What is your favorite OLD TV series?

[scribe54321]

When I say old, I mean from the days when there were only three or four networks battling it out for viewers' attention.

Was it classic sci/fi or one of those screwball sitcoms or even one of the action/adventure shows?

What was or still is your favorite golden oldie from when you were growing up or if you have satellite, what show from Nick At Nite or TV Land is your secret indulgence to pass away an hour?

[Larry Dixon]

UFO.

Alien invasion defense headquarters underneath a movie studio! Moon babes in wigs! Silver hotpants! Submarines with fighter jets! A.I. in orbit! Groovy music! Mod Fashions! Gerry & Sylvia Anderson brilliance.

Woot!

[steeler80]

From a purely nostalgic standpoint, I'd have to go with Batman or the original Star Trek. Pure magic for me when I was a kid.

[TCJohnson]

I would have to go with Benson. I just remember watching re-runs as a kid and laughing hysterically.

Runner up is All in the Family for what it tried to do and accomplished.

Honorable mentions are:
Get Smart
Original Star Trek
Happy Days before they jumped the Shark

[Matt Doc Martin]

Tales of the Gold Monkey.

[Buzz Dixon]

THE PRISONER was the best sci-fi/spy/action/drama
THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW was the best black and white sit-com
THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW was the best color sit-com

I liked UFO as well, Larry. The show had a lot more going for it than people ever gave it credit for.

Special kudos to Larry Cohen, BTW. All of the shows he created had tremendous potential but inevitably he was forced off of 'em and the hacks that took 'em over ran 'em into the ground: THE INVADERS, CORONET BLUE, BRANDED

And might as well throw this out there: "Spock's Brain" is my favorite bad episode of anything.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I always liked it. I have the DVD sets and continue to watch itwhen its on cable. You can just imagine the horrors those real life doctors had to face but with this you get glimpses of it in small doses and lots of laughs.

I always loved when Klinger tried to escape and dress as a Nun or create a handglider from his material. He was a favorite. My favorite line by Klinger : " Spam , the devils meat. Thou shalt not eat thy spam on a Tuesday !! " ( tosses tray of food in garbage can )

Heres a fun clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekzY5B6QOIo

[Reverend Smooth]

I was gonna suggest M*A*S*H, too. I still watch reruns of that if I catch them on tv late at night.

[Kevin Vetter]

I have to go with mash as well. It's my all time favorite show.

[spo]

I a bit young for the greyscale days of the television, but some of my favorite shows were before my time. Favorite, without a doubt, is The Honeymooners (Classic 39).

CHEF OF THE FUTURE!

~spo

[Christopher Cross Is God]

I don't have one particular favorite, but I quite liked a lot of the old TV shows.

From the black & white days (Or close to it): Leave It To Beaver, The Addams Family, The Munsters, Beverly Hillbillies

After that time period, I loved these shows: Star Trek, All In The Family, The Jeffersons, Sanford & Son, and even Three's Company (Corny, but fun)

I liked Lost In Space & Batman when I was a kid, but I doubt I'd be able to stomach those 2 shows now.

[siuntres]

can't pick just one...

the prisoner
barney miller
dick van dyke
the original star trek series

[Larry Dixon]

And might as well throw this out there: "Spock's Brain" is my favorite bad episode of anything.

"Brain, and brain! What is brain?"

[Sarah Beach]

The Prisoner - pure nonconformity and iconoclasm
Hawaii Five-O - loved the use of the locations, but also rock solid detective show. "Book 'em!"

[Cam63]

UFO.

Alien invasion defense headquarters underneath a movie studio! Moon babes in wigs! Silver hotpants! Submarines with fighter jets! A.I. in orbit! Groovy music! Mod Fashions! Gerry & Sylvia Anderson brilliance.

Woot!

Aka " Weekend At Larry's. "

[Cam63]

My picks:

The Avengers
Batman
Get Smart
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Superman
Benny Hill
Happy Days
Hogan's Heroes
The Aunty Jack Show

[The Xenos]

I grew up watching the old Batman TV show. I still like it as much as I like other versions.

