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1
I Love Lucy

CBS (ended 1957)

Cuban-born bandleader, Ricky Ricardo, and his wife, Lucy, live in a Brownstone apartment building on East 68th Street in New York City. The beautiful but daffy Lucy has the nasty habit of getting into jams, scrapes, and predicaments of all kinds. The Ricardos' best friends and landlords, Fred and Ethel Mertz, frequently find themselves in the middle of Lucy's outlandish escapades, whether she's plotting to land a part in her husband's nightclub act, determined to write her first novel, or concocting yet another sure-fire "get-rich-quick" scheme. After Lucy gives birth to their only child, Little Ricky, Ricky achieves great success as an entertainer. Ricky is asked to go to Hollywood to star in his first motion picture. Together, the Ricardos and the Mertzes drive to California for Ricky's big break. Along the way, they are held at gunpoint when they try to flee a rundown motel, square-dance their way out of a Tennessee jail, and put on a benefit show for Ethel's hometown friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Once in Hollywood, star-struck Lucy spills a tray of desserts on William Holden, gets trapped in John Wayne's dressing room, and wrestles with with a dog guarding Richard Widmark's estate. By the time Ricky has finished his movie, Lucy has developed quite a reputation, and all of Hollywood is relieved to learn that the redheaded dynamo is on her way home. Shortly after the Ricardos return home to New York, the Ricky Ricardo Orchestra is booked for an extensive European tour, and Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel soon find themselves visiting England, France, Switzerland and Italy, where Lucy ends up barefoot in a vat - stomping grapes in a small vineyard. Back in the States, Lucy and Ricky decide to move to the country so that Little Ricky can enjoy the benefits of "clean, fresh, air and homegrown foods." The Ricardos break the news to Fred and Ethel and buy a home in Westport, Connecticut, but the Ricardos and Mertzes can't stay apart for long, and soon Fred and Ethel relocate to Westport, renting the Ricardos' guest house. With the Mertzes close by, Lucy grows tulips that melt in the sun, learns all about how NOT to raise chickens, battles with a runaway lawn mower, and experiences many other joys that country life has to offer. Nielsen TV Ratings History: #3 in the 1951-1952 season #1 in the 1952-1953 season #1 in the 1953-1954 season #1 in the 1954-1955 season #2 in the 1955-1956 season #1 in the 1956-1957 seasonmoreless
2
Dennis the Menace

CBS (ended 1963)

This is the 1959 CBS live-action situation comedy based on the comic strip by Hank Ketcham. Dennis is portrayed as the helpful menace that always seemed to cause chaos. Dennis Mitchell lived at 627 Elm Street with his parents, Henry and Alice. Next door was his best friend, Mr. Wilson (though the feeling was, certainly, not mutual). Dennis always was around to help Mr. Wilson whether he wanted the help or not. The allure of the series was to see how Dennis would unintentionally mess things up for Mr. Wilson. The series lasted four seasons, but, perhaps, could have lasted longer. Joseph Kearns, the actor who portrayed Mr. George Wilson, died during the show's third season. This left a huge void that even veteran actor Gale Gordon (Mr. John Wilson) couldn't fill. He was introduced toward the end of the third season, and the series was cancelled the following year. Main Title Theme Song "Dennis the Menace" by Irving Friedman CBS Broadcast History October 4, 1959 - September 22, 1963 ---- Sundays ---- 7:30 - 8:00 P.M. Nielsen Ratings - Top 30 Season 1 (1959-60) 16 (26.0) Season 2 (1960-61) 11 (26.1) Season 3 (1961-62) 17 (23.8) Season 4 (1962-63) Not In Top 30 First Telecast: October 4, 1959 Last Telecast: July 7, 1963 Episodes: 146 black-and-white episodesmoreless
3
Tom and Jerry

CBS (ended 1980)

