The Hippest Show on TV
For each year. These shows were the hippest in the prime time line-up of the networks. Some were hits and some weren't. Some were controversial. Some weren't. But these were the shows that it was hip to watch. I'm listing the top for each season, so the shows might have been hip in other seasons, just not the hippest because some other show was hipper.
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- StarsMarc ConnellyGeorge KeaneDon HanmerProduced by the ABC as its television network was just getting off the ground, this program was one of the first dramatic series television to attract top-name actors and actresses. Performing plays by such authors as Poe and Thurber, cast members included current well-known performers like Julie Harris and Cloris Leachman, as well as up-and-coming talents like Marlon Brando. The series was renamed "The Play's the Thing" midway through its final season.ABC 1948/1949
- StarsMarc ConnellyGeorge KeaneDon HanmerProduced by the ABC as its television network was just getting off the ground, this program was one of the first dramatic series television to attract top-name actors and actresses. Performing plays by such authors as Poe and Thurber, cast members included current well-known performers like Julie Harris and Cloris Leachman, as well as up-and-coming talents like Marlon Brando. The series was renamed "The Play's the Thing" midway through its final season.NBC 1949/1950
- StarsJack BennyEddie 'Rochester' AndersonDon WilsonThe comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.CBS 1950/1951
- StarsJack BennyEddie 'Rochester' AndersonDon WilsonThe comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.CBS 1951/1952
- StarsErnie KovacsEdie AdamsPat WhiteAn American comedy show, hosted by comedian Ernie Kovacs who often changed the show's format during its run. It was variously retooled as a daytime show, prime-time show, late-night show, and talk show. The show was originally created for Philadelphia's television market, but was then broadcast nationally.CBS 1952/1953
- StarsEdward R. MurrowHoward K. SmithHarry S. TrumanThis show was an irregularly scheduled hour long program that gave more complete coverage of issues. The show consisted of 'Edward R. Murrow (I)' sitting in the New York studio talking about the topic of the week. The most significant show was on 9 March 1954 during the McCarthy Era. Murrow showed a series of film clips of Senator Joseph McCarthy and revealed how shallow he was and how he lied to promote his programs. Other major shows were: 20 October 1953: "The Case Against Milo Radulovich, AO589839" that revealed how the US Air Force was trying to discharge Lieutenant Radulovich because it was suspected that his Serbian father and sister were Communist sympathizers; after the show, the Secretary of the Air Force, Harold E. Talbott, reviewed the case and Radulovich was reinstated. 24 November 1953: "Argument in Indianapolis" revealed how the local American Legion post refused to allow the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to use their hall.CBS 1953/1954
- StarsGeorge GobelJeff DonnellJohn Scott TrotterFor Gobel's half-hour series, he used a successful comedy format of a monologue segment, followed by a story set up segment, then a musical interlude with the show's girl singer, then the main skit with the guest performers.NBC 1954/1955
- StarsErnie KovacsEdie AdamsPat WhiteAn American comedy show, hosted by comedian Ernie Kovacs who often changed the show's format during its run. It was variously retooled as a daytime show, prime-time show, late-night show, and talk show. The show was originally created for Philadelphia's television market, but was then broadcast nationally.NBC 1955/1956
- StarsJack BarryCharles Van DorenHerb StempelTwo contestants were placed in separate isolation booths. Each player in turn would be given a category and asked how many points, from 1 to 11, he wanted to risk. Points increased with the questions difficulty. A correct answer earned the stated number of points, whereas a wrong answer would result in the points being deducted from the player's score. The first player to get 21 points won, unless the other player matched the score and forced a tie. Players could also end the game early if they felt they had enough points to win.NBC 1956/1957
- CreatorRoy HugginsStarsJack KellyJames GarnerRoger MooreBret and Bart Maverick are well-dressed gamblers who migrate from town to town always looking for a good game.ABC 1957/1958
- CreatorRoy HugginsStarsJack KellyJames GarnerRoger MooreBret and Bart Maverick are well-dressed gamblers who migrate from town to town always looking for a good game.ABC 1958/1959
- CreatorRod SerlingStarsRod SerlingRobert McCordJay OverholtsOrdinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.CBS 1959/1960
- CreatorRod SerlingStarsRod SerlingRobert McCordJay OverholtsOrdinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.CBS 1960/1961
- StarsErnie KovacsEdie AdamsPat WhiteAn American comedy show, hosted by comedian Ernie Kovacs who often changed the show's format during its run. It was variously retooled as a daytime show, prime-time show, late-night show, and talk show. The show was originally created for Philadelphia's television market, but was then broadcast nationally.ABC 1961/1962
- CreatorCarl ReinerStarsDick Van DykeMary Tyler MooreRose MarieThe misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.CBS 1962/1963
- CreatorCarl ReinerStarsDick Van DykeMary Tyler MooreRose MarieThe misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.CBS 1963/1964
- CreatorDavid LevyStarsJohn AstinCarolyn JonesJackie CooganThe misadventures of a blissfully macabre but extremely loving family.ABC 1964/1965
- StarsDean MartinThe Dingaling SistersKen LaneDean Martin hosts, with several celebrities as guests. There are musical acts and comedy sketches that break down comedy, racial, and sexual barriers all at the same time.NBC 1965/1966
- CreatorPaul MazurskyLarry TuckerStarsDavy JonesMicky DolenzPeter TorkThe misadventures of a struggling pop group.NBC 1966/1967
- StarsTom SmothersDick SmothersPat PaulsenThe Smothers Brothers host a comedy variety show that became notorious for its topical satirical humor.CBS 1967/1968
- StarsTom SmothersDick SmothersPat PaulsenThe Smothers Brothers host a comedy variety show that became notorious for its topical satirical humor.CBS 1968/1969
- CreatorDigby WolfeStarsDan RowanDick MartinGary OwensThe original rapid fire sketch comedy show.NBC 1969/1970
- CreatorDigby WolfeStarsDan RowanDick MartinGary OwensThe original rapid fire sketch comedy show.NBC 1970/1971
- CreatorNorman LearStarsCarroll O'ConnorJean StapletonRob ReinerA working class man constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.CBS 1971/1972
- CreatorChris BeardeStarsSonny BonoCherTed ZeiglerA variety show with comedy skits and musical numbers, performed by a regular cast and special guests.CBS 1972/1973