I’ve always loved TV Series, especially the classics. They were just better than most of what’s on today, though there have been some great shows recently.
Unfortunately, it seems like the real good ones get canceled too soon.
Here’s a list of my all-time favorite shows, in no particular order. I’m sure I’ve left some out, but I wanted to get this done during my lunch break, so I acted fast. Plus, Leo wanted to be involved, so you’ll find him in the images. I hope they bring back some good memories for you.
A couple of shows here are newbies.
Enjoy …
“The Dukes of Hazzard” was a popular American television series that aired from 1979 to 1985. The show was set in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, and followed the adventures of two cousins, Bo and Luke Duke, who were known for driving their iconic 1969 Dodge Charger, the “General Lee.”
The Duke boys were always getting into trouble, but they were good-hearted and often found themselves at odds with the corrupt local authorities, particularly Boss Hogg, the county commissioner, and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. The series was known for its car chases, stunts, and humorous situations, with the Duke boys using their wits and driving skills to outsmart the villains and help those in need.
The show also featured other memorable characters, such as Daisy Duke, the cousins’ beautiful and resourceful cousin, and Uncle Jesse, the wise and caring patriarch of the Duke family. The series became a cultural phenomenon, and the General Lee became an iconic symbol of the show.
M*A*S*H was a TV series that aired from 1972 to 1983, set during the Korean War. It followed the lives of the medical staff at a mobile army surgical hospital (M*A*S*H) as they dealt with the challenges of war. The show mixed comedy and drama, focusing on characters like Hawkeye Pierce, a witty surgeon, and Colonel Potter, their commanding officer. Known for its dark humor and anti-war message, M*A*S*H became one of the most beloved shows in TV history.
Wiseguy was a crime drama TV series that aired from 1987 to 1990. The show followed Vinnie Terranova, an undercover agent for a fictional division of the FBI. Vinnie infiltrated organized crime syndicates, posing as a criminal to take down dangerous figures from the inside. The series was known for its serialized story arcs, each lasting multiple episodes, which was unusual for TV at the time.
Wiseguy stood out for its complex characters, intense drama, and moral ambiguity, exploring the personal toll Vinnie’s undercover work took on his life. The show was praised for its gripping storytelling and strong performances, especially by Ken Wahl, who played Vinnie.
You didn’t think I’d leave ALF off this list, did you? After all, I was called ALF throughout high school. I hope it wasn’t because of my looks, but rather because of the initials I used to say stood for “Always Love Frances.” She was my high school sweetheart, and now, 38 years later, we’re still that wild and crazy couple, madly in love with each other.
ALF was a sitcom that aired from 1986 to 1990. The show centered around a wisecracking, furry alien named ALF (short for Alien Life Form), whose real name was Gordon Shumway. ALF crash-landed on Earth from his home planet, Melmac, and was taken in by the Tanner family, who hid him from the government and their neighbors.
The series revolved around ALF’s antics as he tried to adjust to life on Earth, often getting the Tanners into humorous situations. Despite his mischievous behavior, ALF became a beloved member of the family. The show was known for its lighthearted comedy, quirky characters, and ALF’s unique perspective on human life.
Happy Days was a popular TV sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1984. The show was set in the 1950s and early 1960s and focused on the Cunningham family, particularly their teenage son, Richie, and his friends. The series depicted the everyday lives of the characters as they navigated the ups and downs of adolescence, friendship, and family life.
The show was best known for its nostalgic portrayal of mid-20th-century American life and its iconic character, Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, played by Henry Winkler. The Fonz, with his leather jacket and cool demeanor, became a cultural icon. Happy Days was a lighthearted, feel-good show that celebrated the innocence and simplicity of the era it depicted.
Hey, Hey, we’re the Monkees
The Monkees was a TV sitcom that aired from 1966 to 1968. The show followed a fictional band, The Monkees, consisting of four members—Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith—who were trying to become a successful pop group. The series featured a mix of comedy, musical performances, and zany adventures.
The show was known for its playful humor, catchy music, and the band’s charismatic performances. Not only was it one of your favorite shows, but The Monkees were also one of your favorite bands.
Starsky and Hutch was a TV crime drama that aired from 1975 to 1979. The show followed two street-smart detectives, David Starsky and Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson, who worked together to fight crime in the fictional city of Bay City. Starsky, known for his tough demeanor, and Hutch, who was more intellectual, used their complementary skills to solve cases and tackle dangerous criminals.
The series was notable for its action-packed storylines, dynamic buddy-cop partnership, and its iconic red-and-white striped car, which became a symbol of the show.
Speed Racer was an animated TV series that originally aired from 1967 to 1968. The show followed Speed Racer, a young race car driver with a passion for speed and competition. He drove the Mach 5, a high-tech car equipped with various gadgets to help him in races and adventures.
Speed, along with his family and friends—including his navigator, Trixie, and his younger brother, Spritle—competed in races while facing off against rivals and criminals. The series was known for its thrilling race sequences, colorful animation, and Speed’s determination to win and uphold justice.
I Think I Love You
The Partridge Family was a TV sitcom that aired from 1970 to 1974. The show centered on the Partridge family, a widowed mother, Shirley Partridge, and her five children, who form a musical band. They travel in a colorful bus, performing concerts and dealing with various comedic situations.
The series followed their adventures and the challenges of balancing their music career with family life. It was known for its catchy songs, lighthearted humor, and the on-screen chemistry between the cast members, including David Cassidy, who played the oldest son and lead singer, Keith Partridge.