Tom and Jerry was originally the very first, and earliest of the Hanna-Barbera Cartoons. It went through many phases and took place from anywhere from inside a house, to anywhere in outer space. The show was of course, about a cat and a mouse, and several other characters. The two never really talked, even though they do sing, yell, gasp, laugh, count, or say "Aha!!"; and that several other characters spoke more often. They would later end up in several TV series, and also in a few movies, however many would say that they didn't like the way the movies turned out. All of the episodes were distributed by MGM. Here's more info about the show in general: Pilot Episodes: The Pilot Episode was called "Puss Gets The Boot" and was also the first one with Mammy in it. Tom looked very different and was called Jasper. It was produced by Harman-Ising Productions. Fred Quimby: Fred Quimby was the Producer of Tom & Jerry for many years. He is also the Producer of Tex Avery's Cartoons. Tom's fur would eventually become blue. CinemaScope: These cartoons had more people in them. There were narrators, and many conversations between the adults. Lewis Marshall became an Animation Director, and Hanna-Barbera were the Producers. Rembrandt: Only seeing the older Tom & Jerry cartoons, and not having enough information on the show, Ted Pierce, Gene Deich, and William L. Snyder and the rest of the crew had trouble in producing their episodes of Tom & Jerry. Sib Tower 12 Incorporated: One of the last producers of Tom & Jerry, this version has the famous opening with the yellow background and the red letters (except for the 5 letters O and J) where Tom hisses and Jerry waves. The producer was Chuck Jones, and the cartoons look ahead of their time. There were several new characters, including a yellow bulldog, and Tom's Girlfriend, The Shark, Jerry's Dog, and several robots where Tom was a security operator at a cheese mine. Other people that worked on the show were Les Goldman, Maurice Noble, Michael Maltese, Tom Ray, Earl Jonas, Lewis Marshall, Eugene Poddany, Bill Lava, Dean Elliott, Carl Brandt, Mel Blanc, June Foray, Abe Levitow, Ben Washam, Don Foster, and Walter Bien. They would later do several Dr. Seuss cartoons along with Depatie-Freeling Entertainment, the Cricket seties, Duck Dodgers, and many other Award Winning shows. Filmation: Many years later, Filmation attempted to produce Tom & Jerry. It was a TV show called The Tom & Jerry Comedy Show. It seemed to look like all the Tom & Jerry cartoons in the 1950s and 1960s. They also aired and produced some other MGM cartoons, like the ones that are directed by Tex Avery. The episodes of The Tom & Jerry Comedy Show are mentioned here. TV: The New Tom and Jerry Show and The Tom and Jerry Kids Show: HB's TV versions. Neither lasted long, but several people still remember Them. They weren't that violent either. They were about the characters trying to solve everyday problems. Tom & Jerry Kids had other charachers as kids that were also produced by Fred Quimby, Including Tex Avery's Cartoon Characters. Now: Tom & Jerry was recently produced by AOL Time Warner and Turner Home Entertainment. They aren't the best cartoons. Tom and Jerry is currently airing on Cartoon Network! Check your local listings! Every episode of Tom & Jerry can be seen on Cartoon Network and Boomerang for one hour, and also The Sib Tower 12 Inc Cartoons can be seen with The Chuck Jones Show.moreless
4
Father Knows Best

CBS (ended 1960)

