Watching television and movies throughout time has allowed people to escape from reality to feel like they’re part of a different world. Developing characters and scenes that are relatable is part of the creative process that plenty of writers and directors love. Viewers love watching shows and feeling like they are friends with the characters they see in real life. As time has gone on, some fans have started to prefer a quicker storytelling process. In 2024, rather than having deep backstories on each character, shows jump right into scenarios that the main characters face.
In the 1960s, fans were introduced to each character at a slower pace. The technology was still brand-new and viewers loved getting to see each detail play out. One of the most memorable shows from that decade is none other than “Gilligan’s Island.” The show follows a boat full of people lost at sea. The main character, Gilligan, is known as one of the most relatable and fun characters from a television show. Even in 2024, the show is still talked about as one of the greatest.
Another show that started in the 1960s and still holds a special place in tons of peoples’ hearts is “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!.” Watching the gang solve mysteries made audiences quickly fall in love with the show. Scooby-Doo, the titular character, quickly became beloved by audiences worldwide. He fights through his fears and when he does, he rewards himself with delicious treats. For more 1960s content, click here to read about the most famous celebrities who were hippies during this time.
To compile this list of the most relatable television characters from the 1960s, 24/7 Tempo consulted entertainment sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Screen Rant.
Gilligan from “Gilligan’s Island”
- Played by: Bob Denver
- Show: “Gilligan’s Island”
Most people have experienced dumb moments they want to forget about as quickly as possible. That’s exactly the life Gilligan lives on the show “Gilligan’s Island.” He was the first mate on a ship that got lost at sea and he ended up stranded on an island. His poor choices and silly mistakes were often looked at by fans in an endearing manner.
He tried his best to communicate with other people on the island with him, but his accent made it tough to accomplish the feat. Because of how much audiences loved his outlook on life and relentless positivity, he became seen as a cultural icon and an important member of the entertainment industry.
Scooby-Doo from “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”
- Played by: Don Messick
- Show: “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”
Creating a series that lasts a decade is hard enough, but what about a show that spans nearly six decades? That’s just what the creators of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” accomplished when the show was first released in 1969. Fans quickly fell in love with the group of mystery solvers, and one of the most popular members of the team was Scooby-Doo.
Viewers resonated with him being unsure of situations before gaining enough courage to face them head-on. He spoke with other characters using dog noises that they somehow understood. Those who watched “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” loved it because they felt appreciated seeing the gang come out on top.
Captain James Kirk from “Star Trek: The Original Series”
- Played by: William Shattner
- Show: “Star Trek: The Original Series”
The itch to explore the world has consumed tons of curious and adventurous people throughout time. Captain James Kirk made exploration possible in “Star Trek: The Original Series.” The commanding officer from Iowa became well-known for his desire to “boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Another part of Captain Kirk that audiences felt they resonated with was his impulse decision making process. Most everyone has had moments in their life where they’ve decided to do something with little thought beforehand. Captain Kirk believed that was the best and only way to live life.
Fred Flintstone from “The Flintstones”
- Played by: Alan Reed
- Show: “The Flintstones”
Nearly every dad and husband can watch “The Flintstones” and see part of themselves in Fred Flintstone. He went to work, handled his obligations, and came home. He loved his family beyond words and did everything necessary to give them the best possible lives. Like many men, Fred loved to eat. Funnily, he often chowed down on foods he wasn’t allowed to.
Fred also had tons of hobbies outside of work and spending time with his family. During the show’s run, the patriarch of the household became known for his exceptional bowling skills. Anyone can watch “The Flintstones” and see part of themselves, their partner, or their dad when Fred comes on screen.
Brit Reid from “The Green Hornet”
Bruce Lee (right) in publicity portrait for the television series 'The Green Hornet', 1966. (Photo by 20th Century-Fox TV/Getty Images)
- Played by: Van Williams
- Show: “The Green Hornet”
Before the MCU took off in the late 2000s, shows like “The Green Hornet” were paving the way for superheroes to be part of many people’s lives. One of the first heroes was the Green Hornet, who also went by Brit Reid. He owned a newspaper, but like many people in this world, he wanted to make a true difference.
In order to fulfill that desire, Reid decided to become the hero and save the city from criminals. While the show only lasted one season, fans grew quickly to love and embrace the idea of someone saving the day. They wanted to see a person who didn’t have any natural super powers continue to make a difference.
