Top 20 Fan-Favorite TV Shows from 1968: A Nostalgic Countdown!

Fasten your seatbelts, folks, we’re about to take a groovy trip down memory lane! The year is 1968, the Beatles are topping the charts, bell-bottoms are in vogue, and the world of television is bursting with color and creativity. From the laugh-out-loud sitcoms to the nail-biting dramas, the small screen was a treasure trove of entertainment that kept us glued to our seats. Now, we’re dusting off the old TV guide and counting down the top 20 fan-favorite TV shows from this iconic year. So, grab your popcorn, adjust your rabbit ears, and prepare for a nostalgic journey back to a time when TV was simpler, yet oh-so memorable. Whether you’re a baby boomer looking to relive your youth, or a millennial eager to discover the classics, this list is your golden ticket to the heart of 1968’s television magic. Let’s roll the credits and dive right in!
The Odyssey

The Odyssey

“The Odyssey” is an Italian miniseries released on March 24, 1968, and it’s based on Homer’s famous epic, the Odyssey. Starring Bekim Fehmiu, Irene Papas, Renaud Verley, and a talented ensemble cast, this captivating show brings to life the timeless tale of Odysseus’ long and treacherous journey back home after the Trojan War. With stunning performances and a faithful adaptation of the ancient Greek epic, “The Odyssey” is a must-watch for fans of classic literature and captivating storytelling.

Cast: Bekim Fehmiu (Ulisse) , Irene Papas (Penelope) , Renaud Verley (Telemaco) , Roy Purcell (Alcinoo) , Marina Berti (Arete) , Scilla Gabel (Elena) , Barbara Bach (Nausicaa) , Juliette Mayniel (Circe) , Kyra Bester (Calipso) , Michèle Breton (Atena) , Marcella Valeri (Euriclea) , Ivica Pajer (Euriloco) , Constantin Nepo (Antinoo) , Šime Jagarinac (Eraclio) , Samson Burke (Polifemo) , Fausto Tozzi (Menelao) , Jaspar von Oertzen (Nestore) , Franco Balducci (Mentore) , Husein Čokić (Eumeo) , Branko Kovačić (Laerte) , Vladimir Leib (Eolo) , Karl-Otto Alberty (Eurimaco) , Maurizio Tocchi (Leocrito) , Ilija Ivezić (Ctesippo) , Petar Buntić (Filettore)

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Tags: homer’s odyssey, ancient greece

The Caesars

The Caesars

Release Date: 1968-09-22

Genres: Drama, War & Politics

“The Caesars” is a British TV series that aired in 1968 and was highly regarded by viewers. Set in Ancient Rome, it delves into the lives of the early emperors, offering a more realistic portrayal of historical characters and their motivations. Starring Freddie Jones, this black-and-white production is a must-watch for history enthusiasts seeking a less sensationalized take on Roman history.

Cast: Freddie Jones (Claudius)

Directors: Derek Bennett

Writers: Philip Mackie

Tags: roman empire, ancient rome, miniseries, political intrigue , roman emperor, history

Stawka większa niż życie

Stawka większa niż życie

“Stawka większa niż życie” is an exciting TV show set during the Second World War in occupied Poland. It follows the thrilling adventures of Hans Kloss, a Polish secret agent who cleverly operates as a double agent within the Abwehr. With a talented cast including Stanisław Mikulski, Emil Karewicz, and Bronisław Pawlik, this series promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in to experience the gripping world of espionage when it premieres on October 10, 1968.

Cast: Stanisław Mikulski (Hans Kloss, w rzeczywistości Stanisław Kolicki) , Emil Karewicz (Sturmbannführer Hermann Brunner) , Bronisław Pawlik (Antykwariusz / Zegarmistrz / Łącznik Klossa)

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Writers: Andrzej Szypulski, Zbigniew Safjan

Tags: world war ii, anti-nazi resistance, super spy

Operation: Mystery

Operation: Mystery

Release Date: 1968-09-15

Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

“Operation: Mystery” is a thrilling TV show that aired in 1968 and was voted as one of the best that year. Starring Yasumi Hara, Homare Suguro, and Shin Kishida, this captivating series takes viewers on a suspenseful journey filled with mystery and intrigue. Tune in to uncover the secrets and unravel the enigmatic plot of “Operation: Mystery”!