[The Mirrorball Man]

It's probably "Monty Python Flying Circus", though "Doctor Who" and "Star Trek" are close.

[David Bedlam]

It's probably "Monty Python Flying Circus", though "Doctor Who"

Finally! Someone picked those shows! I was starting to think that you people had no taste. ;)

The black and white Addams Family shows also rocked. :)

[Sally Sensational]

I'm in the M.A.S.H. Camp. That show never gets old.

[Reverend Smooth]

Python and Dr. Who are good, though the only doctor I've really liked from the older shows is Tom Baker's.

[Lester C.]

Voltron and Thundercats.

[Reverend Smooth]

Voltron I had a crush on Lothor for a few years. ^^;; But he looked like a purple-skinned, yellow-eyed Elric ripoff, so it's no wonder.

[Yonar]

UFO.

Alien invasion defense headquarters underneath a movie studio! Moon babes in wigs! Silver hotpants! Submarines with fighter jets! A.I. in orbit! Groovy music! Mod Fashions! Gerry & Sylvia Anderson brilliance.

Woot!

1980!

*10characters*

[JamesRitcheyIII]

Green Acres (the ultimate 'Dada-Surrealist' television series in human history--like Sam Drucker always going upstairs to get something--in a one story grocery store)
Original Trek
Ernie Kovaks
The Bug Bunny/Roadrunner Show
The Prisoner
Classic SNL (original cast)
Carol Burnett
Maverick
The Rockford Files
Any 'Quinn/Martin Production'
Da Zone and Da Limits
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Get Smart
UFO
The Second Hundred Years (a bizarre comedy about a man frozen alive in the late 1800s who's thawed out and is his own grandson's twin--only lasted one summer when I was a kid)
From Beyond (great zone/limits clone--some involving true stories--before my time as many here are--but I discovered it online on Movieflix)

[Yonar]

Annnnd not on the subject of UFO.

Got to second/third/whatever

Twilight Zone
Outer Limits
Original Trek
Dr Who

Let's see. What else.

Green Acres is a good mention there Mr Ritchey. I'd forgotten how interesting that show could be...

And, since no one else remembers it,

The Red Skelton show, which was some great comedy.

[britlion]

It's probably "Monty Python Flying Circus", though "Doctor Who" and "Star Trek" are close.

At last, someone with taste.

Though of course, three or four networks! Bah! I'm thinking two channels. Good old BBC1 and ITV, and that was about it. Then came BBC2...and eventually channel four...and then five...and egad, it's all digital now.

I'm a little saddened in an odd way at the idea the Brits are turning off the old analog(ue) signal system next year.

Anyway, I would say Doctor Who because I grew up on it, but technically, it's still running. And better than ever. So...what did I love as a kid...hmm...

Sapphire and Steel (safely squirrelled on on the hard drive)
Blake's Seven (ditto - and taught me as a young kid that TV shows can be sadly cut down)

And then the comedy. Morecambe and Wise. Little and Large, the Two Ronnies - all innocent two-guy pairings that were much loved in their heyday.

Paul
(ps. who deleted my login name? Just cos I don't post for a few day...mont...er years...)

[Magneto_X]

Married With Children

Get Smart

Star Trek: TOS

Blackadder

Dr.Who

Thundercats

[Starba]

I don't watch much TV now, but when I was a kid I really dug The Munsters, M*A*S*H, and Lost in Space.

[Buzz Dixon]

UFO.

Alien invasion defense headquarters underneath a movie studio! Moon babes in wigs! Silver hotpants! Submarines with fighter jets! A.I. in orbit! Groovy music! Mod Fashions! Gerry & Sylvia Anderson brilliance.

Woot!BTW, Gerry & Sylvia were undergoing a divorce at the time, the result being that virtually every episode of the series had personal betrayal as a major sub-text. They even did an episode that had virtually no sci-fi content at all but was just about the disintegration of Stryker's marriage.

