1. Suspense
“Suspense” was quite the experience, wasn't it? Live television, every week, often in black and white, with that marvelous tension building. You could practically feel the actors' nerves, and that's what made it so compelling. No reshoots, just raw drama unfolding right before your eyes. It proved early on that television could grip you, even with simple sets and a good script. A true precursor to later thrillers.
2. Your Show of Shows
Now, “Your Show of Shows” was a spectacle. Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner – what a team. It was live, remember, and that meant a breathless energy, a spontaneity you just don't see much anymore. They'd do everything from broad physical comedy to clever parodies, all held together by sheer talent. This was the blueprint for so much sketch comedy that followed, a true cornerstone of early broadcast variety.
3. The Fugitive
Ah, Dr. Richard Kimble. “The Fugitive” really pioneered the long-form narrative, didn't it? Week after week, our man was on the run, wrongly accused, always searching for that one-armed man. It kept you coming back, anticipating each new town, each new close call. The black and white photography added to the starkness of his desperate journey. A true masterclass in building suspense over seasons.
4. The Defenders
“The Defenders” was groundbreaking, tackling social issues head-on when most shows were still playing it safe. E.G. Marshall and Robert Reed as the father-son legal team brought such gravitas to the screen. Each week, they wrestled with complex moral dilemmas, often in black and white, forcing viewers to think. It wasn't just about winning cases; it was about justice and principle, a truly intelligent program.
5. My Favorite Martian
“My Favorite Martian” was pure escapism, a charming little sitcom that leaned into the fantastic. Ray Walston as Uncle Martin, with his retractable antennae and finger-wiggling disappearing acts, was a delight. It was early sci-fi played for laughs, with simple, clever effects that felt magical back then. A prime example of how even outlandish premises could anchor a solid, family-friendly comedy. And in color later, too!
6. The Saint
Simon Templar, “The Saint”—now there was a fellow. Roger Moore, of course, absolutely owned the role, bringing that sophisticated charm to every adventure. It was one of those shows that whisked you away to exotic locales, even if you were watching it on a small black and white set. A dashing hero, a bit of mystery, and always a clever solution. Quintessential escapist fare from across the pond.
7. One Step Beyond
Before “The Twilight Zone,” there was “One Step Beyond,” and it tapped into something truly unsettling. John Newland, always so serious, introduced these stories of the inexplicable, the real-life accounts of the supernatural. It was a different kind of anthology, focusing on the eerie rather than the fantastic. The black-and-white cinematography only amplified that chilling atmosphere. A fascinating, often overlooked gem.
