Best Shows of 1959
The year 1959 marked a pivotal moment in television history, ushering in an era of groundbreaking programming that would forever change the medium and establish the foundation for modern storytelling. As networks competed for viewers' attention, they delivered an unprecedented array of innovative content ranging from supernatural anthologies and sprawling western epics to sophisticated sitcoms and experimental animation. The best shows of 1959 represent the golden age of television at its finest, featuring bold narratives that pushed creative boundaries, memorable characters that became cultural icons, and production values that elevated the small screen to new artistic heights. These trailblazing series captivated audiences with their originality and quality, earning critical acclaim while achieving impressive ratings that demonstrated television's growing influence on American popular culture. Whether you're a dedicated fan of classic television seeking to revisit these legendary programs or a newcomer eager to discover the shows that defined an era, this collection showcases the most compelling, influential, and entertaining series that premiered in this landmark year, offering a comprehensive look at the visionary programming that proved television could be both artistically ambitious and immensely entertaining.
Ordinary people encounter extraordinary circumstances that challenge their perceptions of reality, morality, and humanity itself in this groundbreaking anthology series. Rod Serling's masterpiece remains as compelling today as it was in 1959, delivering perfectly crafted tales that blend science fiction, horror, fantasy, and social commentary with unmatched precision. Each standalone episode presents a complete story, often with twist endings that have become legendary in television history. Serling's incisive writing tackles Cold War anxieties, prejudice, conformity, and human nature with intelligence and courage that few shows have matched since. The black-and-white cinematography creates an eerie, timeless atmosphere, while performances from both established stars and unknown actors bring authenticity to even the most bizarre scenarios. This is essential viewing that defined what television could achieve.
Stirling Silliphant adapted this police procedural from the acclaimed 1948 film noir, bringing New York City's gritty street-level crime stories to television with documentary-style realism. The anthology format allows different cases and characters each week, with Detective Lt. Dan Muldoon (John McIntire, later James Franciscus as Detective Jim Halloran) investigating murders, robberies, and various criminal enterprises across Manhattan's diverse neighborhoods. The show's location shooting—groundbreaking for late-1950s television—captures authentic New York atmosphere, from tenement fire escapes to Midtown traffic, giving episodes a lived-in quality that studio-bound contemporaries lacked. However, the procedural formula grows repetitive across four seasons, and the stark realism that distinguished early episodes eventually becomes routine. The writing occasionally rises above standard cop-show fare with genuine social observation, but just as often settles for conventional crime-solving mechanics. The series' historical significance in establishing television realism is undeniable, though its actual entertainment value varies considerably episode to episode. Worth sampling for its influence and authentic period flavor.
This groundbreaking anthology series presents a different suspenseful story each week, ranging from psychological thrillers to darkly comic morality tales, all introduced by the Master of Suspense himself. Created and hosted by Alfred Hitchcock, the show became a template for anthology television, demonstrating that standalone episodes could build a loyal audience through consistent quality and tone rather than ongoing storylines. Hitchcock's wry introductions and epilogues add personality and wit, often providing ironic commentary on the twisted tales that unfold. The series attracted top-tier directors and writers who crafted memorable half-hour mysteries featuring ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. With its sharp scripts, clever plot twists, and Hitchcock's unmistakable touch, the show remains remarkably entertaining decades later, proving that well-constructed suspense never goes out of style.
Set in the post-Civil War Wyoming Territory during the 1860s and 70s, this early television Western follows frontier scout Cheyenne Bodie as he wanders through various adventures across the untamed West. Created by Roy Huggins and starring Clint Walker in the title role, the series was groundbreaking for its time as one of the first hour-long Western dramas on television. Walker's imposing physical presence and laconic style made Cheyenne a quintessential lone-wolf hero, though the episodic format and limited character development reflect the era's television conventions. While historically significant for what it represented in TV's early days, modern viewers will find the storytelling formulaic and the treatment of Native Americans and other groups reflective of 1950s attitudes rather than historical accuracy. The production values were impressive for the period, and Walker's charisma remains evident. For classic TV enthusiasts or Western completists, it's worth sampling, but it's more of historical curiosity than essential viewing today.