My favorite episode was the one where the aliens messed with Stryker's mind and tried to convince him he was just an actor in a TV show and the camerta followed him as he walked behind the sets. What a phildickean moment!

[Yonar]

BTW, Gerry & Sylvia were undergoing a divorce at the time, the result being that virtually every episode of the series had personal betrayal as a major sub-text. They even did an episode that had virtually no sci-fi content at all but was just about the disintegration of Stryker's marriage.

That'd be the one with the Bussiest House in ALL CREATION in it. At one point, they take a nice shot of the stairs, with banister and vertical rails, through a glass door, framed by plants, with like, a dozen pictures, and 3 or four statues in the background.

Congrats, for reminding me of one of my favourite moments :)

[Corrina]

Hill Street Blues.

Most amazing weekly hour of television ever, at least until Michael Conrad passed away.

[Dr Ray Palmer]

THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW was the best color sit-com

I remember MTM came on right after my bedtime -- I remember being able to faintly hear the theme music from my bedroom right after my parents had put me to bed. Anyway, I've been watching some of the DVDs and it really is a great show. When I start an episode and hear the opening notes of the theme song, I can close my eyes and it's like I'm a little kid who's just been tucked into bed again. It's kind of nice.

[ChthonicSpirit]

I have a few of these . . .

The Professionals

Starsky & Hutch

Star Trek

Doctor Who

M.A.S.H.

and probably a few others which escape me.

[Erik Burnham]

Scrib got one of my faves right off with Hawaii Five-O. Still holds up very well.

Addams Family.

I'm going to go with SNL and SCTV, I loved the old reruns whenever I could catch them. (Never got to see as many of the eps of those shows as I'd've liked.)

The Incredible Hulk also held up well, but really, just because Bill Bixby was so good in it... even though I never watched it when younger, I came to appreciate it later on.

And hell, Zorro. I watched that in reruns late, late, late in the wee hours when home satellites were still the size of a small truck.

And whatever else I can't remember.

[Infra-Man]

Some of these aren't that old, really, but here are my favorite older shows I used to watch growing up whether on tape, PBS, or on local stations filling air time late at night:


The Prisoner
The Avengers
Doctor Who (Hartnell, Troughton, Pertwee, and Tom Baker)
Monty Python's Flying Circus
The Twilight Zone
The Fugitive
DangerMouse
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Sledge Hammer!

[Buzz Dixon]

I remember MTM came on right after my bedtime -- I remember being able to faintly hear the theme music from my bedroom right after my parents had put me to bed. Anyway, I've been watching some of the DVDs and it really is a great show. When I start an episode and hear the opening notes of the theme song, I can close my eyes and it's like I'm a little kid who's just been tucked into bed again. It's kind of nice.I used to sneak out of bed to watch THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW. I'd creep into the hallway and peer over the top of my dad's easy chair to watch (dad was usually drowsing at this time and mom was more wrapped up in the show or laundry).

[shrike]

I can't recall a three channel world, but I'm fond of Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and other anthologies of the time.

[Alex Dragon]

I always liked it. I have the DVD sets and continue to watch itwhen its on cable. You can just imagine the horrors those real life doctors had to face but with this you get glimpses of it in small doses and lots of laughs.


To all who named MASH, which era of the series is your fav or think was the best? The Trapper John era? The BJ Honeycutt era? The Frank and Maragret(sp) are idiots era? The Maragret is compassionate era?

I thought the first few seasons of the show were the best when it was more of a straight comedy. In the later years it turned into a bit of a comedy/drama type of thing.

[cedardryad]

F Troop
Get Smart
Dragnet
Kolchac The Night Stalker
The Bob Newhart Show
Dick Van Dyke Show
Mary Tyler Moore

[Dedagda]

At various points in my childhood, reruns of MASH or I love Lucy ran after the 10pm news. Anytime I hear their theme music I think its time for bed.

