After World War II, televisions became common in American households. This new form of entertainment slowly replaced radios and typically depicted what life was like at this time in the country. Today, many describe the television shows of the ’50s as wholesome and fun.
In addition to the increase in television sets during this decade, the American sitcom also made its debut. Popular shows at the time included “I Love Lucy” which ABC News reports was the best TV show of all time, along with “The Honeymooners” and “Leave It to Beaver.” Aside from the sitcom, westerns were also hugely popular. From “Gunsmoke,” which ran for 20 years, to “The Roy Rogers Show,” people across the nation tuned in to watch these sheriffs in action.
In addition, television shows in the 1950s depicted ideal life during this era. Many shows were family-friendly and circled around what both kids and parents were experiencing and going through. This made several TV characters incredibly relatable to viewers who tuned in. From June Cleaver, the doting housewife and mother, to Connie Brooks, an English teacher, the characters below were beloved by many. A few even make the list of the most beloved sitcom characters of all time.
To compile this list of relatable ’50s television characters, 24/7 used various entertainment sources. These include IMDb, Business Insider, and History. Here are 10 of the most relatable TV characters of the 50s.
June Cleaver
- Played By: Barbara Billingsley
- TV Show: Leave It to Beaver
- Years on Air: 1957-1963
Ever the doting wife and mother, June Cleaver portrayed what typical suburban life was like in the 1950s. June took care of all the tasks at home while working alongside her husband, Ward, to raise their two boys, Wally and Theodore “Beaver.” She also enjoyed social events, always portraying the life of a hostess with simple dresses that she wore in almost every episode. June appeared to be happily married and worked hard to create a home life her family loved throughout the entirety of the show, making her relatable to fans at this point in history.
Donna Stone
- Played By: Donna Reed
- TV Show: The Donna Reed Show
- Years on Air: 1958-1966
Often called “American’s favorite TV mom,” Donna Stone (portrayed by Donna Reed) warmed the hearts of many during the 1950s. As part of a typical middle-class family at the time, Donna was similar to June Cleaver in that she was a caring wife and mother to her two children. However, what set this show apart was that Donna was the first sitcom to feature a mother as the lead character. Beyond life at home, Donna was also involved with her community during the show. Many felt this portrayed a positive and uplifting message. She was also relatable as a mom to two teenagers, showcasing what life was like for parents of teens at the time.
Matt Dillon
- Played By: James Arness
- TV Show: Gunsmoke
- Years on Air: 1955-1975
As the U.S. marshal of Dodge City, Kansas, Matt Dillon was a hugely popular character throughout the 1950s and beyond. The show, which was originally created based on radio episodes, is set in the late 1800s and follows Dillon as he works to keep crime at bay in Dodge City. While the show was geared towards adults, many loved how it dramatized the settlement of the American West. Additionally, Dillon was seen as holding virtues many agreed with. He fought for good and kept evil at bay.
Gracie Allen
- Played By: Gracie Allen
- TV Show: The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
- Years on Air: 1950-1958
Like “Gunsmoke,” “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show” came to TV after beginning on the radio. This sitcom featured a real-life married couple, relating with viewers in the way it showed the ups and downs of marriage. Gracie was also known to depict real-life actions during the series, with cameras showing her writing a note or putting on makeup. While Gracie may have found herself in a few hilarious antics, the real-life relationship she had with her husband and co-star made her relatable to viewers.
Theodore ‘Beaver’ Cleaver
- Played By: Jerry Mathers
- TV Show: Leave It to Beaver
- Years on Air: 1957-1963
While June Cleaver was relatable to housewives everywhere, her younger son, Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver was relatable to everyone on this family-friendly sitcom. Throughout many of the episodes, Beaver finds himself in some sort of trouble or hilarious antic. His character, and the lessons he always learned, made him a lovable character to families everywhere.
Alice Kramden
- Played By: Audrey Meadows
- TV Show: The Honeymooners
- Years on Air: 1955-1956
Though its time on the air was short, “The Honeymooners” brought delight and hilarity to viewers across the nation. And it was Audrey Meadows’ signature role as Alice Kramden that earned her notoriety. Alice was the down-to-earth spouse to Jackie Gleason’s character Ralph Krameden. As Ralph would constantly engage in crazy antics with his friend, Ed Norton (played by Art Carney), Alice became his steady and patient other half.
Margaret Anderson
- Played By: Jane Wyatt
- TV Show: Father Knows Best
- Years on Air: 1954-1960
Similar to other sitcoms on this list, “Father Knows Best” originally began as a radio show in 1949 before moving to television for six seasons. The show follows the Anderson family of Jim and his wife Margaret along with their three children. Additionally, the family was living in a fictional town called Springfield which was believed to be in the Midwest. With its location specifics and family dynamic, “Father Knows Best” became incredibly relatable to viewers. Margaret was also seen as a common-sense character who enjoyed her roles as a loving wife and mother.
Connie Brooks
- Played By: Eve Arden
- TV Show: Our Miss Brooks
- Years on Air: 1952-1956
Connie Brooks became the lead character in the CBS sitcom “Our Miss Brooks.” Miss Brooks, an English teacher at a fictional high school, was sharp-witted, independent, and often had to interact with her difficult boss. The show also follows Miss Brooks finding love along her journey, as well as her daily interactions with students and colleagues. Miss Brooks’ work as a teacher was relatable as this was often a career field chosen by women during this decade.
Andy Taylor
- Played By: Andy Griffith
- TV Show: The Andy Griffith Show
- Years on Air: 1960-1968
Andy Taylor (played by Andy Griffith) is the sheriff of a small and sleepy North Carolina town called Mayberry. During the show, Andy remains a peaceful and calm presence, even when his deputy Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts) creates issues or becomes overly animated. Additionally, Andy is a widower working to raise his only son, Opie (portrayed by Ron Howard). Andy is seen as a smart sheriff as well as a loving and caring father. He also mentions life during World War II at times, making him a relatable and easy-to-love character during this point in history.
Ethel Mertz
- Played By: Vivian Vance
- TV Show: I Love Lucy
- Years on Air: 1951-1957
As arguably one of the greatest sitcoms in history, “I Love Lucy” followed the life of Lucy Ricardo (played by Lucille Ball). In the show, she is married to her real-life husband Desi Arnaz. But she also spends a lot of time with her best friend, Ethel Mertz (played by Vivian Vance). Though Lucy is constantly trying to become a star and ends up taking Ethel with her on nearly all of her hilarious antics, Ethel is normally the voice of reason. While Lucy is fantastic at making the audience laugh, Ethel is the down-to-earth sidekick who usually tries to convince Lucy not to follow through on her ideas. Even so, Ethel is Lucy’s best friend and isn’t afraid to bail out her friend whenever she needs help. For similar reading, check out this article on the most popular all-time TV shows among baby boomers.