essential tv shows

The classic prime time variety show most famous for its vaudeville acts and rock music performances.

Hopalong and his horse Topper catch bad guys with Red Connors for comic relief.

The adventures of the masked hero and his Native American partner.

Neighbor Blanche Morton frequently joined Gracie in escapades which annoy hubby Harry and provides George with an opportunity to offer a humorous soliloquy.

The comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.

Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.

Best remembered by its posterior title, Your Show of Shows, this live variety show included comedy sketches with TV pioneers Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca.

Follows Sergeant Joe Friday of the Los Angels Police Department (LAPD) and his various partners as they methodically investigate a different verity of crimes in Los Angeles, California.

The wife of a band leader constantly tries to become a star - in spite of her having no talent, and gets herself (along with her best friend) into the funniest predicaments.

A man gets involved in a case of unrequited love for a woman. Then he promises her: "I will win you over, and you will love me, because your life belongs to me".

Dick Clark hosts a daily to weekly dance show that features the latest hit music for the attending teens to dance to. In addition, the show has performances by popular musicians and audience members rate songs.

Each week, an unsuspecting celebrity would be lured by some ruse to a location near the studio. The celebrity would then be surprised with the news that they are to be the featured guest. Next, the celebrity was escorted into the studio, and one by one, people who were significant in the guest's life would be brought out to offer anecdotes. At the end of the show, family members and friends would surround the guest, who would then be presented with gifts. These usually included jewelry, a scrapbook of memories, a home 16 mm projector and a camera.

The Man of Steel fights crime with help from his friends at the "Daily Planet."

The 25th Academy Awards and the first time the ceremony is broadcast on television. Held on March 19th, 1953 at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, it is hosted by Bob Hope and honors the films of 1952.

Follows the first manned space flight from Australia. In its return to Earth, from the crew of 3, only Victor Carroon, is still aboard. Examinations reveal that something attacked the crew as they were on course back to Earth.

Recreation of Victorian/Edwardian variety shows with music, comedy and magic acts. Performers in period costume portray stars like Vesta Tilley. Audience in 1900s attire. Culminates with all singing "Down at the Old Bull and Bush".

Danny is a New York entertainer. Between his co-stars at the nightclub where he performs and his wife and kids, he has dilemmas galore, which he somehow manages to resolve and still laugh.

Dramatization of murder investigations and other criminal cases that Detective Superintendent Robert Fabian, a real-life Scotland Yard Inspector and the host of the show, worked on.

The popular radio show comes to life in this hit sitcom about a wise family man, Jim Anderson, his common-sense wife Margaret and their children Betty, Bud and Kathy.

Originally airing during late-night, Tonight Starring Jack Paar was an American talk show hosted by Jack Paar under the Tonight Show franchise from 1957 to 1962. After 1959, it was officially known as The Jack Paar Show.

Stories of terror, horror and suspense presented by Alfred Hitchcock.

Constable George Dixon and his colleagues at the Dock Green police station in the East End of London deal with petty crime, successfully controlling it through common sense and human understanding.

Marshal Matt Dillon keeps the peace in rough-and-tumble Dodge City.

Robin of Loxley, otherwise known as Robin Hood, and his band of Merry Men protect England from the evil machinations of Prince John while King Richard the Lionheart is away fighting in the Crusades.

British comedy TV variety series starring Benny Hill containing episodes aired for the BBC (1955-1968).