ANTHOLOGY TV SERIES from the 1940's on...
by ReelRarities | created - 01 Jun 2012 | updated - 1 month ago | PublicThere are lots of seldom or never seen anthology tv shows from years past that were a great place to find many wonderful character actors in different roles... sure wish one of the fun retro channels would bring them back on! UPDATE: One has... Decades Tv Channel often runs several Anthology type shows, Loretta Young's show, One Step Beyond, Thriller... can check out their schedule, they change it up and add new shows all the time :) http://www.decades.com/schedule/
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101. BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950–1959)
Drama
Series of television plays performed live.
Stars: Richard Caldicot, George Woodbridge, Robert Brown, Michael Brennan
Votes: 179
102. ABC Stage 67 (1966–1967)
51 min | Comedy, Drama, Musical
A weekly anthology of one-hour plays, both original and adapted from literary sources.
Stars: Lee Grant, Arthur Kennedy, The Doodletown Pipers, Diahann Carroll
Votes: 110
103. Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963–1967)
60 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Legendary entertainer Bob Hope hosted, and occasionally starred in, one of the last major anthology series on network television, featuring many of Hollywood's top names, including quite a few who didn't do much television otherwise
Stars: Bob Hope, Jack Weston, Jack Kelly, John Francis
Votes: 239
104. Studio 57 (1954–1958)
30 min | Drama, Family
This dramatic anthology series went into open syndication when the DuMont Television Network ceased operations.
Stars: Joel Aldrich, Tim Graham, Jean Byron, Marguerite Chapman
Votes: 244
105. Four Star Playhouse (1952–1956)
30 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
This show featured four rotating stars, Charles Boyer, David Niven, Ida Lupino, and Dick Powell in individual episodes consisting of everything from comedy to drama.
Stars: David Niven, Dick Powell, Charles Boyer, Ida Lupino
Votes: 244
106. Star Stage (1955–1956)
30 min | Drama
The show featured two-act plays. Two-thirds were live, and the rest on film.
Stars: Jeffrey Lynn, Joseph Cotten, Paul Douglas, Georgann Johnson
Votes: 24
107. The Loretta Young Show (1953–1961)
30 min | Drama
A drama anthology series hosted by actress Loretta Young. In addition to hosting the series, she played the lead in various episodes.
Stars: Loretta Young, John Milton Kennedy, John Newland, Robert Foulk
Votes: 303
108. One Step Beyond (1959–1961)
Approved | 25 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"One Step Beyond" was a collection of tales about paranormal events, horrifying folklore, and the world of the unknown.
Stars: John Newland, Robert Douglas, Olan Soule, Will J. White
Votes: 1,880
109. Zane Grey Theatre (1956–1961)
TV-PG | 25 min | Western
An anthology based (earlier more so than later) on the novels and stories of Zane Grey. Dick Powell was often the star, as well as the host.
Stars: Dick Powell, Walter Sande, Denver Pyle, Bill Erwin
Votes: 582
110. CBS Summer Playhouse (1987–1989)
60 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Anthology television series that aired unsold television pilots during the summer.
Stars: Tim Reid, Daphne Reid, James Eckhouse, Tom Isbell
Votes: 164
111. Naked City (1958–1963)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The cases of the N.Y.P.D.'s 65th Precinct.
Stars: Harry Bellaver, Horace McMahon, Paul Burke, Nancy Malone
Votes: 1,433
112. Kraft Mystery Theater (1961–1963)
60 min | Crime, Mystery
A successor to Kraft Television Theater with a change of focus away from straight drama. The high productions remained along with the ability to attract well known talent.
Stars: Frank Gallop, Keir Dullea, John Ericson, Richard Anderson
Votes: 78
113.
Kraft Mystery Theater (1961–1963)
Episode:
House of Mystery
(1961)
56 min | Crime, Mystery
A young couple go to check out a house they're thinking of buying. A somewhat mysterious woman tells the couple several stories of the fates that befell the house's previous owners.
Director: Vernon Sewell | Stars: Peter Dyneley, Jane Hylton, Nanette Newman, Maurice Kaufmann
Votes: 199
114. The Dick Powell Theatre (1961–1963)
60 min | Comedy, Drama
Powell served as host and, in early shows at least, occasional star in this dramatic anthology. It was his last television series and contained his last filmed acting (episode: 'The Court-Martial of Captain Wycliff').
Stars: Dick Powell, David Niven, June Allyson, Oscar Beregi Jr.
Votes: 210
115. Thriller (1960–1962)
TV-PG | 50 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
Experience the complete series of the show that was hailed as the most frightening ever created for television--now available for the first time.
