1. Route 66
Well, this was something new. Two fellas, buzzing around the country in a fancy car, meeting all sorts of people. Each week, a new town, a new problem, a new face. It wasn't quite a serial, but you tuned in for those boys, wanting to see where they'd land next. Gave you a taste of America, the real one, not just the studio backlot. And the black-and-white photography really captured the open road, didn't it?
2. The Defenders
Now, this was a program that made you think. A father and son, both attorneys, taking on cases that weren't always black and white, morally speaking. They delved into the tough questions of the day, things folks talked about around the dinner table. It was serious, intelligent drama, not afraid to let the characters grapple with real consequences. A proper hour of television, that.
3. Longstreet
This one had a hook, didn't it? A blind detective, but not some gimmicky thing. He used his other senses, his wits. James Franciscus made you believe it. Each case was a puzzle, and you watched him piece it together, often with a good deal of personal struggle. Plus, for a while there, you had Bruce Lee showing up, which certainly spiced things up. A solid weekly drama, kept you guessing.
4. Kolchak: The Night Stalker
Oh, Kolchak. Darren McGavin was just perfect as that cynical reporter, always chasing the impossible. A monster, a vampire, something out of the ordinary, and nobody believed him! It was spooky, often funny, and had a real grit to it. You always rooted for Kolchak, even when he was clearly out of his depth. A groundbreaking show, really, for mixing the everyday with the truly bizarre. Still gives you a shiver.
5. Lou Grant
Well, here was a surprise. Taking Lou Grant, that gruff but lovable boss from the sitcom, and putting him in a serious newspaper drama. It really worked, though. Ed Asner brought such weight to the role, dealing with real journalistic issues and the daily grind of a newsroom. It proved television could evolve characters, taking them to different, more mature places. A smart move, and a quality program for adults.
