5 Best 1960s Series To Watch on Netflix Right Now
Music, movies, poems, and literature were produced at this time that questioned government policies and wanted answers at any cost. Here’s the list of the 5 best 1960s Series and shows on Netflix that are available to stream now.
The 1960s was a decade that helped shape modern entertainment as we know it today. The period saw a series of cultural shifts from old ideas to something new. Young people managed to start dictating the mainstream around this time. This was mainly because enormous unrest was growing among young people after they saw the Vietnamese War claiming the lives of their friends by the thousands.
Television also went through a sea of change during the 1960s. This was the first decade after television was introduced to every American home. We saw important shows like ‘Star Trek'(1966-1969), ‘The Andy Griffith Show'(1960-1968),’ Batman'(1966-1968), and others produced during that period.
The legendary Johnny Carson took over ‘The Tonight Show’ in 1962 and changed television forever. Comedy shows became very popular during the 1960s. Shows such as ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ (1961-1966) and ‘The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971) became some of the most-watched shows on television.
With shows like ‘Get Smart (1965-1970), ‘Gomer Pyle USMC’ (1964-1969), and ‘Green Acres (1965-1971), satires and sitcoms also gained a lot of audience during this decade. If you’re interested in older television shows or feel nostalgic about the past, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
‘Star Trek’ is the most iconic thing that ever happened to the television industry in the 1960s. After the series’ release, the television industry changed forever, with great stories exploring science fiction themes. ‘Star Trek’ is created by Gene Roddenberry. Interestingly, the show was launched at an ideal time.
It was during the 1960s that man was sent into space and walked on the moon’s surface for the first time. The series takes place entirely in space and the story follows a spaceship called the USS Enterprise. This spacecraft seeks out any other life or civilization that might exist in the universe.
Captain James T. Kirk is the commander of the Enterprise and the crew consists of Spock, First Officer, and Science Officer Leonard McCoy, Chief Medical Officer, Second Officer, and Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Commander Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, communications officer, Lieutenant Uhura, and the helmsman, Lieutenant Sulu.
‘Star Trek’ was only canceled after three seasons because ratings were low. The show later became a cult icon after reruns. This spawned one of the biggest franchises in entertainment history. NBC’s decision to cancel the show is now widely considered one of the biggest mistakes in television history.
2. Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969-1974)
Monty Python is among the most talented comedy groups of all time, and the members of that group created several iconic movies and TV shows during their time. The 1966 show ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ is another of his greatest achievements. The show is full of jokes, puns, and innuendos that are mostly observational.
Most of the skits are performed by the six members of the group – Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Sometimes they use other actors for supporting roles.
Being highly educated, Monty Python has always focused on the idiosyncrasies of respectable British teachers, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. His background was often reflected in his comedy, and therefore sketches are full of references to poets, philosophers, and their works. Therefore, a short initiation into Western philosophy will help viewers understand the humor in its entirety.
Although the show was extremely popular and loved by all, the third and fourth seasons, according to the audience and the Pythons themselves, didn’t measure up and they consider it mainly a derivative of the previous episodes.
3. The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
One of television’s most popular comedies, ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ premiered in 1960 and aired for 8 seasons with 249 episodes to its name. The show takes place in a fictional town called Mayberry, North Carolina. Andy Griffith’s character Andy Taylor is the protagonist of the series. He is the sheriff of Mayberry and lives with his son Opie (Ron Howard) and aunt and housekeeper Bee Taylor (Frances Bavier). Another important character is Taylor’s incompetent deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts).
The show’s story follows Andy as he strictly enforces police action against any kind of criminal activity. He is a tough, honest, and disciplined policeman and therefore a threat to local scoundrels. Andy’s life is troubled by the actions of his deputy, Barney Fife. When he’s not working, Andy enjoys fishing with his son and aunt.
Throughout its run, ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ has always been among the most-watched shows on American television. The show was primarily rated seventh or higher in terms of viewership. The last season of the series was the most-watched show in America. In addition to its popularity among audiences, ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ also received the love of several critics and received several Emmys during its exhibition.
4. Jeopardy! (1964-1975)
It’s one of the first and most famous game shows on American television. Merv Griffin, who is one of the most successful talk show hosts in America, is the creator of the show. ‘Jeopardy!’ It is a quiz program that spans several rounds until a winner is declared. The winner of an episode appears in the next episode to start the game and play with new competitors.
The game starts with a 6 * 5 grid, within which each box contains a clue and the question value written on it in dollars. Of course, more difficult questions are of greater value. ‘Jeopardy!’ It is widely regarded by many as an icon of American television. It was also among the most popular programs on television during its airing. He won an unprecedented 33 Daytime Emmy Awards.
5. Father’s Army (1968-1977)
With the huge popularity of comedy shows, skits, satires, and sitcoms during the 1960s, various themes began to be incorporated into television shows with a new comedic twist. One such program is the highly popular British Television Show, ‘Daddy’s Army’. It is a comedy set during World War II, and the main characters in the series are a group of British National Guard Officers. These are officers who have been declared unfit for the army and are much older gentlemen (hence the name of the show).
The main source of amusement in the series is the house guards’ complete lack of preparation and their inability to fight. Humor is also sometimes based on relationships where class roles have been reversed. When the series started, the mood was much darker than later. It should be said here that the portrayal of Home Guards drew some criticism from critics when the series was first aired.
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