12 Timeless TV Shows That Remain Enjoyable to Watch

      Here are 12 timeless TV shows that continue to entertain after all these years.

      The Twilight Zone

      Rod Serling hosted The Twilight Zone from 1959 to 1964 on CBS, showcasing science fiction at its finest. Each episode presents a fresh tale of bizarre occurrences. While such events seem impossible in the ordinary world, crossing over into the Twilight Zone allows for anything to happen.

      One standout episode is “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” featuring William Shatner as a man recovering from a mental breakdown who sees a strange little alien figure on the plane's wing, but no one else can see him.

      Rod Serling is also known for penning one of the greatest movie twist endings ever.

      Star Trek: The Original Series

      Leonard Nimoy as Spock and William Shatner as Captain Kirk in Star Trek. NBC – Credit: C/O

      "Space: the final frontier." The original Star Trek series aired from 1966 to 1969 on NBC but left a lasting impact, inspiring numerous adaptations and spin-offs over the past five decades.

      It starred William Shatner as Captain Kirk, the commander of the starship Enterprise, on a mission to explore new worlds and civilizations within the Milky Way galaxy. Leonard Nimoy portrayed first officer Spock, an alien Vulcan, while DeForest Kelly played Leonard “Bones” McCoy, the chief medical officer. Nichelle Nichols was Nyota Uhura, the ship's communications officer, George Takei was Hikaru Sulu, the helmsman, and James Doohan portrayed second officer Scotty, famously known for “Beam me up, Scotty.”

      Unlike many classic shows, Star Trek remains relevant today, with many spin-offs available for streaming.

      Fawlty Towers

      Connie Booth as Polly Sherman and John Cleese as Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. BBC – Credit: C/O

      A beloved classic in the UK, Fawlty Towers aired for only two seasons but has remained a favorite since. The first season debuted on BBC Two in 1975, followed by the second in 1979.

      John Cleese starred as Basil Fawlty, an eccentric and humorous hotel manager who is perpetually exasperated by his guests. Connie Booth played the sensible waitress and chambermaid Polly and co-wrote the show with Cleese, following his tenure on the iconic British sketch comedy series Monty Python from 1969 to 1974.

      Batman

      Batman. ABC – Credit: C/O

      Adam West is often underrated as Batman, thanks to his deadpan delivery of comical lines in this iconic 60s show that epitomizes camp.

      Burt Ward portrayed his enthusiastic sidekick Robin, but they primarily served as the straight men to a cast of delightful guest stars, including Burgess Meredith as the Penguin, Cesar Romero as The Joker, Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, and three remarkable Catwomen: Earth Kitt, Julie Newmar, and Lee Meriwether.

      Fans of the show will also enjoy the 1966 Adam West Batman movie, which is well-regarded in our ranking of Every Batman Movie. Batman is a favorite among classic shows for its self-aware humor compared to more serious Bat versions that followed.

      Beverly Hillbillies

      A still from The Beverly Hillbillies. CBS – Credit: C/O

      The Beverly Hillbillies aired on CBS from 1962 to 1971. A delightful, lighthearted classic, it tells the story of the Clampett family, who become wealthy after finding an oil deposit on their property. As they relocate to a mansion in Beverly Hills, they bring their rural ways, Southern charm, and comedic antics with them.

      Buddy Ebsen played widower Jed Clampett, Donna Douglas took on the role of his daughter Elly May Clampett, Irene Ryan was cast as Daisy Moses, aka Granny, and Max Baer Jr. portrayed cousin Jethro Bodine.

      Little House on the Prairie

      Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon in Little House on the Prairie. NBC – Credit: C/O

      Adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's best-selling autobiographical book series, Little House on the Prairie aired from 1974 to 1982 on NBC, followed by a ninth and final season/sequel, Little House: A New Beginnings, in 1983.

      The series centers around the Ingalls family, living on a farm in Plum Creek, Minnesota, during the late 1800s. Michael Landon portrayed Charles Ingalls, also known as Pa, while Karen Grassle played his wife, Caroline Quiner Ingalls. Their characters were inspired by Wilder’s real-life parents, and Melissa Gilbert played the young Laura Ingalls Wilder.

      I Love Lucy

      Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in I Love Lucy. CBS – Credit: C/O

      Featuring real-life couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as Lucy