[Weetomuncher]

I was really into The A Team when I was a kid.

Dukes of Hazzard was showing as reruns just before it as well. I liked those two shows.

Saturday nights aren't the same without them.

[Sharpandpointies]

M*A*S*H* The Charles Era. :)

And Magnum PI.

[4thHorseman]

I can't remember too much of what I watched when I was little, but the big two that I remember were Married with Children, and In Living Color

[Scott Shaw!]

Here's a baker's dozen of my favorites:

-- WKRP IN CINCINATTI (finally hitting the DVD shelves on April 24th!)
-- THE OUTER LIMITS (the original series)
-- THE FLINTSTONES
-- LEAVE IT TO BEAVER
-- SCTV
-- THE ADDAMS FAMILY
-- THE HONEYMOONERS
-- SGT. BILKO
-- SHRIMPENSTEIN (Los Angeles kids' show from the late 1960s, starring the two guys behind ROGER RAMJET)
-- THE ALVIN SHOW
-- GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE
-- QUICK DRAW McGRAW
-- FRANKENSTEIN JR. AND THE IMPOSSIBLES

Aloha,

Scott!
(The Dr. Johnny Fever of comic books)

[Calamas]

For me, without question, it’s the first season of Mission: Impossible.

Born in ’63, I discovered the series in reruns, probably when I was 12 or 13. Even at that age I knew there was something special going on here. In fact, those discovering these episodes for the first time would be very surprised by what they see. Of course it is different from that abomination of the same name that Tom Cruise turned into a movie franchise. But it is also different from the way most remember the series itself.

First of all, no Peter Graves. The original leader was Steven Hill, who is best known as D.A. Adam Schiff on Law & Order. And while the elaborate ruses and cons--and gimmicks--were present from the beginning, they weren’t the focus of the series; the actual mission was. Also, not all the regulars appeared in every episode. And there were often guest agents, when a particular skill was required. And these guests were often given a specific character, which is more than can be said for the regulars.

But most of all, there was a hard, almost callous edge, to how the team went about their missions. In today’s world no one would give any of their actions a second thought, but it was extremely realistic for 1966 television. (Or even the late Seventies, when I discovered it.)

Too realistic, as it turned it out. The subsequent seasons were watered down to accepted network standards. And later the series was completely ruined when the IMF adventures became domesticated. By going after organized crime figures instead foreign dictators, the creators removed the inherent risk factor of operating independently in a hostile environment. “Caught or killed” no longer meant something.

But that first season, dated acting and archaic technology and all, remains my favorite.

[Calamas]

Hawaii Five-O - loved the use of the locations, but also rock solid detective show. "Book 'em!"
And the best structured series of all time. Before going to commercial, this show always delivered a dramatic reason to come back. Not so much the type of cliffhangers prevalent in today’s comics, but more in the vein of a surprising reveal or a shocking act. I know everybody does it (or at least attempts it) but Hawaii 5-0 mastered it. In almost every episode. No one ever dreamed of “touching that dial.”

[Lunar Daydreamer]

Star Fleet. Japanese puppet show, brilliantly done. Had me open mouthed within the sheer amount of imagination on show - and the worst Xmas I ever had was when it dissapeared off screen for 4 weeks.

[AndrewCrossett]

-- WKRP IN CINCINATTI (finally hitting the DVD shelves on April 24th!)

I'm a little bit afraid to find out how much of the original music has been replaced in these. I suppose I'll buy it anyway, even though I have the bootleg DVD set of the entire series. That way at least I'll have all the bases covered: one version with sharp picture and some replaced music, and one version with a washed-out picture but all the original music.

Fortunately, it's my all-time favorite sitcom.

