Top 20 Fan-Favorite TV Shows from 1959: A Nostalgic Countdown!

Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Buckle up, because we’re about to journey back to 1959, a golden year in television history. Before the era of binge-watching and streaming, there was a time when families gathered around the TV set, eagerly awaiting their favorite shows. From the thrilling westerns to the heartwarming family sitcoms, 1959 had it all. So, dust off your rabbit ears and adjust your dials, as we countdown the top 20 fan-favorite TV shows from this unforgettable year. Whether you’re a baby boomer seeking a nostalgic trip, or a millennial with a taste for vintage, this list is sure to entertain. So, without further ado, let’s rewind the tape and revisit the shows that had everyone glued to their screens in ’59. No spoilers, but expect some familiar faces and iconic catchphrases. Ready? Let’s roll!
The Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards

Release Date: 1959-11-29

Genres: Reality, Talk

“The Grammy Awards” is a captivating TV show that premiered on November 29, 1959. It is an awards ceremony that celebrates the accomplishments of talented individuals in the professional music recording industry. With a whopping 108 categories, the members of the Recording Academy vote to determine the most deserving winners. It’s a must-watch for music enthusiasts and a thrilling event that showcases the best in the industry.

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Tags: awards show, music

The Twilight Zone

The Twilight Zone

Release Date: 1959-10-02

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery, Drama

“The Twilight Zone” is a captivating TV show that aired in 1959 and was one of the best-voted shows of that year. Hosted by Rod Serling, it presents a series of unrelated stories filled with drama, psychological thrillers, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and even horror. Each episode concludes with a macabre or unexpected twist, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire series.

Cast: Rod Serling (Self – Host)

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Tags: computer, escape, time travel, anthology, alien, misfit, social commentary, space, robot, second chance, wishes come true, morality tale, humanoid alien, horror

The Untouchables

The Untouchables

Release Date: 1959-10-15

Genres: Drama, Crime

“The Untouchables” is a thrilling TV show set in 1930s Chicago, where Special Agent Eliot Ness and his team of incorruptible agents take on organized crime. Starring Robert Stack, Nicholas Georgiade, Steve London, Paul Picerni, Abel Fernandez, and narrated by Walter Winchell, this action-packed series brings to life the intense battles between law enforcement and the criminal underworld. Premiering on October 15, 1959, it’s no wonder this show made it to the list of the 20 Best Voted TV Shows of that year.

Cast: Robert Stack (Eliot Ness) , Nicholas Georgiade (Enrico Rossi) , Steve London (Jack Rossman) , Paul Picerni (Lee Hobson) , Abel Fernandez (William Youngfellow) , Walter Winchell (Narrator)

Directors: Walter Grauman

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Tags: chicago, illinois, prohibition era, 1930s

Bonanza

Bonanza

Release Date: 1959-09-12

Genres: Western, Action & Adventure

“Bonanza” is a classic TV show that aired in 1959 and quickly became one of the best voted shows of that year. Set in the beautiful High-Sierra, it follows the exciting adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they manage their ranch, protect it from threats, and lend a helping hand to the local community. Starring Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon, this show is a must-watch for fans of Western dramas.

Cast: Lorne Greene (Ben Cartwright) , Dan Blocker (Hoss Cartwright) , Michael Landon (Joe Cartwright)

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Tags: nevada, ranch, family, single father, cowboy, wild west, 19th century, early america

Face to Face

Face to Face

Release Date: 1959-02-04

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“Face to Face” is a captivating BBC television series that originally aired from 1959 to 1962, and later made a comeback in 1989. Hosted by former politician John Freeman, the show’s unique interviewing style set it apart from others of its time. With its insightful and probing approach, it delves into the lives of various individuals, offering a fascinating glimpse into their stories. The revival in 1989, led by Jeremy Isaacs, continued to captivate audiences until 1998.

Cast: Jeremy Isaacs (Himself)

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Tags: interview

Rawhide

Rawhide

Release Date: 1959-01-09

Genres: Western

“Rawhide” is a classic TV show that aired in 1959 and was one of the best-voted shows of that year. Starring Clint Eastwood, Paul Brinegar, and Steve Raines, it follows the exciting journey of trail boss Gil Favor and his loyal foreman Rowdy Yates as they drive cattle across the wild west. With plenty of adventure and drama along the way, this show is a must-watch for fans of westerns and captivating storytelling.