Mary Ann Summers from “Gilligan’s Island”
- Played by: Dawn Wells
- Show: “Gilligan’s Island”
Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, there’s always a little sense of fear that comes with getting on a boat and visiting somewhere new. Mary Ann Summers was your typical girl from Kansas when she won a trip on the S.S. Minnow. In an unfortunate twist of fate, the boat crashed and she became deserted on an island.
Audiences related to her looking for the positive side of things and never having a bad day. Her outlook on life became iconic for folks who were trying to make the best of their situations. Summers will forever be beloved and relatable to anyone hoping to maintain a positive vibration.
George Jetson from “The Jetsons”
- Played by: George O’Hanlan
- Show: “The Jetsons”
When creating “The Jetsons,” the show’s writers wanted to depict fathers of the future struggling with some of the same problems that fathers in the 1960s were facing. George Jetson was annoyed by his kids on occasion, he didn’t like his boss, and he wanted better for himself. The premise takes place in the future, which made some viewers believe Jetson wouldn’t have many similar problems.
Jetson still loved his family and he was willing to do anything for them that they needed. In 2024, fans love looking back at the story thinking about how many of the troubles Jetson has are still understandable. Fans recently did a deep dive on Jetsons’ age and came up with him being born in 2022. Hypothetically, the future George Jetson has already been born and will become a dad sooner than later.
Underdog from “Underdog”
- Played by: Wally Cox
- Show: “Underdog”
Another superhero people resonated with in the 1960s was Underdog. The superhero dog is a play on Superman based on his powers. He can fly and fight villains, but he still has an ordinary day job to make ends meet. Underdog created a feeling of calmness and protection whenever he found a phone booth and saved the day.
Like most people, Underdog relied on his friends to help him out while fighting crime. Underdog loved his home and would do anything to keep it safe, just like any superhero would.
John “The Skipper” Gumby from “Gilligan’s Island”
Actor Alan Hale, Jr. poses for a portrait in circa 1967. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Actor Alan Hale, Jr. poses for a portrait in circa 1967. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
- Played by: Alan Hale Jr.
- Show: “Gilligan’s Island”
It’s no shock that so many characters on “Gilligan’s Island” were so adored during the shows run. John Gumby, who was in charge of the ship, was yet another character fans appreciated in the 1960s. Even though he helped Gilligan do nearly everything, he still loved his friend and offered his services with a cheerful spirit.
The gag of Gumby hitting Gilligan on the head with his hat has become something friends still to today in 2024, even if they haven’t seen the show in its entirety. Gumby could also take playful hits from Gilligan, too. Whenever Gilligan did something right, which wasn’t often, Gilligan hit Gumby on the head with his hat. The duo had a great dynamic that made for great television and entertainment during the 1960s.
Velma Dinkley from “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”
Nicole Jaffe in publicity portrait, Circa 1968. (Photo by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images)
- Played by: Nicole Jaffe and Pat Stevens
- Show: “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”
While most girls wanted to be like Daphne Blake in the 1960s, many still felt like they could relate to Velma Dinkley. She was the smartest member of the Mystery Inc. group and used her brain power to solve crimes. She wanted to be brave enough to save the day in every circumstance, but often ended up feeling invisible since attention was always on Daphne.
However, the writers of the series came up with a male character who was worthy of Velma’s time. He noticed her brilliance and fell head over heels for her. Many young viewers hope to experience a happily ever after without feeling rejected for their wits, which is why Velma has always been so lovable.
Gomez Addams from “The Addams Family”
NEW YORK - MAY 1: Actor John Astin attends the Mystery Writers of America 57th Annual Edgar Awards at the Grand Hyatt Hotel May 1, 2003 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Peyton/Getty Images)
- Played by: John Astin
- Show: “The Addams Family”
Gaining wealth is what tons of average individuals aspire to do in their lifetime. Gomez Addams accomplished that feat during his career as a lawyer. However, the reason Gomez is so lovable is based on the way he spent his wealth and the manner in which he loved his family. Gomez tried his best to spend money responsibly on stocks, but it rarely ever worked out.
He also loved to buy and destroy model train sets during his free time. The goofy things he did (like stand on his head while doing tasks like reading) made viewers thoroughly enjoy his screen time. For more 1960s content, click here to read about the 25 biggest hits of the decade.