Stars: Boris Karloff, Richard Peel, Henry Daniell, Lillian O'Malley
Votes: 1,661
116. Coronado 9 (1960–1961)
TV-PG | 30 min | Crime
A former Naval intelligence officer works as a private detective in San Diego, California.
Stars: Rod Cameron, Vaughn Taylor, Sue Ane Langdon, Walter Reed
Votes: 85
117. Tales of Wells Fargo (1957–1962)
TV-14 | 60 min | Western
Agent Jim Hardie splits his life between being an agent helping Wells Fargo cope with bad guys, and owning a ranch near San Francisco, California.
Stars: Dale Robertson, Art Felix, Kit Carson, William Demarest
Votes: 1,234
118. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
TV-PG | 51 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Ordinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.
Stars: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, James Turley
Votes: 93,212
119. Chevron Hall of Stars (1956)
30 min | Comedy, Drama, Western
A syndicated anthology television series. It was produced by Four Star Productions, and some of the episodes were intended as pilots for potential series. At least one episode was devoted ... See full summary »
Stars: Don Taylor, James Whitmore, Don Rickles, Ted de Corsia
Votes: 33
120. The Star and the Story (1955–1956)
30 min | Drama
Each show features a different star or stars in this dramatic anthology produced by the successful team by Four Star Productions, there are many young actors and actresses that went onto bigger things.
Stars: Henry Fonda, Hugh Sanders, Frank Lovejoy, Hillary Brooke
Votes: 62
121. Hollywood Opening Night (1951–1953)
30 min | Drama
An anthology series of the early 1950s. It was broadcast by CBS from 1951 to 1952, with episodes typically re-using stories from the earlier television series "Stars Over Hollywood". Then ... See full summary »
Stars: Jimmy Fidler, Jimmy Wallington, William Boyett, Jorja Curtright
Votes: 31
122. Tales of the Unexpected (1979–1988)
TV-14 | 25 min | Comedy, Drama, Horror
Short dramas each with a twist of some kind; across the first four seasons most of these are from short stories by Roald Dahl.
Stars: Roald Dahl, Andrew Ray, Forbes Collins, Richard Johnson
Votes: 2,500
123. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962)
TV-14 | 25 min | Drama, Mystery
Series of unrelated short stories covering elements of crime, horror, drama, and comedy about people of different backgrounds committing murders, suicides, thefts, and other sorts of crime caused by certain motivations, perceived or not.
Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Harry Tyler, John Williams, Patricia Hitchcock
Votes: 19,336
124. The Eleventh Hour (1962–1964)
60 min | Drama
Criminal cases where criminals are mentally evaluated, or people in the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Stars: Jack Ging, Wendell Corey, Ralph Bellamy, Irene Martin
Votes: 125
125. Ethel Barrymore Theater (1956– )
30 min | Drama
Ethel Barrymore Theatre was an anthology television series hosted by Ethel Barrymore.
Stars: Ethel Barrymore, Jeff Donnell, Anthony Caruso, Robert Osterloh
Votes: 19
127. Medallion Theatre (1953–1954)
30 min | Drama
Stars: Jackie Cooper, Claude Rains, Eddie Albert, Richard Kiley
Votes: 35
128. Tales of Tomorrow (1951–1953)
TV-G | 25 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
"Tales of Tomorrow" was a hosted science fiction anthology series running from 1951 until 1953.
Stars: Leslie Nielsen, Cameron Prud'Homme, Edgar Stehli, Theo Goetz
Votes: 457
129. Robert Montgomery Presents (1950–1957)
60 min | Drama
Actor, Producer, and Director Robert Montgomery introduced each telecast, sometimes interviewing one of the stars, and sometimes appearing in the play.
Stars: Robert Montgomery, John Newland, Vaughn Taylor, Elizabeth Montgomery
Votes: 136
130. The Bigelow Theatre (1950–1951)
30 min | Drama, Family
A live CBS half-hour dramatic anthology series, but on two networks in its second season (as "Bigelow-Sanford Theater"); Sunday evenings over CBS and Thursday evenings over DuMont.
Stars: Don DeFore, William Frawley, Jeffrey Silver, Ann Dvorak
Votes: 58
131. Armstrong Circle Theatre (1950–1963)
60 min | Drama
Documentary dramas, plays that were based on true stories, were the forte of Armstrong Circle Theater. Many movie actors and actresses got their start here.
Stars: Douglas Edwards, Sandy Becker, Bob Sherry, John Cameron Swayze
Votes: 123
132. Celanese Theatre (1951–1952)
60 min | Drama
This program consisted of adaptations of high-quality plays written by leading playwrights.
Stars: Ralph Morgan, Philip Coolidge, John Seymour, Wendell Corey
Votes: 49
133. CBS Daytime 90 (1974– )
Drama
A drama completed in 90 minutes that aired every day during the week of February 11th complete for daytime television viewing.