Father Knows Best was the classic wholesome family situation comedy. It was set in the typical Midwestern community of Springfield, where Jim Anderson was an agent for the General Insurance Company. Every evening he would come home from work, take off his sport jacket, put on his comfortable sweater, and deal with the everyday problems of a growing family. In contrast to most other family comedies of the period, in which one of the other parents was a blundering idiot, both Jim and his wife Margaret were portrayed as thoughtful, responsible adults. When a family crisis arose, Jim would clam the waters with a warm smile and some sensible advice. When Father Knows Best went on television in 1954, the three children were aged 14 [Bud], and 9 [Kathy]. As the seasons passed two of them graduated from High School, first Betty [1956] and then Bud [1959]. Neither left home, howevery, both electing to go to Springfield's own State College. The Andersons were truly an idealized family, the sort that viewers could relate to and wish to emulate. The children went through the normal problems of growing up, included those concerning school, friends, and members of the opposite sex. They didn't always agree with their parents, but the bickering was miminal, and everything seemed to work out by the end of the half-hour. Father Knows Best began as an NBC radio series in 1948, with Robert Young in the starting role. He was the only member of the radio cast that made the transition to TV in 1954. The TV series was not partculiarly successful at first and CBS cancelled it in March 1955. A flood of viewer protests demanding that the program be reinstated and moved to an earlier time slot so that the whole family could watch it, prompted NBC to pick it up for the following season with an 8:30 p.m. started time. Father Knows Best prospered for the next five years.moreless
5
The Ed Sullivan Show

CBS (ended 1971)

This long-running variety series premiered on June 20, 1948 with the title Toast of the Town. (The Toast of the Town link covers the first 8 seasons of Ed Sullivan.)

The series was re-titled The Ed Sullivan Show on September 25, 1955 (the beginning of the 9th season). Although the name had changed, it remained the same variety show with "something for everyone." There continued to be a diverse guest line-up which included singers, musicians, actors, dancers, comedians, circus acts, plate spinners and acrobats.

But now there was now a new type of guest: the rock 'n' roll performer. While Ed booked a few rock 'n' roll acts on "Toast of the Town," these performers became even more prominent on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

One of the most famous rock 'n' roll acts was, of course, Elvis Presley. Ed had at first scoffed at the idea of booking Elvis, who had already appeared on "Stage Show," "The Milton Berle Show" and "The Steve Allen Show" amid much controversy. But as Elvis' popularity grew, Ed relented and booked him for three appearances.

Then there were the famous Beatles appearances. Legend has it that Ed booked the Beatles without hearing even a note of their music. While visiting England, Sullivan happened to be at Heathrow Airport on October 31, 1963 when the Beatles' plane arrived. The British press and hundreds of fans were there to greet them. Upon seeing all the frenzy, Ed signed the band to appear on his show. Beatlemania was already in full swing when the Beatles arrived at New York's JFK airport on February 7, 1964. On February 9, the Beatles made their "Ed Sullivan" debut. The Beatles' three 1964 Sullivan appearances were among the highest rated TV programs of the 1960's.

In 1967, Ed's NYC studio, Studio 50, was officially re-titled "The Ed Sullivan Theater." The ratings of The Ed Sullivan Show began to drop in 1968. CBS cancelled the series in 1971. The final new show aired on March 28, 1971 which was followed by several weeks of reruns. The series' network run ended on June 6, 1971 (which was a repeat of the February 7, 1971 show). At the time of the cancellation, CBS did not give The Ed Sullivan Show the sendoff that it deserved. Instead of ending with a tribute show focusing on all the great moments of the past 23 years, the show quietly went off the air. But in the 33 years since the series was cancelled, CBS has aired numerous tribute shows giving the series the recognition it deserves.

Syndicated, cable TV and PBS repeats:

In 1980, a "Best of Sullivan" series hosted by John Byner appeared in syndication. Each episode was an edited 30-minute version of the original 1-hour shows. This version has not been broadcast since the 1980's.

Around 1992, a new 30-minute "Ed Sullivan" series was syndicated. These were edited versions of the original shows (but often clips from other episodes were added). This version later appeared on the TV Land cable network (1996-1998).

From 2001 through 2004, PBS stations across the U.S. aired edited versions of The Ed Sullivan Show (usually airing two 30-minute programs back-to-back). These were produced by WQED Multimedia in Pittsburgh. --The first PBS season (2001-02) consisted of the 1990s shows that were edited for commercial TV. To fill in the commercial breaks, WQED added new intros by Shirley Jones. --For the 2002-03 PBS season, WQED publicized a new package of 76 Sullivan shows. (These do not have Shirley Jones.) Ten of these shows have not been seen since their original broadcasts. The other 66 were previously shown in the 1990s but were slightly re-edited with a few "missing" performances restored. This group of Sullivan shows continued into the 2003-04 season.

