Top 20 Fan-Favorite TV Shows from 1958: A Nostalgic Countdown!

Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Buckle up, because we’re about to journey back to a time when television was a burgeoning medium, and the magic of black and white was all the rage. Welcome to 1958, a golden year in TV history, where the shows were as diverse as they were entertaining. From the thrilling suspense of crime dramas to the heartwarming tales of family sitcoms, there was something for everyone. So, dust off your rabbit ears, adjust your horizontal hold, and prepare for a nostalgic countdown of the top 20 fan-favorite TV shows from 1958. Whether you’re a baby boomer seeking a blast from the past or a millennial with a taste for vintage, this list is sure to entertain. So, without further ado, let’s tune in and turn back time!
Stahlnetz

Stahlnetz

Release Date: 1958-03-14

Genres: Drama, Crime

“Stahlnetz” is a captivating German television series that premiered on March 14, 1958. With its release in the same year as the article’s “The 20 Best Voted TV Shows of 1958,” it must have made quite an impact. While we don’t have information about the lead actors or the plot, it’s safe to assume that “Stahlnetz” was a popular choice among viewers in 1958.

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Directors: Jürgen Roland

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The Veil

The Veil

Release Date: 1958-01-01

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“The Veil” is a thrilling horror anthology series from 1958, hosted by the legendary Boris Karloff. With a release date of January 1, 1958, this show features a collection of spooky tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Join Karloff as he introduces each episode, promising a chilling experience that horror enthusiasts won’t want to miss.

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Tags: horror anthology

The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man

Release Date: 1958-09-14

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama

“The Invisible Man” is a thrilling British TV show from 1958 that follows the story of scientist Peter Brady. After a tragic accident leaves him invisible with no known cure, he becomes a secret agent for the government, using his newfound abilities to fight against criminals. Starring Lisa Daniely, this show is packed with suspense and action, making it one of the best voted TV shows of 1958.

Cast: Lisa Daniely (Diane ‘Dee’ Wilson)

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Tags: based on novel or book, spy, scientist, invisibility

77 Sunset Strip

77 Sunset Strip

Release Date: 1958-10-10

Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery

“77 Sunset Strip” is a popular TV show from 1958 that revolves around the witty and charming private detectives, Stu Bailey and Jeff Spencer. Set in Los Angeles, their office is conveniently located at 77 Sunset Strip, right next to a trendy restaurant where Kookie works as a valet. With the help of Kookie and their leggy secretary Suzanne, the duo solves intriguing cases while navigating the glamorous and sometimes dangerous world of private investigation. Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Edd Byrnes, Roger Smith, Jacqueline Beer, and Louis Quinn, this show is a must-watch for fans of classic detective dramas.

Cast: Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (Stuart Bailey) , Edd Byrnes (Gerald Lloyd “Kookie” Kookson III) , Roger Smith (Jeff Spencer) , Jacqueline Beer (Suzanne Fabray) , Louis Quinn (Roscoe)

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Tags: private detective

Peter Gunn

Peter Gunn

Release Date: 1958-09-22

Genres: Crime

“Peter Gunn” is a classic American private eye TV series that aired in 1958. Set in a film noir atmosphere, it follows the adventures of a detective named Peter Gunn, played by Craig Stevens. With its stylish vibe and captivating Henry Mancini music, the show takes you on a thrilling journey as Pete, as his friends call him, solves cases in a calm and cool manner. Starring Lola Albright, Herschel Bernardi, and Minerva Urecal, this show is a must-watch for fans of detective dramas.

Cast: Craig Stevens (Peter Gunn) , Lola Albright (Edie Hart) , Herschel Bernardi (Lieutenant Jacoby) , Minerva Urecal (Mother)

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Writers: Blake Edwards

Tags: private investigator, private detective

The Rifleman

The Rifleman

Release Date: 1958-09-30

Genres: Action & Adventure, Western

“The Rifleman” is a classic American Western TV show that aired from 1958 to 1963. Starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain, the series takes place in the 1880s in the town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. It was one of the first prime time shows to feature a widowed parent raising a child, and its black-and-white, half-hour episodes make for an engaging and nostalgic viewing experience.

