Classic TV Shows No One Remembers Anymore

Back in 1959, “Laramie” was one of the most popular shows you could watch. It followed Jess Harper, Slim Sherman, and his family members who were doing their best to maintain the family farm after their dad passed away. The name comes from the town where you can find the University of Wyoming. The show ran until 1963 and maintains a 7.7/10 on IMDb.

The 1950s was a great time for western television shows. “The Rifleman” is just another example of a classic. This show was on air from 1958 to 1963. It followed Lucas McCain (played by Chuck Conners) and his son Mark (played by Johnny Crawford) as they move onto their new life in New Mexico. The show was popular amongst both fans and critics, with an 8.3 on IMDb.

You can’t mention classic shows without talking about “The Twilight Zone.” Instead of following one set group of characters around, each episode featured a new set of characters with varied stories to tell. Fans immediately fell in love with the show, helping it run from 1959 to 1964. It helped that the stories told were science fiction. They brought an idea of what the future might consist of into the current reality. The show boasts an impressive 9.1/10 on IMDb thanks to its creativity.

Imagine marrying your soulmate only to find out they have magical powers. That’s what happened to Darrin Stephens when he married Samantha in the 1960s classic, “Bewitched.” The rift between Samantha’s mother who wants her to use her powers, and Darrin who doesn’t, made for eight great seasons of television. The show received praise and a 7.6/10 on IMDb.

Batman has become known all around the world as a superhero thanks to the success of DC comics, movies, and TV shows. It all started in the 1960s television show with Adam West cast as the infamous superhero. Batman and his sidekick, Robin, went around fighting crime and keeping Gotham City safe. As is the case with most superhero shows and movies, it did well with critics, with a score of 7.5/10 on IMDb.

Like “Batman,” everyone knows the movie series that followed “Star Trek: The Original Series.” However, the show helped the movies get off to a good start as Captain Kirk and his crew flew around the universe. They were always keeping mankind safe and completing missions. It’s no shock that the show was a success. Its 8.4/10 rating on IMDb stands as proof. The movies became classics the second they hit the silver screen, but the show gave fans their first taste.

Imagine being part of the show that became known as the first primetime show people truly sat and watched. “All in the Family” pulled it off, thanks to the drama Archie Bunker brought to screen. He was easily manipulated and believed every negative thing he saw. This show was important due to the fact it premiered in the 1970s, when race relations were still uneasy between people. Critics saw how great it was and gave it an 8.4/10 on IMDb.

“Good Times” follows James and Florida Evans as they take viewers into their Chicago home. They did their best to raise their children in the housing project that was chaotic at best. The show was deemed one of the most important and even won an NAACP Image award for best comedy. The critics who watched were also impressed, as the show got a 7.4/10 on IMDb.

Shows that stay on the air for 11 seasons are clearly doing something right. “Happy Days” made that happen, thanks to the Cunningham family in their Milwaukee home. Henry Winkler got his now infamous role as “The Fonz” in this show, which made him a household name in the United States. IMDb critics gave this show a 7.4/10, one of the reasons it was able to stay on air for so long.

Working remotely became common after the Covid-19 pandemic, but the show “Growing Pains” thought of the idea a lot sooner. Dr. Jason Seaver was a psychiatrist who brought his work home with him after years of being at the office. His decision created tons of problems and trouble amongst his family. The show ran from 1985 to 1992 and holds a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb.

Being a professional athlete is a goal most can only dream of. But, what happens when it’s time to hang it up? “Who’s the Boss?” asks this question as Tony Micelli comes home to be the housekeeper while his wife goes back to work. This new dynamic was hard for both to get used to, and fans loved watching the relationship change. The show got a 6.6/10 on IMDb and ran from 1984 to 1992.

Danny Tanner and his three daughters tried to move on after his wife died, but there was always something going on. Everyone remembers “Full House” thanks to actors and actresses like John Stamos, Bob Saget, and Lori Laughlin. The success of the show sparked a reboot in the 2020s, but it couldn’t hold up to the standard the original set back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. IMDb gives the show a 6.8/10.

Batman isn’t the only superhero to snag a television show. “The Flash” first premiered in 1991 and although it only ran for one season, it brilliantly left its mark. The show came back in the 2010s and became one of the most successful as it followed Barry Allen and his friends fighting crime in Central City. IMDb gave the season a 7.1/10 and fans were able to get full closure after the reboot ended in 2023.

It’s widely believed that college kids want to party and have a good time. For Charles, that all changes when he’s tasked with taking care of three children in the most unexpected way. His sudden change in circumstances throws him for a loop! Scott Baio stars as Charles, and due to his amazing acting, the show went on from 1984 to 1990. When all was said and done, IMDb gave it a 6.1/10.

The legend of Hercules has been around for ages, and “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” was able to capitalize on the hype. Fans loved watching Hercules and his friends travel around and fight creatures we could only imagine. The show did well, as it ran for six successful seasons, and got a 6.5 on IMDb. Hercules is considered an amazing hero. Click here to read about the greatest movie hero of all time.