A different series, titled "Ed Sullivan's Rock 'N' Roll Classics," first appeared in the 1990's on VH1 (in the US). This version features rock and pop music clips taken from various Ed Sullivan episodes. This series is currently available on VHS and DVD.

For information about The Ed Sullivan Show and Toast of the Town, contact: SOFA Entertainment 9121 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 Fax: 310-276-0242 greg.vines@sofaent.com www.sofaentertainment.com Sofa Home Entertainment SOFA Entertainment owns the right to every Ed Sullivan Show and Toast of the Town.

And thanks to Historic Films for their on-line database. Their website has been very helpful in verifing guest lists and other information.moreless
6
The Jack Benny Program

CBS (ended 1965)

Jack Benny made his television debut after a long career in vaudeville, radio and film. During his radio series he cultivated the traits that his television character would have as well. Jack's on-air persona was of a vain, stingy character who always claimed to be age 39. Jack's radio show aired on NBC & CBS from 1932-1955, overlapping the TV show.

Joining him from his radio cast were Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, as Jack's wise-cracking valet; Dennis Day, the naive, somewhat dense tenor who sang on the show; and Don Wilson the announcer.

Seen on a more irregular basis was Mary Livingstone, Jack's real-life wife. On the show Mary did not play Benny's spouse (Jack's character always remained single) but her role was never defined. In Mary's first appearances she played a fan of Jack's; later she portrayed Jack's secretary. Mary, who suffered from stage fright, made few television appearances before retiring from show business in 1959.

Also appearing were: - Frank Nelson (the man who always harassed Jack, greeting him with an obnoxious "YEEESSSS"), - Artie Auerbach (who played Mr. Kitzel), - Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny, who often played Professor LeBlanc, Jack's violin teacher as well as many other roles).

Jack Benny moved into television slowly: - In his first season (1950-1951), he only performed 4 shows. - By the 1951-1952 season, Jack was ready to do 1 show approximately every 6 weeks. - In the third season (1952-1953), the show was broadcast every 4 weeks. - During the 1953-1954 season, The Jack Benny Program aired every 3 weeks. - From 1954-1960, the Benny programs aired every other week, rotating with such shows as Private Secretary and Bachelor Father. - Beginning in the 1960-1961 season, The Jack Benny Program began airing every week.

It is also worth noting that the show moved from CBS to NBC prior to the 1964-65 season.moreless
7
Huckleberry Hound

CBS (ended 1962)

Huckleberry Hound is a blue-haired Southern dog with a fondness for the song, "My Darling, Clementine", and is a jack-of-all-trades cartoon star, appearing as a scientist (trying to neutralize a gigantic, thinking potato), a Scotland Yard detective (chasing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in Victorian London or investigating reports of a mad scientist's Frankenstein-like weiner monster in early-1900s rural England), a Foreign Legion soldier (foiling a renegade Frenchman-turned-Arab), or a modern policeman (trying to subdue an impish ape named Wee Willie). Episodes of this television series begin and end with a Huckleberry cartoon. Sandwiched between them is a cartoon with two mischievous mice, Pixie and Dixie and a cantankerous cat named Mr. Jinks. Sometimes appearing in their stead in the middle cartoon was a free-spirited Hokey Wolf or the "smarter than the average" Yogi Bear.moreless
8
The Abbott and Costello Show

CBS (ended 1954)

The Abbott and Costello show is timeless humor as fresh today as it was 50 years ago. All of Abbott and Costellos classic routines such as 'Whos on first' can be found in this show. This program captures the two when they were at their peak of their comedic poweress. The cast include Mr.Field, Mike the Cop, Stinky, Bacciagalupe and Hillary. These shows stand today as perhaps the finest surviving representation of the art of burlesque comedy.moreless
9
The Honeymooners