Cast: Yasumi Hara (Kiyoshi Matoya) , Homare Suguro (Kyôsuke Misawa) , Shin Kishida (Shirô Maki)

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One Life to Live

One Life to Live

Release Date: 1968-07-15

Genres: Soap

“One Life to Live” is a beloved American soap opera that aired for over 43 years on the ABC network, starting from July 15, 1968. Created by Agnes Nixon, it was a groundbreaking series that featured diverse characters and tackled important social issues. With a talented cast including Kristen Alderson, John-Paul Lavoisier, Michael Easton, Melissa Archer, Bree Williamson, Erika Slezak, Robert S. Woods, Robin Strasser, Farah Fath, and Brandon Buddy, this show captivated audiences for decades.

Cast: Kristen Alderson (Starr Manning) , John-Paul Lavoisier () , Michael Easton () , Melissa Archer (Natalie Buchanan) , Bree Williamson (Jessica Buchanan) , Erika Slezak (Viki Lord) , Robert S. Woods (Bo Buchanan) , Robin Strasser (Dorian Lord) , Farah Fath (Gigi Balsom) , Brandon Buddy () , Jerry verDorn () , Hillary B. Smith (Nora Hanen Buchanan) , Mark Lawson () , Florencia Lozano () , Brittany Underwood () , Eddie Alderson (Matthew Buchanan) , Brock Cuchna () , Andrea Evans (Tina Roberts) , Crystal Chappell () , Fiona Hutchison () , Gina Tognoni () , Linda Dano () , Marcia Cross () , Matthew Ashford () , Steven Culp ()

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Writers: David Colson, Dena Higley, Lorraine Broderick, Gary Tomlin, Ron Carlivati, Victor Gialanella, Anna Cascio, Aïda Mashaka Croal, Shelly Altman, Janet Iacobuzio, Mark Christopher, Chris Van Etten, Carolyn Culliton, Elizabeth Page, Josh Griffith, Susan Bedsow-Horgan, Michael Malone, Jean Passanante, Lloyd Gold, Christopher Whitesell, Becky Cole, David Smilow, Peggy O’Shea, S. Michael Schnessel, Craig Carlson, Lanie Bertram, Ethel Brez, Mel Brez, Melissa Salmons, Courtney Simon, Scott Sickles, Katherine Schock, Daniel J. O’Connor

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The Shield and the Sword

The Shield and the Sword

“The Shield and the Sword” is a thrilling TV show set in 1940 during the height of Nazi Germany’s power. It follows Alexander Belov, a Russian spy who infiltrates the German military and the SS to gather vital intelligence and aid local resistance movements. With a talented cast and a gripping storyline, this show takes you on a suspenseful journey through the dangerous world of espionage and the fight against Nazism.

Cast: Stanislav Lyubshin (Alexander Belov / Johann Weiss) , Oleg Yankovskiy (Heinrich Schwarzkopf) , Georgiy Martynyuk (Aleksey Zubov / Alois Hagen) , Alla Demidova (Angelika Bukher) , Aleksey Glazyrin (Aksel Shteynglits) , Juozas Budraitis (Ditrikh) , Algimantas Masiulis (Villi Schwarzkopf)

Directors: Vladimir Basov

Writers: Vadim Kozhevnikov, Vladimir Basov

Tags: based on novel or book, world war ii, secret agent, third reich (iii reich 1933-45), recruitment, nazism, internment camp, soviet spy, intelligence assessment

Joe 90

Joe 90

Release Date: 1968-09-29

Genres: Action & Adventure

“Joe 90” is a captivating British science-fiction TV show from 1968 that revolves around the thrilling adventures of a nine-year-old boy named Joe McClaine. After his scientist father invents a groundbreaking device capable of transferring expert knowledge and experience between human brains, Joe becomes a schoolboy-turned-spy. Equipped with the skills of brilliant academics and military experts, Joe joins the World Intelligence Network as their “Most Special Agent,” dedicating himself to achieving world peace and saving lives. Starring Rupert Davies and Len Jones, this show is a must-watch for fans of action-packed and imaginative storytelling.

Cast: Rupert Davies () , Len Jones ()

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The Name of the Game

The Name of the Game

“The Name of the Game” is a popular American TV series that aired from 1968 to 1971. Starring Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry, and Robert Stack, this pioneering show consisted of 76 episodes, each lasting 90 minutes. With its large budget, it set the stage for other successful series like The Bold Ones and the NBC Mystery Movie in the 1970s.