Cast: Clint Eastwood (Rowdy Yates) , Paul Brinegar (Wishbone) , Steve Raines (Jim Quince)

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Tags: cattle drive, wild west, 19th century

Fractured Fairy Tales

Fractured Fairy Tales

Release Date: 1959-11-19

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“Fractured Fairy Tales” is a hilarious TV show that takes your beloved childhood stories and gives them a wacky modern spin. With a fantastic cast of princesses, fairy godmothers, evil queens, and trolls, get ready for a laughter-filled journey through these classic tales. Premiering on November 19, 1959, this show is definitely one of the best voted TV shows of that year!

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Men into Space

Men into Space

“Men Into Space” is a captivating science-fiction TV show that aired from September 30, 1959, to September 7, 1960. It follows the future endeavors of the United States Air Force as they venture into outer space. Starring William Lundigan as Col. Edward McCauley, this black-and-white series takes you on an exciting journey through the unexplored realms of the universe.

Cast: William Lundigan () , Joyce Taylor ()

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Tags: future, u.s. air force, space mission, space, astronaut

Mr. Lucky

Mr. Lucky

Release Date: 1959-10-24

Genres: Drama

“Mr. Lucky” is an exciting adventure/drama TV series that aired from October 24, 1959, to June 18, 1960. Developed by Blake Edwards, it follows the story of Willie Dante, a character previously seen in Four Star Playhouse. With Ross Martin, John Vivyan, and Tom Brown as the lead actors, this show takes you on thrilling adventures with a touch of smooth theme music by Henry Mancini, which even made it to the US singles charts. If you’re into action-packed dramas with a catchy soundtrack, “Mr. Lucky” is definitely worth checking out!

Cast: Ross Martin (Andamo) , John Vivyan (Mr. Lucky) , Tom Brown (Lieut. Rovacs)

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Tags: ship, casino, gambling, luck

Laramie

Laramie

Release Date: 1959-09-15

Genres: Western

“Laramie” is a classic American Western TV show that aired from 1959 to 1963. Set in the wild west, it follows the adventures of Slim Sherman (played by John Smith) and Jess Harper (played by Robert Fuller) as they navigate life on the frontier. With a talented cast and captivating storylines, this show is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Cast: Robert Fuller (Jess Harper) , Spring Byington (Daisy Cooper) , Dennis Holmes (Mike Williams) , Hoagy Carmichael (Jonesy) , Robert Crawford Jr. (Andy Sherman) , Stuart Randall (Sheriff Mort Corey) , John Smith (Slim Sherman)

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Tags: sibling relationship, ranch, stagecoach, wild west, 19th century

The Four Just Men

The Four Just Men

Release Date: 1959-09-17

Genres: Drama

“The Four Just Men” is a captivating TV show that aired in 1959. Starring talented actors like Jack Hawkins, Dan Dailey, Vittorio De Sica, Richard Conte, and Lisa Gastoni, this Sapphire Films production takes you on a thrilling journey through 39 monochrome episodes. With its release on September 17, 1959, it quickly became one of the best-voted TV shows of that year.

Cast: Jack Hawkins (Ben Manfred) , Dan Dailey (Tim Collier) , Vittorio De Sica (Ricco Poccari) , Richard Conte (Jeff Ryder) , Lisa Gastoni (Giulia)

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Johnny Staccato

Johnny Staccato

Release Date: 1959-09-10

Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery

“Johnny Staccato” is a captivating American private detective series that aired from September 10, 1959, to March 24, 1960. Starring John Cassavetes and Eduardo Ciannelli, the show follows the thrilling adventures of a private detective named Johnny Staccato. With 27 episodes, it was one of the best-voted TV shows of 1959, making it a must-watch for fans of crime-solving dramas.