CBS (ended 1978)

328 Chauncey Street, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York is where the apartment residences of the Kramdens and the Nortons stand. These four people, fifteen years after the depression are still struggling to make ends meet. Ralph Kramden and Alice Gibson married following his acquiring employment as a bus driver with the Gotham Bus Company. Edward Lillywhite Norton, a sewer worker, and his wife, Thelma 'Trixie', live above the Kramdens. The stories depict the sincere attempts of two men attempting to better their lives, and the ensuing frustrations when their schemes to strike it rich inevitably backfire. Although "The Honeymooners" is one of the best remembered comedy highlights of TV's golden age, it was seen for most of its history as a segment within other programs. In 1951, "The Honeymooners" was first seen as a sketch within DuMont's "Cavalcade of Stars", with Pert Kelton originating the role of Alice and with Art Carney's first appearance as a cop. (See season 12 - Special: Really Lost Debut Episodes). In 1952, Jackie moved his show to CBS as "The Jackie Gleason Show" (see seasons 1-3), Audrey Meadows assumed the role of Alice. On 3/30/1952 Jackie Gleason and Art Carney perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 30) titled "The Ring". Ralph is Jealous of Joe the Jeweler. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. On 5/4/52 Jackie Gleason, Art Carney & Pert Kelton perform a 10 minute "Honeymooners" sketch on "Toast of the Town" (Season 5, Episode 35) titled "The Dance". Ralph & Alice getting dressed for a night out. This sketch can be found on rare "Best of Ed Sullivan" VHS's that float around the internet through various traders. Note: This would be the last time Pert Kelton would portray Alice. In 1955 Gleason wanted a respite from the full-hour live weekly variety show. Thus the "Classic 39" were born (see season 4). It was decided to film a full season of half-hour Honeymooners shows. In 1956, after the less-than-anticipated response to the filmed "Honeymooners", Gleason returned to a regular variety format for 1 additional season (see season 5). In 1957 as part of the final season of "The Jackie Gleason Show", Jackie brought aboard Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy to create what is now known as the 1957 - Trip To Europe musical episodes. On 1/26/1958 Audrey Meadows, Jack Benny and Dennis Day perform a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Jack Benny Program". Jack Benny portrays Ralph & Dennis Day portrays Ed. This sketch can be found on very scarce "Best of Jack Benny" VHS's that float around the internet. In 1962, after a 5 year hiatus from Television, Jackie returned to TV with "Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine" (see season 6). From 1962 to 1964 this show was from New York. Only 2 "Honeymooners" sketches were performed with Sue Ann Langdon taking on the role of Alice and Patricia Wilson as Trixie. In 1964 Jackie moved his "American Scene Magazine" from NY to Miami. To move the entire crew and staff Jackie chartered a train of 14 cars for over 100 passengers and dubbed it "The Great Gleason Express". This would be where the remaining "Honeymooners" would be filmed, though still set in Bensonhurst. In 1966, Audrey Meadows returned for 1 special episode, "The Adoption", a classic Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy musical episode featuring Ralph & Alice's attempt to adopt a baby. This would be the last episode filmed in black & white and is a precursor to what is now known as the "Color Honeymooners" over the next 4 seasons. From 1966 to 1970, the majority of these episodes were Jerry Bresler & Lyn Duddy mini-musicals, now known as the "Color Honeymooners". Sheila MacRea would portray Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. These episodes can be seen on the "American Life TV Network" with all 4 seasons now on DVD. On 1/7/1967 Audrey Meadows & Ray Bolger portray Alice & Ralph Kramden in a "Honeymooners" sketch on "The Hollywood Palace". On 9/30/1968 Jackie appears uncredited as Ralph Kramden in one of the funniest episodes of "Here's Lucy" titled "Lucy Visits Jack Benny". Jack Benny appears as himself. Tis episode appears on "Here's Lucy" DVD Season 1. On 10/11/1973, Jackie Gleason brought "The Honeymooners" back in a 1 time special that aired on CBS titles "Women's Lib" (see season 11). On 5/22/1974, Jackie Gleason and Julie Andrews portray Ralph Kramden & Ed Norton on the special "Julie & Jackie: How Sweet It Is". This would mark the only time Jackie would portray Ralph to anyone else portraying Ed Norton. Jackie always said he could never do Ralph without any other guy other than Art Carney. He kept his word!! And from 1976 to 1978, the last 4 "Honeymooners" were filmed in Miami and Atlantic City (see season 11). These holiday themed specials that aired on ABC would see the return of Audrey Meadows as Alice and Jane Kean as Trixie. On February 6, 1985 Jackie Gleason holds a press conference at New York's "21 Club" with Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph by his side. It is here that Jackie announces that the "The Honeymooners: The Lost Episodes" will make their television debut on Showtime in September 1985. On May 13, 1985 NBC airs "The Honeymooners Reunion" a new special showing numerous clips and scenes of upcoming "Lost Episodes". From May through August 1985 the "Museum of Broadcasting" presents "Discovery: Lost Episodes" airing 17 "Lost Episodes" ready for public viewing. On September 2, 1985 Showtime airs a 3 & 1/2 hour "Lost Episodes Marathon" airing 8 complete "Lost" classics. In September 1986 the "Lost Episodes" made their non-cable debut bumping the total # of "Honeymooners" episodes in syndication from 39 to 118. Thank you Jackie Gleason!! NOTE: This episode guide contains all episodes of "The Honeymooners" that were either sketches as seen on "The Jackie Gleason Show" and "American Scene Magazine" as well as the "Classic 39" and TV specials. Season 12 is set up for "Honeymooners" specials as well as specials that celebrated Jackie Gleason in which "Honeymooners" clips and sketches aired. A new website maintained by the Gleason estate is now up & fully running... http://www.jackiegleason.com/moreless
10
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis