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Tags: journalist, magazine

Dad's Army

Dad’s Army

Release Date: 1968-07-31

Genres: Comedy

“Dad’s Army” is a hilarious and heartwarming TV show set in a fictional British seaside town during World War II. It follows the adventures of a group of local defense volunteers known as the Walmington-On-Sea home guard, as they prepare for a potential German invasion. With a talented cast including Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, and Clive Dunn, this show, released in 1968, is sure to keep you entertained with its charming characters and witty humor.

Cast: Arthur Lowe (Captain George Mainwaring) , John Le Mesurier (Sergeant Arthur Wilson) , Clive Dunn (Lance-Corporal Jack Jones) , John Laurie (Private James Frazer) , Arnold Ridley (Private Charles Godfrey) , Ian Lavender (Private Frank Pike) , Bill Pertwee (ARP Warden Bert Hodges) , Edward Sinclair (Maurice Yeatman) , Colin Bean (Private Sponge) , Frank Williams (Reverend Timothy Farthing) , Janet Davies (Mavis Pike)

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Writers: David Croft, Jimmy Perry

Tags: world war ii, soldier, seaside town, sitcom, 1940s, period sitcom, home guard

Adam-12

Adam-12

Release Date: 1968-09-21

Genres: Crime, Drama

“Adam-12” is a popular TV police drama from 1968 that revolves around two dedicated police officers, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, as they navigate the streets of Los Angeles in their patrol unit, 1-Adam-12. Starring Martin Milner and Kent McCord, this show offers an exciting and realistic portrayal of their daily adventures and encounters while on duty. It’s a must-watch for fans of classic police dramas!

Cast: Martin Milner (Officer Pete Malloy) , Kent McCord (Officer Jim Reed) , William Boyett (Sergeant MacDonald)

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Tags: police, los angeles, california, lapd, patrouille

Here's Lucy

Here’s Lucy

Release Date: 1968-09-23

Genres: Comedy

“Here’s Lucy” is a popular TV show that aired from 1968 to 1974. Starring the legendary Lucille Ball, along with Gale Gordon, Lucie Arnaz, and Desi Arnaz Jr., it was Lucille Ball’s third sitcom on network television. The show follows the comedic adventures of Lucy, played by Lucille Ball, and her hilarious interactions with her co-stars.

Cast: Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter) , Gale Gordon (Harrison Carter) , Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter) , Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter)

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Tags: employment agency, los angeles, california, single mother, sitcom

Hawaii Five-O

Hawaii Five-O

Release Date: 1968-09-20

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama

“Hawaii Five-O” is a classic American police drama series that aired from 1968 to 1980. Set in beautiful Hawaii, the show follows Detective Lieutenant Steve McGarrett, played by Jack Lord, as he leads a special state police task force. With its catchy theme music and thrilling storylines, this show became a fan favorite, and it’s no wonder it made it to the list of the 20 Best Voted TV Shows of 1968.

Cast: Jack Lord (Det. Steve McGarrett) , Herman Wedemeyer (Duke) , Maggi Parker (May) , William Smith (Det. James ‘Kimo’ Carew) , Richard Denning (Governor)

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Tags: police, hawaii

60 Minutes

60 Minutes

Release Date: 1968-09-24

Genres: News

“60 Minutes” is a highly acclaimed TV show that has been on the air since 1968. It features a team of CBS News correspondents, including Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, and Bill Whitaker, who cover a wide range of topics from hard news to politics, lifestyle, and pop culture. With its engaging and informative segments, this show has become America’s favorite television news magazine.

Cast: Lesley Stahl (Self – Correspondent) , Scott Pelley (Self – Correspondent) , Bill Whitaker (Self – Correspondent)

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Tags: news, news magazine, magazine show

It Takes a Thief

It Takes a Thief

Release Date: 1968-01-09

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama

“It Takes a Thief” is a thrilling TV show from 1968 that follows the story of Alexander Mundy, a skilled cat burglar who is given a unique opportunity by the US government. In exchange for using his exceptional thieving abilities to assist them, he is promised his freedom from prison. With occasional help from his retired thief father, Alister, Alexander embarks on exciting missions that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Starring Robert Wagner and Malachi Throne, this captivating series is definitely worth checking out!