This Western adventure series follows the exploits of Paladin, a gentleman gunfighter-for-hire who operates out of a San Francisco hotel in the 1870s. Richard Boone brings sophistication and moral complexity to the lead role, creating a character who quotes poetry, appreciates fine wine, and contemplates the ethics of his violent profession between assignments. What distinguished the show was its willingness to present morally ambiguous situations rather than simple good-versus-evil scenarios, with Paladin sometimes questioning whether his employers deserved his services. Created by Herb Meadow and Sam Rolfe, the series elevated the Western format with intelligent writing and social commentary. The iconic calling card and theme music became cultural touchstones, while the show's philosophical bent made it something more than typical action television.
This military sitcom remains one of television's sharpest comedies, showcasing Phil Silvers in a career-defining performance as the scheming Master Sergeant Ernest Bilko. Created by Nat Hiken, the series follows Bilko's endless moneymaking schemes at a Kansas army base, where he runs the motor pool like his personal fiefdom while staying one step ahead of his exasperated commanding officer, Colonel Hall (Paul Ford). Silvers' rapid-fire delivery and impeccable comic timing elevate every episode, supported by a talented ensemble cast that includes Harvey Lembeck and Allan Melvin as Bilko's loyal accomplices. The writing is remarkably clever, with plots that layer complications upon complications before resolving in satisfying fashion. What could have been a one-joke premise instead became a masterclass in character-driven comedy that influenced countless shows to follow, earning multiple Emmy Awards and demonstrating that intelligent humor never goes out of style.
Erie Stanley Gardner's creation comes to life through this landmark legal drama that established the courtroom procedural format for generations to come. Raymond Burr delivers an iconic performance as defense attorney Perry Mason, whose meticulous preparation and courtroom brilliance consistently expose the real criminals while exonerating his wrongly accused clients. Barbara Hale co-stars as Della Street, Mason's indispensable secretary, while William Hopper plays investigator Paul Drake—together forming television's first great legal team. The series' formula became legendary: each episode builds toward a courtroom climax where Perry's cross-examination breaks the actual guilty party, usually producing a dramatic confession. What keeps the format engaging across 271 episodes is Burr's commanding presence and the scripts' attention to legal detail that respects audience intelligence. The black-and-white cinematography lends noir atmosphere to procedural storytelling, while the supporting cast provides consistency across hundreds of cases. Perry Mason represents television's golden age at its finest, proving that formula-driven storytelling can achieve excellence through strong performances, solid writing, and unwavering commitment to quality.
A widowed rancher raising his son alone on the frontier becomes one of television's most memorable father-son relationships in this classic Western series. Chuck Connors stars as Lucas McCain, a sharpshooter with a modified Winchester rifle who settles in North Fork, New Mexico Territory, with young Mark (Johnny Crawford) by his side. Created by Sam Peckinpah and Arnold Laven, the show distinguished itself from other Westerns by emphasizing moral lessons and the challenges of single parenthood alongside its action sequences. Connors brings genuine warmth and authority to Lucas, while Crawford's earnest performance makes their bond feel authentic. The series cleverly uses Lucas's reluctance to use violence except when absolutely necessary, creating tension in nearly every episode. It remains a standout of 1950s television, combining entertainment with surprising emotional depth.
Created by Roy Huggins, this quintessential late-1950s detective series follows private investigators Stuart Bailey and Jeff Spencer (Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and Roger Smith) as they solve cases from their office next to a nightclub on Hollywood's famous Sunset Strip. The show epitomized the cool, jazz-inflected style of its era, complete with beatnik culture references and a parade of glamorous guest stars. Edd Byrnes became a cultural phenomenon as Kookie, the parking lot attendant with his own hip lingo and constant hair-combing. While the series was enormously popular in its day and helped establish many detective show tropes still used today, modern viewers may find the pacing sluggish and the gender politics dated beyond redemption. The cases themselves are standard noir fare, and the show's episodic nature means little character development across its long run. It remains an important piece of television history and a time capsule of late-1950s American culture, even if it doesn't hold up as entertainment for contemporary audiences.
