in 1966, Family Affair was an immediate hit, finishing in the Top 5 during multiple seasons. Though it ran for only part of the decade, its strong mid-to-late ’60s performance and consistent Top 25 rankings during its first three seasons placed it high in the weighted decade rankings. Its combination of warmth, light comedy and upscale backdrop resonated with viewers, making it one of the signature family comedies of the era.

12. ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’

Premise: The Ed Sullivan Show was a long-running variety series that offered a mix of musical performances, comedy acts, novelty routines and cultural showcases, all introduced by the unassuming yet authoritative host, Ed Sullivan. The show became a weekly stage for both established stars and rising talent.

Cast: Ed Sullivan (host), with an ever-changing roster of guests that included The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Supremes, Richard Pryor, Topo Gigio, The Rolling Stones and countless others.

Popularity: Airing on CBS from 1948 to 1971, the program was already an institution by the 1960s and remained in the Nielsen Top 25 for eight seasons of the decade. Its broad mix of acts made it a rare variety show that truly appealed to the entire family. Historic moments, like The Beatles’ 1964 debut, cemented its place not just in TV ratings history but in the broader cultural memory of the era.

13. ‘The Virginian’

Premise: Set on the vast Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming Territory, this western drama followed the adventures and challenges faced by the ranch’s foreman, known only as “The Virginian,” and the people who lived and worked alongside him. Each 90-minute episode offered more expansive storytelling than most TV westerns, allowing for deeper character development and richer plots.

Cast: James Drury (The Virginian), Doug McClure (Trampas), Lee J. Cobb (Judge Henry Garth), Clu Gulager (Emmett Ryker), Randy Boone (Randy Benton), and later additions including Charles Bickford (John Grainger) and John McIntire (Clay Grainger).

Popularity: Premiering on NBC in 1962, The Virginian stood out as one of the first hour-and-a-half television dramas, giving it a unique prestige. It appeared in the Nielsen Top 25 for six seasons during the 1960s, earning a steady audience among western fans.

14. ‘Mayberry R.F.D.’

Premise: A direct continuation of The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry R.F.D. shifted focus to farmer Sam Jones as he raised his young son and interacted with the same quirky townsfolk audiences had come to love in Mayberry. The show preserved the small-town charm and gentle humor of its predecessor while introducing new situations and relationships.

Cast: Ken Berry (Sam Jones), Buddy Foster (Mike Jones), Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee Taylor), George Lindsey (Goober Pyle), Paul Hartman (Emmett Clark), Alice Ghostley (Cousin Alice). Many recurring characters from The Andy Griffith Show also appeared in guest spots during the early seasons.

Popularity: Debuting on CBS in 1968, immediately after The Andy Griffith Show ended, Mayberry R.F.D. inherited both its time slot and much of its loyal audience. It finished its first two seasons firmly in the Top 5 Nielsen rankings, securing a place in the weighted Top 25 for the decade despite only running for part of it.

15. ‘My Three Sons’

Premise: The long-running My Three Sons followed widowed aeronautical engineer Steve Douglas as he raised his three sons with the help of various live-in relatives over the years. The series balanced lighthearted humor with stories about the everyday ups and downs of family life, often reflecting changes in American households across the decade.

Cast: Fred MacMurray (Steve Douglas), William Frawley (Michael “Bub” O’Casey, 1960–1965), William Demarest (Charley O’Casey, 1965–1972), Tim Considine (Mike Douglas), Don Grady (Robbie Douglas), Stanley Livingston (Chip Douglas), Barry Livingston (Ernie Thompson/Douglas).

Popularity: Premiering on ABC in 1960 and moving to CBS in 1965, My Three Sons was one of the most durable sitcoms of the 1960s. While it rarely broke into the Top 10, it consistently ranked in the Nielsen Top 25 for seven seasons of the decade.

16. ‘Green Acres’

Premise: Green Acres followed Oliver Wendell Douglas, a successful New York lawyer, and his glamorous wife Lisa as they traded city life for the supposed simplicity of a farm in the quirky town of Hooterville. Oliver dreamed of the idyllic country life, while Lisa clung to her love of high society — and the clash of these worlds fueled the show’s offbeat humor.

Cast: Eddie Albert (Oliver Wendell Douglas), Eva Gabor (Lisa Douglas), Tom Lester (Eb Dawson), Pat Buttram (Mr. Haney), Frank Cady (Sam Drucker), Alvy Moore (Hank Kimball).

Popularity: Premiering on CBS in 1965, Green Acres quickly became a viewer favorite, often appearing in the Nielsen Top 20. Its surreal comedic style, combined with its connection to fellow “rural” CBS hits like Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies, gave it five seasons in the decade’s Top 25.

17. ‘The Jackie Gleason Show’

Premise: A variety series built around the comedic and musical talents of Jackie Gleason, the program featured monologues, musical performances, celebrity guests, and recurring comedy sketches—most famously The Honeymooners. The format allowed Gleason to showcase both his comedic timing and his showmanship as “The Great One.”

Cast: Jackie Gleason (host and performer), Art Carney (Ed Norton in The Honeymooners sketches), Sheila MacRae (Alice Kramden in later years), Jane Kean (Trixie Norton). Guest stars included top singers, comedians and specialty acts of the day.

Popularity: Returning to CBS in 1962 after earlier runs in the 1950s, The Jackie Gleason Show became a Top 25 staple for seven seasons in the 1960s. While its ratings fluctuated, its mix of musical variety and comedy kept it in the national conversation. The revival of The Honeymooners sketches in the mid-’60s proved especially popular.

