Television of today is an event, with what seems like an almost endless array of programs to choose from. What was once a choice of a handful of channels has now grown into an overwhelming selection. According to a Federal Communications Commission report from 2021, there are 1,758 television stations in the United States alone.
From basic programs on network TV to the array of selections on cable and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and AppleTV, we are offered enough to keep us busy for a long time. With this influx, we don’t often remember all that we watch. What may be the top show of today, is often just given a passing glance years from now.
The same can be said for many of the beloved shows we binged on before binging was common, those classic TV shows that aired in a time when life was a bit slower and we didn’t rush to see what the next big show would be. Many of these television programs were cherished at the time, but now, are long forgotten.
To compile a list of classic TV shows that have faded from memory, 24/7 Tempo consulted different outside sources, some of which are IMDb.com, RottenTomatoes.com, and TVGuide.com. (Also See No. 1 Hit Songs That Are All But Forgotten Now)
Laramie
- IMDb score: 7.7 / 10
- Aired: 1959-1963
In its day, “Laramie” was one of the most popular shows on TV. 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 Rifleman
- IMDb score: 8.3 / 10
- Aired: 1958-1963
The 1950s was a great time for Western television shows, and “The Rifleman” is another example of a classic. 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 Twilight Zone
- IMDb score: 9.1 / 10
- Aired: 1959-1964
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 this science fiction, which brought an idea of what the future might consist of into the current reality.
Bewitched
- IMDb score: 7.6 / 10
- Aired: 1964-1972
Imagine marrying your soulmate only to find out they have magical powers. That’s what happened to Darrin Stephens when he married Samantha in this beloved classic. 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.
Batman
- IMDb score: 7.5 / 10
- Aired:
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.
Star Trek: The Original Series
- IMDb score: 8.4 / 10
- Aired: 1966-1969
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.
All in the Family
- IMDb score: 8.4 / 10
- Aired: 1971-1979
“All in the Family” became known as the first primetime show people truly sat and watched, in part due to the drama Archie Bunker brought to the screen. He was easily manipulated and believed every negative thing he saw. This show was important because it premiered in the 1970s, and tackled a lot of controversial, challenging topics, among which was race relations and homosexuality.
Good Times
- IMDb score: 7.4 / 10
- Aired: 1974-1979
“Good Times” follows James and Florida Evans as they do their best to raise their children in a Chicago housing project. The show was deemed one of the most important and even won an NAACP Image award for best comedy.
Happy Days
- IMDb score: 7.4 / 10
- Aired: 1974-1984
“Happy Days” was a huge success, thanks to the Cunningham family who brought viewers into 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.
Growing Pains
- IMDb score: 6.6 / 10
- Aired: 1985-1992
Working remotely became common after the COVID-19 pandemic, but the show “Growing Pains” brought this idea to the forefront decades earlier. 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.
Who’s the Boss?
- IMDb score: 6.6 / 10
- Aired: 1984-1992
Being a professional athlete is a goal most can only dream of. But, what happens when it’s time to hang it up? This question is answered in “Who’s the Boss?” as former pro-ball player Tony Micelli is hired to be the housekeeper for wealthy advertising executive Angela Bower. Together, with his daughter, her son, and her mother, they form a once-new take on a blended family.
Full House
- IMDb score: 6.8 / 10
- Aired: 1987-1995
Danny Tanner and his three daughters tried to move on after his wife died, but there was always something going on. Thanks to a great ensemble cast, “Full House” was a huge success, which more than 20 years later, sparked a reboot called “Fuller House”.
The Flash
- IMDb score: 7.1 / 10
- Aired: 1990-1991; 2014-2023
Batman isn’t the only superhero to snag a television show. “The Flash” only ran for one season, but it brilliantly left its mark, making a return more than 20 years later, and became one of the most successful shows. It followed Barry Allen and his friends fighting crime in Central City.
Charles in Charge
- IMDb score: 6.1 / 10
- Aired: 1984-1990
It’s widely believed that college kids want to party and have a good time. Scott Baio stars as Charles, a young adult whose life takes a different path when he’s tasked with taking care of three children in the most unexpected way, and his sudden change in circumstances throws him for a loop.
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
- IMDb score: 6.5 / 10
- Aired: 1995-1999
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, and Hercules was considered an amazing hero.
For other movie heroes, check out the greatest movie hero of all time.