Stars: David Ackroyd, Constance Towers, Frank Converse, Katharine Houghton
Votes: 12
134. Warner Brothers Presents (1955–1956)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama
This show featured three rotating series, "Kings Row", "Cheyenne" and "Casablanca". The last 15 minutes was devoted to promoting Warner Brothers movies but this was dropped along with "... See full summary »
Stars: Gig Young, Charles McGraw, Marcel Dalio, Dan Seymour
Votes: 45
135. Producers' Showcase (1954–1957)
90 min | Drama, Musical, Comedy
This program aired once every fourth week, and was one of the most costly live shows of the 1950s. Many stars appeared on this show.
Stars: Cyril Ritchard, Claire Bloom, Mary Martin, David Wayne
Votes: 186
136. The Next Step Beyond (1978–1979)
30 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"The Next Step Beyond" was a hosted science fiction series hosted by John Newland, airing from the late 1950s until the early 1960s.
Stars: John Newland, Henry Brandon, Craig Littler, Martin Rudy
Votes: 58
137. Darkroom (1981–1982)
60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"Darkroom" was a hosted horror/thriller anthology series hosted by James Coburn.
Stars: James Coburn, Helen Hunt, David Carradine, Billy Crystal
Votes: 348
138. Chevron Theatre (1952–1953)
30 min | Drama
When a chamber in a mansion manifests a loud, eerie whistling, Carnacki is called to investigate. He makes an exceedingly thorough search of the room, but can find no explanation. He is ... See full summary »
Stars: Lynn Bari, Onslow Stevens, Randy Stuart, Gar Moore
Votes: 23
139. Crown Theatre with Gloria Swanson (1952– )
30 min | Drama
An American weekly anthology series, hosted by veteran actress Gloria Swanson. The show was created for New York City's television market and was broadcast by local television station WPIX.... See full summary »
Stars: Gloria Swanson, William Boyett, Jim Hayward, Barbara Wooddell
Votes: 56
140. Playhouse Presents (2012–2015)
30 min | Drama
A series of stand-alone dramas.
Stars: Hayley Atwell, Emma Thompson, David Tennant, Tom Ellis
Votes: 324
141. ITV Playhouse (1967–1982)
Comedy, Drama
Anthology series of dramatic works.
Stars: Michael Bryant, William Simons, Katherine Barker, Geoffrey Palmer
Votes: 88
142. Suspense (1962–1963)
Thriller
Anthology series telling suspenseful tales.
Stars: Bill Meilen, Ray Handy, John Carson, Alex Scott
Votes: 22
143. Suspense (1964– )
30 min | Drama, Thriller
Stars: Sebastian Cabot, James Whitmore, Neville Brand, Arthur Kennedy
Votes: 22
144. Suspense (1960– )
60 min | Drama
Stars: Barry Keegan, Peter Dyneley, Lee Hamilton, Graham Leaman
145. Shoestring Theatre (1959–1964)
Drama
Stars: Kay Tremblay, Powys Thomas, Gerald Rowan, Margaret Cunningham
146. Mystery and Imagination (1966–1970)
75 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
"Mystery and Imagination" was a UK hosted horror anthology series running from 1966 until 1970 with host David Buck as "Richard Beckett". who was a romantic young Victorian adventurer always had a tale to tell.
Stars: David Buck, Mark Moss, Freddie Jones, Robert Hunter
Votes: 111
147. Romance Theatre (1982– )
30 min | Drama, Romance
Anthology series about romance and love.
Stars: Louis Jourdan, P.J. Soles, Michael Ansara, Sarah Rush
Votes: 10
148. Screen Two (1985–1998)
TV-14 | 120 min | Drama
In 1984 Kenith Trodd joined BBC team responding to Channel 4 releases, leading to transition from BBC studio plays to Screen One/Two anthology series. Trodd oversaw first group of titles in these series in 1985.
Stars: Jude North, Roger Brierley, Geoffrey Chater, Norman Jones
Votes: 245
149. CBS Library (1979–1983)
Animation, Adventure, Family
Anthology series that presents animated or live action versions of children's books.
Stars: Keith Coogan, Arte Johnson, Sparky Marcus, Jonathan Ward
Votes: 50
150. C.B.C.'s Magic Hour (1989– )
Sport
Stars: Yannick Bisson, Dean McDermott, Robert Morelli, Stacie Mistysyn
Votes: 17
151. NBC Special Treat (1975–1986)
Family, Sci-Fi
Anthology series of television specials geared towards teenagers.
Stars: Estelle Omens, Ricky Paull Goldin, Cheryl Arutt, Brian Blessed
Votes: 38
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