Cast: Chuck Connors (Lucas McCain) , Johnny Crawford (Mark McCain) , Paul Fix (Micah Torrance)

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Tags: widower

The Larkins

The Larkins

Release Date: 1958-09-19

Genres: Comedy

“The Larkins” is a beloved British sitcom that aired from 1958 to 1960, with two additional series in 1963 and 1964. Set in the late 1950s, this hilarious show follows the misadventures of the Larkin family, played by a talented ensemble cast including David Jackson, Victor Maddern, Charles Lloyd Pack, David Kossoff, Peggy Mount, Hugh Walters, Hugh Paddick, George Roderick, Ronan O’Casey, and Derry Power. With its debut in September 1958, “The Larkins” quickly became one of the top-voted TV shows of the year, offering a delightful and entertaining escape into the world of this quirky family.

Cast: David Jackson () , Victor Maddern () , Charles Lloyd Pack () , David Kossoff (Alf Larkins) , Peggy Mount (Ada Larkin) , Hugh Walters () , Hugh Paddick () , George Roderick () , Ronan O’Casey () , Derry Power ()

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Tags: family

Quatermass and the Pit

Quatermass and the Pit

Release Date: 1958-12-22

Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery

“Quatermass and the Pit” is a thrilling TV show from 1958 that follows a team of scientists on a quest to uncover the origin and purpose of a mysterious capsule discovered on a building site. Starring André Morell, Cec Linder, John Stratton, Christine Finn, and Anthony Bushell, this gripping series takes you on a captivating journey filled with suspense and intrigue. Tune in to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic capsule and join the scientists in their quest for answers.

Cast: André Morell (Professor Bernard Quatermass) , Cec Linder (Dr. Matthew Roney) , John Stratton (Captain Potter) , Christine Finn (Barbara Judd) , Anthony Bushell (Colonel James Breen)

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Tags: miniseries

Wanted: Dead or Alive

Wanted: Dead or Alive

Release Date: 1958-09-06

Genres: Western, Action & Adventure

“Wanted: Dead or Alive” is a thrilling American Western TV series that aired from 1958 to 1961. Starring the talented Steve McQueen as the bounty hunter Josh Randall, the show follows his adventures as he tracks down wanted criminals. This black-and-white program, which was a spin-off of another popular western series, introduced McQueen as the first television star to successfully transition to the big screen.

Cast: Steve McQueen (Josh Randall)

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Tags: bounty hunter, wild west, 19th century

Bat Masterson

Bat Masterson

Release Date: 1958-10-08

Genres: Western

“Bat Masterson” is a captivating American Western TV series that aired from 1958 to 1961. Starring Gene Barry as the charismatic title character, the show offers a fictionalized glimpse into the life of the real-life marshal, gambler, and dandy, Bat Masterson. Produced by Ziv Television Productions, the half-hour black-and-white episodes take viewers on thrilling adventures set in the Wild West.

Cast: Gene Barry (Bat Masterson)

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Tags: wild west, 19th century

Yancy Derringer

Yancy Derringer

Release Date: 1958-10-02

Genres: Western, Action & Adventure

“Hey, I just found this cool TV show from 1958 called Yancy Derringer! It’s an American Western series that was voted as one of the best that year. It stars X Brands, Kevin Hagen, Jock Mahoney, and Richard Devon. The show premiered on October 2, 1958. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into Westerns!”

Cast: X Brands (Pahoo-Ka-Ta-Wah) , Kevin Hagen (John Colton) , Jock Mahoney (Yancy Derringer) , Richard Devon (Jody Barker)

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Tags: new orleans, louisiana, secret agent, post civil war, 19th century

Sea Hunt

Sea Hunt

Release Date: 1958-01-04

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama

“Sea Hunt” is an exciting American adventure TV series that aired from 1958 to 1961. Starring Lloyd Bridges as ex-Navy frogman Mike Nelson, the show follows his thrilling underwater escapades. With 155 episodes produced over four seasons, “Sea Hunt” became a fan favorite and remained popular for decades after its release.

Cast: Lloyd Bridges (Mike Nelson)

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Tags: crime fighter, scuba diver

Northwest Passage

Northwest Passage

Release Date: 1958-09-14

Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

“Northwest Passage” is a thrilling adventure TV show set during the French and Indian War. It follows Major Robert Rogers and his companions, Sergeant Hunk Marriner and Ensign Langdon Towne, as they embark on a quest to find a water route through North America to the Pacific Ocean. With Keith Larsen in the lead role, Buddy Ebsen as Sergeant Marriner, and Don Burnett as Ensign Towne, this series, which aired from September 1958 to March 1959, offers an exciting journey filled with action and exploration.

