I based what I think the 10 best TV series of all time are partly on what the ratings say and partly on which shows people seem to talk about and remember the most…
1. I Love Lucy (1951-1957): it’s classic of the 1950s (because it was actually made then) and it’s so well-known – many of us get our idea of this time period from this show; the original series ran successfully for 9 years and then for 3 more seasons with 13 one-hour specials; it was the most-watched show in the U.S. in 4 of its 6 seasons
2. Gunsmoke (1955 – 1975): it was the longest-running prime-time series with continuing characters, and it was TV’s No. 1 ranked show from 1957 – 1961; it had a background with its radio drama series that provided viewer interest; it was unique in that episodes featured very explicit content for the time, like violent crimes, scalping, rapes, and massacres
3. Laugh-In (1968 – 1973): this show was unique in that it was a sketch comedy program that include fast-paced skits, gags, and one-liners; I think the fact it came on at night, only once a week, is what kept people interested; it was exciting because it was set up as if viewers were going to a party when the show started and it featured its celebrities dancing to popular music
4. 60 Minutes (1968 – present): it holds the record for the longest continually running program of any genre scheduled during American network prime time; it’s unique in that it uses a style of reporter-centered investigation, and many consider it to be the best investigative TV program in the U.S.
5. All in the Family (1971 – 1983): this show caught people’s attention because it was the first sitcom to deal with significant topics such as racism, homosexuality, women’s liberation, abortion, and birth control; Archie Bunker was a funny, but also influential character, and Bravo named him TV’s greatest character of all time
6. M*A*S*H (1972 – 1983): the finale was the most-watched TV episode in history; many of the stories in the early seasons were based on true stories real MASH surgeons told the production team, so it provided real information about the Korean War, but at the same time did not become too serious because it used satire that made it both a comedy and a drama
7. Dallas (1978 – 1991): it was broadcast on CBS for 13 seasons and was also successful in the UK where it aired on BBC; it was a soap opera that was unique in that it didn’t picture the typical family or situations everyone could necessarily relate to because it revolved around a wealthy family in the oil and cattle-ranching business in Texas; I think while viewers liked shows they could relate to, they also liked to see things much different from their own lives
8. The Cosby Show (1984 – 1992): it was successful for 8 seasons; it taught a lot of lessons and was a show parents probably weren’t hesitant to let their kids watch; the range of ages of kids attracted a large group of kids, but it also included a lot of situations adults could relate to in regard to the parents’ professions, parenting, and cultural dilemmas; TV Guide said it was TV’s biggest hit in the 1980s
9. Seinfeld: it lasted 9 seasons; TV Guide named it the greatest television program of all time in 2002; it was a show about nothing very significant, but the hilarious characters and plot lines are what kept people interested
10. Friends: It ran for 10 seasons and became one of the most popular sitcoms of its time; it consistently ranked in the top ten in the final primetime ratings; it was hilarious and its humor was creative, not overly predictable or only crude humor; it also did a great job attracting viewers by showing relationship problems and situations people could relate to
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