What exactly are underrated 60s sitcoms?
The 1960s sitcom boom gave us some of the most beloved TV classics of all time — The Andy Griffith Show, Bewitched, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Gilligan’s Island to name a few. But for every major hit, there were just as many quirky, clever, or culturally fascinating sitcoms that got lost in the shuffle.
Whether they were too ahead of their time or simply overshadowed by bigger names, these 10 underrated 60s sitcoms are well worth remembering — and revisiting.
1. My Living Doll (1964–1965)
Why it’s underrated: A robot sitcom… years before Small Wonder made it cool.
This short-lived CBS series starred Julie Newmar as Rhoda, a highly advanced female android trying to learn human behavior under the guidance of a nervous psychiatrist. Newmar delivered a standout comedic performance in a show that mixed sci-fi with traditional sitcom setups. Only a few episodes survive today, but it remains a fascinating ’60s relic.
Where to stream: It’s available on Tubi or digital purchase.
2. The Baileys of Balboa (1964–1965)
Why it’s underrated: Like Gilligan’s Island, but with actual coastal class warfare.
Set in a California marina, the show followed gruff charter boat captain Sam Bailey as he clashed with rich yacht owners. It offered biting social satire disguised as beachy fun, but it never caught on like its sibling show.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available to stream on any platform or physically.
3. I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster (1962–1963)
Why it’s underrated: Physical comedy perfection in hard hats and overalls.
John Astin and Marty Ingels played mismatched construction workers in this slapstick-heavy sitcom. With strong writing and great chemistry between the leads, it remains a hidden gem for fans of classic buddy comedies.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available to stream on any platform or physically.
4. The Mothers-in-Law (1967–1969)
Why it’s underrated: Loud, chaotic, and ahead of its time with female-led comedy.
Created by Desi Arnaz, this show followed two nosy mothers who became in-laws after their kids married. Kaye Ballard and Eve Arden brought serious comedic chops, and the writing often tackled family life with sharp timing and style.
Where to stream: It’s available on Tubi.
5. Occasional Wife (1966–1967)
Why it’s underrated: A bizarre concept that somehow worked.
A single man pretends to be married to climb the corporate ladder, roping in a female neighbor to play the part. It poked fun at mid-century gender roles and office culture — and feels like an early precursor to 80s rom-com sitcoms.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available to stream on any platform or physically.
6. Hank (1965–1966)
Why it’s underrated: A sitcom about education access and inequality in 1965.
Hank was a teenager who illegally attended college classes to earn a degree while raising his younger sister. The show balanced light humor with social issues and even delivered one of TV’s first planned series finales.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
7. Camp Runamuck (1965–1966)
Why it’s underrated: Summer camp chaos done with classic 60s flair.
Set at two rival camps across the lake — one for boys, one for girls — the series thrived on goofy hijinks and prank wars. It was short-lived but had the DNA of future summer camp comedies like Meatballs.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available to stream on any platform or physically.
8. Love on a Rooftop (1966–1967)
Why it’s underrated: A quirky, heartfelt sitcom for young couples trying to make it.
Set in San Francisco, the show followed newlyweds living in a rooftop apartment. It tackled themes of money, independence, and in-law interference — all with stylish 60s charm.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available to stream on any platform or physically.
9. It’s About Time (1966–1967)
Why it’s underrated: Time-travel caveman sitcom? Only in the ’60s.
Two astronauts get trapped in prehistoric times. Later, the cavemen end up in modern society. It was completely bonkers, but that’s part of the charm. A classic example of 60s television experimenting with anything that might work.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available to stream on any platform or physically.
10. The Second Hundred Years (1967–1968)
Why it’s underrated: A prospector from 1860 wakes up in the 1960s — and chaos ensues.
When a gold prospector is thawed out of a glacier, he moves in with his grandson — who’s the same age. The generational and cultural clashes led to a fish-out-of-water comedy that was clever, warm, and weird in all the right ways.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available to stream on any platform or physically.
Final Thoughts on underrated 60s sitcoms
The 1960s were full of experimental sitcoms that pushed boundaries even as they played to traditional laugh tracks. If you’re tired of rewatching the same handful of hits, dig deeper into these overlooked gems. You just might find a new (old) favorite.
Be sure to check out the entries in our Underrated Series:
- Underrated 60s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 70s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 80s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 90s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 2000s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
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