The Greatest Shows of the 1960s, Ranked
This list of the best '60s TV shows ranks the decade's shows from best to worst based on your votes and votes from other television fans. It was in the 1960s that television first began to produce "water cooler" programs. These were shows that needed to be discussed right away. If you missed a certain program, it was possible that you’d miss out on a huge cultural event. Shows like Dragnet, The Fugitive, and The Avengers offered suspense and action to large audiences. Sitcoms, and those who starred in them, were huge phenomena.
Shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Donna Reed Show, and The Andy Griffith Show were showcases for the biggest talents in the United States. Other sitcoms like Gilligan’s Island, I Dream of Jeannie, and Bewitched were huge hits that were remembered for decades to come. The Carol Burnett Show was the beginning of the variety and sketch show trend that would continue into the '70s, '80s, and '90s.
What are your favorite shows from the '60s? What were the most memorable programs from the 1960s? This list features the top television shows of the '60s that would go on to be remembered in television history, so vote up the best shows of the decade.
- 1October 2, 1959
- Actors: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts
- Network: CBS
- Genres: Fantasy,Science Fiction,Thriller
This groundbreaking anthology series, created and hosted by Rod Serling, captivated audiences with its clever twists, thought-provoking moral dilemmas, and haunting final revelations. Each standalone episode delves into the utterly bizarre, tackling topics such as supernatural occurrences and ghastly technological dangers. The show's unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and psychological horror remains influential to this day, inspiring countless modern television series and films.
- 2September 8, 1966
- Actors: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols
- Network: NBC
- Genres: Adventure,Fantasy,Science Fiction
Breaking new ground in both science fiction storytelling and progressive social commentary, Gene Roddenberry's visionary series chronicled the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk, First Officer Spock, and their dedicated crew aboard the USS Enterprise. As they explored strange new worlds and encountered fascinating aliens, the series challenged societal norms and tackled thought-provoking issues, all while showcasing innovative special effects, memorable villains, and iconic catchphrases that have stood the test of time.
- 3October 27, 1954
- Actors: Walt Disney, Kevin Corcoran, Paul Frees
- Network: Public Broadcasting Service, Disney Channel, CBS, American Broadcasting Company, NBC
- Genres: Animation, Anthology, Anthology series, Variety show
Premiering at a time when color television was just beginning to gain traction, this anthology program provided wholesome entertainment for the whole family. Through a mix of animation, live-action, and documentary-style segments, viewers were transported to realms of pure imagination, exploring the wonders of the natural world and meeting the beloved characters of classic Disney tales.
- 4September 24, 1964
- Actors: Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis, Patrick Lilly, Pat Priest
- Network: CBS
- Genres: Comedy
Adding a twist to the traditional family sitcom, this ghoulish comedy centered around Herman Munster, his vampire wife Lily, and their oddball relatives living in a spooky mansion in a seemingly normal American suburb. The show consistently amused audiences with its unique brand of macabre humor, endearing characters, and over-the-top antics as the monstrous clan faced various fish-out-of-water situations and misunderstandings.
- 5October 3, 1960
- Actors: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts, Frances Bavier, Elinor Donahue
- Network: CBS
- Genres: Comedy
Set in the fictional small town of Mayberry, this beloved sitcom portrayed the life of kindhearted Sheriff Andy Taylor as he navigated family matters and municipal challenges with a firm yet gentle hand. Supported by an unforgettable cast of quirky characters—including bumbling deputy Barney Fife, endearing son Opie, and wise Aunt Bee—the show celebrated the charms of rural life and the importance of community and friendship.
- 6September 30, 1960
- Actors: Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc, Bea Benaderet, Don Messick
- Network: ABC
- Genres: Animation,Comedy,Kids
As television's first prime-time animated series, this groundbreaking hit introduced viewers to the prehistoric lives of Fred Flintstone, his wife Wilma, and their family, friends, and neighbors in the town of Bedrock. Featuring an array of hilarious Stone Age humor, including pun-based technology and satirical takes on modern American culture, the show's enduring appeal ensured that neither nostalgia nor an appetite for clever witticisms was lost to the sands of time.