18. ‘Hogan’s Heroes’

Premise: A World War II-set sitcom, Hogan’s Heroes followed a group of Allied prisoners of war inside the fictional German Stalag 13. Under the leadership of U.S. Colonel Robert Hogan, the prisoners secretly ran an extensive espionage and sabotage operation right under the noses of their bumbling captors.

Cast: Bob Crane (Col. Robert Hogan), Werner Klemperer (Col. Wilhelm Klink), John Banner (Sgt. Hans Schultz), Richard Dawson (Cpl. Peter Newkirk), Robert Clary (Cpl. Louis LeBeau), Larry Hovis (Sgt. Andrew Carter), Ivan Dixon (Sgt. James Kinchloe).

Popularity: Premiering on CBS in 1965, Hogan’s Heroes was a surprise hit, given its unusual premise for a sitcom. It quickly found an audience, ranking in the Nielsen Top 25 for three seasons of the decade and often appearing in the Top 20.

19. ‘Marcus Welby, M.D.’

Premise: This medical drama centered on Dr. Marcus Welby, an experienced and compassionate family physician, and his younger, more modern-minded partner, Dr. Steven Kiley. Together, they treated patients in Santa Monica, California, blending traditional bedside manner with contemporary medical practices.

Cast: Robert Young (Dr. Marcus Welby), James Brolin (Dr. Steven Kiley), Elena Verdugo (Consuelo Lopez).

Popularity: Debuting on ABC in 1969, Marcus Welby, M.D. made an immediate impact, finishing its first full season at #8 in the Nielsen ratings, which was an unusually strong debut for a drama. While it only appeared in the Top 25 for one season in the 1960s, its high placement that year was enough to secure a spot in the decade’s weighted rankings. The show would go on to dominate the early 1970s, becoming one of the most-watched dramas of its era.

20. ‘Petticoat Junction’

Premise: Set in the rural town of Hooterville, Petticoat Junction followed the lives of widowed hotel proprietor Kate Bradley and her three daughters as they ran the Shady Rest Hotel. The series often featured comedic storylines involving hotel guests, the family’s interactions with quirky locals, and the comings and goings on the Hooterville Cannonball train.

Cast: Bea Benaderet (Kate Bradley), Linda Kaye Henning (Betty Jo Bradley), Lori Saunders (Bobbie Jo Bradley), Meredith MacRae (Billie Jo Bradley), Edgar Buchanan (Uncle Joe Carson), Frank Cady (Sam Drucker).

Popularity: Premiering on CBS in 1963, Petticoat Junction became part of the network’s popular “rural comedy” lineup alongside The Beverly Hillbillies and later Green Acres. It appeared in the Nielsen Top 25 for three seasons during the 1960s, often ranking in the Top 15 in its early years. Its cozy humor, rural charm and crossover connections to other CBS hits kept it a viewer favorite in the mid-decade.

21. ‘Mission: Impossible’

Premise: This stylish espionage drama followed the exploits of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), a covert government team tasked with tackling dangerous assignments involving international intrigue, organized crime and political subterfuge. Episodes opened with the now-iconic “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” briefing, followed by the IMF’s elaborate plans and precision teamwork.

Cast: Steven Hill (Dan Briggs, 1966–1967), Peter Graves (Jim Phelps, 1967–1973), Greg Morris (Barney Collier), Peter Lupus (Willy Armitage), Martin Landau (Rollin Hand), Barbara Bain (Cinnamon Carter), Leonard Nimoy (Paris, joined later).

Popularity: Premiering on CBS in 1966, Mission: Impossible quickly built a reputation for its intricate plotting and suspense. It earned a spot in the Nielsen Top 25 for two seasons during the decade, with solid ratings that set the stage for its continued success into the 1970s. The series also won critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards.

22. ‘The Dean Martin Show’

Premise: A variety series built around the laid-back charm of singer, actor and comedian Dean Martin. The show featured musical performances, comedy sketches, celebrity guests, as well as Martin’s trademark off-the-cuff delivery—often appearing to ad-lib and playfully riff with his guests. Its casual, “living room” feel made it stand out from more formally structured variety shows of the era.

Cast: Dean Martin (host), with regular appearances by comedy sketch players, musical guests, and variety acts. Frequent guests included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Dom DeLuise and other members of the “Rat Pack” circle.

Popularity: Debuting on NBC in 1965, The Dean Martin Show quickly found a loyal audience, ranking in the Nielsen Top 25 for three seasons during the 1960s. While it wasn’t a constant Top 10 performer, Martin’s easygoing style and star-studded guest list gave it staying power.

24. ‘The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour’

Premise: A music-and-comedy variety show hosted by country-pop star Glen Campbell. Each week, the series featured a mix of Campbell’s musical performances, comedy sketches,and guest appearances from some of the biggest names in music, television and film. The show blended Campbell’s easygoing personality with his skill as a guitarist and singer.

Cast: Glen Campbell (host), with regular appearances by comedy and music guests. Notable visitors included Johnny Cash, Bobbie Gentry, Cher and Anne Murray.

Popularity: Debuting on CBS in January 1969, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour quickly climbed into the Nielsen Top 25, remaining there for its first two seasons. While it arrived late in the decade, Campbell’s crossover appeal and the variety format’s continued popularity helped the show become one of television’s last major variety successes before the genre began to fade in the 1970s.