From 1954 onward, American television audiences welcomed this anthology series into their living rooms, establishing a weekly tradition that would span decades and help define family entertainment. Originally hosted by Walt Disney himself, the show served as a showcase for the studio's theatrical films, nature documentaries, behind-the-scenes features, and original programming organized into themed segments like Frontierland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. The series brilliantly functioned as both entertainment and marketing, introducing viewers to upcoming theatrical releases while building anticipation for Disneyland attractions. What makes it noteworthy beyond its commercial purposes is the quality and variety of content—from the Davy Crockett episodes that sparked a national phenomenon to educational nature films that were genuinely informative. The format evolved across various iterations and networks, but maintained its core mission of delivering wholesome, engaging content suitable for all ages. It remains a significant piece of television history that shaped American popular culture.
From the BBC studios of 1950s Britain emerged this radio-turned-television sitcom that established many templates for British comedy to come. Tony Hancock stars as a fictionalized version of himself living at 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam—a pompous everyman with delusions of grandeur constantly brought down to earth by circumstance and his long-suffering associates. Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, the scripts are masterclasses in character-driven humor, finding comedy in Hancock's inflated self-regard colliding with mundane reality. Sid James features prominently as Hancock's dodgy friend, their chemistry providing much of the show's energy. While the television episodes exist in varying states of preservation, what survives showcases the birth of the British sitcom as we know it, with Hancock's impeccable timing and the writers' sharp dialogue creating comedy that feels remarkably modern for its era.
In 1820s California under Spanish rule, a young nobleman secretly adopts a masked alter ego to defend oppressed peasants against corrupt officials and ruthless landowners. Guy Williams embodies both the foppish Don Diego de la Vega and his dashing masked persona with charm and athletic grace, creating one of television's most iconic dual roles. The series captures the swashbuckling spirit of classic adventure serials while maintaining surprising wit in its scripts. Each episode delivers satisfying swordplay, clever escapes, and the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Zorro and the bumbling but persistent Sergeant Garcia. What keeps the show engaging beyond its action sequences is the intelligence Zorro brings to his crusade—he's as likely to outwit enemies with clever schemes as defeat them with his blade. The black-and-white production has a timeless quality, and the famous theme music remains instantly recognizable. It's family-friendly adventure that never talks down to its audience, proving heroism and justice never go out of style.
This Western drama set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the 1870s remains one of television's longest-running and most influential series. James Arness anchors the show as Marshal Matt Dillon, bringing quiet authority and moral complexity to a character who could have been a simple good-guy archetype. Creator Charles Marquis Warren and the writing team crafted stories that explored frontier justice, community building, and the costs of violence with surprising sophistication. The supporting cast, including Milburn Stone as Doc Adams and Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, created one of TV's first truly ensemble dramas. What sets the series apart is its willingness to embrace moral ambiguity and let episodes end without tidy resolutions. The show's influence on both television and film Westerns cannot be overstated, and its best episodes hold up remarkably well.
The struggle to maintain a prosperous ranch in 1860s Nevada provides the framework for this long-running Western that became one of television's most successful series. Created by David Dortort, Bonanza follows widower Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) and his three sons—Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon)—as they defend their Ponderosa ranch against claim jumpers, outlaws, and various threats while navigating moral dilemmas. The series distinguished itself by emphasizing family bonds and ethical questions over simple gunfights, though plenty of action remains. The episodic format means quality varies wildly across fourteen seasons and over 400 episodes, with some installments offering thoughtful commentary on prejudice and justice while others fall into Western clichés. The characters' essential decency and the show's fundamental wholesomeness feel quaint by modern standards, and the pacing drags by contemporary measures. Still, the craftsmanship and performances hold up better than expected, making it worthwhile for Western enthusiasts and television history buffs.
Compelling from its first episode, this classic Western follows Marshal Dan Troop as he maintains order in the lawless town of Laramie during the 1880s. John Russell brings gravitas and understated intensity to the role, portraying law enforcement as a matter of principle rather than glory. Created during television's golden age of Westerns, the series distinguishes itself through relatively complex moral situations where right and wrong aren't always clearly defined. Peter Brown co-stars as Deputy Johnny McKay, providing a younger perspective that creates productive tension with Troop's more experienced approach. The show respects its audience's intelligence, offering character-driven stories that explore justice, community responsibility, and the costs of civilization. While production values reflect its era, the writing remains sharp and the performances hold up remarkably well, making this essential viewing for Western enthusiasts and those interested in television history.
