Traveling back in time to the 1960s can feel like stepping into a different world, with its distinct fashion, music, and culture. Television was a central part of this era, providing entertainment and escapism to millions of viewers across the country. While some shows from this time have remained popular through the decades, others have faded from the collective memory of modern audiences. In this video, we’ll take a nostalgic journey through some of the forgotten gems of 60s TV, from obscure comedies to sci-fi adventures that never quite took off.
The Ugliest Girl in Town
Often overshadowed by its more popular counterparts, The Ugliest Girl in Town stands as an unfortunate testament to the darker side of 1960s television. The show garnered widespread condemnation for its tasteless and cringe-worthy premise that revolved around a man who, due to a case of mistaken identity, ended up impersonating a female model in London. This bizarre and offensive storyline did little to entertain audiences and instead sparked a wave of disdain.
A misstep in the history of television, The Ugliest Girl in Town was emblematic of the era’s tendency to dabble in controversial and insensitive themes. The series was met with harsh criticism and was soon deemed a disaster not only of the 60s but of all time. Its short-lived run, which didn’t even last a full season, speaks volumes about its inability to resonate with viewers and the industry’s eventual realization of its detrimental impact.
Hogan’s Heroes
Hogan’s Heroes is one of the forgotten sitcoms of the 60s that deserves more attention, not just for its comedic value, but for its questionable depiction of Nazis. Despite being a popular show, it raises the question of whether it was appropriate to portray the Nazis in a lighthearted manner so soon after World War II, especially considering the atrocities they committed.
The show’s casting of Jewish actors as Nazis adds another layer of complexity to this issue. While some of these actors were able to separate their personal experiences from their roles, others found it too difficult to continue portraying Nazis on screen. The fact that one of the actors was even imprisoned by the Nazis for three years makes the decision to participate in this show all the more puzzling.
Despite its controversy, Hogan’s Heroes has largely been forgotten by modern audiences.However, it’s worth noting that the show was a product of its time and can still be appreciated for its humor and entertainment value.
The Brothers Brannagan
The Brothers Brannagan, a sitcom of the 60s, has largely been overlooked by modern audiences. The show followed the adventures of sibling detectives Mike and Bob Brannagan, who solved cases in and around Phoenix, Arizona. While the show was certainly no masterpiece in terms of production values or writing, it did have some notable guest stars.
One of these was Marion Ross, who would later go on to fame as Mrs. Cunningham in Happy Days. Ross appeared in two episodes of The Brothers Brannagan, demonstrating her versatility as an actress even in these early roles. It’s interesting to note that many successful actors and actresses got their start on forgotten shows like this one, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and hard work in the entertainment industry.
Another notable guest star on The Brothers Brannagan was Burt Reynolds, who was still building his resume at the time. Reynolds would go on to become one of the most prominent movie stars of the 1970s and 80s, but his early roles on shows like this helped him gain exposure and develop his craft.
The Jackie Gleason Show
The Jackie Gleason Show, a product of the 60s, emerged from the ashes of the failed You’re in the Picture, transforming into a variety show with the charismatic Jackie Gleason at its helm. Although initially enjoying reasonable success, the show’s popularity proved to be fleeting, largely due to its reliance on superficial humor.
At its core, the show’s comedy centered on weight-related jokes and the appearances of its cast members. While it may have brought laughter to some, this shallow humor ultimately led to the show’s undoing. As the cast members embarked on personal journeys to lose weight and transform their lives, the very foundation of the show’s comedy crumbled, resulting in a significant drop in ratings.
In the end, The Jackie Gleason Show canceled, leaving a bittersweet legacy as one of the forgotten sitcoms of the 60s. It serves as a reminder that a truly successful show should not rely on superficial humor or the physical appearances of its cast, but rather on a rich, dynamic, and engaging narrative that can withstand the test of time.
The Flying Nun
The Flying Nun is remembered more for its absurd premise than its actual content. The show ran from 1967-1970 and followed the adventures of a nun who could fly due to her lightweight and aerodynamic cornette. While this may seem like an interesting concept on paper, the execution left much to be desired.
Despite its ridiculous premise, The Flying Nun did have a certain charm to it that made it a hit with audiences at the time. However, it’s clear that the show wouldn’t be able to fly in today’s cultural climate, as it perpetuated stereotypes about nuns and relied on outdated notions of physics to explain the main character’s ability to fly.
In hindsight, it’s easy to see why The Flying Nun has forgotten by modern audiences. However, it’s worth noting that the show was a product of its time and reflected the trends and tastes of the era.
