TV Shows I Miss - Five Decades

Hey, Blog, we all have TV shows we loved so much that we’d look forward for a full week to seeing the next episode. I picked two of mine from each of the past five decades: one you may well have loved too, and another that is not exactly a household name. I tried not to go for the absolutely obvious here. Like “Star Trek” ruled the 60’s for me, but it’s hard to miss it when you’ve seen the eps 20 times each in syndication.

Remember these, Blog? How about you, readers--have a show you’d really love to see again?

The 60’s

Maybe You Miss It Too: “The Twilight Zone”

I realize you can catch it in reruns all the time, but still, I wish Rod Serling were still alive and making this show. I watched his “Night Gallery” in the 70’s too but it was not as good. Many of the episodes scared me, but even as a tiny tot I recognized great storytelling, Blog.

It’s Obscure: “CBS Children’s Film Festival”

When I was really small, Kukla, Fran and Ollie hosted this series of children’s films on Sunday afternoons. The movies were from all over the world, superbly done, and chosen for their messages as well as entertainment value.

The 70’s

Maybe You Miss It Too: “The Waltons”

I’m not sure what it was that made me obsessed with a show about a rural family during the Depression, but I just adored it, Blog. Had a bit of a crush on John-Boy, I admit it.

It’s Obscure: “Room 222”

I think because it was about a high school and I was IN high school, this show really excited me and was always a mood-lifter. Integration on TV was just catching on back then, and I loved that theme. A treasure from the talented James L. Brooks.



The 80’s

Maybe You Miss It Too: “St. Elsewhere”

Man, I loved this show, Blog! Funny, engaging, and chock-full of terrific characters played by superb actors. I forgive them for the bizarre “it was all a dream ending.” And best TV theme ever? This video has the full length version by Dave Grusin.



It’s Obscure: “Two Marriages”

Bet no one else remembers this one. It was about two suburban Iowa families and featured Kirk Cameron and C. Thomas Howell in the cast. Lasted only one season (1983-84) on ABC. I adored the theme song and actually had the sheet music years ago. Wish I could remember how it went!

The 90’s

Maybe You Miss It Too: “Ally McBeal”

My fave at the time, and inexplicably I’ve never seen the series finale and don’t know what happened with Ally and the guy played (so gorgeously) by Jon Bon Jovi. Best thing about the show EVER though was Robert Downey Jr. Drama, humor, singing and dancing, Jane Krakowski and Josh Groban, c’mon, Blog...it was the best!

It’s Obscure: “Kids in the Hall”

Not so obscure really, I just had to include it. This show was absolutely beyond hilarious. The Chicken Lady, 30 Helens, Bobby Cole, Cathy and Kathie, Simon and Hecubus...OMG, why did they ever have to leave TV, Blog? Saw them live in 2009 and they are as hysterical as ever.

The 00’s

Maybe You Miss It Too: “Firefly”

Worst. Cancellation. Ever. I will never get over it.

It’s Obscure: “Property Ladder”

This HGTV show will no doubt become a laughable classic as it features the pre-recession obsession with house-flipping. We loved it because it consistently featured clueless fortune hunters, with a nicely sarcastic voiceover pointing out their idiocy. You would have narrated it just the same way, Blog.

Anyone out there with me on one of these? Click the “right on” box, or share a loved-and-lost show in the comments.