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The sixties were delightful for television comedy. The airwaves were full of laughs meant for the whole family, giggles and ha-ha's that warmed your heart and made your belly shake. By my count, there were 45 worthy comedies that aired from the 1960-1961 season through the 1969-1970 season. Sure, there were some lesser successes, shows that didn't go anywhere. The Second Hundred Years, Gidget, and Hey Landlord! all had some nice publicity, but they were three of the shows that didn't last but a season, even though many of us still watched, laughed, and enjoyed them.

Just what were the best comedies of the 1960's? With a couple notes of exception, my subjective list has been prepared. The exception is that some classics began in that last season of the decade that went on to be big successes in the seventies. The Brady Bunch, Room 222, and The Courtship of Eddie's Father, for example, all started in 1969, but their success rings truer to the next decade than this one. I'm also excluding both Here's Lucy and The Doris Day Show into the 70's category, even though they began in 1968. Like the shows from 1969, they are most closely identifiable with the next era of television. I'm also removing Father Knows Best from the equation as the 1960 season was its last. It also returned in the late 70's with a series of TV movies.

With the exceptions noted, I must explain that my list began as a top ten and then grew to a top 13. In reality, I really feel like it should be a top 30. There were just so many quality, funny shows in this decade that it's truly hard to choose which ones are the cream of the crop. Alas, a decision had to be made, so here is my list of the best comedies from the rockin' decade of the 1960's:

13) That Girl - Marlo Thomas created a very important character in Ann Marie. She was the independent daughter of an overly-protective father. She was pretty, young, vulnerable, all woman, and unafraid to be out there in the Big Apple that is New York City. At her side was Don Hollinger, played by the very capable Ted Bessell. The one thing I regret about this show is that we never got to see these two get married. Sadly, had Bessell not died, we would have at least gotten to see their future and how far they'd come together in a TV movie. That Girl was a role model for young women and teenagers of the sixties. Thomas showed femininity and strength didn't have to be separate traits. Most of all, the show was full of laughs. I'll never forget

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