Oh, the ’60s! It was a time when color television was a newfangled novelty, and the sitcoms were still completely fresh. Today, we’re going to look at the 18 best sitcoms from the ‘60s that’ll make you wish you had a time machine to travel back and see them live! This list comes courtesy of the critics over at IMDB.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
If you’ve ever tripped over an ottoman, you can thank “The Dick Van Dyke Show” for making it a comedy staple. The show was centered around Rob Petrie, a writer for a fictional TV show, and mixed work-life drama with domestic misunderstandings that never got old. All of the cast members had such genuine chemistry with each other that it turned everyday scenarios into unforgettable comedies.
The Andy Griffith Show
Mayberry was the town we all wished we could call home, thanks in large part to Sheriff Andy Taylor. His down-to-earth wisdom, along with the bumbling deputy, Barney Fife, create a heartwarming mix of humor and life lessons. This show was proof that you don’t need big city lights for big-time laughs.
Get Smart
Answering the call for spy-themed humor, “Get Smart” delivered laughs with every shoe phone call and malfunctioning gadget. Maxwell Smart’s attempts at espionage were as clumsy as they were earnest, making each mission hilariously unpredictable. It’s a wonder how CONTROL ever managed to stop KAOS, but we loved watching them try!
The Addams Family
Who knew a family of spooky oddballs could be so endearing? “The Addams Family” brought gothic charm to American TV, turning what should be creepy into downright family goals. Their strange ways and love for the macabre were hilariously heartwarming. Plus, they’re great characters to go as for Halloween!
The Munsters
Not to be outdone by their spooky counterparts, “The Munsters” showed a family of friendly monsters trying to live a normal suburban life. Despite their monstrous appearances, this family was genuinely sweet. It was a hilarious take on the struggles of fitting in when you’re anything but ordinary.
Bewitched
Magic met matrimony in “Bewitched,” where Samantha’s nose twitches caused more than just a stir in her suburban household. The show cleverly dealt with the challenges of a mixed-magic marriage, mixing everyday issues with supernatural shenanigans. It was your typical domestic comedy but with a magical twist!
I Dream of Jeannie
After finding a bottle on a beach, astronaut Tony Nelson’s life took a turn for the magical thanks to Jeannie, the genie within. Her well-meaning efforts to help always lead to funny situations. From the fascination of the space race to the romantic subplot, it was clearly a ‘60s comedy through and through – and we loved it!
The Flintstones
Bedrock brought the Stone Age to life with a modern twist in “The Flintstones.” No matter what era they’re from, family issues are timeless, even with dinosaurs as pets and cars powered by foot. Fred and Barney’s hilarious schemes and the writers’ use of prehistoric puns made this a unique take on a sitcom.
Gilligan’s Island
If ever there was a tale of a fateful trip, it was “Gilligan’s Island.” The misadventures of its castaways turned a shipwreck into comedy gold, exploring the hilarious side of being stranded with an unlikely crew. And best of all, Gilligan’s silly mistakes made us all feel a little better about our own accidents!
The Beverly Hillbillies
From rags to riches, the Clampetts brought their country ways to the posh neighborhoods of Beverly Hills. And, of course, they misunderstood the modern world and high society at every turn! However, their innocence and good-heartedness made you root for them in every episode, especially since they were clearly so different from their wealthy neighbors.
The Jetsons
Jetpacks, robot maids, and moving sidewalks – this was definitely a ‘60s version of the future! “The Jetsons” showed us a fictional future through the eyes of a typical family. George’s struggles with work, Jane’s shopping habits, and Elroy’s school projects weren’t so different from our own, just with a space-age twist.
The Brady Bunch
Two parents and six kids under one roof sounds like a recipe for disaster – but somehow, the Brady Bunch made it work! Having a blended family at the center of this sitcom was truly groundbreaking for the ‘60s. It was like watching a sitcom within a sitcom, where every episode promised a new lesson in how to deal with family problems.
The Lucy Show
Lucy Ball wasn’t done turning the comedy world upside down with “I Love Lucy.” Oh no, she had more tricks up her sleeve! In “The Lucy Show,” she took slapstick comedy and ran with it, literally. From battling a runaway vacuum cleaner to masquerading as a hot dog vendor, Lucy’s adventures were a weekly guarantee that you’d end up laughing until your sides hurt.
The Patty Duke Show
In “The Patty Duke Show,” Patty and Cathy are like two sides of the same coin, with Patty causing mischief at every turn and Cathy, the model of grace and wisdom. The mix-ups and misunderstandings that followed were comedy gold, and there were enough cases of mistake identities to make your head spin.
Green Acres
“Green Acres” was the ultimate fish-out-of-water story. Together with his glamorous wife, Lisa, Olive Douglas turned the simple life into a comedy of errors. The show was a hilarious exploration of what happens when city slickers confront the realities of farm life, complete with a pig named Arnold, who was more cultured than they were!
The Doris Day Show
American sweetheart Doris Day decided that Hollywood wasn’t enough for her and decided to live that ranch life, creating “The Doris Day Show.” Here, she had to deal with raising two boys and running a farm with the same passion she brought to the silver screen. The show was a lovely blend of humor and heart in all the best ways.
Gomer Pyle
Gomer Pyle’s journey from Mayberry to the Marine Corps was nothing short of hilarious. His unshakeable innocence and talent for unintentionally creating chaos in the ranks made “Gomer Pyle: USMC” an instant classic. The show consistently did well with viewers, ending up third across all primetime shows during its debut.
My Favorite Martian
“My Favorite Martian” was a sitcom pioneer. This show showed the misadventures of a Martian uncle and his Earthling nephew, turning the idea of family sitcoms on its head – literally, with antennae! The show blended sci-fi with slapstick, creating a unique mix that was part laugh-out-loud comedy, part alien anthropology lesson.