CBS (ended 1963)

The life and loves of a young dreamer as he progresses from high school to a stint in the army and then college. Stories related Dobie's continual thoughts about the future, his running battle with his father over the prospect of acquiring work, his relationship with his "good buddy", slacker Maynard G. Krebs, and his endless romantic heartaches, most of which center around Thalia Menniger, a beautiful, but greedy and self-centered young woman who struggles to improve Dobie and find him the job that will enable him to make "oodles and oodles of money" though not for her, the last hope her family has, but for her family, a sixty-year-old father with a kidney condition, a mother who isn't getting any younger, a sister who married a loafer, and a brother who is becoming a public charge. Season three related Dobie and Maynard's experiences as army privates. In season four, after completing their military service, and still undecided about life, Dobie and Maynard enrolled in college.moreless
11
The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show

CBS (ended 1958)

George Burns and Gracie Allen were among the few successful radio personalities to make the transition to television in the early days of the medium. The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show exuded excellence, with a unique format, interesting plots, a great cast, and virtually non-stop comedy featuring the unparalleled zany wit of Gracie.moreless
12
What's My Line?

CBS (ended 1967)

Welcome to the What's My Line? guide at TV.com! Show Type: Game Show with Panel. First Telecast: February 2, 1950. Last Telecast: September 3, 1967. Producers: Mark Goodson & Bill Todman. Schedule: Currently not being aired on GSN or any other station. Synopsis: What's My Line? was one of network television's longest running and most beloved prime time game shows with a broadcast run of seventeen and one-half years. The game consisted of four panelists trying to guess the occupation of a guest contestant. As the questioning rotated, a panel member asked questions and the guest would answer either "yes" or "no." A contestant received $5 for each "no" answer. Ten "no" answers ended the game in favor of the contestant. A mystery guest segment was also included in which the panelists were blindfolded. The mystery guests were paid $500 as an appearance fee whether they won or lost the game. This was in addition to the maximum $50 game winnings. Guest panelists were paid $750 as an appearance fee. The regular panelists were under contract and were paid "much more" stated Gil Fates in his 1978 What's My Line? book. From 1950-1967, John Daly hosted the "classic" CBS What's My Line?, to which this site is devoted. In September 1968, What's My Line? was revived as a syndicated daily show (M-F) which lasted until 1975. Thanks for visiting us! Enjoy your stay! And now... TIME FOR EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE GUESSING GAME!moreless
13
The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour

CBS (ended 1960)

"The Lucy Desi Comedy Hour" is the syndicated title of "The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show," a series of hour-long specials that continued the "I Love Lucy" saga. Housewife Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) lives in Westport Connecticut, with her bandleader husband, Ricky (real-life husband Desi Arnaz,) and their son, Ricky Jr. (Keith Theibodeaux.) Always nearby are the couple's best friends Fred and Ethel Mertz (William Frawley and Vivian Vance.)

Ricky's job as an entertainer requires him to travel a lot. As a result, he often takes Lucy, little Ricky, and the Mertzes with him to far-off places as Japan and Mexico. Ricky's career also allows him to meet many famous celebrities, from Betty Grable to Ida Lupino. Of course, when Lucy meets up with these celebrities, chaos naturally ensues. "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" premiered in 1957, and ended its run in 1960 when the two stars (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) divorced.moreless
14
The Goldbergs

CBS (ended 1953)

"Yoo-hoo,Mrs. Bloom" calls each of us to the intimate daily gossip of this warm ethnic family comedy. Gertrude Berg starred in the show and won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of "Molly" the Jewish Mother who cared a lot about everyone.moreless
15
Quick Draw MCGraw

CBS (ended 1966)

Quick Draw was usually depicted in his shorts (which were set in the American Old West) as a sheriff. Quick Draw was often accompanied by his deputy, a Mexican burro with a stereotypical Spanish accent named Baba Looey, who was also voiced by Butler. Quick Draw was depicted as a satire of the westerns that were popular among the American public at the time. His personality was well intentioned, but somewhat dim; oftentimes, Baba Looey would make a more accurate assessment of the problem at hand than Quick Draw would. Whenever that happened, Quick Draw would often utter his catchphrase: "Now hoooooold on thar, Baba Looey! I'll do the thinnin' [thinking] around here, and doooon't you forget it!" Quick Draw also spoke with a heavy drawl, as shown by his catchphrase. Although Quick Draw was himself a horse, this did not stop the show's producers from depicting him riding into town on a "real" horse, or, as seen in the show's opening credits, driving a stagecoach pulled by "real" horses into a town. This aspect was made light of in the 1980s made-for-television film The Good, the Bad, and Huckleberry Hound, which featured Quick Draw. In a series of episodes, Quick Draw would also assume the identity of the masked vigilante, "El Kabong" (a parody of Zorro). As El Kabong, Quick Draw would attack his foes by swooping down on a rope and hitting them on the head with an acoustic guitar, producing a distinctive kabong sound and destroying the guitar in the process. Quick Draw McGraw's supporting characters in The Quick Draw McGraw Show's two other segments were Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy, a father-and-son pair of dogs, and Snooper and Blabber, a pair of detectives who were a cat and a mouse.moreless
16
The Heckle and Jeckle Show

CBS (ended 1971)

Heckle and Jeckle are inseparable magpies (presumedly twin brothers), identical in appearance but distinguishably different in personality. Though both are remarkably witty, there are noticable differences between them, such as Heckle spoke with a Brooklyn (NY) accent, while Jeckle has a refined British accent. Together, they sought to con free meals and shelter especially out of the upper class, who in all honesty, presented little difficulty for the clever and mischievous birds.

The synopses came from the Big Cartoon Database website. Deepest gratitude to whoever did these synopses!

CAST:

Heckle, magpie. Mischievous and witty, a tough bird with a Brooklyn accent.

Jeckle, magpie. Heckle's twin who is also mischievous and witty, but is more refined and speaks with a British accent.

