The Hippest Show on TV
For each year. These shows were the hippest in the prime time line-up of the networks. Some were hits and some weren't. Some were controversial. Some weren't. But these were the shows that it was hip to watch. I'm listing the top for each season, so the shows might have been hip in other seasons, just not the hippest because some other show was hipper.
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- StarsMarc ConnellyGeorge KeaneDon HanmerProduced by the ABC as its television network was just getting off the ground, this program was one of the first dramatic series television to attract top-name actors and actresses. Performing plays by such authors as Poe and Thurber, cast members included current well-known performers like Julie Harris and Cloris Leachman, as well as up-and-coming talents like Marlon Brando. The series was renamed "The Play's the Thing" midway through its final season.ABC 1948/1949
- StarsMarc ConnellyGeorge KeaneDon HanmerProduced by the ABC as its television network was just getting off the ground, this program was one of the first dramatic series television to attract top-name actors and actresses. Performing plays by such authors as Poe and Thurber, cast members included current well-known performers like Julie Harris and Cloris Leachman, as well as up-and-coming talents like Marlon Brando. The series was renamed "The Play's the Thing" midway through its final season.NBC 1949/1950
- StarsJack BennyEddie 'Rochester' AndersonDon WilsonThe comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.CBS 1950/1951
- StarsJack BennyEddie 'Rochester' AndersonDon WilsonThe comic misadventures of the "skinflint" comedian and his friends.CBS 1951/1952
- StarsErnie KovacsEdie AdamsPat WhiteAn American comedy show, hosted by comedian Ernie Kovacs who often changed the show's format during its run. It was variously retooled as a daytime show, prime-time show, late-night show, and talk show. The show was originally created for Philadelphia's television market, but was then broadcast nationally.CBS 1952/1953
- StarsEdward R. MurrowHoward K. SmithHarry S. TrumanThis show was an irregularly scheduled hour long program that gave more complete coverage of issues. The show consisted of 'Edward R. Murrow (I)' sitting in the New York studio talking about the topic of the week. The most significant show was on 9 March 1954 during the McCarthy Era. Murrow showed a series of film clips of Senator Joseph McCarthy and revealed how shallow he was and how he lied to promote his programs. Other major shows were: 20 October 1953: "The Case Against Milo Radulovich, AO589839" that revealed how the US Air Force was trying to discharge Lieutenant Radulovich because it was suspected that his Serbian father and sister were Communist sympathizers; after the show, the Secretary of the Air Force, Harold E. Talbott, reviewed the case and Radulovich was reinstated. 24 November 1953: "Argument in Indianapolis" revealed how the local American Legion post refused to allow the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to use their hall.CBS 1953/1954
- StarsGeorge GobelJeff DonnellJohn Scott TrotterFor Gobel's half-hour series, he used a successful comedy format of a monologue segment, followed by a story set up segment, then a musical interlude with the show's girl singer, then the main skit with the guest performers.NBC 1954/1955
- StarsErnie KovacsEdie AdamsPat WhiteAn American comedy show, hosted by comedian Ernie Kovacs who often changed the show's format during its run. It was variously retooled as a daytime show, prime-time show, late-night show, and talk show. The show was originally created for Philadelphia's television market, but was then broadcast nationally.NBC 1955/1956
- StarsJack BarryCharles Van DorenHerb StempelTwo contestants were placed in separate isolation booths. Each player in turn would be given a category and asked how many points, from 1 to 11, he wanted to risk. Points increased with the questions difficulty. A correct answer earned the stated number of points, whereas a wrong answer would result in the points being deducted from the player's score. The first player to get 21 points won, unless the other player matched the score and forced a tie. Players could also end the game early if they felt they had enough points to win.NBC 1956/1957