[Tobias March]

Sapphire and Steel

Get Smart

Mysterious Cities of Gold :D

Monkey

Fortycoats (http://youtube.com/watch?v=m-KnZVseNnY) - god bless youtube. The video's great, because there's a brief glimpse of Bosco as well during the musical number :)

[Buzz Dixon]

For me, without question, it’s the first season of Mission: Impossible...The subsequent seasons were watered down to accepted network standards. And later the series was completely ruined when the IMF adventures became domesticated. By going after organized crime figures instead foreign dictators, the creators removed the inherent risk factor of operating independently in a hostile environment. “Caught or killed” no longer meant something.I think that was more of a function of the budget than the network standards. They were really pared down shows at that point, almost never involving guest agents or intricate plots. It was easier to shoot on back lots and L.A. locations than try to dress stuff up to look like exotic locales.

This was a really, really cool show in its prime (seasons 1-3 IMO).

[rebelchelle]

Six Million Dollar Man
Wonder Woman
Bionic Woman
Charlie's Angels...


These were and still are my absolute faves!

[Scott Shaw!]

I'm a little bit afraid to find out how much of the original music has been replaced in these. I suppose I'll buy it anyway, even though I have the bootleg DVD set of the entire series. That way at least I'll have all the bases covered: one version with sharp picture and some replaced music, and one version with a washed-out picture but all the original music.

Fortunately, it's my all-time favorite sitcom.

Mine, too.

I absolutely understand your caution about the "official" DVDs, but I understand that Hugh Wilson, the WKRP's creator/producer/director/writer has overseen the substitution of new music to replace the prohibitively expensive songs that appeared in the original broadcast. I suppose that's the best we can expect.

Of course, one clever aspect of the originals was that the songs being played at the radio station usually reflected elements of the storylines...so let's hope that's retained whenever possible.

Who have you ordered your bootleg DVD set from? I've been trying to find one for a looong time, but have never located one.

Aloha,

Scott!

[Night Swordsman]

My favorite show of all time is Babylon 5.

My favorite old show? Greatest American Hero,followed by Magnum PI and Tales of the Gold Monkey.

[mortari]

Mine, too.

I absolutely understand your caution about the "official" DVDs, but I understand that Hugh Wilson, the WKRP's creator/producer/director/writer has overseen the substitution of new music to replace the prohibitively expensive songs that appeared in the original broadcast. I suppose that's the best we can expect.

Of course, one clever aspect of the originals was that the songs being played at the radio station usually reflected elements of the storylines...so let's hope that's retained whenever possible.

Who have you ordered your bootleg DVD set from? I've been trying to find one for a looong time, but have never located one.

Aloha,

Scott!
Pm me if you want this.

[Shisho]

I'm still waiting for some network to bring back Moonlighting reruns. I always had to count on my older brother to tape them for me because it came on past my bedtime. Yeah, I'm not even kidding. And the bonehead would always forget to tape them too, so I missed like half the series. There was a lot of humor that went over my head at the time, but looking back at what I remember, damn that show was good.

I also watched V religiously. For some reason everytime they showed the episode where that chick has the lizard baby, the channel I was watching would interrupt it for some stupid news flash. Drove me bananas as a kid because I wanted to see that lizard baby! :D

[Night Swordsman]

I'm still waiting for some network to bring back Moonlighting reruns. I always had to count on my older brother to tape them for me because it came on past my bedtime. Yeah, I'm not even kidding. And the bonehead would always forget to tape them too, so I missed like half the series. There was a lot of humor that went over my head at the time, but looking back at what I remember, damn that show was good.

I also watched V religiously. For some reason everytime they showed the episode where that chick has the lizard baby, the channel I was watching would interrupt it for some stupid news flash. Drove me bananas as a kid because I wanted to see that lizard baby! :D

I taped both Moonlighting and V(the mini's and the series) as they aired. Good times.

[Corrina]

The only show that I taped off the air is The Equalizer, which ran in the mid-80s on CBS, and then had a long run on A&E mystery rotation in the 90s.

For those familiar with 24, take Jack Bauer when he hits 50, finally out of the spy business, and who decides to set up shop in a run-down NYC and make up for all his past bad acts by helping those who need to 'equalize the odds.'

