1. The Richard Boone Show
Boone, he was a natural. This was a live-on-tape anthology, a true actor's theater on your television. Every week, a new play, often with the same repertory company, showing what true versatility looked like. It felt immediate, almost like you were in the studio, watching them perform. A real gem for folks who appreciated craft over flash, and the stark beauty of a well-lit black-and-white drama. Gave you something to talk about at the water cooler.
2. The Rogues
Oh, this was pure escapism, wasn't it? Three sophisticated con artists, charming their way through Europe, always outwitting the bad guys and usually the good ones, too. David Niven, Charles Boyer, Gig Young – a cast that just sparkled. It had that international flair, a bit of glamour you didn't always get. And the plots, they were clever, but always with a wink. A nice bit of polished fun, a real tonic after a long week.
3. East Side/West Side
Now this one, it wasn't always comfortable viewing. George C. Scott as a social worker in New York City, tackling issues that were often swept under the rug. It was raw, honest, and didn't shy away from the difficult parts of urban life. Shot in black-and-white, it lent an almost documentary feel to the streets and the faces. You watched it because it made you think, made you feel something real, not just a laugh track. Ahead of its time, really.
4. My World and Welcome to It
This was a bit of a departure, a real high-concept show for its time. Blending live-action with animation, bringing James Thurber's whimsical, often cynical, world to life. William Windom was just perfect as the Thurber-esque cartoonist, grappling with suburban life and his own wild imagination. It was smart, funny, and surprisingly poignant. Not for everyone, maybe, but if you got it, you *really* got it. A gentle, knowing chuckle.
5. The Name of the Game
Well, this was ambitious, wasn't it? Ninety minutes every week, practically a movie. Three big stars – Robert Stack, Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry – each taking a turn as the lead of a powerful publishing empire. It allowed for some deeper dives into stories, more character development than your usual hour. A real epic feel, covering crime, politics, and the newspaper world. It was big, bold, and tried to give you a theatrical experience at home.
6. Police Story
This was a different breed of cop show. No heroes with all the answers, just regular officers dealing with the grind, the danger, and the moral ambiguities. It felt authentic, almost like peeking behind the curtain of the LAPD. Each week, a new story, new cast, though some faces became familiar. It wasn't always clean-cut, and that's what made it compelling. A real departure from the G-men of old, showing the grit of the streets.
