Over the years, countless TV shows graced our televisions and conquered our hearts. From sitcoms to crime dramas, some of them distinguish themselves with a particular brilliance or spark that transcends any era. Although today's conversation around the best series of all time primarily focuses on more recent examples from the last 30 to 40 years, there are many hidden gems from over 50 years ago that, despite their old-fashioned allure, are still absolutely worth rediscovering and thoroughly exploring.

These shows might come from a different time, but they still appeal to the modern public. More often than not, these shows were ahead of their time, whether in storytelling techniques or the bold characterizations of their heroes. Their significance in the field of television is too important to simply ignore. Furthermore, in many cases, their unique humor, willingness to tackle complex subjects, or ingenious narrative arcs remain striking even by current standards. Watching now is not simply about honoring TV cults but also appreciating the quality of timeless good writing.

10 I Love Lucy

First aired: 1951

I Love Lucy was groundbreaking in more than one way. The first television program to be filmed on 35 mm film in front of a studio audience and the first show to feature an ensemble cast, its influence on the future of the small screen is impossible to deny or overlook. As a result, the show is not simply worth watching but also deserves recognition for the indisputable role it played in shaping many of our favorite sitcoms that would come years later.

However, the show was more than just a structural pioneer. Over the period it ran, the sitcom was the most-watched program in the United States in four of its six seasons. At the same time in 2012, it was voted "Best Show Of All Time" according to a survey conducted by ABC News and People Magazine (Via ABC News). I Love Lucy is still nowadays an exhilarating, feel-good watch with a deeply charismatic cast. The endearing, magnetic performance of its lead, Lucille Ball, is worth your time.

9 The Twilight Zone

First aired: 1959

Before Black Mirror, before The X-Files, and before countless other mystery-driven television stories that delved into the supernatural realms beyond human comprehension, The Twilight Zone shocked and enthralled the American public. A haunting blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, each episode explores the spooky and unusual experiences that plague its protagonists. The series became such an essential part of pop culture that the term “Twilight Zone” is now commonly used to describe surreal experiences.

Beyond its cultural significance and the immense influence influence Twilight Zone has had on future productions, there are plenty of reasons to revisit Rod Serling’s masterpiece. Regardless of when it was written, the series remains as imaginative and unsettling as it was when it first aired. The theatrical, ominous presence of the narrator, along with the metaphysical scenarios it captures—often prompting deep philosophical reflection—make the show a classic worth watching.

8 The Avengers

First aired: 1961

Nowadays when one thinks of The Avengers, they picture the world's mightiest heroes from the Marvel universe. However, there was a time when the term was associated with the stylish, thrilling adventures of the iconic British spy-fi TV Show that captivated audiences throughout the 1960s. The series followed Patrick Macnee in the role of John Steed, a secret agent for British intelligence, and his series of glamourous, exceptionally clever female crime-fighting partners, with the most notorious being Emma Peel, played by Diana Rigg.

The character of Emma Peel became simultaneously a feminist role model and fashion icon during the era. Her assertive, daring demeanor, coupled with her effortless allure made the heroine one of the show's highlights. However, besides the polished aesthetic and the gripping premise, the show is also a dryly humorous watch, with refreshingly eccentric plot twists and surprisingly modern dynamics.

7 Bewitched

First aired: 1964

Bewitched was one of the most quietly subversive sitcoms of its time for more than one reason. The premise of the show is not only ingenious but also allows for a series of surreal, comic situations. The main character Samantha, played by Elizabeth Montgomery, is a good-natured witch who marries a mortal man while attempting to live a peaceful, suburban life. This TV show blended lighthearted humor with a fantasy element.

However, despite the carefree, upbeat humor and supernatural allure, the series told a much more complex story in a revolutionary manner. Bewitched did not solely defy gender role expectations with the character of Samantha and her anachronistic, irreverent mother, Enora, but also delved into more complex issues of conformity and societal pressures. Sam's relentless struggle to hide her paranormal nature offers a fascinating metaphor about the pressure to suppress one's identity to fit in with society's ideal of "normality", making the series a timeless cultural touchstone.

