The Best Sitcoms Of The '50s
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In the 1950s, television was still in its infancy. People in the television business were still learning how to best create entertainment that went straight into people’s homes. It was important to create worthwhile, quality TV shows, to further the popularity of the medium. One of the biggest genres in televised programming of the 1950s were sitcoms: short, funny programs, featuring the top comedians of the decade.
While there weren’t as many sitcoms airing in the '50s as there are today, due to fewer competing networks, many became instant classics and created entertainment superstars. I Love Lucy was one such sitcom that stood above the rest. It made Lucille Ball the biggest star of the day and still airs on television, in reruns, to this day, with a legion of mega-fans behind it. Other shows like The Honeymooners, Father Knows Best, and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet were so popular that new episodes became household events.
What are the best '50s sitcoms? Did the sitcoms you think are best make the list? Are they still as fresh today as they were 70 years ago? Take a look and vote the best 1950s sitcoms to the top.
- 1CBS
- Actors: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley
- Premiered: October 15, 1951
The iconic I Love Lucy set an unparalleled standard for sitcoms with its incomparable blend of slapstick humor, lovable characters, and unforgettable moments. Starring the inimitable Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo and Desi Arnaz as her husband Ricky, this groundbreaking show revolved around their zany adventures and heartwarming relationship. With a talented supporting cast including Vivian Vance as Ethel Mertz and William Frawley as Fred Mertz, the series consistently delivered laughs while addressing relatable everyday situations. I Love Lucy's impact on television history cannot be overstated, from its pioneering use of a live studio audience to its enduring influence on modern comedy.
- 2CBS, ABC
- Actors: Hugh Beaumont, Barbara Billingsley, Tony Dow, Jerry Mathers
- Premiered: October 4, 1957
Leave It to Beaver offered a lighthearted look at American family life in the 1950s through the eyes of young Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver. Played by Jerry Mathers, Beaver navigated childhood alongside his brother Wally (Tony Dow) under the watchful eyes of their parents June (Barbara Billingsley) and Ward (Hugh Beaumont). The show expertly balanced humor with moral lessons, making it both entertaining and educational for audiences of all ages. Leave It to Beaver's wholesome charm resonates even today, providing a nostalgic glimpse into a simpler time.
- 3
- Actors: Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadows, Art Carney, Joyce Randolph, Sheila MacRae
- Premiered: October 1, 1955
A true classic in every sense, The Honeymooners showcased Jackie Gleason's comedic genius as Ralph Kramden, a New York City bus driver with big dreams but limited means. Alongside his long-suffering wife Alice (Audrey Meadows) and quirky neighbors Ed Norton (Art Carney) and Trixie (Joyce Randolph), Ralph embarked on countless get-rich-quick schemes that inevitably led to hilarious consequences. The show's timeless humor was matched only by its remarkable influence on future sitcoms such as The Flintstones and The King of Queens.
- 4CBS, NBC
- Actors: Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray, Lauren Chapin
- Premiered: October 3, 1954
Father Knows Best delivered a heartwarming portrait of the Anderson family, led by patriarch Jim Anderson (Robert Young) and his wife Margaret (Jane Wyatt). The show depicted their daily lives raising three children – Betty (Elinor Donahue), Bud (Billy Gray), and Kathy (Lauren Chapin) – with a perfect balance of humor and realism. This wholesome sitcom tackled relatable issues with nuance and grace, providing valuable life lessons for viewers while maintaining its entertaining charm. Father Knows Best's enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless themes and strong character development.
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- Actors: George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bea Benaderet
- Premiered: 1950
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show was an innovative sitcom that cleverly blended domestic comedy with vaudeville-style humor. Starring real-life couple George Burns and Gracie Allen as fictionalized versions of themselves, the series followed their antics both on stage and at home. With its unique mix of wit, slapstick, and self-awareness, the show broke new ground in television comedy, paving the way for future series like Seinfeld. The chemistry between Burns and Allen was undeniable, making them one of the most beloved duos in entertainment history.
- 6CBS, NBC
- Actors: Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Frank Nelson, Artie Auerbach, Mel Blanc
- Premiered: October 28, 1950
The Jack Benny Program showcased the comedic talents of its titular star as he played an exaggerated version of himself – a vain, miserly entertainer with a penchant for absurd situations. Supported by a talented cast including Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Don Wilson, Dennis Day, and Mary Livingstone, Benny navigated hilarious scenarios that often blurred the lines between his real life and his onstage persona. This influential series set a high standard for situational comedy while demonstrating Benny's remarkable ability to poke fun at himself.
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