Dimwit, hound. A hapless dog who is always the poor "victim" of Heckle and Jeckle.

Spike, bulldog. Also a victim of the magpies, but tougher than Dimwit.

YOUR HELP NEEDED! If you have a good screen-grab picture of Spike, I'd love to post it here! Please let me know if you do. Thanks in advance. (I have a screenshot of the dog, which in the comics was unofficially named Chesty. Copy and paste http://www.geocities.com/chris_30040/bulldog.jpg to see the shot, it's from the cartoon "Goony Golfers".

Of additional note, a 1964 proposed cartoon, "Mechanical Trouble," was storyboarded but never animated.)moreless
17
Mama

CBS (ended 1957)

Mama, based on the stage and screen classics I Remember Mama (which in turn were derived from Kathryn Forbe's bookMama's Bank Account), was a long-running program that dates from the earliest days of network television. Mixing simple humor with some mild dramatic situations, the show centered around the happenings of the Norwegian Hansen family in early 20th century San Francisco. The primary characters were Mama and Papa Hansen and their children, though the extended family was also highlighted. Members of the cast were noted for touring during the short Summer hiatus, giving theatrical performances of episodes around the country.

For much of its history, episodes of the series were broadcast live (from New York City) and the fragile kinescope copies used for broadcast on the West coast were unsuitable for re-runs or syndication and are now mostly gone. In most cases, the remaining handful of kinescopes belong(ed) to cast members from the series. Any surviving examples of early episodes are very rare.

The final season of the series (the only episodes to be filmed) was composed of Sunday network broadcasts and others that were later added to regional syndication packages.moreless
18
Professional Father

CBS (ended 1955)

coming soon
19
The Dennis O'Keefe Show

CBS (ended 1960)

Dennis O'Keefe played Hal Towne, a widower who had a newspaper column called "All Around Towne." Other characters included Hal's son, Randy; his housekeeper, Sarge; and his girlfriend, Karen.
20
The Road Runner Show

CBS (ended 1968)

Originally, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner were the stars of Warner Bros. theatrical cartoons. Like their contemporaries, they were packaged into Saturday morning's The Bugs Bunny Show, but by 1966, the two had become popular enough to earn their own spin-off. Created by legendary animator Chuck Jones, the series had a simple premise: The coyote, who was very hungry, tried to catch the Road Runner, who was very fast. Wile E. would try anything to catch his prey, utilizing a wide variety of products from the Acme Company (rocket skates, giant magnets, foot springs, etc.) Regardless of the scheme, it would always backfire, and Wile E. would end up trapping, flattening, or blowing himself up. The coyote was persistent, though. No matter how many failures he met with, no matter how many times he fell off a cliff, no matter how many signs he held up with the word “Ouch!” written on them, he refused to give up. Signs were the only way Wile E. communicated in his shorts with the Road Runner, and the bird only spoke the two-word catchphrase, “Beep Beep!” The cartoons took place in the desert, giving the bird a wide variety of boulders and cacti with which to crush or impale the coyote. The Road Runner cartoons are remembered fondly because of the simplicity of the tales. The plot stayed the same, while the action was different every time. Each episode even started the same way, with a shot of the Road Runner and his fake Latin name in parentheses underneath (birdicus speeedicus), then the same bit with the Coyote (famishus unbelievacus). The names would change each episode. While this particular Warner Bros. cartoon was, hands down, the most violent, it was also one of the most popular. The lack of dialogue made it simple enough for even the smallest child to understand exactly what the Coyote was planning and to enjoy the inevitable outcome. The Road Runner Show Premiered in 1966 on CBS and was replaced in 1968 by the Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour. The format of this 30 minute show was as follows: Beginning - Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote short Middle - Tweety & Sylvester short End - one of any classic Looney Tunes shorts, such as Bugs Bunny, Speedy Gonzales, Foghorn Leghorn, Pepe Le Pew, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, or Daffy Duck.moreless
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