Bad-ass theme and score, by Stewart Copeland of the police. Great acting by Edward Woodward as lead character Robert McCall, backed up by a huge number of great actors at the start of their careers. McCall-scary, scary guy. Who nevertheless can recite Shakespeare and Keats from memory.

A very dark show, with some rays of hope. It holds up really, really well in our paranoid world. Not available on DVD, as they used a lot of music and are having the same trouble as WKRP.

[Shisho]

The only show that I taped off the air is The Equalizer, which ran in the mid-80s on CBS, and then had a long run on A&E mystery rotation in the 90s.

For those familiar with 24, take Jack Bauer when he hits 50, finally out of the spy business, and who decides to set up shop in a run-down NYC and make up for all his past bad acts by helping those who need to 'equalize the odds.'

Bad-ass theme and score, by Stewart Copeland of the police. Great acting by Edward Woodward as lead character Robert McCall, backed up by a huge number of great actors at the start of their careers. McCall-scary, scary guy. Who nevertheless can recite Shakespeare and Keats from memory.

A very dark show, with some rays of hope. It holds up really, really well in our paranoid world. Not available on DVD, as they used a lot of music and are having the same trouble as WKRP.

Stewart Copeland. So, are you squealing with joy over the Police tour like me? I didn't watch the grammys, but I just about passed out when I heard they were back together. I'm so seeing that.

[TCJohnson]

Actually, my favorite show (which I didn't think about because it is still running today) is Doctor Who. Favorite show of all time. Scary thing is I based a lot of my morals and life philosophy on that show. Gads

[TCJohnson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZByndN_ffyw

No matter how many times I see this, it sends me into giggles.

[Night Swordsman]

The only show that I taped off the air is The Equalizer, which ran in the mid-80s on CBS, and then had a long run on A&E mystery rotation in the 90s.

For those familiar with 24, take Jack Bauer when he hits 50, finally out of the spy business, and who decides to set up shop in a run-down NYC and make up for all his past bad acts by helping those who need to 'equalize the odds.'

Bad-ass theme and score, by Stewart Copeland of the police. Great acting by Edward Woodward as lead character Robert McCall, backed up by a huge number of great actors at the start of their careers. McCall-scary, scary guy. Who nevertheless can recite Shakespeare and Keats from memory.

A very dark show, with some rays of hope. It holds up really, really well in our paranoid world. Not available on DVD, as they used a lot of music and are having the same trouble as WKRP.

GREAT show. The actor who played his assistant in many episodes also had a reaccuring part in Angel,as a villan. It was moody,intense,and not always sweet and wonderful,but it was NEVER boring.
Also,Mr Woodwards son was Galen,on Crusade..the Babylon 5 spin off series. Edward also did a guest stint on a episode with his son.

[Night Swordsman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZByndN_ffyw

No matter how many times I see this, it sends me into giggles.

OH the HUMANITY! ROFLMAO!

THANK you! I loved this show.

(we do not speak of the horrible revamp).


As god is my witness,i thought turkeys could fly! :D

[Corrina]

GREAT show. The actor who played his assistant in many episodes also had a reaccuring part in Angel,as a villan. It was moody,intense,and not always sweet and wonderful,but it was NEVER boring.
Also,Mr Woodwards son was Galen,on Crusade..the Babylon 5 spin off series. Edward also did a guest stint on a episode with his son.

Yeah, I have that episode of Crusade on tape.

"Dragons are so.. Jungian!"

The actor is Keith Szarabarjarka (sp?), and I think he showed up on 24 as well last season. I think one of the 24 producers was involved in the Equalizer show for a while.

[ponset]

Gunsmoke.
Rawhide.
Have Gun, Will Travel.
Wagon Train.
Maverick.

Hogan's Heroes.
Hawaii Five-0.
Bob Newhart Show.
Odd Couple.
Dean Martin Variety Show.