- CreatorRoy HugginsStarsJack KellyJames GarnerRoger MooreBret and Bart Maverick are well-dressed gamblers who migrate from town to town always looking for a good game.ABC 1957/1958
- CreatorRoy HugginsStarsJack KellyJames GarnerRoger MooreBret and Bart Maverick are well-dressed gamblers who migrate from town to town always looking for a good game.ABC 1958/1959
- CreatorRod SerlingStarsRod SerlingRobert McCordJay OverholtsOrdinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.CBS 1959/1960
- CreatorRod SerlingStarsRod SerlingRobert McCordJay OverholtsOrdinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.CBS 1960/1961
- StarsErnie KovacsEdie AdamsPat WhiteAn American comedy show, hosted by comedian Ernie Kovacs who often changed the show's format during its run. It was variously retooled as a daytime show, prime-time show, late-night show, and talk show. The show was originally created for Philadelphia's television market, but was then broadcast nationally.ABC 1961/1962
- CreatorCarl ReinerStarsDick Van DykeMary Tyler MooreRose MarieThe misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.CBS 1962/1963
- CreatorCarl ReinerStarsDick Van DykeMary Tyler MooreRose MarieThe misadventures of a TV writer both at work and at home.CBS 1963/1964
- CreatorDavid LevyStarsJohn AstinCarolyn JonesJackie CooganThe misadventures of a blissfully macabre but extremely loving family.ABC 1964/1965
- StarsDean MartinThe Dingaling SistersKen LaneDean Martin hosts, with several celebrities as guests. There are musical acts and comedy sketches that break down comedy, racial, and sexual barriers all at the same time.NBC 1965/1966
- CreatorPaul MazurskyLarry TuckerStarsDavy JonesMicky DolenzPeter TorkThe misadventures of a struggling pop group.NBC 1966/1967
- StarsTom SmothersDick SmothersPat PaulsenThe Smothers Brothers host a comedy variety show that became notorious for its topical satirical humor.CBS 1967/1968
- StarsTom SmothersDick SmothersPat PaulsenThe Smothers Brothers host a comedy variety show that became notorious for its topical satirical humor.CBS 1968/1969
- CreatorDigby WolfeStarsDan RowanDick MartinGary OwensThe original rapid fire sketch comedy show.NBC 1969/1970
- CreatorDigby WolfeStarsDan RowanDick MartinGary OwensThe original rapid fire sketch comedy show.NBC 1970/1971
- CreatorNorman LearStarsCarroll O'ConnorJean StapletonRob ReinerA working class man constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.CBS 1971/1972
- CreatorChris BeardeStarsSonny BonoCherTed ZeiglerA variety show with comedy skits and musical numbers, performed by a regular cast and special guests.CBS 1972/1973
- CreatorChris BeardeStarsSonny BonoCherTed ZeiglerA variety show with comedy skits and musical numbers, performed by a regular cast and special guests.CBS 1973/1974
- CreatorJeffrey Grant RiceStarsDarren McGavinSimon OaklandJack GrinnageCarl Kolchak is a reporter for a Chicago newspaper. Through more accident than design he ends up investigating homicides, many of which involve supernatural forces. Ultimately, rather than reporting on the crimes, he solves them.ABC 1974/1975
- CreatorLarry GelbartStarsAlan AldaWayne RogersLoretta SwitThe staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.CBS 1975/1976
- CreatorLarry GelbartStarsAlan AldaWayne RogersLoretta SwitThe staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.CBS 1976/1977
- StarsRichard PryorRobin WilliamsEdie McClurgAn American comedy series hosted by comedian Richard PryorNBC 1977/1978
- CreatorJames L. BrooksStan DanielsDavid DavisStarsJudd HirschJeff ConawayDanny DeVitoThe staff of a New York City taxicab company go about their job while they dream of greater things.ABC 1978/1979
- CreatorLarry GelbartStarsAlan AldaWayne RogersLoretta SwitThe staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.CBS 1979/1980
- CreatorLarry GelbartStarsAlan AldaWayne RogersLoretta SwitThe staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.CBS 1980/1981
- CreatorLarry GelbartStarsAlan AldaWayne RogersLoretta SwitThe staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.CBS 1981/1982
- CreatorBarbara AvedonBarbara CordayStarsTyne DalySharon GlessAl WaxmanTwo female police detectives cooperate with each other both in their professions and in their personal lives.CBS 1982/1983
