TV in the 1950s!

Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1950s

The fifties was television’s infancy, it was known as an era where some genuinely great shows aired but also as a time where a large number of schlocky programs existed. Here's someone's opinion of the best of the 1950. What do you think?

Of course, any list of seminal television programs of the fifties would include The Honeymooners and The Lone Ranger. Alfred Hitchcock Presents is a rare dramatic series that holds up well today. Leave It To Beaver holds up as well, thanks to strong scripts and a stellar cast. Couldn’t say the same for The Ed Sullivan Show but it was the electronic venue that made Elvis a superstar.

There are some terrific episodes of Perry Mason but I don’t think most modern folks would find very much to enjoy about Father Knows Best. I don’t find it the least bit funny.

Lassie might seem out of place given the rural setting reflecting an American lifestyle that no longer exists. At the time it was pretty realistic, most people back then lived on farms or in small towns. I loved that show as a kid.

Gunsmoke continues to entertain audiences on cable today. As for Dennis the Menace being the number one of this Top Ten list - not in my book. I would have added Amos ’n’ Andy to this list but I can understand why it didn’t make the cut, too controversial.