Cast: Buddy Ebsen (Sergeant Hunk Marriner) , Keith Larsen (Major Robert Rogers) , Don Burnett (Ensign Langdon Towne)

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Tags: 18th century, french and indian war

Concentration

Concentration

Release Date: 1958-08-25

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“Concentration” is a classic American game show that first aired in 1958 and ran for an impressive 33 years. Hosted by a lineup of talented presenters including Hugh Downs, Jack Barry, and Bob Clayton, the show challenged contestants to match pairs of cards to win exciting prizes. As the game progressed, the cards revealed parts of a rebus puzzle that contestants had to solve for a chance to win big. With its engaging format and long-standing success, “Concentration” became the longest-running game show on NBC, captivating audiences for decades.

Cast: Hugh Downs (Host) , Jack Barry (Host) , Bob Clayton (Host) , Art James () , Ed McMahon (Host) , Gene Wood () , Johnny Olson ()

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Tags: game show

The Rough Riders

The Rough Riders

Release Date: 1958-10-02

Genres: Western

“The Rough Riders” is a thrilling American Western TV series that takes place in the post-Civil War era. Set in the wild West, it follows the adventures of a group of courageous individuals as they navigate the challenges of the untamed frontier. With a talented cast including Kent Taylor, Peter Whitney, Jan Merlin, and Yvette Vickers, this action-packed show, produced by Ziv Television, promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in starting October 2, 1958, to experience the excitement firsthand.

Cast: Kent Taylor () , Peter Whitney () , Jan Merlin () , Yvette Vickers (Ellie Winters)

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Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer

Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer

Release Date: 1958-01-07

Genres: Mystery, Drama

“Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer” is a thrilling TV show that aired in 1958. It follows the adventures of a tough and determined private detective named Mike Hammer, created by crime author Mickey Spillane. Starring Darren McGavin, the show takes you on a gritty journey through crime-fighting as Hammer tackles mysteries and brings justice to the streets.

Cast: Darren McGavin ()

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Tags: private investigator

The Adventures of William Tell

The Adventures of William Tell

Release Date: 1958-09-15

Genres: Action & Adventure

“The Adventures of William Tell” is a thrilling British swashbuckler adventure series that aired on ITV in 1958. Starring Conrad Phillips, it follows the legendary hero William Tell as he battles against tyranny and fights for justice. With its debut in September 1958, this action-packed show quickly became one of the best-voted TV shows of the year.

Cast: Conrad Phillips (William Tell)

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Ivanhoe

Ivanhoe

Release Date: 1958-01-05

Genres: Action & Adventure

“Ivanhoe” is a British TV series that aired in 1958-59 and quickly became a favorite among children. Starring Roger Moore in his first leading role as Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, the show takes us on a thrilling adventure based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel. With Robert Brown also joining the cast, this action-packed series is a must-watch for anyone looking for a captivating journey back in time.

Cast: Roger Moore (Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe) , Robert Brown (Gurth)

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Naked City

Naked City

Release Date: 1958-09-30

Genres: Drama, Crime, Action & Adventure

“Naked City” is a gripping police drama series that aired from 1958 to 1963 on ABC. Inspired by a popular movie, it follows a semi-documentary style, adding to its intense and realistic feel. Starring talented actors like Harry Bellaver, Paul Burke, Horace McMahon, Lawrence Dobkin, and Nancy Malone, this show takes you back to the crime-ridden streets of 1950s New York City.

Cast: Harry Bellaver (Det. Frank Arcaro) , Paul Burke (Adam Flint) , Horace McMahon (Lt. Michael ‘Mike’ Parker) , Lawrence Dobkin (Narrator) , Nancy Malone (Libby Kingston)

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Writers: Arnold Perl

Tags: police, nypd

Bronco

Bronco

Release Date: 1958-09-23

Genres: Western

“Bronco” is a classic Western series that aired from 1958 to 1962. Starring Ty Hardin as the charismatic Bronco Layne, a former Confederate officer, the show takes us on a thrilling journey through the Old West. With appearances from legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok, Billy the Kid, and Jesse James, “Bronco” offers an exciting blend of adventure, history, and iconic characters.

Cast: Ty Hardin ()

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