- CreatorBarbara AvedonBarbara CordayStarsTyne DalySharon GlessAl WaxmanTwo female police detectives cooperate with each other both in their professions and in their personal lives.CBS 1983/1984
- CreatorAnthony YerkovichStarsDon JohnsonPhilip Michael ThomasSaundra Santiago-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.NBC 1984/1985
- CreatorAnthony YerkovichStarsDon JohnsonPhilip Michael ThomasSaundra Santiago-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.NBC 1985/1986
- CreatorAnthony YerkovichStarsDon JohnsonPhilip Michael ThomasSaundra Santiago-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.NBC 1986/1987
- CreatorAnthony YerkovichStarsDon JohnsonPhilip Michael ThomasSaundra Santiago-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.NBC 1987/1988
- CreatorAnthony YerkovichStarsDon JohnsonPhilip Michael ThomasSaundra Santiago-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.NBC 1988/1989
- CreatorMark FrostDavid LynchStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael OntkeanMädchen AmickAn idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.ABC 1989/1990
- CreatorMark FrostDavid LynchStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael OntkeanMädchen AmickAn idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.ABC 1990/1991
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.NBC 1991/1992
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.NBC 1992/1993
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.NBC 1993/1994
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.NBC 1994/1995
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.NBC 1995/1996
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.NBC 1996/1997
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.NBC 1997/1998
- CreatorDavid KohanMax MutchnickStarsEric McCormackDebra MessingMegan MullallyGay lawyer Will and straight interior designer Grace share a New York City apartment. Their best friends are gleeful and proud gay Jack and charismatic, filthy-rich, amoral socialite Karen.NBC 1998/1999
- CreatorPaul FeigStarsLinda CardelliniJohn Francis DaleyJames FrancoA high school mathlete starts hanging out with a group of burnouts while her younger brother navigates his freshman year.NBC 1999/2000
- CreatorJon BeckermanRob BurnettStarsTom CavanaghJulie BowenJosh RandallA separated, fired NYC lawyer returns to his hometown in Ohio, meets old high school friends and cute crush, buys a bowling alley and opens a law office in it.NBC 2000/2001
- CreatorBen EdlundStarsPatrick WarburtonDavid BurkeLiz VasseyThe story of superhero The Tick, based on the popular comic book.Fox 2001/2002
- CreatorLinwood BoomerMichael GloubermanGary MurphyStarsFrankie MunizBryan CranstonJustin BerfieldA gifted young teen tries to survive life with his dimwitted, dysfunctional family.Fox 2002/2003
- CreatorMitchell HurwitzStarsJason BatemanMichael CeraPortia de RossiLevel-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.Fox 2003/2004
- CreatorMitchell HurwitzStarsJason BatemanMichael CeraPortia de RossiLevel-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.Fox 2004/2005
- CreatorGreg DanielsRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsSteve CarellJenna FischerJohn KrasinskiA mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, tedium and romance.NBC 2005/2006
- CreatorTina FeyStarsTina FeyAlec BaldwinTracy MorganLiz Lemon, head writer of the sketch-comedy show "TGS with Tracy Jordan", must deal with an arrogant new boss and a crazy new star while trying to run a successful television show without losing her mind.NBC 2006/2007
- CreatorTina FeyStarsTina FeyAlec BaldwinTracy MorganLiz Lemon, head writer of the sketch-comedy show "TGS with Tracy Jordan", must deal with an arrogant new boss and a crazy new star while trying to run a successful television show without losing her mind.NBC 2007/2008
- CreatorJosh AppelbaumAndré NemecScott RosenbergStarsJason O'MaraMichael ImperioliGretchen MolA present day car accident mysteriously sends a detective back to the 1970s.ABC 2008/2009
- CreatorSteven LevitanChristopher LloydStarsEd O'NeillSofía VergaraJulie BowenThree different, but related, families face trials and tribulations in their own uniquely comedic ways.ABC 2009/2010
- CreatorSteven LevitanChristopher LloydStarsEd O'NeillSofía VergaraJulie BowenThree different, but related, families face trials and tribulations in their own uniquely comedic ways.ABC 2010/2011