Television shows are constantly changing, but some from the 1960s remain popular even now. The decade brought huge advancements to TV, most notably the switch from black and white to color. Families would gather around sets that look very different today, enjoying the popularity of variety shows and a surge in creative programming, much like the excitement surrounding the space race.
Most TV shows eventually become forgotten as time passes, but a few remain popular and meaningful. Surprisingly, many shows from the 1960s are still enjoyed today, and are readily available to watch on streaming services or free channels for anyone wanting a nostalgic experience.
Star Trek: The Original Series Continues to Influence Sci-Fi
Star Trek: The Original Series, often just called Star Trek, first aired from September 8, 1966, to June 3, 1969, and included 79 episodes over three seasons. Created by Gene Roddenberry, this influential science fiction show centers on the adventures of the crew aboard the USS Enterprise as they journey through the Milky Way galaxy. The crew is led by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), along with Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley).
The Star Trek franchise now offers a wide variety of content, but the original series remains special thanks to its nostalgic charm and is well worth revisiting. Its early exploration of futuristic concepts was groundbreaking, and episodes like “The City on the Edge of Forever” (Season 1, Episode 28) are still compelling today. Considering when it was made, the show boasts impressive effects, unforgettable characters, and a consistently engaging pace.
Star Trek: The Original Series is available to stream on Paramount+.
I Dream of Jeannie Is an Ultimate Feel-Good Sitcom
I Dream of Jeannie was a popular fantasy sitcom that ran from September 1965 to May 1970. Created by Sidney Sheldon, the show has 139 episodes across five seasons, and changed formats starting with the second season. It stars Barbara Eden as Jeannie, a genie who moves in with the astronaut who accidentally freed her, Tony Nelson, played by Larry Hagman.
This 1960s sitcom remains enjoyable for viewers of all ages, which is why it’s still so popular. The lead actors, Eden and Hagman, both give strong performances, and their on-screen chemistry is fantastic. The show is full of jokes that still feel fresh, the plot keeps things interesting, and it has a consistently lighthearted and fun vibe.
I Dream of Jeannie is available to stream for free on Tubi and the Roku Channel.
Bonanza Was a Groundbreaking Western Series
Bonanza first aired in September 1959, just before the start of the 1960s, and ran until January 1973. Created by David Dortort, the show spanned 14 seasons and a total of 431 episodes. Set in the 1860s, Bonanza centers on the Cartwright family – Ben, Adam, Hoss, Little Joe, and their adopted son Jamie – and follows their lives, adventures, and the challenges they face together.
Many Westerns have appeared on TV over the years, but Bonanza remains particularly beloved. A key to its success is that it differs from typical Westerns by prioritizing family and relationships over action-packed scenes like gunfights and chases. This focus on character and connection, brought to life by a strong cast, is what makes the show so compelling.
The Beverly Hillbillies’ Timeless Humor Makes It a Beloved Classic
I absolutely loved watching the Clampetts! It was such a fun show about a family who struck gold and moved from the simple life in the Ozark Mountains to the totally different world of Beverly Hills. Seeing them navigate that change – and all the hilarious chaos that came with it – was just brilliant. It ran for nine seasons, with 274 episodes, starting back in 1962, and it still makes me laugh today!
I absolutely love The Beverly Hillbillies! It’s one of those shows that still makes me laugh, even today. What’s amazing is that it’s funny without ever being mean or crossing a line. I find the Clampett family and the folks they meet in Beverly Hills so interesting, especially when their different ways of life collide. It’s a pretty simple story, but it’s really well-developed, and the whole show just has this wonderfully charming feel to it.
The series is free to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The Twilight Zone Was a Sci-Fi Anthology Ahead of Its Time
Running for 156 episodes from October 2, 1959, to June 19, 1964, this sci-fi anthology series created by Rod Serling explores the supernatural, paranormal, and other strange occurrences. Each episode features a unique cast and is framed by Serling’s iconic opening and closing narrations.
I revisited The Twilight Zone today, and wow, it really holds up. For a show from the 60s, it was shockingly innovative. While the anthology format itself is cool, it’s the way these stories are told that elevates it to brilliance. Every episode feels fully realized and moves at a perfect clip. There’s definitely a spooky vibe throughout, but it’s more unsettling than outright scary, and honestly, it’s packed with characters and moments you just don’t forget. It’s a true classic for a reason.
The CBS series is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+.
The Andy Griffith Show Defines the Decade
The Andy Griffith Show aired from October 1960 to April 1968, totaling 249 episodes across eight seasons. The final 90 episodes were filmed in color. The show stars Andy Griffith as Andy Taylor, the sheriff of the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Throughout the series, Andy is shown to be a capable and well-liked lawman, though he often finds himself caught up in humorous predicaments, usually involving his fellow officer, Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts).
When it comes to classic television, The Andy Griffith Show stands out as truly exceptional. Its characters are consistently well-developed and relatable, making the town of Mayberry feel incredibly authentic. The show’s humor is gentle and comes from the personalities of the characters, rather than complicated storylines. By focusing on ordinary life and everyday experiences, it appeals to viewers of all ages and remains enjoyable even today.
The show is available to stream on Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount+.
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2026-01-08 07:40