The original The Incredible Hulk TV series aired from 1978 to 1982. It starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner, a scientist who, after a lab accident involving gamma radiation, transforms into the Hulk, a giant, superhuman creature with incredible strength, whenever he experiences intense anger or stress.
The show followed Banner’s struggle to control his transformations and the pursuit of a cure, while also dealing with the challenges of being hunted by law enforcement as a fugitive. The series was known for its dramatic storytelling, the emotional depth of Banner’s character, and the iconic portrayal of the Hulk by Lou Ferrigno.
G-Force: Guardians of Space, also known as Gatchaman, was an animated series about a team of five young heroes who fought to protect Earth from the evil organization Galactor. Led by Mark (Ken in the original), the team piloted advanced vehicles that combined into the God Phoenix. The show was known for its action, teamwork, and influence on future superhero team series.
Sanford and Son was a TV sitcom that aired from 1972 to 1977. The show focused on Fred Sanford, a cantankerous and irritable junk dealer, and his long-suffering son, Lamont. Set in the fictional Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, the series portrayed the comedic dynamics between the father and son as they navigated their often chaotic lives.
Fred’s sharp wit and humorous bickering with Lamont were central to the show, which also featured a mix of slapstick and situational comedy. It’s often noted that they don’t make comedy like this anymore, as the show’s blend of humor, character-driven storylines, and social commentary set it apart from more modern sitcoms.
Good Times was a TV sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1979. It depicted the Evans family, an African American family living in a Chicago housing project, and explored their daily struggles and triumphs. The show was known for addressing social issues with humor and heart. J.J. Evans, played by Jimmie Walker, was especially famous for his catchphrase “Dyn-o-mite!” which became a signature part of the show.
The Brady Bunch is a classic American sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974 on ABC. Created by Sherwood Schwartz, the show is about a blended family of six children. Mike Brady, a widowed architect with three sons (Greg, Peter, and Bobby), marries Carol, who has three daughters (Marcia, Jan, and Cindy) from her previous marriage. Together, they form a large, lively household with their housekeeper, Alice.
The show was notable for its portrayal of a modern family, touching on issues like sibling rivalry, growing pains, and the dynamics of a blended family, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone. The series was a hit during its original run and gained even more popularity in syndication, becoming a beloved part of American pop culture. It also spawned several spin-offs, reunions, and movies, solidifying its place as a nostalgic favorite.
Mork & Mindy was a TV sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1982. The show starred Robin Williams as Mork, an alien from the planet Ork who comes to Earth to study human behavior. He lands in Boulder, Colorado, and ends up living with Mindy McConnell, played by Pam Dawber.
The series focused on the comedic situations that arose from Mork’s attempts to understand and adapt to human customs and culture. The show was known for Robin Williams’ energetic and improvisational comedy, as well as its light-hearted and whimsical take on the fish-out-of-water genre.
“Little House on the Prairie” is a classic American TV series (1974-1983) based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. Set in the 1870s-1880s, it follows the Ingalls family as they navigate life on a farm near Walnut Grove, Minnesota. The show highlights family values, hard work, and the challenges of frontier life, with the Ingalls family remaining close and supportive despite the hardships they face. Known for its heartwarming and emotional stories, it continues to be beloved by fans today.
As a music lover, I was always glued to the TV when American Bandstand and Soul Train came on. I couldn’t decide which one to highlight here, so I did a quick game of eenie, meeny, miny, moe.
American Bandstand was a TV music performance and dance show that aired from 1952 to 1989. Hosted primarily by Dick Clark, the show featured live performances by popular musical acts and showcased teenagers dancing to the latest hits. It played a significant role in popularizing new music and dance trends and became an iconic platform for emerging artists.
Soul Train was a music and dance television show that ran from 1971 to 2006. Created by Don Cornelius, it focused on African American music and culture, featuring performances by prominent soul, R&B, and hip-hop artists. The show was known for its vibrant dance performances and its influence on music and fashion within the Black community, offering a platform for showcasing influential artists and emerging trends.
Even though these last two shows aren’t from my childhood, I had to include them because they’re still among my favorites.
The Originals was a TV series that aired on The CW from 2013 to 2018. It was a spin-off of the show The Vampire Diaries. The series centered on the original vampire family—Klaus Mikaelson, Elijah Mikaelson, and Rebekah Mikaelson—as they returned to New Orleans, a city they helped build, to reclaim their home and power.
The show explored themes of family, loyalty, and power struggles, as the Mikaelsons navigated conflicts with other supernatural beings, such as witches and werewolves, while dealing with their own complex relationships and pasts. The series combined elements of drama, fantasy, and supernatural intrigue.
Virgin River is a TV series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. Set in the picturesque, fictional town of Virgin River, the show follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe, a nurse practitioner and midwife, who moves to the small town seeking a fresh start after a series of personal tragedies.
As Mel adjusts to her new life, she becomes involved with the town’s residents, uncovering deep-seated secrets and forming meaningful relationships. The series blends drama and romance, exploring themes of healing, community, and personal growth.
The End ….
Here’s my list—I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Who am I kidding? It took up my entire lunch break and then some! 😂😂.
Have a great day, and here’s to Peace, Love, and binge-watching some classic TV.
Willie Torres Jr.
08/27/2024
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Willie Torres Jr. 
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