Cast: John Cassavetes (Johnny Staccato) , Eduardo Ciannelli (Waldo)

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Tags: new york city, jazz, private investigator

Riverboat

Riverboat

Release Date: 1959-09-13

Genres: Western

“Riverboat” is a captivating western TV series that aired from September 1959 to January 1961. Starring talented actors like Darren McGavin and Burt Reynolds, the show takes you on thrilling adventures along the river, showcasing the challenges and excitement faced by the characters. With 44 episodes produced by Revue Studios, it’s definitely a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Cast: Darren McGavin (Captain Grey Holden) , Dick Wessel (Carney Kohler) , Jack Lambert (Joshua Walcek) , William D. Gordon (Joe Travis) , Michael McGreevey (Chip Kessler) , Burt Reynolds (Ben Frazer) , John Mitchum (Pickalong) , Bart Patton (Terry Blake) , Noah Beery Jr. (Bill Blake)

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Tags: ship, 19th century

The Deputy

The Deputy

Release Date: 1959-09-12

Genres: Western

“The Deputy” is a captivating American western series that aired from September 1959 to July 1961. Starring the legendary Henry Fonda as Chief Marshal Simon Fry and Allen Case as Deputy Clay McCord, the show follows the adventures of a storekeeper who tries to avoid using a gun. With its release in 1959, this TV show quickly became one of the best voted shows of the year, offering an exciting and action-packed journey through the Arizona Territory.

Cast: Henry Fonda (Marshal Simon Fry) , Wallace Ford (Herk Lamson) , Allen Case (Clay McCord) , Betty Lou Keim (Fran McCord)

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Tags: 19th century

Interpol Calling

Interpol Calling

Release Date: 1959-09-14

Genres: Drama

“Interpol Calling” is a thrilling TV show that aired in 1959. It follows the action-packed adventures of Interpol policemen Duval and Mornay as they tackle international crime, including drug-running, homicide, robbery, and forgery. Starring Charles Korvin, this show promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with its gripping storylines and exciting action.

Cast: Charles Korvin (Inspector Paul Duval)

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The Rebel

The Rebel

Release Date: 1959-10-04

Genres: Western

“The Rebel” is a classic American western TV show that aired from 1959 to 1961. Starring Nick Adams, it follows the adventures of a rebellious character in a total of 76 exciting episodes. If you’re a fan of westerns, this show is definitely worth checking out!

Cast: Nick Adams (Johnny Yuma)

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The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis

The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis

Release Date: 1959-09-29

Genres: Comedy

“The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis” is a charming American sitcom that aired from 1959 to 1963. It follows the life of Dobie Gillis, a teenager/young adult, and his beatnik best friend Maynard G. Krebs, as they navigate the challenges of high school, the military, college, and their parents. With a talented cast including Dwayne Hickman and Bob Denver, this show promises a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and relatable coming-of-age struggles.

Cast: Dwayne Hickman (Dobie Gillis) , Bob Denver (Maynard G. Krebs) , Frank Faylen (Herbert T. Gillis) , Florida Friebus (Winifred Gillis) , Sheila James Kuehl (Zelda Gilroy)

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Tags: high school, sitcom

Law of the Plainsman

Law of the Plainsman

Release Date: 1959-10-01

Genres: Western

“Law of the Plainsman” is a Western TV show that aired from October 1959 to May 1960. It stars Michael Ansara as Sam Buckhart, a Native American U.S. Marshal who saves a cavalry officer’s life and inherits money for his education. Returning to New Mexico, Buckhart becomes a Deputy Marshal and takes in an orphan named Tess Logan. It’s a unique show for its time, featuring a Native American lead character and showcasing Ansara’s talent as an actor.

Cast: Michael Ansara (Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart)

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Tags: new mexico, native american, u.s. marshal, wild west, 19th century

Lock-Up

Lock-Up

Release Date: 1959-09-28

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“Lock-Up” is a gripping legal drama series that aired from September 1959 to June 1961. Starring Macdonald Carey and John Doucette, each half-hour episode presents a concise and intense story without any unnecessary distractions. It’s one of the best-voted TV shows of 1959, making it a must-watch for fans of thrilling courtroom dramas.

Cast: Macdonald Carey () , John Doucette ()

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One Step Beyond

One Step Beyond

Release Date: 1959-01-20

Genres: Mystery, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

“One Step Beyond” is a captivating American anthology series that aired from January 1959 to July 1961. Hosted by John Newland, this show takes viewers on a thrilling journey through supernatural and unexplained phenomena. With its release in 1959, it quickly became one of the best-voted TV shows of the year, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating each episode.

Cast: John Newland (Self – Host)

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Tags: anthology, horror anthology

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