6 The Addams Family

First aired: 1964

No media franchise will ever be as creepily hilarious and delightfully sinister as anything related to The Addams Family. The original TV Show from the 1960s, inspired by Charles Addams' New Yorker cartoons, brought this bizarre lineage of outsiders to the general public. With its gloomy atmosphere, magnetic characters, and eerily amusing storylines, the series was a departure from any other suburban family sitcom ever seen before.

The genius of the show lies in its ability to subvert the traditional, "good-family" appearance of the American bourgeoisie. The Addams, a grotesque-looking, old-money clan living in a macabre setting, stood in stark contrast to the bright, idealized households that dominated both 1960s and future television programs. Their distinctive brand of humor and gothic charm made the show a timeless cult classic that deserves to be kept alive through the years.

5 Star Trek

First aired: 1966

The most famous sci-fi media franchise of all time redefined the genre while also laying the foundations for future stories of space explorations on television and at the cinema. Its cultural impact is so significant that Star Trek: The Original Series deserves to be watched at least once only to understand how this futuristic television journey became so meaningful and influential.

Although its technical effects might feel slightly outdated, the show's writing remains so visionary that it can still captivate viewers in the present day. At the same time, it also holds profound historical value. Even if set in a distant future, the narrative arcs successfully attempted to discuss pressing social issues of the 1960s—such as racism, nationalism, and sexism—in an unexplored light. Star Trek wasn’t just groundbreaking in its storytelling, but also in its social commentary, famously featuring the first interracial kiss on American television.

4 Columbo

First aired: 1968

Columbo was a landmark of the detective genre, proposing a revolutionary format that would later influence other television shows. Rather than keeping the viewer in doubt about who committed the crime, the series introduced the inverted detective story type, revealing at the beginning of each episode the identity of the culprit and the murder method. The thrill came from watching Lieutenant Columbo deconstruct the suspect’s illusion of security with his shrewd intuition.

Apart from its innovative narrative technique, the show owes part of its success to the characterization of Columbo, magnetically portrayed by Peter Falk. Columbo is an unusual hero who, more often than not, is underestimated by those around him because of his eccentric thought processes and modest demeanor. The series' appeal thrives on the understated but impressive brilliance of its detective and the enigmatic cases covered, making it a must-watch.

3 Mary Tyler Moore

First aired: 1970

If there was ever a feminist role model in the 1970s, it was Mary Tyler Moore—the celebrated star of her groundbreaking series. The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a revolutionary program that introduced a subversive shift to the way women were portrayed on television. The sitcom featured Mary Richards, an unmarried TV news producer, on her way to building her professional life rather than settling for the traditional roles reserved for women at the time.

The show not only serves as a historical of a period marked by societal transformation but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of second-wave feminism. It is also a masterclass in character-driven storytelling and offers a stylish reflection of early 1970s culture. However, despite the timely societal commentary, the show's witty comedy and relatable characterizations still remain relevant nowadays.

2 M*A*S*H

First aired: 1972

M*A*S*H is a remarkable television phenomenon: an extremely intelligent, emotionally profound, albeit entertaining, war comedy-drama of the 1970s. The series features the experiences of the hospital staff during the Korean War. The story stands out for its unique ability to integrate satire with intricate human emotions while addressing the grim reality in the background, redefining the portrayal of war narratives on television.

Described as one of the best shows of all time, M*A*S*H is still a must-watch even decades after its airing. The series explores contemporary issues such as the U.S.'s involvement in the Vietnam War, while also delving into timeless themes of ethics and morality. It offers a striking historical depiction and a meticulous exploration of the human condition. As a result, this show that used to rule the world over 50 years ago continues to hold relevance today.

1 Happy Days

First aired: 1974

Happy Days was one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s, transporting the public back to the dreamy allure of 1950s Midwestern America. The legacy of the series still endures today. Set in Milwaukee, the story follows the Cunningham family and their circle of friends, including one of the most legendary characters in television history—Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, played by Henry Winkler. With its leather jackets and jukebox music, the show captured America’s nostalgic longing for a time of ephemeral and imaginary comfort amidst a period of rapid social change.

However, Happy Days was more than lighthearted, optimistic entertainment. It also explored themes of adolescence and the quest for belonging. Despite being a portrayal of an era seventy years past us, its innocent and wholesome storylines still resonate with millions of people. The series brings the public to a time of comfortable illusion and hope, providing us, still to this day, a beautiful escape from the struggle for everyday life.