Miami Undercover
Miami Undercover, an action-driven crime series of the 1960s, showcased the unique pairing of boxing legend Rocky Graziano and comedian Henny Youngman.
Set against the backdrop of a bustling Miami, the show followed the adventures of Graziano’s strongman character and private investigator Jeff Thompson, played by Lee Bowman. The duo worked together to solve crimes, with Graziano’s boxing prowess often stealing the spotlight. The show’s action sequences were a testament to the authenticity of Graziano’s performance, as even the most seasoned stuntmen would have been wary of accidentally catching one of his legendary fists.
Despite its unique premise and the star power of its cast, Miami Undercover remains one of the forgotten sitcoms of the 60s. The show’s blend of action and crime-solving offered a different flavor to the era’s television landscape but ultimately failed to leave a lasting impression. Nevertheless, Miami Undercover serves as a fascinating snapshot of a time when a world champion boxer and a famous comedian could join forces on the small screen, creating a memorable yet overlooked piece of television history.
Sea Hunt
This forgotten sitcom of the 1960s starred Lloyd Bridges as a former Navy frogman who seeks adventure aboard his boat, the Argonaut. The show originally ran in syndication from 1959-1961 before cycling through reruns for years, making it a staple of daytime television for many years to come.
While the show was certainly no masterpiece in terms of writing or production values, it did showcase Bridges’ rugged good looks and charm, which made him a favorite with audiences at the time. It’s interesting to note that Bridges’ role on Sea Hunt helped establish him as a leading man in Hollywood, paving the way for his later roles in films like Airplane! and The Big Lebowski.
Despite its popularity at the time, Sea Hunt has largely been forgotten by modern audiences, who may not even be aware of its existence. However, for those who grew up watching the show in reruns, it remains a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in television history.
Rango
Amidst the fading popularity of cowboy-themed shows in the 1960s, Rango emerged as an unfortunate casualty of shifting viewer preferences. As the fascination with the Wild West gradually waned, the series found itself struggling to keep pace and ultimately succumbed to cancellation after a mere season.
Despite not being inherently flawed, Rango fell victim to unfortunate timing, boarding a train destined for derailment. The show’s brief run of a year did allow it to leave a fleeting impression on some viewers, with reruns enjoyed by those growing up in the 70s. However, the series lacked the distinctive qualities necessary to stand out from the pack and establish a lasting legacy.
Today, Rango remains a relic of a bygone era, and the show serves as a poignant reminder of how trends in entertainment can shift dramatically, and how critical it is for creators to remain attuned to the ever-evolving interests of their audience.
The Hathaways
The Hathaways is another forgotten sitcom of the 60s that known for its wacky and bizarre premise. The show revolved around two people who claimed to be the parents of three chimpanzees that they performed with, which certainly qualifies as one of the more unusual ideas for a sitcom.
Despite its odd premise, The Hathaways failed to capture the attention of audiences and canceled after just one season. Looking back, it’s clear that the show was a victim of its own absurdity. As audiences simply couldn’t take the premise seriously enough to get invested in the characters or storylines.
The Baileys of Balboa
This 60s show followed the daily life of Sam Bailey, a charter boat operator in the wealthy community of Balboa, California. The show explored the humorous tension between Sam and the snobby Commodore Cecil Wyntoon, who disapproved of Sam’s presence. Complicating matters was Wyntoon’s daughter, Barbara, falling for Sam’s son. Unfortunately, the show struggled to gain an audience and eventually canceled due to tough competition with Peyton Place. While the show never found success, it did feature early appearances from future stars such as Raquel Welch, and Judy Carne who would later gain fame as the “Sock-it-to-Me” girl on Laugh-In.
The Pruitts of Southampton
Debuting on ABC on September 6, 1966, The Pruitts of Southampton followed the comedic exploits of a once-wealthy family struggling to keep up appearances amidst mounting debt.
Set in a lavish 60-room Long Island mansion, the series centered on the family’s efforts to maintain their opulent lifestyle despite being millions in debt to the IRS.
In a bid to boost ratings, the series underwent a name change to The Phyllis Diller Show with the January 3, 1967, episode “Little Miss Fix-it.” Unfortunately, the rebranding failed to make an impact, and the sitcom ultimately canceled after just 30 episodes—17 as The Pruitts of Southampton and 13 as The Phyllis Diller Show. To date, this short-lived comedy gem has never seen a DVD release, remaining a fascinating yet obscure chapter in 1960s television history.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Did any of the shows on our list become a favorite of yours? Lets us know below.
