In the 1960s, television became a central part of American life, with most households owning a set. Programming reflected the era’s focus on the Cold War, the Space Race, and mysteries of the human mind. Many shows featured memorable quotes that Baby Boomers continue to repeat today.
To find the most memorable lines or quotes from television in the 1960s, 24/7 Tempo consulted various culture-themed sites such as ClickAmerica, the website Quotecatalog.com, and media sites such as Reader’s Digest, and Internet Movie Database (IMDb) to compile our list.
Science fiction shows like “Star Trek” and “Lost in Space” allowed viewers to explore new frontiers. Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone” opened the door to imagination. Trusted news anchors like Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley, and David Brinkley reported on current events.
From sci-fi catchphrases like “To boldly go where no man has gone before” to Cronkite’s sign-off “And that’s the way it is,” 1960s TV offered sayings that resonate with nostalgia for many viewers. Though decades have passed, these unforgettable lines capture the spirit of the times. (Also See The Best Spy Shows of All Time.)
Scroll below to see TV lines kids from the 60s still remember.
“Good night, and may God bless”
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
- Who said it: Red Skelton
- Show: The Red Skelton Show
- Time on air: 1951-1971
“Goodnight, Chet. Goodnight, David”
Source: NBC Television / Archive Photos via Getty Images
Source: NBC Television / Archive Photos via Getty Images
- Who said it: David Brinkley, Chet Huntley
- Show: The Huntley-Brinkley Report
- Time on air: 1956-1970
“There are 8 million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them.”
Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures
- Who said it: Narrator
- Show: The Naked City
- Time on air: 1958-1963
“Picture if you will”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Rod Serling
- Show: The Twilight Zone
- Time on air: 1959-1964
“Yabba Dabba Do”
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company
- Who said it: Fred Flintstone
- Show: The Flintstones
- Time on air: 1960-1966
“The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.”
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
- Who said it: Jim McKay
- Show: ABC’s Wide World of Sports
- Time on air: 1961-
“I’m smarter than the average bear”
Source: Columbia Pictures
Source: Columbia Pictures
- Who said it: Yogi Bear
- Show: The Yogi Bear Show
- Time on air: 1961-1962
“Oh Rob!”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Laura Petrie
- Show: The Dick Van Dyke Show
- Time on air: 1961-1966
“Y’all come back now, ya hear?”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Jed Clampett
- Show: The Beverly Hillbillies
- Time on air: 1962-1971
“And that’s the way it is.”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
N/A
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Walter Cronkite
- Show: CBS Evening News With Walter Cronkite
- Time on air: 1962-1981
“Heeeere’s Johnny!”
Source: NBC Television / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Source: NBC Television / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
- Who said it: Ed McMahon
- Show: The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson
- Time on air: 1962-1992
“There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission.”
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company
- Who said it: Narrator
- Show: The Outer Limits
- Time on air: 1963-1965
“Hey, little buddy”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: The Skipper
- Show: Gilligan’s Island
- Time on air: 1963-1968
“You rang?”
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- Who said it: Lurch
- Show: The Addams Family
- Time on air: 1964-1966
“Surprise, surprise, surprise!”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Gomer Pyle
- Show: Gomer Pyle: USMC
- Time on air: 1964-1969
“Danger, Will Robinson!”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: The Robot
- Show: Lost in Space
- Time on air: 1965-1968
“Would you believe⦔
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Maxwell Smart
- Show: Get Smart
- Time on air: 1965-1970
“I see nothing; I know nothing.”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Sgt. Schultz
- Show: Hogan’s Heroes
- Time on air: 1965-1971
“Holy ….!”
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- Who said it: Robin
- Show: Batman
- Time on air: 1966-1968
“Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.”
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
Source: Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- Who said it: Narrator
- Show: Batman
- Time on air: 1966-1968
“… to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
- Who said it: Captain James Kirk
- Show: Star Trek
- Time on air: 1966-1969
“Live long, and prosper.”
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
- Who said it: Mr. Spock
- Show: Star Trek
- Time on air: 1966-1969
“And away we go.”
Source: Gary Winogrand / Getty Images
Source: Gary Winogrand / Getty Images
- Who said it: Jackie Gleason
- Show: The Jackie Gleason Show
- Time on air: 1966-1970
“This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Unidentified government voice
- Show: Mission: Impossible
- Time on air: 1966-1973
“Mom always liked you best”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
N/A
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Tommy Smothers
- Show: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
- Time on air: 1967-1969
“Just the facts, ma’am”
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
- Who said it: Joe Friday
- Show: Dragnet 1967
- Time on air: 1967-1970
“‘Sock it to me!”
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
- Who said it: Judy Carne, cast members, guest stars
- Show: Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In
- Time on air: 1967-1973
“Book ’em, Danno!”
Source: Courtesy of CBS
Source: Courtesy of CBS
- Who said it: Steve McGarrett
- Show: Hawaii Five-0
- Time on air: 1968-1980