Set against the azure waters and palm-fringed islands of the South Pacific in the late 1950s, this adventure series captures the romantic allure of tropical exploration during an era when such destinations still felt genuinely exotic to television audiences. Gardner McKay stars as Adam Troy, captain of the schooner Tiki, who takes on various passengers and cargo assignments that inevitably lead to intrigue, danger, and moral dilemmas among the scattered island communities. Created by James Michener, who brought his deep knowledge of Pacific cultures to the series, Adventures in Paradise balances action-oriented storytelling with genuine interest in the region's diverse peoples and customs. The episodic structure allows for variety, with Troy encountering smugglers, fugitives, and star-crossed lovers while navigating both literal and metaphorical storms. The production values showcase the era's commitment to location shooting, giving the series an authenticity that studio-bound contemporaries couldn't match.
Robert Stack commands the screen as Eliot Ness in this classic crime drama that defined the gangster genre for television. Set during Prohibition-era Chicago, the series follows Ness and his incorruptible team of federal agents as they take on Al Capone and the city's most dangerous criminals. Created by Quinn Martin, the show brings a documentary-style authenticity to its storytelling, with Stack's authoritative narration and steely performance anchoring every episode. The black-and-white cinematography adds to the noir atmosphere, while the sharp writing keeps the cat-and-mouse games between lawmen and mobsters consistently engaging. It's a influential piece of television history that still holds up remarkably well, offering both historical drama and satisfying crime procedural elements that paved the way for countless shows to follow.
Gritty and atmospheric, this Western series brings genuine tension to the frontier genre with every episode. Steve McQueen stars as bounty hunter Josh Randall, a complex character who operates in the morally ambiguous space between lawman and outlaw. Armed with his distinctive sawed-off Winchester rifle—nicknamed the "Mare's Leg"—Randall tracks down wanted criminals across the Old West with a pragmatic approach that feels refreshingly modern. McQueen's laconic performance and natural charisma made him a star, and you can see why in every scene. The show doesn't glorify violence but doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of frontier justice either. The writing is lean and efficient, with stories that pack considerable punch into their runtime. It's classic television Western that stands alongside the genre's best.
Delightfully subversive and cleverly written, this animated series reimagines classic fairy tales with twisted endings, anarchic humor, and satirical bite that entertained both children and adults during its original run. Narrator Edward Everett Horton's droll delivery perfectly complements the irreverent scripts, which systematically upend familiar stories by introducing modern sensibilities, logical consequences, and gleefully absurd complications to traditional narratives. The animation style, while economical, serves the comedic timing effectively, and the brief runtime of each segment keeps the energy high and the jokes sharp. Decades before postmodern fairy tale deconstructions became commonplace, this series pioneered the approach with wit and inventiveness that still holds up. Whether you encounter it as nostalgic revisitation or fresh discovery, the humor remains surprisingly smart and the willingness to mock beloved stories feels refreshingly bold.
Heartfelt and earnest, this anthology series has delivered quality family-friendly programming for over seven decades, making it one of television's most enduring treasures. Each standalone presentation offers thoughtfully crafted stories ranging from literary adaptations to original dramas, consistently featuring top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera. The series has showcased everyone from Julie Andrews to Christopher Plummer in productions that prioritize emotional resonance and strong storytelling over spectacle. What makes Hallmark Hall of Fame special is its commitment to uplifting narratives that don't shy away from real human struggles while maintaining an ultimately hopeful perspective. In an era of cynical television, these productions feel refreshingly sincere without being saccharine. For viewers seeking well-acted, meaningful stories the whole family can watch together, this venerable series continues delivering exactly that.
André Morell delivers a commanding performance as Professor Bernard Quatermass in this landmark BBC serial that remains genuinely unsettling decades later. When construction workers uncover strange skulls and a mysterious metallic object during London Underground excavations, Quatermass investigates what initially appears to be an unexploded bomb but reveals something far more disturbing. Writer Nigel Kneale crafts an intelligent science fiction mystery that builds tension through ideas rather than spectacle, exploring themes of ancestral memory and humanity's origins with remarkable sophistication for 1950s television. Cec Linder and Anthony Bushell provide strong support as the scientist and military colonel who clash over the discovery's implications. The six-episode arc takes its time developing an atmosphere of creeping dread, and while the BBC's limited budget shows in places, the conceptual horror at the story's core proves timeless.