What exactly are underrated 60s TV dramas?
What exactly are underrated 60s TV dramas? The 1960s were a turning point for television storytelling. Networks experimented with courtroom shows, psychological thrillers, and socially conscious narratives, many of which paved the way for what we now call prestige TV. While Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, and Mission: Impossible became cultural staples, plenty of other dramas slipped under the radar — despite being just as innovative or daring for their time.
Here are 10 underrated 60s TV dramas that deserve a second look. Whether they were overshadowed by bigger hits or too ahead of their time, they remain fascinating pieces of television history.
1. The Defenders (1961–1965)
Why it’s underrated: Groundbreaking legal drama that tackled controversial issues decades before they were mainstream.
Led by E.G. Marshall and Robert Reed, The Defenders dealt with subjects like civil rights, abortion, and censorship at a time when network television usually shied away from controversy. Its courage and quality writing earned awards but not long-lasting syndication.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable on DVD or digital platforms.
2. Naked City (1958–1963)
Why it’s underrated: A gritty New York police drama with guest stars who later became Hollywood legends.
Each episode played more like a short film than a TV show, focusing on ordinary lives and moral gray areas. The guest list included early appearances from Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, and Robert Duvall.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and on digital platforms.
3. East Side/West Side (1963–1964)
Why it’s underrated: Boldly realistic, starring George C. Scott as a social worker fighting urban poverty.
With unflinching portrayals of racism, addiction, and systemic issues, it was critically acclaimed but short-lived. Its single season remains a rarity in TV history.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
4. The Fugitive (1963–1967)
Why it’s underrated: The prototype for serialized TV storytelling, long before streaming made it popular.
Dr. Richard Kimble’s hunt for the one-armed man captivated audiences and influenced countless series that followed. Its finale was one of the most-watched TV events of the 60s.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and streaming on various platforms.
5. Route 66 (1960–1964)
Why it’s underrated: A drama that combined Americana, travelogue visuals, and existential themes.
Shot entirely on location across the United States, the show followed two drifters encountering slice-of-life dramas. Its anthology format and scenic realism set it apart.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and streaming on various platforms.
6. Arrest and Trial (1963–1964)
Why it’s underrated: A hybrid procedural that pre-dated Law & Order by decades.
Each episode dedicated its first half to the police investigation and the second to the courtroom trial. Ambitious and influential, but too unusual to last.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
7. The Eleventh Hour (1962–1964)
Why it’s underrated: A rare early drama about psychiatry and mental health.
Focusing on doctors treating psychological cases, it explored stigmatized issues that few shows dared to confront in the early 60s.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
8. The Invaders (1967–1968)
Why it’s underrated: A moody sci-fi conspiracy thriller that feels ahead of its time.
Architect David Vincent discovers aliens infiltrating Earth, but no one believes him. Its paranoia and atmosphere foreshadowed The X-Files and modern alien-invasion dramas.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
9. Judd, for the Defense (1967–1969)
Why it’s underrated: A sharp legal series known for pushing boundaries.
Carl Betz starred as an aggressive defense attorney tackling tough cases. Critics praised its intelligence, but audiences didn’t stick around.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
10. Run for Your Life (1965–1968)
Why it’s underrated: A drama with a unique existential premise — what would you do if you had only two years left?
Ben Gazzara starred as a man diagnosed with a terminal illness, living adventurously before the end. The concept was daring and poignant for its time.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
Final Thoughts
The 1960s weren’t just about sci-fi classics and sitcom laughs — they were also the birthplace of ambitious dramas that dared to go deeper. These shows experimented with serialized storytelling, tough social issues, and cinematic scope, leaving a legacy that modern TV still borrows from today.
If you’re a fan of television history or want to explore the roots of prestige TV, these underrated 60s dramas are essential viewing. They may not all be easy to find, but each one rewards the hunt.
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
Be sure to check out the entries in our Underrated Series:
Underrated Cartoons
- 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
Underrated Sitcoms
- Underrated 60s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 70s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 80s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 90s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 2000s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
