12 TV Shows from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch

      These 12 TV shows from the 1960s continue to bring joy long after their original airings.

      Most are available in syndication or on streaming platforms, and they all hold a special place in our memories.

      Think we overlooked a show? Share your thoughts in the comments.

      But First

      NBC

      Before diving into this list, we want to clarify that we’re focusing on shows that primarily aired in the 1960s, not outstanding programs like Hee Haw, Laugh-In (pictured), or Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which began in that era but had most of their episodes later.

      That’s also the reason we aren’t including the fantastic Tonight Show With Johnny Carson or one of our personal favorites, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

      Now, let’s explore our selection of 12 enjoyable TV shows from the 1960s.

      Bewitched

      ABC

      Elizabeth Montgomery was incredibly charming as Samantha Stephens, a witch attempting to fit into the role of a typical American housewife in the 1960s.

      The cast featured notable talents, including the delightfully flamboyant Agnes Moorehead as Endora, Samantha’s intrusive mother, and Dick York (and later Dick Sargent) as her bewildered husband, Darrin Stephens.

      We’d tune in just to see Samantha wiggle her nose, but the show, created by Sol Saks, also included memorable guest stars like Paul Lynde, who portrayed Samantha’s Uncle Arthur. It ran from 1964 to 1972.

      I Dream of Jeannie

      NBC

      If you’re familiar with Bewitched, you’ll understand I Dream of Jeannie, which is akin to Bewitched, but with a female genie instead.

      Created by Sidney Sheldon, I Dream of Jeannie embraces its silliness even more than Bewitched, making it a whimsical snapshot of the 1960s alongside similarly lighthearted programs like The Monkees. It aired from 1965 to 1970 on NBC.

      Barbara Eden shone as Jeannie, while Larry Hagman exhibited a relatable charm later contrasted by his role as the villainous JR Ewing on Dallas.

      Is I Dream of Jeannie worth watching? Has it stood the test of time? That’s for you to decide. But its theme song remains one of the most catchy ever created.

      The Twilight Zone

      Rod Serling in The Twilight Zone. CBS – Credit: C/O

      Crafted and hosted by the legendary Rod Serling, it was broadcast from 1959 to 1964 on CBS. In our view, it’s the ultimate TV show of the 1960s and ranks among the best of all time.

      Each episode presents a fresh story about bizarre events. In the real world, such occurrences would be impossible — but once someone steps into the Twilight Zone, anything can occur.

      It also had a remarkable ability to foresee the future.

      The Alfred Hitchcock Hour

      CBS

      It’s quite astonishing that after directing iconic films like Notorious, Rear Window, Vertigo, and Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock still had the stamina to host a television series.

      The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, a continuation of Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-62), showcased Hitch introducing tales of chaos accompanied by his signature dark, dry humor. It aired from 1962 to 1965.

      One memorable aspect was seeing Hitch attempt (though not too earnestly) to assure us at the end of each episode that the protagonist had received justice, should that not have occurred within the story. Hitchcock once mentioned to TV Guide that his reassurances about the criminal being captured off-screen were “a necessary gesture to morality.”

      The show also prominently featured future stars like Robert Redford and Gena Rowlands.

      The Avengers

      ABC Television

      Before Marvel’s The Avengers dominated the cinema, the British television scene was led by John Steed (Patrick Macnee) and his capable partners.

      The Avengers easily invites comparisons to James Bond, especially since two of the most notable Bond girls, Diana Rigg and Honor Blackman, played exceptional assistants. We could even claim that they overshadowed him entirely.

      Notably, Diana Rigg would later become the only Mrs. James Bond.

      The Andy Griffith Show

      Credit: CBS

      If you’re looking to unwind, enjoy a lighthearted episode of The Andy Griffith Show, featuring Andy Griffith as Andy Taylor, the sheriff of a quaint, Norman Rockwell-inspired small town.

      The “crimes,” as they are, often stem from misunderstandings, and young Opie, later known as filmmaker Ron Howard, learns many valuable lessons.

      While Andy embodies kindness, the lovable Barney Fife (Don Knotts) adds plenty of comic relief.

      Created by Sheldon Leonard, the series ran from 1960 to 1968.

      Beverly Hillbillies

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

      The Beverly Hillbillies, which aired on CBS from 1962 to 1971, is among our favorite classic TV