Cast: Robert Wagner (Alexander Mundy) , Malachi Throne (Noah Bain)

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Tags: undercover, thief, government agent

The Ghost & Mrs. Muir

The Ghost & Mrs. Muir

Release Date: 1968-09-21

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Comedy

“The Ghost & Mrs. Muir” is a captivating TV show that premiered in 1968. Based on a popular 1947 movie, it tells the story of a haunted house inhabited by a mischievous deceased sea captain. The new tenants, unaware of his presence, find themselves caught up in his ghostly antics. With a talented cast including Edward Mulhare, Hope Lange, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Reta Shaw, this show is sure to keep you entertained with its supernatural twists and turns.

Cast: Edward Mulhare (Captain Daniel Gregg) , Hope Lange (Carolyn Muir) , Charles Nelson Reilly (Claymore Gregg) , Reta Shaw ()

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Here Come the Brides

Here Come the Brides

Release Date: 1968-09-25

Genres: Western

“Here Come the Brides” is a delightful American comedy Western series that aired from September 1968 to April 1970. Loosely based on the Mercer Girls’ story, it follows Asa Mercer’s quest to bring marriageable women from the east coast to old Seattle in the 1860s. With a talented cast including Robert Brown, Bobby Sherman, and David Soul, this show promises a heartwarming and entertaining journey through the challenges of finding love in a town short of men after the American Civil War.

Cast: Robert Brown () , Bobby Sherman () , David Soul (Joshua Bolt) , Mark Lenard () , Bridget Hanley () , Joan Blondell () , Hoke Howell () , Bo Svenson () , Mitzi Hoag () , Eric Chase () , Bruce Lee (Lin)

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Please Sir!

Please Sir!

Release Date: 1968-11-08

Genres: Comedy

“Please Sir!” is a hilarious London Weekend Television sitcom that aired from 1968 to 1972. Created by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, this show stars talented actors like Richard Davies, Erik Chitty, Joan Sanderson, Deryck Guyler, and Noel Howlett. With 55 episodes, it’s no wonder this comedy made it to the list of the 20 Best Voted TV Shows of 1968!”

Cast: Richard Davies (Mr. Price) , Erik Chitty (Mr. Smith) , Joan Sanderson (Doris Ewell) , Deryck Guyler (Norman Potter) , Noel Howlett (Mr. Cromwell)

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Tags: high school, teacher, sitcom

Land of the Giants

Land of the Giants

“Land of the Giants” is a thrilling sci-fi TV show that takes place in the future year of 1983. It follows the adventures of the crew and passengers of a spaceship called Spindrift, who find themselves stranded on a mysterious planet where everything is twelve times larger than on Earth. With a talented cast and a captivating storyline, this show is a must-watch for fans of science fiction.

Cast: Don Marshall (Dan Erickson) , Heather Young (Betty Hamilton) , Don Matheson (Mark Wilson) , Stefan Arngrim (Barry Lockridge) , Gary Conway (Steve Burton) , Deanna Lund (Valerie Scott) , Kurt Kasznar (Alexander B. Fitzhugh)

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Writers: Richard P. McDonagh

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The Mod Squad

The Mod Squad

Release Date: 1968-09-24

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama

“The Mod Squad” is an iconic TV show that aired from 1968 to 1973. It follows the adventures of three undercover cops, Pete Cochren, Julie Barnes, and Linc Hayes, as they infiltrate the hippie culture to solve crimes. Starring Peggy Lipton, Clarence Williams III, and Tige Andrews, this groundbreaking series received numerous award nominations and even ranked #95 on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.

Cast: Peggy Lipton (Julie Barnes) , Clarence Williams III () , Tige Andrews () , Michael Cole ()

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Tags: hippie, police

The Dick Cavett Show

The Dick Cavett Show

Release Date: 1968-06-06

Genres: Talk

“The Dick Cavett Show” is a popular talk show hosted by the charismatic Dick Cavett. It first aired on June 6, 1968, and has since become one of the best-voted TV shows of that year. With its engaging conversations and diverse range of guests, this show is a must-watch for anyone looking for entertaining and thought-provoking discussions.

Cast: Dick Cavett (Self – Host)

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