What does it mean for a TV show to define a decade? In the 1960s, television was still figuring itself out. Networks were experimenting with genres, formats, and audiences, laying the groundwork for everything that followed. Some shows dominated ratings. Others pushed boundaries. A few quietly rewrote the rules.
These are not just popular shows. These are the series that shaped how television looked, sounded, and told stories during the 1960s. Remove any one of them, and the medium evolves differently.
Here are 10 TV shows that defined the 1960s.
1. The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)
Why it defined the decade: The gold standard for small-town Americana and character-driven sitcoms.
The Andy Griffith Show presented an idealized version of American life that resonated deeply during a decade of rapid change. Its focus on character, warmth, and quiet humor set a template that sitcoms would follow for decades.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
2. Star Trek (1966–1969)
Why it defined the decade: A science fiction series that turned television into a platform for ideas.
Star Trek blended space adventure with social commentary, tackling issues like race, war, and identity under the cover of science fiction. Though not a ratings giant at the time, its long-term cultural impact is unmatched.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
3. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
Why it defined the decade: Television proved it could be thought-provoking and unsettling.
Rod Serling’s anthology series used science fiction and fantasy to explore human nature, morality, and Cold War anxieties. Its storytelling ambition elevated what television could achieve.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
4. Bonanza (1959–1973)
Why it defined the decade: The western that dominated network television.
Bonanza became a ratings powerhouse and helped cement the western as the defining TV genre of the early 60s. Its move to color broadcasting also pushed the industry forward technologically.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
5. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966)
Why it defined the decade: A blueprint for modern sitcom structure and writing.
This series balanced workplace comedy with home life, creating a rhythm that would become standard for decades. Its writing, performances, and physical comedy remain influential.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
6. Bewitched (1964–1972)
Why it defined the decade: Fantasy sitcoms entered the mainstream.
Bewitched blended domestic comedy with supernatural elements, opening the door for a wave of high-concept sitcoms. Its premise was simple, but its influence was wide-reaching.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
7. The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971)
Why it defined the decade: A ratings juggernaut that proved broad comedy could dominate.
At its peak, The Beverly Hillbillies was one of the most-watched shows on television. It demonstrated the power of simple, high-concept comedy in attracting massive audiences.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
8. Mission: Impossible (1966–1973)
Why it defined the decade: A new level of precision and structure in action storytelling.
Mission: Impossible introduced a team-based format with intricate plots and a signature style. Its structure influenced countless procedural and action series that followed.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
9. The Fugitive (1963–1967)
Why it defined the decade: Serialized storytelling proved audiences would come back every week.
The Fugitive built tension across seasons, leading to one of the most-watched finales in television history. It helped establish long-form narrative as a viable television approach.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
10. Get Smart (1965–1970)
Why it defined the decade: Spy mania turned into mainstream comedy.
As espionage stories grew in popularity, Get Smart parodied the genre while still embracing its structure. It showed how quickly television could respond to and reshape cultural trends.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Final Thoughts
The 1960s were television’s proving ground. Genres were established, formats were refined, and audiences learned what the medium could offer. These shows did not just succeed. They defined the rules that future decades would build on.
Understanding these series means understanding the foundation of modern television itself.
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